Agency: The Salvation Army

Contact: Jim Evers at jim_evers@usc.salvationarmy.org or at 785-764-0962

The Salvation Army has many holiday programs for which they seek volunteers. Volunteers are desperately needed to assist with the Coat Drive Distribution. Volunteers are needed for set up on Dec. 1, and for distribution on Dec. 4-5. Volunteers are also needed to assist with setup, food preparation, serving, and clean up for the Holiday Dinner on Dec. 3. The Joy Shop needs helpers on Dec. 11 and Dec. 21. For more details about these opportunities, please contact Jim Evers at 785-764-0962 or at jim_evers@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County is looking for volunteers to help with the 19th Annual Gingerbread House Festival on Dec. 6-7. All proceeds from this fundraising event go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County, Contact Stacie at 785-843-7359 for further information.

Douglas County Toys for Tots needs donations of new, unwrapped toys and/or money to purchase toys for needy children in Douglas County. Toys for Tots often helps families unable to qualify for help from other agencies. Volunteers, especially those who are bilingual, are needed to help with the Christmas Toy Shop in December. Please call Mary Jones at 785-766-3023 or Bev Hill at 785-766-0104 for more information.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s national signature, overnight fundraising activity. The event raises awareness about the progress against cancer while also raising funds to fight the disease. Relay for Life of Douglas County is looking for a volunteer to chair the Corporate Sponsorship committee. This person will be responsible for following up with local businesses via phone, in-person visits and/or email after a mailing is completed in early January 2015. Follow-ups include providing information about sponsorship benefits for the Relay for Life event, held June 12-13, 2015, and working with others on the committee to coordinate visits and communication with each business. For more information, please contact Amanda Davis at 785-550-4848 or at DouglasCountyRFL@gmail.com.

Lawrence Habitat for Humanity works with low-income families to give them the opportunity to own their own home. The agency is looking for volunteers to help with the second annual “Lights, Camera, Take Action!” movie trivia night fundraiser. The event will take place on Feb. 6, 2015, at Crown Toyota. Please contact Maddie Hinds at maddie@lawrencehabitat.org or at 785-832-0777, for more information.

Ballard Community Services provides affordable, high-quality early education and essential basic life assistance to families and individuals in need. The Ballard Center is in need of volunteers to answer phones in the mornings. Four hour shifts, two or three times a week are optimal. For more information, please contact Megan at 785-842-0729 or at megan@ballardcenter.org for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. Are you looking to make a difference in the life of a young boy in our community? For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a “Little” the invaluable gift of your friendship. Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently looking for a mentor to spend time with a 9-year-old boy on the waiting list. He enjoys sports, board games and cooking, as well as various other activities. This young boy is outgoing, smart, warm and friendly. Since he doesn’t have contact with his father, he will greatly benefit from having a positive male role model in his life. If you have a few hours a week to be a volunteer, this is your opportunity to make a difference in the life of this young man. Please contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 785-843-7359, ext. 112, or at sschroeder@ksbbbs.org.

For more volunteer opportunities, please contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030 or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org.