possessions other than the clothes on their backs. Through our refugee program, Catholic charities provide them with basic furniture and linenes, but these supplies are always in high demand. Volunteers can make it possible for us to extend a helping hand. You can find out what new arrivals need; organize a donation to collect supplies; or hoep our agency transport donated goods. Other responsibilities include: conduct inventory; pick up and deliver donations. Marketing voluntters are also needed to help us distribute our communications resources as posters and flyers around the communitities. Responsibilities may include processing invitations, data entry, and keeping promotional material current. Bilingual speakers (English-Spanish/Creole) is a plus but not required for volunteer positions.

Volunteers are needed to spend time with elderly residents in an at-home setting, visiting, writing letters, or reading. Volunteers may also help out with planned group activities.

Volunteers are needed to act as jurors, clerks, and attorneys in Youth Court, a nationwide program run locally to help unclog the court system.  Juveniles charged with misdemeanors or minor felonies waive their right to be tried in traditional court and are tried in youth court in return for a clean record upon completion of probation (or whatever sentence the court imposes).  The recidivism rate, or rate of re-arrest, in youth court is 4-5% versus the 28-34% rate of traditional court.  Recently the Youth Court Program was expanded to include the Teen Drug Court function as well. Youth Court is held in four locations throughout the county, including Delray Beach Courthouse at 200 West Atlantic Ave where trials take place every Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Other locations include West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade. Parents are welcome to watch their children in action, but all proceedings must remain confidential.  Attorney training takes place in September; student volunteers will be coached by pro bono lawyers.  Great for students interested in a law career.

Mission: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida serves Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, Highlands, Monroe, Hendry, Glades, Collier and Lee. OUr biggest cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Key West, Naples, and Fort Myers counties. The average cost of a wish is $5,000.

The Kids for Wish Kids® (elementary, middle school ages) and Wishmakers® (high school and college ages) programs are fundraising programs implemented int he schools, religious organizations, and community/civic organizations to raise funds and community awareness on behalf of Make-A-Wish. For more information, fundraising ideas and forms, log onto: www.sfla.wish.org/spev-kidsforwishkids.htm or call 954-967-9474.

Boca Jets Lacrosse is a non-profit sports organization that provides a league for boys and girls from grades K - 8 to play lacrosse in Boca Raton. We are a 100% volunteer organization and have had over 300 children participate in one year. Volunteers are needed for:  Office work - registration information (immediate need)  Web site improvements  Coaching  Game day - concession help