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.

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 arts, sports, healthy lifestyles and overall social competence. (770-7321, www.bgcalaska.org)

Backcountry Alaska Rescue K-9 (BARK-9) Search Dogs: Help train search and rescue dogs, and find out more about training a search dog. Now accepting new members. (222-5996, info@bark9.org)

Angelus Memorial Park: Volunteers are needed to plant and maintain flower gardens within the cemetery. Opportunities range from one hour of gardening to part-time hours throughout the summer. (344-1311)

Alaska 4H Youth Program: Host families are needed in Anchorage, Kenai and Mat-Su from now to Aug. 19. Japanese youths are coming to Alaska through the Labo International Youth Exchange Program. Families must have a child age 10-16 who is willing to be a host brother or sister. Youths who participate will have an opportunity to apply in the reciprocal exchange student program to Japan. (460-0825, atnakazawa@alaska.edu; www.uaf.edu/ces/4h/exchange)

Anchorage Waterways Council Creek Report Card: Help grade Anchorage's creeks. Choose an area you are familiar with or a new place. Data will be compiled into a final report to locate areas that need help or to find great little gems in our urban environment. Time commitment is no more than an hour or two. Training provided. The project runs through the summer. (272-7335, thom@anchorage creeks.org; www.anchoragecreeks.org)

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 such as marketing, strategic planning, financial planning, fundraising and publicity are needed. You need not be a veteran and may work from home. Meetings are fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. at 333 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 227. (622-9924, 696-4904)

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

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 anchorage@specialolympicsalaska.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)

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 Adopt-a-Cat shelter. Lots of cats need attention and care and would love to show you affection. (Tina,catztimes2@ yahoo.com; 562-2287)

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 needed are volunteers with graphic arts skills and those interested in the Family Engagement Activities. (337-6416)

Alaska Cooperative Extension 4-H: International Exchange Program is looking for host families in Anchorage, Kenai and Mat-Su for the summer 2012 LABO Japan-Alaska youth exchange. Each family must have a child ages 10-16 who is willing to be a host brother or sister for a Japanese youth. (Tony Nakazawa, tnakazawa@alaska.edu; Marianne Kerr, mlkerr@alaska.edu; 786-6300, 460-0825)

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)

Alaska Community Services: If you are 60 or older, help other seniors with shopping and doctor visits or just play cards with them. For the Senior Companion Program, call Carole Garris, 375-2204. Foster Grandparent Program: Carole Garris, 375-2204; Alexandra Appel, 375-2207.