The kids have just gone back to school, but the United Way is engaged year-round to ensure they have the support they need to thrive in school and in life. Under our education goal, we’re pulling together people and organizations to ensure children entering kindergarten are ready to succeed and that fourth- and fifth-grade students are proficient in math and reading. But we can’t do it alone. Join us in helping our kids reach their full potential by volunteering with one of our many community partners.

Leaders needed

Join the Girl Scouts as they build girls’ courage, confidence and character. Through activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness, Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities for fun and friendship while fostering leadership skills and self-esteem. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri are looking for Brownie troop leaders for Kennedy, Woodlawn, Broken Arrow, New York and Corpus Christi second- and third-graders. Daisy troop leaders for kindergarten and first-graders at Hillcrest and New York elementary schools are also needed. To find out more, contact Lori Hanson at 785-842-5427 or lorihanson@gsksmo.org.

Mentors needed

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. You can become a Big in Schools with the commitment of one lunch per week. This school year, Bigs in Schools programs at Prairie Park, Kennedy, Schwegler and New York elementary schools need you. Bigs are matched with and meet during the school lunch hour. If you are interested and are 18 or older, please join us for an informational meeting at 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays or noon Wednesdays at the United Way Center, 2518 Ridge Court, or call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 843-7359.

Creative energy needed

The United Way is looking for a creative volunteer with an interest in children’s education to design literacy kits. The literacy kit volunteer will choose story books and build creative activities around the themes of the books to promote early childhood literacy. These kits will then be recreated by volunteers at area businesses and given to incoming kindergarteners. If you are interested in developing fun and innovative ideas that get kids reading, contact Lori Johns at rhvc@unitedwaydgco.org or 843-6626, ext. 357.

Readers needed

Do you enjoy working with small groups of children and have a passion for literature? The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence is looking for KidzLit Guest Readers to read to students and participate in literacy-based activities with Lawrence elementary students. KidzLit books are already chosen and lesson plans are created, so all you need to do is have fun engaging with the children. With one afternoon a week, you can make a huge difference. Looking for more? Consider becoming an Academic Enrichment Volunteer to serve at Langston Hughes, Quail Run and Sunflower elementary schools. These volunteers build lasting mentor relationships with the children and encourage academic excellence by helping the students with their daily homework and playing educational games. For more information, please contact Hannah Odette at volunteer@bgclk.org or 505-0801.

— For more volunteer opportunities, please contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030, ext. 301 or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or go to volunteerdouglascounty.org.