The following are some of the volunteer opportunities currently open in Freeborn County. If you can help with any of them or would like to volunteer for others, call Pat Stumme, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program director, at Senior Resources, 377-7433.

Community Mentor Connection, STARS: Your time is a priceless gift for children ages 7 to 15 who are hoping for an adult mentor who can spend some quality time with them apart from school time. The STARS program offers training and organizes activities you two can participate in together. You can help make a difference in the life of a child! Carolyn Smith coordinates this program; please call 507-383-5272 to learn more.

Medical escort: Some frail and elderly people need company on trips to the doctor. Ride in the van with a resident from Thorne Crest Retirement Community or St. John’s Lutheran Home to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea or meet the resident there and sit with that person in the waiting room. Make sure the resident gets on the van returning to the nursing home after having seen the doctor.

Chess Club Coach: Calling all chess players to help elementary students learn to play chess and to challenge those students in kindergarten through fifth grade who are ready for more chess strategies. Chess season will be January through April with adult orientation the week of Jan. 9, Brookside Education Center at 1:30 p.m. You can call Sonya Zieske, programs coordinator, at 379-5153 for all details.

RSVP, a program of Senior Resources of Freeborn County, receives some funding through the United Way of Freeborn County, Minnesota Board on Aging and Corporation for National and Community Services.