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Volunteer opportunities in Lawrence and Douglas County

Agency: Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

Contact: Kenton Holder at kholder@bgclk.org

The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence offers kids of all backgrounds an opportunity to reach their full potential and to excel in life with programs designed to target their needs. It is currently hosting “Voting for Great Futures, Kids Vote 2018” to educate kids about Election Day and to empower them to let their voices be heard by participating in democracy in the future. Volunteers are needed to run the polling stations from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6. For those interested, training sessions will be held at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Center for Great Futures, 2910 Haskell Ave.

Agency: Douglas County Dental Clinic

Contact: Julie M. Branstrom at dcdcdirector@gmail.com

The Douglas County Dental Clinic, at 2210 Yale Road, is a nonprofit dental clinic whose mission is to provide affordable services for residents of Douglas County. Volunteers are currently needed to help with landscaping work. The first project requires one or two volunteers to help clear up weeds, which can be done 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, or on a weekend. For the second project, beginning in early November, four to five volunteers will be needed anytime during the weekdays to cut the Bermuda grass, rake and bag leaves and help with other landscaping work. Equipment will be provided but is limited. Volunteers will need to bring a rake and gloves.

Agency: Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Contact: Allyson Leland at Allyson.Leland@LMH.org

Lawrence Memorial Hospital, at 325 Maine St., strives to provide quality service to the community. Volunteers are needed to be on their feet at the LMH Gift Shop to operate the cash register, assist customers, check in and display merchandise. It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays, 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. LMH also needs volunteers at Mario’s Closet to assist patients going through cancer treatment. Volunteers will lend a compassionate ear, help customers with retail purchases and set up times for wig fittings or prosthetic fittings.

Agency: Ballard Community Center

Contact: Chase Booth at chasebooth@ballardcenter.org or psmith@unitedwaydgco.org

Ballard Community Center is a nonprofit organization that offers an early education program led by a staff that is committed to every child’s development. It also offers access to food and clothing. Ballard needs volunteers for its food and clothing pantry, which is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Consistent volunteers would be greatly appreciated to help assist clients with services offered, and other hours will be available for volunteers who can come in and sort through donations for distribution.

— For more volunteer opportunities, contact Paula Smith at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-843-6626, ext. 303 or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org, or visit volunteerdouglascounty.org.