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 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 Web sites to make an informed decision on which to volunteer for.
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.
Lowcountry Food Bank: Help with the largest food drive for the Lowcountry Food Bank to stamp out hunger. Fifty volunteers are needed to help unload trucks at various post office facilities in the Charleston area and sort food at their warehouse. Volunteers must be able to bend and pickup at least 10 pounds. The event is scheduled for May 8 from noon to 4 p.m. To volunteer, call Mary Kate McLernon at 747-8146 ext. 120 or visit www.lowcountryfoodbank.org.
Earth Force Youth Environmental Summit: Forty-five volunteers are needed to serve as group leaders at this event where Earth Force students display the results of their yearlong service learning projects. The event is scheduled for May 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To volunteer, call Anna Richardson at 720-8525 or visit www.earthforce.org/charleston.
Charleston County Parks and Recreation Picnic/Jump in the Park: Volunteers for this event will spend the day in the park, assisting with event setup, take down, inflatables, snack vending, games and a climbing wall. Lunch is provided at most of the events. The event location varies per date between James Island County Park, Wannamaker County Park and Palmetto Island County Park. The events are scheduled for May 22 and 23. To volunteer, contact Erin Guerrero at 762-8053 or visit www.ccprc.com.
Good News Afterschool: Volunteers are needed Monday's through Friday's to help children at a local after-school program with reading and phonics homework. The hours to help are 3 to 6 p.m. Volunteers who are Spanish-English bilingual are highly desired. To volunteer, contact Rezinda White at 327-7695 or by e-mail at rezinda@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/goodnewsafterschool.
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 266-5231 or by e-mail at mtscherer@cydc.org. For more information, visit www.becomeabig.org.
Good Neighbor Center: "Breaking the cycle of homelessness" provides transitional housing for homeless veterans. Volunteers will be preparing meals, landscaping or office assistance. To volunteer, contact Faye Parker at 566-9344 or visit www.thegoodneighborenter.com.
Hershey Track and Field District Games: Seventeen volunteers are needed to assist with awards, track and field events, surveys and collecting results. Knowledge of track and field is a bonus but not required. The event is scheduled for May 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event was founded in 1975 and is designed to encourage physical fitness among youth and emphasize sportsmanship. To volunteer, contact Erin Guerrero at 762-8053 or visit www.ccprc.com.