GETTING INVOLVED

getting involved

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. Information: (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. Information: Lynn Howes, (714) 481-5376.

ANGEL’S CHARITY

A nonprofit charity to help children with multiple birth defects, the group needs help with their annual fundraiser, Angel’s Run. Information: (949) 650-2757 or www.angelscharity.org.

ANIMAL FRIENDS

Mature and reliable volunteers are needed to help socialize and exercise homeless pets. Information: (714) 960-6659.

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

ASERA CARE AND HOSPICE

Volunteers are needed to help make a difference in the lives of terminally ill persons and their families.

Volunteers would provide respite for primary caregivers, run errands, read to the patients and make weekly social visits.

The organization is also looking for clerical and bereavement volunteers.

Training is provided. Information: (714) 980-0900.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF NEWPORT-MESA

Volunteers seeking to define a sense of purpose, realize personal development and make connections with like-minded women are welcome.

A variety of volunteer skills are needed on a daily basis at the league’s dental clinic, thrift shop and consignment store.

The Assistance League is located at 2220 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Information: (949) 645-6929 or www.alnm.org.

ASSN. 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.

BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The nonprofit organization is seeking memorabilia, such as photographs, as well as stories for the museum’s collection. Volunteers are needed as docents and to help with displays.

The museum, at 502 S. Bayfront, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Information: (949) 675-3952.

BALBOA THEATER

The Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist in its office. Volunteers are asked to work a two-hour shift every week. Information: (949) 673-0895.

BEST BUDDIES

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers 18 and older to provide companionship for adults with developmental disabilities. As a Citizen Buddy, a volunteer will visit with a buddy twice a month and call or e-mail 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 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. Information: (714) 544-7773 or www.bigbrooc.org.

BOARD CONNECTION

Volunteer Center Orange County’s Board Connection program can assist you in becoming a board member of one of the more than 2,000 nonprofits in Orange County.

The Board Connection program consists of a one-time, three-hour workshop designed to give individuals an overview of board responsibilities and nonprofits. After the class, individuals are assisted in finding placement with a nonprofit that best matches their interests. Information: (714) 953-5757, Ext. 103 or 150, or www.volunteercenter.org.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA INC.

Volunteer opportunities for the Orange County Council include fundraising, program development and training to existing troops and packs. Information: (714) 546-4990.