The Loudon County Democratic Women (LCDW) invite you to “Be the Change” starting at its April meeting.

Representatives from a number of organizations will offer opportunities for LCDW members and the community to volunteer. The meeting will be held Thursday, April 9 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Roane State Community College campus on Broadway, Lenoir City. It is free and open to the public.

Organizations scheduled to participate in the meeting are Iva’s Place, Loudon County Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of Loudon, Hugs for Our Soldiers, Good Samaritans, and LenoirCitySchools.

The volunteer spirit has been renewed by President Barack Obama, who said, "When you choose to serve -- whether it's your nation, your community or simply your neighborhood -- you are connected to that fundamental American ideal that we want life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness not just for ourselves, but for all Americans. That's why it's called the American dream."

LCDW collects donations for Hugs for Our Soldiers at each meeting. Beginning in April, requests for specific items will not be made. Instead, people are encouraged to bring donations of various kinds of personal care, food and drink items.

Personal care items include travel size shampoo and condition, deodorant, toothbrushes, travel size toothpaste, floss, travel size mouthwash, bath towels, washcloths, and bars of soap. Food items should be individual size and may include cookies, peanut butter or cheese crackers, sunflower seeds, all types of candy bars, Slim Jim’s®, Pop Tarts®, granola bars, and pudding cups. Drink items may include individual powdered drink mixes for water bottles, iced tea or green tea, Gatorade®, Crystal Light on the Go®, Propel®, and small packages of Kool-Aid®.