Volunteer 0pportunities (1/15/12)

Chugiak Senior Center: Help in the kitchen 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Mondays, with bingo 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays or with adult day services. Must be 16 or older. (688-2685)

Day Break Adult Day Center: Make a difference in a senior's life. Volunteers are needed who can play the piano or musical instruments, perform in singing groups and dancing groups, go on group walks and outings and help with gardening. (daybreak@acmhs.com)

The Listening Post of Anchorage: The local nonprofit serves the community of the Downtown Transit Center by providing a quiet space and a listening ear. You will be trained in listening skills that will serve you personally and beyond. Must be 18, have a compassionate heart and be able to maintain confidentiality. (listeningpostak@gmail.com)

Youth for Understanding USA: Be an international ambassador. There is an immediate need for host families and volunteer mentors for foreign exchange students who will be arriving soon. (www.yfu-usa.org; Dawn Green, 208-447-8118)

Youth Advocates Community: YAC provides young adults ages 16-24 with the opportunity to participate in monthly community service projects and social events. Youths who do or do not experience a disability can build a diverse support network of peers, learn self-advocacy skills, have fun and give back to their community. YAC is also looking for adult volunteers to assist in monthly activities. (Kelly Foran, 264-6274, kelly@alaskachd.org)

Hospice of Anchorage: Assist patients, work in the office or help with special events. (561-5322)

49 Writers/49 Alaska Writing Center: Help with programs that support Alaska writers and promote Alaska books. Volunteer needs include clerical assistant, membership coordinator and program promotion assistant. Estimated time is one hour per week; training is provided. (49writers@gmail.com)

Rabbit Creek Shooting Park: Motivated individuals who are concerned with firearm safety and interested in assisting the public are needed as range safety officers to monitor the range during weekend shooting hours. Training is provided. (345-7831)

Civil Air Patrol: Serve as a civilian volunteer of the Air Force's auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, a humanitarian and educational nonprofit. Opportunities are available in writing, flying, radio operations, teaching, emergency services, finance, law and more. Cadets must be 12 to 18 years old to join. Also, senior, chaplain and aerospace education memberships are offered. (www.gocivilairpatrol.com, 551-3137)

Boys and Girls Club: Adult volunteers who will commit to supporting, guiding and being positive role models to one or more Boys and Girls Club members are needed for mentoring programs. Help with homework, arts, sports, healthy lifestyles and overall social competence. (770-7321, www.bgcalaska.org/)

Parks and Recreation Opportunities: Assist with the annual Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Race Series in parking control, registration, setup, cleanup and operational support.

East African Community Center of Alaska: Help with English classes for refugees as well as citizenship classes, homework, job searches and American culture classes. Hours are 4-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club. (884-4646, somalialaska@gmail.com)

The Wellness Innovations Center: The center seeks people who are in recovery from mental health issues to help others in recovery resume meaningful roles in the community. If you can mentor recovery skills, cooking, computer, office, art, crafts or dance, call Joan at 562-7900. (alaskarecovery.org)

NAMI Anchorage: Opportunities for volunteers are available in a variety of areas. NAMI provides support, education and advocacy to people who experience mental illness and their families and friends. Training provided. (272-0227, namianchorage@gmail.com)

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Lend support in the office or help with fundraisers. (563-1115)

Alaska Veterans Museum: People with business expertise, e.g., marketing, strategic planning, financial planning, fundraising and publicity, are needed. Need not be a veteran; you may work from home. Meetings are fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. at 333 W. Fourth Ave, Suite 227. (622-9924, 696-4904)

The Alano Club of Anchorage: Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed to complete ongoing projects such as plumbing, shoveling, painting, event setup and cleanup. Stop by the coffee bar and ask for a volunteer application. (276-5505, www.alanoclubofanchorage.org)

Friends of Nike Site Summit: Volunteers and building supplies are needed for work to preserve the former Nike missile site. Hazmat training and gear are provided. Or help with planning, marketing and fundraising. (694-3570, bgfrench@juno.com; www.nikesitesummit.net)

Friends of Pets: Volunteers are needed for committee work, dog and cat foster homes and as board members. Applications are online at www.friendsofpets.org. Check the "people" link. (vol@friendsofpets.org)

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 youths ages 18-20. Must pass a background check. (www.covenanthouseak.org/mentor.asp, 339-4497; bdonovan@covenanthouseak.org)