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Welcome to our McKinney Community Announcements section. Included are volunteer opportunities and announcements relating to children and family, from non-profit organizations in McKinney. This does not include events and activities - please see our Current Event Calendar and Special Events section for that information.
For example, if you are looking for volunteers for events or programs benefitting children, would like to announce meetings, service projects, or changes to previous community information relating to children, etc, this is the place to list it.
We hope that you find what you are looking for. If you know of any announcements, community information, community opportunities etc relating to children that are not listed, or how we can improve this page, please feel free to contact us with your suggestions.
Save $ with online printable Coupons on Around Town Kids McKinney Coupon Page.
Announcements:
A Call for Artisans
Holiday at the Heard and Artisan’s Market:
Do you, or someone you know, make a hand-crafted item either utilizing some of nature’s resources or depicting nature? If so, then why not consider selling those wares as a unique holiday gift item at the Heard’s own “Artisan’s Market?” This market will be one of the featured activities promoted during our “Holidays at the Heard” planned for Saturday, December 6. The Heard anticipates a large crowd that day as almost 1,000 people attended last year’s event. Space is extremely limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-paid basis. The cost for artisans to participate is only a nominal $25. For more information or to register, please contact Vicki Northcutt at (972)562-5566, ext. 236
About the Jeffries Street Learning Center
The mission of the Jeffries Street Learning Center is to enhance the quality of life for residents of South Dallas and to break the cycle of poverty. The center started 22 years ago as a safe haven where children could get help with homework and learn computer skills after school. Now it provides programming for children year-round, as well as services to all ages in the surrounding neighborhoods. In the morning, adults get GED, literacy, and employment skills training, and seniors get together monthly for bingo and fellowship. For more information, please visit the website!
Do your part
Volunteers of all ages are needed for the 10th annual Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 25. If you’re an outdoor person, you can help with service projects that include building, painting, mowing, etc. If you prefer to work indoors, you can sew, paint, sort donations, etc. To see a list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up, look for Make a Difference Day under “Events” on the VMC website.
Exchange Program
SHARE! is a high school exchange program seeking host families for teens from around the world. Families—with or without children—are needed to share their homes and the American way of life. The students speak English, are covered by medical insurance, and have spending money for their personal expenses. Use keyword “Share” on the VMC website for additional details. SHARE! the American dream with these students.
Farm Upkeep
The Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano is looking for volunteers to help with general upkeep around the farmstead, garden weeding, special event help, and grooming of their horse and mule. Groomers need to have equine experience. Volunteers gather every third Saturday of the month. For additional information, go to the VMC website and use keyword “Heritage Farmstead.”
Hospice Care
VistaCare Hospice offers a program of care that provides comfort and enriches the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers share companionship, active listening, and provide opportunities for patients to share their fears, dreams, disappointments, and joys. It is a very rewarding position for those with a big heart. For additional information, look for “Patient Care Volunteer” under New Listings on the VMC website.
Improving the Environment
The City of Plano has a variety of opportunities for volunteers to help improve the community and the earth. Volunteers can choose to perform gardening and general maintenance duties, work with the interactive Youth Composting and Recycling Programs, or work with Plano ISD students to support the organic recycling program. Gardening volunteers should be able to lift 40 pounds and identify plants and weeds. The composting and recycling programs take place during school hours, and training is provided. For additional information, and look for “Composting and Recycling Opportunities” under Updated Listings.
Mentor a Student
REACH is a school-based mentoring program to improve students’ self-esteem and self-confidence as well as motivate the student to improve personal and social skills. Mentors work one-on-one with a child during school hours. Mentors are needed at several elementary campuses and all middle school campuses. If you would like to inspire a child to be successful in school and in life, go to www.mckinneyisd.net/pie and click on REACH or call 469-742-4043.
Moving Toward a Food Allergy Cure
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network's (FAAN) is holding a Walk for Food Allergy on November 8th in Plano. They are seeking planning volunteers for the event as well as Walk day volunteers to assist with set-up, registration, crafts, sponsor assistance, and cleanup. Teens and groups are encouraged to volunteer for this worthwhile cause. On the VMC website, look for FANN Walk for Food Allergy under “New Listings.”
Nursing Home Angels
McKinney area Care Centers and Nursing Homes depend on volunteers to provide entertainment and companionship for their residents. They would love for you to share a talent, an interest, or just your time. If you want to make a difference in the life of an older community member, call 972-542-0679 or email volunteermck@sbcglobal.net to obtain information about nursing homes and assisted living centers in McKinney.
Office Support
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society needs volunteers to assist with clerical duties during regular business hours. Tasks include mailings, stuffing packets, filing, special event preparation, and general office support. Light computer skills would be helpful. For contact information, use keywords “Clerical Volunteers” on the VMC website.
One Time Event
A Car Show benefiting Habitat for Humanity Women Build house is scheduled for October 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in McKinney Volunteers are needed to help with setup and teardown, trash disposal, manning booths, and assisting contestants. Your assistance at this event will allow more women to taken an active role in the construction of Habitat homes. Look for “Help with the Car Show” under New Listings on the VMC website.
Positive Role Model
Communities In Schools at Webb Elementary is seeking volunteers to help motivate and encourage our students to become successful in their academic and social lives. Tutors are needed primarily in math and reading; however, anyone with a special skill is encouraged to share it with the students. To become a positive role model for students at Webb Elementary, look under New Listings on the VMC website, and click on “Become a Mentor/Tutor.”
Roundup on the Range
Volunteer McKinney Center’s family-oriented event on October 18th, still needs volunteers to help with the chuckwagon competition, artisan displays, equestrian demonstrations, and other activities. Call 972-542-0679 to help make this fun-filled event a success.
Set up Tables and Chairs
The McKinney Public Library offers English classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings. A volunteer is needed to help set up tables and chairs at 5:30 p.m. on the evenings classes are held. If you are physically fit, are dependable, and are at least 14 years of age, look on the VMC website under “New Listings.”
Spanish-speaking tutors/mentors
Webb Elementary is seeking Spanish-speaking volunteers to work with students one-on-one or in groups to help motivate and encourage students to become successful in their academic and social lives. Tutors/mentors are asked to volunteer 30 minutes to one hour a week between 8:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Use keywords “CIS Webb” on the VMC website for more information.
The Show Must Go On
The Courtyard Theater and Amphitheatre at Oak Point in Plano are seeking ushers, age 16 and over, for weekend performances. Duties include seating the audience, answering questions, and passing out information. Volunteers may watch the show for free. To check performance schedules, look on the VMC website under “Updated Listings” for “Theater Ushers for Plano.”
Vendors Wanted for Holiday Bazaar
The 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 9 am to 3 pm. The Bazaar will be held in conjunction with our annual pumpkin patch, Pumpkins on the Prairie, and will be well advertised through this source, signage around Frisco, Dallas Morning News, and other outlets. If you sell hand-crafted items or have a home-based business and would like to participate, please contact Sharon Rankin at psrankin@tx.rr.com and you will receive a contract and all the details about the Holiday Bazaar. This year we are offering 3 booth location options. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis and will sell out. Please note that only one vendor from each home-based business such as Mary Kay, Tupperware, Southern Living, etc. will be accepted.
Volunteer McKinney...Connecting people who can help with people who need help!
Volunteers can change our community, making it a better place for all of us to live. There are a number of people that need your help. Take the time to serve the homeless, play music for the elderly, bring alive the history of this community in a museum, walk a homeless dog, advocate for a child, or assist in disasters. The opportunities are endless. Volunteering not only reaches out and serves but it also brings out the very best in not only the recipient but also the volunteer. The following might just happen if you volunteer: Meet new and interesting people and develop new friendships
• Share your talents and abilities
• Assist in the shaping of your community
• Learn something new and improve your skills
• Be a better leader and follower
• Have fun
• Develop a sense of purpose and direction
• Advance your career
• Live Longer (you might!) As a volunteer you will meet new challenges, solve problems, share a new perspective and most of all touch a life while making a real difference in the community. How Can You Help?
There are many ways for youth, adults, small or large groups to serve in McKinney. To search for volunteer opportunities, please check our website. You will then be able to browse the many agencies and their volunteer opportunities online and pick the one that best suits you and your needs.
Volunteers in Plano
This is a program that provides City services and departments with technical, professional, and general assistance. Several departments currently have volunteer opportunities. The Animal Shelter is seeking help to care for the animals and facilities. The Library is seeking assistance in Genealogy, tutoring, and Senior Links. Environmental Services needs volunteers interested in gardening and working with the recycling program. The Interurban Museum wants someone to share memories of the old railroad, and Building Inspections/Engineering needs volunteers to help with computer and paper work. All departments will provide training. For more information on any of these opportunities, go to the VMC website and use keywords, “Volunteers in Plano.”
X-Stream Thrills and Family Entertainment Center at Craig Ranch
COMING SOON! Recreation just comes naturally in McKinney - Hwy.121 & Henneman WayThis 21-acre water park will have the whole family screaming in delight. Thrill to the Crazy River raft ride, Family Master Blaster, the Hydro Storm, four-lane racer slides, open and enclosed tube slides, a wave pool, family raft ride, interactive splash deck, bumper boats and a children’s pool. The Entertainment Center will also feature an 18-hole putt-putt golf course, arcades and party rooms. An indoor soccer and gymnastics facility and a slick track are also planned for this facility. Located near the youth sports complex at Craig Ranch.
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