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NEWS | June 23, 2010

First 6 volunteer opportunities can make the most of your career

By Airman 1st Class Michael Thorndike Membership Officer for the First 6

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 July 15 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.

Charleston County Parks and Recreation Department: Volunteers for this event will spend the day in the park at a private picnic, assisting with the setup and take down of inflatables. The event will be held July 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Wannamaker County Park. Volunteers must be 16 or older. To volunteer, contact Erin Guerrero at 762-8053 or visit www.ccprc.com.

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.thegoodneighborenter.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.

Camp Happy Days: Camp Happy Days is a week filled with fun which runs July 3 to 10 helping children ages 4 to 16 who have cancer. Volunteers are needed to be camp counselors, program area helpers and administrative assistants. The minimum age to volunteer is 20. To volunteer, contact Teresa Bishop at 571-4336 ext. 26 or by e-mail at teresa@camphappydays.com. For more information, visit www.camphappydays.com.

Hero Day at Camp Happy Days: As part of the weeklong summer camp at Camp Happy Days, there will be a one day event showcasing local heroes. All local military are welcome to come attend the event to show support and volunteer time to spend with the campers. The event is scheduled for July 7 at Camp Bob Cooper in Summerton, S.C., from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers can help with set up, take down or just spend time with one of the children attending the camp. To sign up and volunteer, contact Teresa Bishop at 571-4336 ext. 26 or by e-mail at teresa@camphappydays.com. For more information, visit www.camphappydays.com.