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<P>A Caring Community is a new website developed by two educators to facilitate a connection between volunteers and service organizations. The site highlights a database of volunteer opportunities available in the MetroWest-Acton/Concord area. Through conducting a search by area of need/interest (elders, health services, housing/shelter, literacy, the environment), volunteers in the community can easily identify specific organizations and their current needs for volunteer help. </P>
<P>The intent of the developers in creating A Caring Community is to have the website be useful to teachers working on community service learning, to businesses searching for ways to make a difference, to faith groups looking to expand their outreach into the community, and to individuals seeking to lend a helping hand. </P>
<P>The service network of A Caring Community also offers its users background information on serving as a volunteer, an opportunity for shared reflection on line, and selected related websites that complement and reinforce the importance of taking action in the community.</P>
<P>Keywords: community, community service, a caring community, caring, volunteer, volunteerism, volunteer opportunities, service, service learning, service work, service opportunities, social action, sites for volunteers, service organizations, helping, Massachusetts, Acton, Concord, MetroWest, New England, children, elders, environment, food pantries, shelters, health services, housing, libraries, literacy, animals, special needs, women's services, youth mentoring, junior high school, high school, elementary school, adults</P>
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