The Lakewood community offers dozens of ways every year to get involved in helping your neighbors and your neighborhood. All of these activities – and I’ve noted only a few here – make big differences in the lives of those who benefit from the work of volunteers and those who are volunteers. Big differences, but they often begin with small kindnesses.

Stop Crime
Lakewood and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have joined the nationwide Crime Stoppers program that encourages community members to call or email their crime tips. The website for Crime Stoppers is www.lacrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers accepts confidential and anonymous tips by telephone, text messaging or e-mail. Anyone may contact Crime Stoppers by calling 800- 222-8477 toll free, texting the letters TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.

Relay for Life
The Relay for Life raises funds for the American Cancer Society and raises awareness about the fight against cancer. The 24 hour relay begins at 9am on Saturday, May 1 at Artesia High School. Teams of friends, neighbors, families, coworkers, school and church groups keep at least one member walking the course during the relay – because cancer never sleeps.

For more relay information – or to donate in support of one – e-mail Kathy Farmer at relayforlifelakewood2010@yah oo.com.

Lakewood’s many hundreds of volunteers invite you to join them in making big differences in their neighborhoods. And you can learn even more at
www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteer.