Get to Know Your Urban Forestry Board this April!
Celebration Arbor Day 2012 (April 27) by getting to know and supporting the Blue Island’s Urban Forestry Board (UFB).
The UFB is a volunteer board who assists City Council and staff with forestry and landscaping issues in Blue Island. In addition to monthly meeting, members work hard on local tree related issues and activities - some of these efforts are visible, while many are behind the scenes. A short list of recent accomplishments include:
- Completed Tree City Application (2011)
- Blue Island Designated a Tree City (2011)
- Worked with Christy Webber on Western Ave Streetscaping (2011)
- Ash Tree Inventory (2011-2012)
- Awarded Emerald Ash Borer Grant (2012)
- Developing 2012 Summer Workplan
- Upcoming Summer 2012-Hosting 2 Saturday Work Days per month
- Maintaining plantings throughout the City (ongoing)
Blue Island’s UFB is looking for volunteers to help with 2012 work days. Upcoming dates include April 21 (planting), May 12 & 19 (Veterans Triangle), but help is needed through September. Please contact Perry Recker to sign up as a volunteer.
Volunteer & Donate Locally this Holiday Season
Angel’s Touch
For Human’s in Need: Angel’s Touch is collecting donations of
- canned goods
- Christmas gifts
- toys
- clothing
- hats, mittens, gloves & coats
You may also adopt a family which means buying gifts for them and Christmas Dinner. Contact Jude Coyle at 708.925.5579 or jmorancoyle@aol.com.
For Pet’s in Need: Bags of cans of dog/cat food and even pet coupons can be dropped off at 11933 Greenwood or the Blue Island FORUM 12757 S. Western Ave
Holiday Greeting Card Fundraiser: Purchase holiday greeting cards handmade by Blue Cap students.
Kaleidoscope
Holiday Grocery Big Box Gift Card Drive: Kaleidoscope for Kids is accepting low balance and new gift cards for their transitional living program.
Book Drive (NEW books for all ages): Help create memories for Kaleidoscope kids.
Donate: Make a $$ donation.
Like: ‘Like’ Bright Spark Student Travel on Facebook during the Month of December & they’ll donate $1.00 each to Kaleidoscope.
Please contact 773.292.4027 for inquiries or donation pick ups/drop off.
Donate: Make a Donation
Salvation Army CrossGenerations
Salvation Army of Blue Island (2900 W. Burr Oak) is seeking volunteers for several activities and positions over the holiday season. Check out these rewarding oppertunities:
Angel Tree
We will need help sorting out hundres of gifts: toys and clothing items, etc. according to type/age/size, etc. After these items are sorted, they will be packed into bags according to family’s requests.
Bell Ringer 12/6-12/24/11: The success of The Salvation Army’s annual bell ringing campaign is critical to their year round operations. Bell ringers are needed at various locations on the south side of Chicago, starting at 127th & Western, all the way to 167th & LaGrange. Shifts range anywhere from 2 to as many as 8 hours. Volunteers make the Salvation Army world go round!!
Year Round Opportunities
Food Pantry Assistant: M-F, with the exception of Tuesday. From 9a-1p, social service clients visit the facility for food pantry services. The assistant monitors and logs what items are selected by the client and then helps to bag their groceries.
Food Pantry Restocking/Unloading Delivery Truck: Once every 2 weeks on Tuesday, the food pantry recieves its truck delivery. Pallets of food need to be brought into building, opened up and put into pantry or storage.
Senior Lunch Program Server & Greeter: (other positions available for Senior Lunch Program Dining room setup/Dishwasher.) 11a-2p M-F
Building Maintenance: M-F am & pm: Volunteers must be able to lift 20 pounds, be 16 or older, and undergo a background check.
General Clerical Support: M-F positions available (mornings, afternoons, and evenings.) Helping around the office with basic clerical duties including but not limited to applying postage to mailings; shredding of papers; filing; relief reception; possible phone answering.
For more information call 708.332.0100, or visit myvolunteerpage.com.
