BROOKINGS – Allison Schmitt, Brookings volunteer connections coordinator for the Helpline Center, recently announced the following opportunities for area residents to become more involved in the community through volunteering.

Gracepoint Wesleyan, Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church. This free annual event has the most candy per square block in Brookings. There will be games, kids’ activities, and hot dogs for the whole family to enjoy. Candy lines open at 6pm and go until 8 p.m. Trunk or treat provides a safe, family-friendly evening of fun and fellowship, where participants can connect with new friends and neighbors while serving the community. 

Children’s Museum, Kidoodle Council

Children age 6-12 are invited to apply to the Kidoodle Council. Members of the Kidoodle Council will serve as museum ambassadors and help guide decision-making in key areas. Among their duties, council members will generate ideas for programs and exhibits, assist with planning and management of special events, and help the museum in their mission to spark imagination for children and their grown-ups through play, creativity, and discovery. Applications are available at www.prairieplay.org and by calling (605) 692-6700.

BCYMP, youth mentoring

BCYMP is a community-based youth mentoring program that recruits, trains, matches and supports adult mentors for K-12 grade students in Brookings County. Volunteer BCYMP mentors must be 18-plus years old, complete training, a background check and interview before being matched, and must commit to spending at least an hour a week for one year with their mentee. Currently, there are 30 male and 27 female students waiting for a BCYMP mentor.

For information on these volunteer opportunities and hundreds of others in the community, dial 211 or visit www.helplinecenter.org.