How to help: Volunteer opportunities for Sept. 29

Agency: Kids Voting of Douglas County

Contact: Ruthi Rapp at rapp3144@sunflower.com or Joni Hughes at jonihughes@sunflower.com

Kids Voting of Douglas County is dedicated to educating grades K-12 about the rights, responsibilities and mechanics of participating in an election by providing students an authentic voting experience at voting stations throughout Douglas County. Volunteers are needed to staff the 24 voting stations during the afternoon on Election Day, Nov 4. Volunteers will assist students with their ballots and will return ballot boxes to the Kids Voting headquarters at the Riverfront Office Complex at Sixth and New Hampshire streets. Various shifts and locations are available. Volunteer training will be provided on Oct, 30, at 4 p.m. or at 5:30 p.m. at the Kids Voting office. To register, please go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org. For more information about Kids Voting, please contact Ruthi Rapp at rapp3144@sunflower.com or at 843-9228 or Joni Hughes at jonihughes@sunflower.com or at 760-0481.

Other volunteer opportunities:

  • The Kansas University Audio-Reader Network exists to provide print-disabled people in Kansas and Missouri with access to the printed word and other information via electronic media and other technologies. Audio-Reader is looking for volunteer readers to read Kansas City-area newspapers from the Audio-Reader studio at Alphapointe, 7501 Prospect Ave. Volunteers must be able to travel to that location and have weekday morning availability. All volunteers must pass an audition consisting of a 100-word pronunciation test and a series of reading samples. Please contact Jennifer Nigro at jnigro@ku.edu or at 864-4604, to volunteer.
  • Communities In Schools is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life. Kennedy Elementary School is in need of volunteer tutors on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays, from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. You may choose one day or multiple days. You may choose to tutor one student or a small group. Tutoring subjects are generally reading and math. A background check is required. Please contact Stacie Jackson at stacie.jackson@ciskansas.org or at 330-1656, to volunteer.
  • The Lawrence Arts Center provides arts programs and services to residents of Lawrence. The center needs volunteers to assist with the Trunk Sale on Oct. 25. Costume shop help is needed to sort, tag and sell items during the sale. For more information, please contact Erika Gray at erika@lawrenceartscenter.org or at 843-2787.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence provides before- and after-school programming to over 1,400 children at 14 sites across Lawrence, striving to give members the skills needed to become successful adults, focusing on academic enrichment, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship. The club is looking for volunteers to assist with their annual fundraiser, Red Dog Run, on Oct. 4. Volunteers are needed for various shifts and tasks from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. All race volunteers will get free entry to the Jefferson’s block party following the race from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, please contact volunteer@bgclk.org or at 380-8895.
  • 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 looking for a Big Brother to spend a few hours a week with a 13-year-old boy. He is very respectful, shy and easy-going. He likes outdoor activities, especially basketball and fishing. To make a difference in his life, please contact Stacie Salverson-Schroeder at 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.