The Volunteer Opportunities column is compiled from community input and in partnership with United Way of Anchorage's Volunteer Center, liveunitedanchorage.org/volunteer. To list an opportunity, email Joy Guest at jguest@adn.com or Sue Brogan of United Way at sbrogan@ak.org.

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)

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 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. 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)

Girls on the Run Southcentral Alaska: Several "Running Buddies" 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@girlsontherun.org)

Stone Soup Group: Plan activities with families who have children with special health care needs or assist with various administration duties. Flexible hours are available. (561-3701, barben@stonesoupgroup.org)

Anchorage Imagination Library: Help with the steering and fundraising committees, especially volunteers with graphic arts skills and those interested in the Family Engagement Activities. (337-6416)

Gold Nugget Triathlon: More than 500 volunteers are needed for one of the largest all-female triathlons in the country. You can cheer racers on, keep them on course and help make this great event a success. Most shifts take place on race day, May 20, at Bartlett High School. Sign up online. Email volunteer@goldnuggettriathlon.com for details. (www.goldnuggettriathlon.com/Volunteer.php)

Older Persons Action Group: Anchorage and Mat-Su drivers are needed once a month to deliver the Senior Voice newspaper. Gas mileage paid at the government rate. (276-1059, adminopag@gci.net)

Senior Companion Program: If you are 60 or older, help other seniors with shopping and doctor visits or just play a game of cards. (April, 375-2203)

Southcentral Foundation: Help elders with arts and crafts 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, or with bingo 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Must be 18 or older. (729-6515)

Standing Together Against Rape: Help with office work, events, community outreach, speakers bureau and crisis line. (Rebecca, 276-7279)

Alaska Medicare Program: Learn about Medicare and help others navigate the system, including the online prescription drug plan tool. Training provided. (269-3669)

Loussac Library: Provide program support for Anchorage Public Library by working with staff to host programs. Duties may include setting up for an event, making announcements, distributing materials and evaluation forms, operating audio/visual equipment, keeping track of attendance or working with staff in charge. (343-2981, www.anchoragelibrary.org)