Jonnycake Center for Hope Recruits Tutors and After School Volunteers: There’s Still Time to Send Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Online:

Are you a retired educator, skilled in math or writing, or someone who can help families file college financial aid applications? The Jonnycake Center seeks volunteers who want to help local students succeed in school. They are recruiting volunteers in partnership with the University of Rhode Island’s College of Education and the Town of South Kingstown through their SKYLLS (South Kingstown Year-Long Learning Supports) initiative, funded by Governor McKee’s Learn365RI Initiative. The main goal of the SKYLLS Initiative is to close education gaps for economically disadvantaged students with a particular focus on English Language Arts at the elementary level, attendance at the middle school level, and access to post-education through assistance with financial aid applications. The Center will also open a youth center at the beginning of the summer 2024. Specific volunteer opportunities include academic tutoring for middle and high school students, supporting after school programs at the elementary level, assisting families with FASFA applications, offering enrichment opportunities at the youth center, and helping students stay organized and meet assignment deadlines. There will be an orientation on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Jonnycake Center, located at 22 Kersey Road. To RSVP, email Lisa Jones at ljones@ j o n n y c a k e c e n t e r. o r g .

Area volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world: God loves you, and you’re not forgotten! This year, tens of thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world. Although drop-off locations have closed, there is still time to share hope and love with children overseas by packing a gift-filled shoebox online. Shoeboxes built online go to some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the world. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child visit samaritanspurse.org/ occ.