JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Joint Base Charleston First 6 is a professional organization which focuses on providing junior enlisted service members a forum for making the most of their military careers. The organization extends the invitation to all service members in pay grades from E-1 through E-6 to join.

First 6 meetings, which include free food, are held the fourth Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. on the second floor of Building 246 in the First Term Airmen Center classroom on JB CHS-Air Base.

The volunteer opportunities listed below are just a few of many the First 6 supports and are available to all members of Joint Team Charleston. Points of contact are listed for each event, as well as links to websites to make an informed decision on which to volunteer for.

In an effort to highlight base members actively volunteering, the First 6 will be tracking hours worked by volunteers. Contact the First 6 at 963-8278 to be counted in the running or e-mail michael.thorndike@charleston.af.mil.

Mentors Needed: St. Andrews Middle School needs mentors to work with students. We ask our mentors to try to come to our school once or twice a week to spend about an hour with their student, either a 6th, 7th or 8th grader. Perhaps you will have lunch together, shoot some hoops or just spend time talking in the library. Having someone to care about and to take an interest in one of our young people can do them tremendous good. If you are interested in becoming a mentor contact Jim Brooks at 402-7815 or at James_Brooks@charleston.k12.sc.us.

March of Dimes: The local division of March of Dimes is looking for volunteers for the upcoming Signature Chefs Auction on Thursday, Oct 14. The organization is in need of help during the day starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Charleston Area Convention Center, Ballroom A. The March of Dimes' mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. They carry out this mission through community service education, advocacy and research. They hold a number of large events annually and are constantly involved in the community. Volunteers could be asked to do anything from administrative work at their office, to helping with auctions at black tie events. To volunteer, contact Erin Herrmann at 614.3357 or by e-mail at EHerrmann@marchofdimes.com. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at www.marchofdimes.org.

South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Project: The purpose of the SCORE program is to restore and enhance oyster habitat by planting recycled oyster shells in the intertidal environment to form new, self-sustaining oyster reefs all with the help of volunteers. This community-based habitat restoration project is an important endeavor because oysters play a significant ecologic and economic role in South Carolina; however, oyster populations are declining. It is important for the community to understand how oysters improve water quality, control erosion, and provide habitat for other commercially-important shellfish and fish species by learning about their biology and the human activities that can influence their well being. The shell bagging Volunteer opportunity will be on Oct. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 953-9841 or 953-9241 for more information, or visit score.dnr.sc.gov.


Kid Stock: James Island County Park has 20 volunteer positions available Oct. 22 from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact Erin Guerrero at eguerrero@ccprc.com or 962-8053 for further information.
· Assist with bus unload and loading, supervising inflatables, group games, and other various jobs.
· Lunch is provided.
· Volunteers should enjoy working with children, being outdoors, and able to stand for extended periods of time.
· Must be 13 years and older to volunteer.


Home Works of America - Home Works Blitz: Home Works will be repairing several homes in the Charleston area Oct. 16 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All repairs are done with volunteer labor, and while experience is welcome, none is required! Contact: Hank Chardos at 803-781-4536 or by e-mail at H.Chardos@homeworksusa.net. Visit the website at www.homeworksofamerica.org.

Magdalene House of Charleston: Magdalene House is a non-profit transitional/recovery aftercare facility for homeless, disadvantaged women that are recovering from substance abuse, and recently released from prison or a treatment center. We offer the critical undergirding to these women as they seek jobs and logistical support that ultimately mainstream them into acceptable, social and legal norms. We offer safe, secure transitional housing with daily counseling in spiritual and life skills, self-esteem, jobs skills and maximum independence. Magdalene House of Charleston seeks female drivers to drive residents to various appointments and errands. If interested in volunteering, contact Freda Lewis at 724-9292 or by e-mail at Magdalenehouse1@comcast.net.

Charleston Habitat for Humanity: Through the end of the year, Charleston Habitat for Humanity is looking for help every day. Volunteers are needed to help the box truck driver make donation pickups throughout the Charleston area and all aspects of running the ReStore, which includes cleaning, pricing, arranging, customer service, inventory and online sales. To volunteer, contact Laurel Prichard at 722-7145 or by e-mail at laurel@charlestonhabitat.org. Check out the website for more information at www.charlestonhabitat.org.

Second Annual AIDS Walk - Nov. 13 at Hampton Park: This event is in need of 50 volunteers to help stuff registration bags, setup for the walk, direct walkers to parking areas, serve water and other activities. Volunteers will need to attend a volunteer meeting prior to event. To find out more or volunteer, contact Ella Fleming at 402-1096.

Increasing H.O.P.E.: Increasing H.O.P.E. has impacted the lives of many other people in the community through partnerships with local churches, prisons, women's centers, local businesses, other nonprofit organizations and individuals in transitional programs, as well as through holding classes open to the public. There is an ongoing need for volunteers to facilitate classes, support community events and act as volunteer coordinators. The entire organization is 100 percent volunteer driven, so volunteers are always needed. To volunteer, contact Dorothea Bernique at 225-4343 or by e-mail at increasinghope@msn.com.

Trident United Way: The Benefit Bank is an innovative network system for delivering benefits and enhancing anti-poverty efforts. The goal is to create a sustained, multiyear antipoverty campaign which brings together faith based, community based and other organizations to serve people forced to live in poverty. Hundreds of volunteers are needed. Scheduling is very flexible at many sites across the area. To volunteer, contact Cathy Easley at 740-9000, ext. 243 or by e-mail at ceasley@tuw.org.

My Sisters House seeking Spanish-speaking interpreters: Family violence reaches across all cultures, ages and socio-economic levels. Volunteers who can speak Spanish are needed to help victims of domestic violence. The organization's need is an ongoing opportunity. To volunteer, please contact Sarah Baird at 747-4069 or by e-mail at hope@mysistershouse.com.

Fields to Families: The gleaning season has begun full force and volunteers are needed to help - sometimes on very short notice. To help an organization committed to ending hunger, visit the website at www.fieldstofamilies.org and choose "Volunteer" to check out upcoming opportunities. For more information, contact Christina Lor at 388-2487 or by e-mail at christina@fieldstofamilies.org.

Good Neighbor Center: "Breaking the cycle of homelessness" provides transitional housing for homeless veterans. Volunteers will be preparing meals, landscaping or assisting in the office. To volunteer, contact Faye Parker at 566-9344 or visit www.thegoodneighborcenter.com.

Lowcountry Orphan Relief: The Lowcountry Orphan Relief is looking for volunteers to help at their office in North Charleston. The LOR is a non-profit organization which provides support and services to local children and their families. Volunteers would be asked to assist at their facility with sorting, organizing and preparing clothing and school supplies to be given to local children. To volunteer, contact Cathy Keagy at 747-4099 or e-mail her at cathy@clfl670.org. You can also check out the website at www.lowcountryorphanrelief.com.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure: The Lowcountry Susan G. Komen for the Cure division is always in need of volunteers. They need help with administrative work and various events throughout the year. To find out what you can do to help with the fight against breast cancer, contact Taffy Tamblyn at 556-8011 or e-mail her at taffy@komenlowcountry.org. To find out more details on the opportunities, visit their website at www.komenlowcountry.org.

International Center for Birds of Prey: The International Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston is looking for dedicated volunteers to help with the care of a large number of raptors from around the world. Volunteers will be working intimately with these majestic birds on a regular basis. Volunteers must attend a quarterly volunteer orientation. To sign up for the next briefing, contact Joe Kowalis at 971-7474 or e-mail him at hikerjoe@homesc.com. For more information visit the International Center for Birds of Prey website at www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.com.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters: As a local program of the Carolina Youth Development Center, the mission of BBBS is "to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth." Volunteers meet with their Little Brother or Sister either in the community or at one of the site-based programs, offering friendships through activities. Training is provided and volunteers must be at least 18. To volunteer, contact Mandy Scherer at 266-5256 or by e-mail at mtscherer@cydc.org. For more information, visit www.becomeabig.org.