Volunteer Opportunities (1/8/12)

Victims for Justice: Help put events together or serve on the board of directors. (Susan, 278-0986)

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve: Alaska ESGR Committee is looking for people with skills in public speaking, mediation training, marketing, event planning and more. The volunteer organization's mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflicts through mediation. Military experience is not a prerequisite. (428-6829, www.esgr.org)

Covenant House Alaska: Adults are needed to join the mentor program to provide guidance and act as role models for community youths. As a mentor, you would be matched with a youth. The ideal candidate would be willing to make a one-year commitment working with ages 18-20. Must pass a background check. (www.covenanthouseak.org/mentor.asp, 339-4497; bdonovan@covenanthouseak.org)

Alaska Professional Volunteers: Trained and untrained volunteers and support staff are needed to provide emergency medical support for a variety of community events and instruction and training in emergency medical services. Instruction provided. (www.apvinc.com)

Anchorage Museum: Guide tours or help with education programs, special events, exhibitions, archives and membership activities, or work in the gift shop. (929-9200)

Alaska Red Cross: Interview and orient new volunteers and maintain volunteer records. Shifts are three hours per week. Previous interviewing experience, presentation and office skills preferred. (646-5401)

Alaska Theatre of Youth: People are needed to design, sew and repair costumes for performances throughout the year. (338-4902, aty2008@gmail.com)

Alaska Humane Society: Adopt-a-Cat Shelter needs volunteers to help care for the 250 kitties that live at the shelter. (562-2287)

Alaska Native Justice Center: Adult volunteers are sought to mentor adults in their successful re-entry into the community from jail or prison. (793-3566)

Catholic Social Services: Serve as a cultural ambassador, family mentor or both to a newly arrived refugee family. Help with transportation needs or provide meals or groceries during their first weeks in the U.S. (222-7344, gclark-ross@cssalaska.org)

Girls on the Run Southcentral Alaska: At least nine volunteer coaches are needed for this international nonprofit dedicated to educating and preparing girls in grades 3-5 for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. (liberty.kyser@girlsontherun.org)

Anchorage Senior Activity Center: Volunteers are needed year-round for events, shows, dances and game tournaments. (258-7823, www.anchorageseniorcenter.org)

Junior Achievement of Alaska: Teach basic financial literacy programs in schools. Materials and instructions are provided. (344-0101, pammann@ja-alaska.org)

Catholic Social Services: Inspire youths living at Clare House to learn and grow, 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays. (222-7344, gclark-ross@cssalaska.org)

St. Francis House Food Pantry: Help clients shop for food items in the pantry. Monday-Thursday; various hours. (222-7344 or gclark-ross@cssalaska.org)

Alaska Wildbird Rehab Center: Help rehabilitate birds for release and present nonreleasable wild birds for educational purposes. (892-1670, www.akwildbirdrehab.org)

Alaska Botanical Garden: Openings for education volunteers. Training is available. Share your love of gardening, ecology and nature. Background check may be required. (Ryan, education@alaskabg.org)

Bird Treatment and Learning Center: Clinic volunteers needed to provide rehabilitation and care for injured or orphaned birds. Education presenters needed to work with nonreleasable birds and present education programs to the public. (www.birdtlc.net, 562-4852)

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs: Local host families are sought for international boys and girls ages 15-18. (800-733-2773)

Anchorage Parks and Recreation Volunteer Program: Here's a great opportunity for teens to give back to their community, gain skills and beef up that resume. Volunteers work at various parks and with organizations all over Anchorage. For ages 12-16. (343-4247, SimcoxRA@muni.org)

Special Olympics: Help is needed with local competitions. There are a variety of events, multiple dates and many positions that you can fill. For specific events and dates, email rachel.molina@gmail.com.

NAACP Anchorage: The ACT-SO Olympics of the Mind youth program for high school students is seeking adult mentors in performing arts, visual arts and humanities. Must be at least 18 and have experience in one or more of these areas. Meetings are at 4 p.m. Saturdays. (229-3178, actsoalaska@aim.com)

Anchorage Imagination Library: A fundraising chairperson is needed to help build business partnerships. Free books are mailed each month to all children enrolled from birth to age 5. Other volunteer opportunities are available. (351-9053, anchorageimaginationlibrary@gmail.com)

Alaska Regional Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Program: Areas open to volunteering include the gift shop, information desk, mother-baby program, surgery waiting, menus and tray favors, patient mail delivery and the No One Dies Alone Program. (264-1745, alaskaregional.com)

Alaska Literacy Program: Have the experience of a lifetime teaching English to adults from around the world. Register for summer volunteer teacher training. Contact Lori Pickett at 337-1981 or visit www.alaskaliteracy program.org.

Habitat for Humanity: Work at a construction site or help with nonconstruction activities. (272-0800, www.hfhanchorage.org)

Anchorage Police Department: Look for missing people and crime scene evidence as a member of urban and rural search teams. Training provided. (www.apdst.org)

Alaska Center for Resource Families, Mat-Su: Collect donations for foster care and adoptive families. New toys, books, gifts for teens and adults, food and clothing are needed. (376-4678)

Prestige Care Inc.: Help medically frail people go on outings or participate in activities; give an educational presentation or play music. (269-3255)

Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Volunteers are needed to advocate for and promote the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. (800-730-6393, extension 2; 334-4485)

Southcentral Foundation: Help needed with the Elder Program. There is an application process and background check. Must be 18 or older. (Kira Bouwens, 729-5235)

Alaska Humane Society: Volunteers are needed at the shelter. Lots of cats need attention and would love to show you affection. In return, all we ask is for a few hours of your time. (Tina, catztimes@yahoo.com)

Quilt of Valor: Dina's Cozy Cabin Quilts, 10901 Mausel St., Eagle River, is sponsoring a workshop for people who wish to make a quilt for a combat veteran, 4-6 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays through May. Coaches will bring sewing machines and tools. Rookies buy a kit for a lap-size quilt. (696-3462, dinascozycabin.com; www.QOVF.org)

Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue: This all-volunteer, nonprofit organization is looking for dog lovers to provide foster homes, to work at adoption clinics or to help with fundraising. (745-7030, adpr03@yahoo.com)

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska and Washington: The nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions is seeking local volunteers. Online volunteer training will take place Jan. 17. To register, contact Juli McClave at juli@nwwishes.org or call 800-304-9474.

New Hope on the Last Frontier: Volunteers are needed for the food pantry and clothing room. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 3-6 p.m. Thursday. (274-4673)

Eagle River Nature Center: Assist at the information desk. Must be older than 18, outgoing and willing to lend a hand weekly. (Doris, 694-2108; admin@ernc)

American Cancer Society: Help find and fit wigs for cancer patients or be a driver for the Road to Recovery team. Training provided. (273-2077). Become a volunteer patient navigator and assist patients through their cancer journey. (273-2069)