* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the...

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

basis. For information about adding your organization to this list,

call (714) 966-4600.

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. Information:

Danielle Carpino, (800) 322-HOST.

ANIMAL NETWORK OF O.C.

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.

Information: (949) 759-3646 or https://www.animalnetwork.org.

RENAISSANCE CREATORS

The Costa Mesa group sponsors and supports outreach community

service programs, such as the homeless sanctuary. Volunteers are

needed. Information: (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.

Information: (714) 546-1826 or https://www.bestbuddies.org.

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.

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 is to save the lives of stray cats. Information: (949) 759-3646.