Thursday, the United Way of Wyandotte County held a community rally. Our speaker was Kevin Salwen, co-author of "The Power of Half." This is the story of one family’s commitment to effect a change in an area of need.
    During his talk, Mr. Salwen asked attendees to look at the use of our time. If one spends six hours watching television can one cut the time in half and use the three free hours to volunteer? Volunteers can tutor a child, help an agency with a backlog of clerical work, prepare a nutritious meal at a local food kitchen, get exercise by working in a community garden to name just a few of the many options available. As the director of the volunteer center that sounds like a real good idea. The needs in our community are tremendous. Today I want to share just a few of those needs with you.
   Do you know the rules of soccer? Can you share your knowledge and skills with children? Communities in School Kansas City, Kansas is recruiting soccer coaches and assistant coaches to work with teams of elementary level students from M.E. Pearson and Whittier schools in KCK. The fall season starts soon. Games are on Saturdays and practice is weekly as scheduled by the coach. High School students with soccer backgrounds will be considered. Background checks are required. For more information on how you can volunteer to coach soccer please contact Jamie at 913-638-1103 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
   Kauffman Scholars in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters is recruiting volunteers to mentor students.  Mentors are matched in a one-to-one friendship with a scholar. Kauffman scholars is a comprehensive multi-year program designed to provide students who would not otherwise have a chance to go to college an opportunity for a full ride. To learn more about this mentoring opportunity visit bbbskc.org/kauffmanscholars or call 816-561-5269.
   Sister Strength is sponsoring Heal the Land, 1000 Woman Prayer Conference on Sept. 11, 2010. Volunteers are needed to help the day of event to work registration, serve as ushers, greeters, give water to attendees, and help with clean-up. If you would like to help with this event go to www.sisterstrength/whatsnew or contact me at 913-371-3674.
   Do you like to work outdoors? The Family Conservancy needs volunteers to do simple landscape work at the 54th & State Ave. office. Thursday, Friday or Saturday mornings would be good times. This is a one time opportunity for 3-5 people. For more information contact Barb at 913-742-4137 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   
   Sunflower House is looking for volunteers who know something about building maintenance. They are planning to organize a committee to complete a facilities needs assessment and then develop a plan to see that needed preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance takes place on schedule. Please contact Allison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 913-631-5800.
   These are only some of the many opportunities available to potential volunteers. Now is a good to re-evaluate how you use your time. Just maybe, you can find a free hour or two to volunteer and make a difference in the life of someone in need. For information on other volunteer opportunities see our website at www.volunteerkc.org.
   Diane Hentges is the director of the Volunteer Center at the United Way of Wyandotte County.