Volunteer Opportunities

To post volunteer needs for your nonprofit agency or to learn about more volunteer opportunities, contact the Volunteer Center, a service of ECKAN, 1320 S. Ash, at (785) 242-7450 ext. 205 or e-mail lrivers@eckan.org. You can explore local volunteer opportunities online at http://www.ottawaherald.com/volunteer_search/

Meals on Wheels delivery volunteers

Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver lunch to homebound elderly residents and people with disabilities. The organization is a necessity for many local residents and serves a large area in Ottawa, as well as many neighboring counties. Drivers are needed one day a week, from 11 a.m. to noon. Open shifts include Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. To learn more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels, call Florene Hart at (785) 242-7440.

Yam Jam — ECKAAA

Help the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging raise awareness and needed funds for items and services for senior citizens to remain independent. Volunteers and runners/walkers are needed for the annual Yam Jam on Nov. 7. Run a 5K or 10K race around Garnett North Lake or fill one of many volunteer needs at the event including: set-up, water stations, finish line, clean-up, etc. Take advantage of this great volunteer opportunity for individuals or get your family or group involved. To volunteer, call (785) 242-7123 ext. 116 or visit www.eckaaa.org

Youth in Government

Three spaces are open for youths in grades eight through 12 with an interest in hands-on experience with local government. Youth in the Ottawa USD 290 district are encouraged to apply for the Youth in Government program sponsored by the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corp., or ECKAN, and the City of Ottawa. Youth serve as ambassadors for the city and travel throughout the state and to Washington, D.C., to share the views of Ottawa’s youth. Students must maintain a 2.5 grade point average, attend community meetings and organize a major community service project. Applications are available at ECKAN at 1320 S. Ash St., Ottawa. Call (785) 242-7450 ext. 205 for more information.