Volunteer Opportunities (2/5/12)

United Way of Anchorage has started a pilot program at Susitna Elementary and Lake Hood Elementary schools, aimed at providing extra support needed by students facing challenges to success in school. There are opportunities to serve as a mentor, to help with homework, read or work on projects, or just give students someone to talk to. Visit www.liveunitedanchorage.org/volunteer for details.

Special Olympics: The Anchorage Community program is in need of coaches and assistant coaches for swimming, track and field, and powerlifting. Partners are needed to play basketball with athletes. Other volunteer opportunities are also available. (222-6853, anchorage@special olympicsalaska.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)

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)

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 three through five for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. (liberty.kyser@girlson therun.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: We have 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 are needed to provide rehabilitation and care for injured or orphaned birds. Education presenters are 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 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. (Lori Pickett, 337-1981 or www.alaskaliteracyprogram.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, ext. 2; 334-4485)

Southcentral Foundation: Help is 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 a few hours of your time. (Tina, catztimes@yahoo.com)

Quilt of Valor: Dina's Cozy Cabin Quilts, 10901 Mausel St. in 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)

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)

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 other musical instrument, 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)