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 is open to all pay grades from E-1 through E-6.
The next First 6 meeting is scheduled for August 26 at 11 a.m. in the First Term Airmen Center classroom.
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.
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 interpret 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.
March of Dimes: The local division of March of Dimes is looking for volunteers. 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 Meredith Repik at 571-1776 or e-mail her at
mrepik@marchofdimes.com. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at
www.marchofdimes.org.
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.
Beach Day: Volunteer with the Lowcountry Orphan Relief for "Beach Day" August 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Volunteers will enjoy a fun day of playing with children of all ages at the beach and have an opportunity to have lunch with them. To volunteer, contact Cathy Keagy with Orphan Relief at 843-747-4009 or e-mail her at
cathy@clf1670.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.