* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the...

* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the Daily Pilot on a rotating

basis. For information on adding your organization to this list, call

(949) 574-4298.

ACADEMIC YEAR IN AMERICA

Costa Mesa families can host a German student and earn up to

$1,000 toward a number of travel-abroad programs. Danielle Carpino,

(800) 322-HOST.

ALS ASSN., ORANGE

COUNTY CHAPTER

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assn., which helps people who

have the disorder that is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, needs

volunteers. (714) 375-1922.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSN.

OF ORANGE COUNTY

Support group leaders, family resource consultants, special event

volunteers, office volunteers are needed. Volunteers may work on

one-time projects or ongoing programs. Training sessions are

available. (800) 660-1993.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The Orange County Region of the American Cancer Society seeks

office volunteers. The society also seeks volunteers to answer calls

for the unit’s Helpline Info Center. (949) 261-9446.

AMERICAN CANCER

SOCIETY DISCOVERY SHOP

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop needs unwanted goods

such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, accessories, antiques and

collectibles to fund the society’s research, education and patient

services programs. The goods may be dropped off at 2600 E. Coast

Highway, Corona del Mar. Volunteers are also needed from 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. Monday through Saturday at the same location. (949) 640-4777.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

ROAD TO RECOVERY

The transportation program needs volunteers to drive cancer

patients to and from medical treatments free of charge. The required

commitment is a few hours each week or month. Drivers must have a

valid driver’s license and insurance and be at least 25. Volunteers

may use either their own vehicles or American Cancer Society vans.

(949) 261-9446 or scomer@cancer.org. The American Cancer Society is

also looking for volunteer speakers for its Speakers Bureau program,

which offers a free service to communities, schools and corporations

by providing trained speakers to address cancer issues. The

organization will train all interested volunteers at a special

session on Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Club,

1535 Deerpark Drive in Fullerton. For reservations, call Florence

Dann at (949) 567-0604 by Nov. 22.

AMERICAN HEART ASSN.

The American Heart Assn. is looking for volunteers to perform

various general office duties in the main office and implement

educational and fundraising events through Orange County. No

experience necessary. Training will be provided. (949) 856-3555.

AMERICAN HOME HEALTH

HOSPICE PROGRAM

The American Home Health Hospice Program needs volunteers to give

emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in

the greater Orange County area. Training is provided. (714) 550-0800

or (800) 540-2545.

AMERICAN RED CROSS,

ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER

The chapter needs volunteers to address community groups about Red

Cross services and to act as liaisons with the media in disaster and

emergency situations. Lynn Howes, (714) 481-5376.

ANIMAL NETWORK

OF ORANGE COUNTY

Become a bottle-feeder or take in pregnant cats at your home. Many

shelters kill pregnant cats upon arrival. Dogs and cats are also

available for adoption.(949) 759-3646 or www.animalnetwork.org.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE

OF NEWPORT-MESA

Volunteers looking for varying levels of involvement are needed to

help the organization with its goal of helping children in the

community. (949) 645-6929.

ASSN. RENAISSANCE CREATORS

The Costa Mesa group sponsors and supports outreach community

service programs, such as the homeless sanctuary. Volunteers are

needed. (714) 540-5803.

BEST BUDDIES

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers 18 and older

to provide companionship for adults with developmental disabilities.

As a “Citizen Buddy,” volunteers will visit with a buddy twice a

month and call or e-mail them once a week. The organization also has

an e-Buddies program that forms friendships entirely over the

Internet. Volunteers for that program must be at least 12 years old.

(714) 546-1826 or www.bestbuddies.org.

BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS

The local chapter is looking for men and women older than 18 who

have lived in Orange County for at least one month and have been

employed for at least one month to serve as big brothers or big

sisters for children ages 6 to 16 from single-parent homes. (714)

544-7773.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA INC.

Volunteer opportunities for the Orange County Council include

fundraising, program development and training to existing troops and

packs. (714) 546-4990.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF NEWPORT-MESA

The three area clubs need volunteer coaches and arts and crafts

workshop teachers. Call for locations. (949) 642-2245.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

The organization is running car campaigns to support its programs.

If you would like to donate your automobile, call (800) 246-0493.

BRAILLE INSTITUTE’S

ORANGE COUNTY CENTER

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers to assist

blind and visually impaired students in a variety of areas. Mary

Johnson, (714) 821-5000, ext. 2113.

CAMP LAUREL FOUNDATION

Camp Laurel is seeking volunteer counselors and medical staff for

Summer Camp and Teen Adventure Camp. The organization is dedicated to

providing educational camping programs free of charge to children

living with HIV and AIDS. (323) 653-5005.

CASA TERESA

Casa Teresa, a temporary home for single pregnant homeless women

18 and older, needs volunteers for these positions: office

assistant/greeter, computer assistant, program developer assistant,

and resale boutique salesperson. Information: (714) 538-4860.

COMPANION HOSPICE

The Hospice is now recruiting volunteers to become a friend for

someone who needs that extra special caring at the end-of-life.

Become a member of a team whose goal is to promote quality of life

and comfort measures. Each applicant will receive 16 hours of

orientation and training. Information: (714) 560-8177.

COMMUNITY ANIMAL NETWORK

The network needs volunteers to help control the rising population

of wild cats in local neighborhoods. Volunteers would trap and

deliver cats to local veterinarians for spaying or neutering, and

then release them back to the property where they were found. The

goal of the program is to save the lives of stray cats. (949)

759-3646.

COSTA MESA

CIVIC PLAYHOUSE

The playhouse needs volunteers for ushering, backstage work,

mailings, typing, controlling lights and many other duties. (949)

650-5269.

COSTA MESA

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The society preserves and promotes the history of Costa Mesa and

the harbor area. Volunteers are needed for the archives, library,

museum, docent and public outreach programs. (949) 631-5918.