VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/DONATIONS NEEDED

Retired/Senior volunteer program RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) of Jefferson County, a program sponsored by Seniors’ Resource Center, supports 75 nonprofit organizations in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Golden, and Littleton, all of whom need volunteers. Jeffco RSVP is a “one-stop-shop” for volunteer opportunities, some of which include: tutoring children, feeding the hungry, helping seniors in need, or guiding visitors through museums. RSVP helps prospective volunteers to find the right volunteer job for their skills and interests. Get personalized help or find out more about opportunities at RSVP’s twice-monthly orientations. Participants must be 55 years of age or older. Info: call 303-235-6946, e-mail knovoselac@srcaging.org or visit srcaging.org/jeffcorsvp.

Food/clothing/blanket/toy drive The Springs Rescue Mission, 1 W. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, needs donations of non-perishable foods, blankets, sleeping bags, adult and children sized winter coats, gloves and scarves, and toys for children ages 2-12. To donate perishable food, such as turkeys or meats, visit springsrescuemission.org or call Rachel Stovall at 719-635-1822, ext. 868. Info: 719-631-1822 or springsrescuemission.org.

Food pantry/visiting seniors Volunteers are needed from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays to check in clients and help them “shop” for food at the Jewish Family Services Weinberg Food Pantry, 3201 S. Tamarac Drive.

Volunteers are also needed to be “Friendly Visitors” who will be matched with senior JFC clients. Friendly visitors maintain regular contact with their assigned senior through calls, visits and outings, etc. Hours are flexible; volunteers are asked to make a six-month commitment of approximately four hours per month. Info: contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, 303-597-5000, ext. 369.

Pajamas/books collection The Pajama Program provides pajamas and books to needy children and teens. Info: contact Debbie@pajamaprogram.org or visit pajamaprogram.org.

Kids after school program Galilee Baptist Church, 1091 S. Parker Road, Denver, needs volunteers to help with an after school program for local middle school and high school students. Volunteers are needed to run a small cafe area, mentor students, and to help with homework and tutoring. The program takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Info: 303-750-2277, ext. 36 or rsmith@gbc.org.

Dani’s Foundation Volunteers are needed to assist with administration, fundraising, marketing, public relations and educational programs for Dani’s Foundation. Dani’s Foundation was formed to defeat children’s cancer, support families, and to help teens with cancer in an effort to face life’s challenges. Info: 303-601-1881 or danisfoundation.org.

Airport ambassadors Denver International Airport needs volunteers for its Ambassador Program. Candidates must be outgoing and able to work directly with the public, and be physically capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Prospects must be over 21, pass a background check and complete a day of training. Info: corinne.christensen@diadenver.net or 303-342-2242.

Travelers assistance The Travelers Assistance Program at the Denver International Airport needs mature volunteers to provide comfort; information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities; and provide social services to the DIA traveler. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flexible schedule and stations. Once a week or twice a month would be great. Volunteers undergo a complete background check. Training is provided. Contact TAP at 303-342-0400 or dentravler@aol.com.

Columbine Memorial The Columbine Memorial Foundation, Inc., whose purpose is “to augment and facilitate fund raising, maintenance, repairs, volunteer efforts and improvements to the Columbine Memorial,” needs volunteers, cash contributions and service and material donations. Info: columbinememroial.org.

Nursing home advocates The Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging Services needs ombudsman volunteers to serve as nursing home advocates for residents in Jefferson County. The program require a commitment of one year. Extensive training is provided. Volunteers are placed in facilities located close to their homes or workplaces. Info: contact Nancy Ferrier at 303-480-5638 or nferrier@drcog.org.

Clerk and Recorder Volunteers are needed in the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Volunteer positions are available in Elections, Recording, Motor Vehicle, Clerk to the Board and Information Systems. Volunteers will work alongside members who provide their expertise and knowledge, and will learn about the operations of the Clerk and Recorder’s office. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older (or can be high school seniors) and must make a time commitment of a minimum of 4-hours a week, worked in one block of time. Info: Visit http://car.elpasoco.com/or contact Mary Lynn Black at 719-520-6215 or marylynnblack@elpasoco.com.

Exchange program Youth for Understanding, an international student exchange program, needs volunteer host families to open their homes to students from abroad. The students bring their own spending money and are covered by medical insurance. Host families are responsible for providing a separate bed, study area and three meals a day for the guest student, and should also be prepare to share their community with their student. Info: yfu-sua.org or call 866-493-8872.

Boulder Green Building Guild Boulder Green Building Guild is a volunteer-based organization needing volunteers BGBG offers educational programs and events and has many opportunities for volunteers to become engaged in the organization, learn more about green building, network and contribute directly to the success of BGBG. Info: http://bgbg.org/volunteer or call 303-447-0901.

Park maintenance The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is expanding its “Adopt-a-park” program and needs volunteers to help keep City parks looking good. Park-adopters can be individuals, neighborhood groups, scout troops, businesses, etc. and are asked to make at least a one-year commitment to caring for a park, trail or open space; or a specific area in a park, such as a sports field, playground or flower bed. Adopters perform routine maintenance at their location a minimum of twice a month, including tasks such as picking up trash and pet waste, removing weeds, resetting wood chips in shrub beds or playgrounds, checking and restocking dog stations, and reporting graffiti and any damaged playground structures, benches or picnic tables to Park Maintenance. Info: 719-385-6519 or e-mail cityparkvol@springsgov.com.

Redemptorists office The Redemptorists/Denver Province development office needs volunteers to help with projects using Microsoft Word, Mail Merge and Excel; and to help with other special projects. The Redemptorists are “an order of Catholic priests who work around the globe serving the poor and most abandoned.” Info: contact Milvia Valladares at 303-565-5421.

Blankets/blanket-making material Project Linus is a non-profit organization dedicated to “bringing comfort and hope to those in need through the donation of handmade blankets.” They are seeking donations of homemade blankets and materials for blanket-making. The following types of materials are needed: 100% cotton fabric, flannel fabric, polar fleece fabric and acrylic yarn. Please follow these guidelines when making homemade blankets to donate: blankets should not have buttons or similar decorative items attached to them (choking hazards for young children); do not use paint on the surface of the blanket; keep the blanket in a non-smoking environment and away from pet hair (to avoid giving kids allergic reactions); and do not make blankets out of tapestry, burlap, upholstery fabric, felt, vinyl, wool or wool yarn. (Also, donations of those materials will not be accepted). Homemade blankets and materials can be donated at the following Greeley locations: Kenton Manor, 820 27th Ave.; Fairacres Manor, 1700 18th Ave.; Sterling House, 1999 W. 38th Ave.; and Life Care Center, 4800 25th St. Info: 970-356-3922.

Work clothing DenverWorks, a non-profit that provides job readiness services, including one-on-one client management, job preparation, mentoring, a computer lab and clothing, needs donations of new or gently worn work clothing for job-seekers to wear to interviews and to work. DenverWorks is accepting professional and casual attire of all sizes for men and women. For donation guidelines and to set up a donation appointment, visit denverworks.org or call 303-433-0300.

Men’s and women’s clothing, hygiene items and diapers The Denver Rescue Mission needs men’s and women’s clothing donations including: new or gently used pants, jeans, shirts, sweaters, suits and shoes. Also, the Mission needs new men’s and women’s socks and underwear; and hygiene items including: diapers of all sizes, shampoo, soap, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes Donations can be dropped off at any time, any day at the Lawrence Street Shelter, 23rd and Lawrence Street; from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at The Crossing, 6090 Smith Road; or from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ministry Outreach Center, 3501 E. 46th Ave. Info: 303-297-1815.

Outdoor gear collection Homeless Gear is seeking unwanted outdoor gear (backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, coats, boots, socks, blankets, etc.) to distribute to Denver’s homeless population. Gear donations can be brought to the following locations: St. Francis Center, 2323 Curtis St., Denver, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday; or to Urban Peak, 730 21st St., Denver. For drop-off hours, contact the Outreach Coordinator at 303-974-2900. For information on the St. Francis Center, call 303-297-1576 or visit sfcdenver.org. For information on Urban Peak, call 303-974-2900 or visit urbanpeak.org. For information on Homeless Gear, visit homelessgear.com.

Kids clothing drive Clothes To Kids recently opened a new storefront in University Hills. Their mission is to provide low-income families a chance to allow their school-age kids to “shop” for a weeks worth of school clothes every 6 months free of charge. The Clothes to Kids store is open by appointment only. Silk Road is helping with the clothing dive by being a designated clothing drop-off point. Silk Road is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: http://clothestokidsdenver.org.

Food and clothing donations for homeless/disadvantaged families Guidance Behind The Walls, a nonprofit organization that assists disadvantaged and homeless families, needs food and clothing donations. For “Sunday Soup,” donations of the following items are needed: beef or chicken soup bullion, canned vegetables and tomatoes, canned tuna, plastic ware (plates, bowls, spoons, forks and napkins), and salt and pepper. Also needed are new or gently used coats, scarves, winter hats, gloves, long underwear/leggings and boots. Items can be dropped of at Guidance Behind the Walls, 608 26th St., Denver, or arrangements can be made for donations to be picked up. Info: contact Tatia Dokes at 303-317-2800.

Donations for at-risk women Women’s Business Link Dreaming Big project is seeking donations from local individuals and business. Five areas of need have been identified: scholarships, personal services, mentorship, cash and gift cards. Many at-risk women are in need of basic services and items such as hair cuts, bus passes, Internet access, diapers, flu shots and vitamins. Info: wendy@womensbusinesslink.org or 720-261-1940.

Youth and family mentors The Oasis Mentor Program at Larimer County’s Children, Youth and Family Services Division of the Department of Human Services is recruiting youth and family mentors from Larimer County. Mentors offer a lifeline of hope to struggling youth and young parents who need a caring friend. Free volunteer orientations for prospective volunteers are on Saturday mornings, 6 times a year. To register, visit larimer.org/dhs/volunteer and fill out the online applications. The coordinator will contact applicants. Mentors must participate in two levels of pre-screening and attend two trainings before they are matched with a young person. Info: visit larimer.org/dhs/volunteer or contact Christina Ulrich-Jones at 970-980-2239.

Teen parenting support Florence Crittenton Services, a Denver nonprofit that provides education for pregnant and parenting teens, an Early Learning Center for their babies and a Young Fathers Program, needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help with special events that raise money and awareness of Florence Crittenton Services’ programs; to help manage a “Baby Bucks Store,” (where girls earn certificates to “purchase” new items for their babies); and to help with general administrative duties. Desired skills include inventory control, data entry, web design and programming, and merchandising. Volunteer info: contact Marcia Jamison at 303-321-6363, ext. 208 or e-mail mjamison@florencecrittentonco.org.org. General info: florencecrittentonCO.org.

Family support Families First needs people to volunteer with children and families. Support line volunteers staff the Family Support Line. Volunteers are available to listen, provide educational information and community resources to parents and caregivers seeking support. Volunteers answer phone calls at the Call Center during the week and from home at night and on weekends.

Children’s Group Leaders plan and implement activities that enhance a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development while parents attend support groups or parenting classes. Children’s Group Leaders volunteer in the evening, two hours per week, at a parenting group or class location in Aurora, Denver, Englewood or Littleton. Info: call 303-745-0327, e-mail Rachel@FamiliesFirstColorado.org or visit FamiliesFirstColorado.org.

Disaster program The Aurora Volunteers In Disasters (AVID) program manages dedicated and highly-motivated volunteers who are trained to help their fellow residents in times of emergencies. “Emergency Response Volunteers” receive training and guidance through AVID when a disaster strikes and they are called to respond. AVID is recruiting volunteers for the “Four Wheel Driver Response Group,” who provide critical transportation during a snow emergency. Info: 303-326-8964 or e-mail shackett@auroragov.org.

Website research Compass of Larimer County is a website containing current statistics, reports and studies about Larimer County. Larimer County’s Health and Human Services Division needs Compass research specialist volunteers and interns to provide research and data analysis to update the Compass website. Specialists set their own schedule and work at home. Apply online at http://larimer.org/compass/volunteer_application.pdf. Info: awolsey@larimer.org or 970-498-6877.

SouthWest Improvement Council SWIC needs volunteers in several areas. Class Leader volunteers plan and coordinate classes in the Westwood Community Center. Reception Ambassador volunteers will work at the reception desk answering phones and welcoming patrons. Office Assistant volunteers will do computer data entry and assist with staff projects. Fitness Center Monitor volunteers will use the fitness office to monitor open times in the weight room and check out balls for use in the gymnasium. Info: 303-934-4780.

Recording for the blind and dyslexic The Rocky Mountain Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) is recruiting volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include: reading, directing, bookmarkering, tape checking, duplicating, outreach, fundraising and more. Volunteer orientations are at 10 a.m. every Monday and 6 p.m. every Thursday. Info: 303-757-0787or e-mail cskoff@rfbd.org.

Animal shelter The Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, 678 S. Jason St., needs volunteers to walk dogs and to socialize with cats. Volunteers are also needed to work in the administrative office doing filing, proof-reading Dog/Cat Licenses and assisting with other administrative duties. Items accepted for donation to the shelter are: blankets, laundry detergent, hand sanitizer and treats. Info: Contact Lisa Sanchez at 303-698-5553 or visit Denvergov.org/animalcontrol.

Animal foster homes The Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins needs volunteer foster homes to help take care of animals they receive. Foster care volunteers give temporary off-site care to homeless animals. Register: volunteer@larimerhumane.org. Info: larimerhumane.org or e-mail foster@larimerhumane.org.

Reptile humane society The Colorado Reptile Humane Society needs volunteers, ages 18 and above, who are willing to make a six-month commitment of approximately three hours per week. CoRHS receives nearly 300 unwanted and abused reptiles every year. To volunteer, visit corhs.org/vol.html for an application form. The shelter is located in Longmont and there is also an active volunteer group in Colorado Springs.

Donations of the following items are needed: 44-gallon critter keepers, large aquariums and lids; garden plants such as Russian sage, rabbit and butterfly bushes; jars of fruit/vegetable baby food, frozen berries and dried figs; reptile UVB bulbs; cleaning and maintenance supplies like liquid laundry soaps, automatic dishwasher detergent, paper towels and lawn-size plastic garbage bags; warm mist humidifiers, duct tape, “human” heating pads without the auto-shutoff feature, timers and extension cords; and office supplies such as first class stamps and white and colored copy machine paper.

Reptile “sponsors” are also needed. By donating 50 cents per day, a sponsor can cover the day-to-day costs of a reptile’s stay at CoRHS. Sponsors receive a certificate featuring the animal they are sponsoring, their name added to the sponsored animal’s web description, and photos and their name added to the “Sponsored Alumni” page once the animal is adopted.

For a full list of supplies needed or to schedule a donation drop-off time, call 303-776-2070. For information on sponsoring an animal, go to corhs.org/sponsor./html. Info: corhs.org.

Coyote protection WildEarth Guardians, a conservation nonprofit, needs volunteers to help protect coyotes in Greenwood Village by writing e-mail letters and doing outdoor field work in Greenwood Village Parks. Info: e-mail NRosmarino@WildEarthGuardians.org.

Canine Partners of the Rockies Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., (CaPR) needs puppy raisers. The base requirements for puppy raisers include raising the puppy for 18 months and attending scheduled training classes with other puppy raisers. Info: 303-364-9040, Linda@caninepartnersoftherockies or caninepartnersoftherockies.org.

Animal sanctuary Denkai Animal Sanctuary needs volunteers to help feed, water, drain hoses, clean pens and repair fencing for the many animals housed at the sanctuary. Dog-walkers are also needed. Supplies needed: extension cords that are a minimum of 50 feet in length; splitters for extension cords; heated dog and horse buckets; five gallon buckets; swimming pools for ducks (or a low-to-the-ground horse tank with a heater); insulated dog houses; heavy-duty hay tarps; heavy-duty chain link fencing; lumber for building; firewood; paper towels; toilet paper; pea gravel; and dog and cat crates. Arrangements for supplies to be picked up from the donor can be made. To adopt or foster a horse, goat, pot-bellied pig or other farm animal, or for more information, contact Floss Blackburn at info@denkaisanctuary.org or at 970-217-1475.

Campground hosts for 2011 Volunteer Campground Host positions are available in Estes Park for the 2011 camping season. Positions are available in three campgrounds: Mary’s Lake, East Portal and Hermit Park Open Space. Campground Hosts are on duty from mid-May through October. Info: call 970-679-4552 or visit larimer.org/nrvolunteer.

Colorado Division of Wildlife Volunteers are needed to help with activities including: transporting sick and injured wildlife to rehabilitation centers, helping spawn fish, monitoring nest sites for ospreys and eagles, being tour guides at fish hatcheries, State Wildlife Area clean-ups, and a variety of other hands-on projects. Projects are seasonal and vary by region of the state. Info: In southeastern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Lamar, contact Jena Sanchez at 719-227-5204 or jena.sanchez@state.co.us; in southwest Colorado, including Montrose, Gunnison, Durango and the San Luis Valley, contact Jennifer Kleffner at 970-375-6704 or Jennifer.kleffner@state.co.us; in northwest Colorado, including Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Craig and Steamboat Springs, contact Linda Edwards at 970-255-6145 or linda.edwards@state.co.us; and in northeast Colorado, including Denver, Castle Rock, Sterling and Fort Collins, contact Mary McCormac at 303-291-7369 or mary.mccormac@state.co.us.

Bird education and science Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, with offices in Brighton and Fort Collins, conserves birds and their habitats through research, monitoring, outreach and education. Volunteer are needed to help plan or staff various public events, such as festivals and RMBO’s annual member event. These events are at various locations along the Front Range at various times between April and October. Time commitment is variable and no knowledge of birds is necessary Info: rmbo.org or 303-659-4348.

Raptor program Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, based in Fort Collins, needs volunteers. RMRP encourages preservation of our environmental and cultural resources through excellence in raptor rehabilitation, community education and research. Info: 970-484-7756 or e-mail info@rmrp.org.

Railroad museum The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact volunteer coordinator David Williams at 720-274-5147 or e-mail david@crrn.org.

Visiting Nurse Association The Visiting Nurse Association needs volunteers to assist with their Senior Wellness Clinics. Each month, the VNA conducts more than 80 clinics providing foot care and basic health assessments to seniors across the Denver-metro area. Volunteers assist clinic nurses by serving as receptionists, assisting with client paperwork and scheduling appointments. Also needed are volunteers to visit home-bound patients to help prevent isolation, loneliness and provide respite for caregivers. Info: Contact Nora Simmons Daly at 303-698-6387 or e-mail VNAvolunteers@vnacolorado.org.

Alzheimer’s residents Volunteers are needed to spend time with Alzheimer’s residents at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab in Morrison. Volunteers spend time with residents, talking to them, helping to read and write letters, sending holiday greeting cards, playing cards and more. Info: Karen Fletcher, 303-697-8181.

Elder care Life Care Center of Aurora, an elder care facility, needs volunteers in the areas of administration and activities, flexible to volunteers’ personalities and schedules. Info: Contact Kim at 720-222-4242 or visit the Center at 14101 E. Evans Ave.

Hospice Evercare Hospice, 6455 S. Yosemite St., needs volunteers to support people with life-limiting illness and their families. Opportunities include companionship for patient, caregiver support, pet visits, massage/Reiki/healing touch, and more. Hours are flexible. Info: Contact Lynette at 303-741-2376.

Hospice Sol Amor Hospice needs volunteers who are compassionate, have transportation and can attend a comprehensive volunteer training course. Info: 720-200-1036.

Hospice The Visiting Nurse Association needs volunteers to work with VNA’s Hospice at Home program. Volunteers provide support to patients, respite for family members, child care assistance, bereavement support, fundraising and administrative work. All volunteers who have contact with patients must complete a training program. Info: Nora Simmons Daly, 303-698-6387.

Hospice Affinity Hospice of Life, 2121 S. Blackhawk, Ste. 110, Aurora, needs volunteers to visit with patients. Hospice volunteers are offered a free training program and are involved in a wide range of activities including writing letters, supervising visits with pets, grocery shopping and support for primary caregivers. Info: affinityhospice.com or 303-745-3197.

Hospice Trinity Hospice of Colorado seeks volunteers to offer companionship and support to terminally ill patients and their families. By offering just one hour per week, you can serve as a source of encouragement and compassion by visiting someone in the Denver metropolitan area. Info: contact Jill Fabrizio at 303-799-5096 or e-mail jill.fabrizio@trinityhospice.com.

Hospital National Jewish Health needs volunteers to help with administrative support to various departments, patient greeting, pediatric playroom activity assistance and data entry. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week for at least six months. National Jewish Health is closed in the evenings and weekends, so volunteers need to be able to come in during the week. Training, parking and lunches are provided. Volunteers must participate in a criminal background check and employee health process, both provided at no cost to the volunteer. Info: 303-398-1126 or e-mail volunteers@njhealth.org.

Hospital Saint Joseph Hospital needs volunteers for the afternoon/evening shifts at its “Welcome Desks.” Volunteers will greet and assist patients and visitors by answering questions; direct visitors to patients’ rooms, department locations and meeting locations; look up patients’ room location for visitors and provide accurate information to visitors as directed by staff. Volunteers should have good interpersonal customer service skills; a positive attitude and ability to maintain a high level of professional composure under stressful conditions; ability to work with little supervision and flexibility in determining and meeting customer needs. Info: Contact Jordan Frost, volunteer coordinator, at 303-837-7667 or visit sjhfdenver.org.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Volunteers are needed to help support the Ronald McDonald Houses in Denver and Aurora by becoming a “Volunteer House Manager,” cooking meals, donating services, cleaning, doing office work and donating supplies. Info: rmhc.org/volunteer or 720-324-2404.

Seniors/finances AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers to help fight fraud and to protect older adults from financial exploitation. Volunteers are needed to work with the AARP Foundation and Colorado Attorney General’s Colorado Consumer Line in the Denver Call-Center. References and background checks are required. Info: Contact Bob Toye at 720-947-5304 or e-mail rtoyle@aarp.org.

Consumer Fraud education AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers with public speaking experience to educate seniors about financial security, fraud and scams. Documented speaking experiences and references are required. Info: Contact Amy at 720-947-5306 or visit aarpelderwatch.org.

Foreclosure Prevention Program SouthWest Improvement Council needs volunteers to assist with the Foreclosure Prevention and Housing Counseling Program. Volunteer activities include answering phones, returning calls to clients, setting appointments and faxing and filing documents. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one 4-hour shift one day each week. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Info: 303-934-2181.

Money management Seniors Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people maximize their personal independence, needs volunteers for its Money Management Program – Bill Payer Service. After training, volunteers will go into the residences of low income disabled or elderly persons, at no cost, to assist them with organizing and paying their bills, balancing their checkbook and providing guidance on personal budgeting and related matter. Info: Tim Cusick at 303-300-6933 or tcusick@seniorsinc.org.

Rebuilding Together Metro Denver Rebuilding Together Metro Denver is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the community to rehabilitate the houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled. There is an upcoming service project in October. For volunteer information, visit rebuildingdenver.org.

Volunteers of America RSVP, a program sponsored by Volunteers of America, assists over 80 agencies in Denver, Douglas and western Arapahoe counties recruit volunteers. Participants must be 55 or older and can sign up for volunteer positions at partner agencies during RSVP’s “Inside Scoop” meetings. Info: Jan Munoz at 303-297-0408, ext. 13128.

Food donations The Jeffco Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, needs soup, canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned meats, peanut butter, beans, rice, cereal and pasta for its food bank. The Jeffco Action Center is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to needy residents in Jefferson County. Items can be dropped off at Jeffco Action Center dock, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood. Dock hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and on Fridays; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.Info: 303-237-7704 or jeffcoac.org.

Food bank Food Bank of the Rockies needs volunteers in the Distribution area of the warehouse filling orders, packing boxes, sorting products for delivery and more. FBR can accommodate groups from 1-30 individuals for two shifts per day as well as one Saturday morning per month. Info: Contact Olive at 303-371-9250, ext. 236 or e-mail volunteer@foodbankrockies.org.

Medical relief Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need of medical relief around the world. Project C.U.R.E. Corps needs groups of volunteers to sort items, load containers and for warehouse organization. Individual volunteers are needed to work as truck drivers, volunteer coordinators, couriers, sorting team leaders, and in procurement and general administration. Info: projectcure.org or 303-792-0729.

Child assistance CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that trains, supports and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the physical, emotional and educational needs of abused and neglected children. Volunteers attend 30 hours of training in order to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. Info: casa17th.org, 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.

Victim assistance The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office needs volunteers for its Victim Assistance Program, which provides 24-hour a day, 7-day a week crisis response to crime victims and other individuals involved in traumatic events or persons in need. Volunteers are trained to provide crisis intervention and short-term support. Additionally, the program provides referral information as well as information on victim rights, victim compensation and case status. Following initial training, there are monthly training meetings held the first Monday evening of each month. Advocates sign up for two days a month for either a weekday night 12-hour shift or weekend 24-hour shift. Applicants will be required to submit to a background investigation including an integrity interview, polygraph examination and fingerprint clearance. Successful applicants must attend all academy trainings. Info/request application packet: 720-874-4038 or 720-874-4190.

Adult literacy tutor Attend a training at a Douglas County library to learn how you can help adults learn English, become better readers or prepare for tests like the GED, military entrance or citizenship exams. Register: 303-791-7323 or visit the “Programs and Events” calendar at douglascountylibraries.org.

Adult/family education tutors The Learning Source for Adults and Families needs volunteer tutors for its adult classes in the Denver Metro area (and especially in the Aurora area). Volunteers are also needed to tutor classes at the Denver Jail. Areas of instruction are English language, reading, writing, math and GED preparation. No prior teaching experience is required. Info: contact Volunteer Recruiter Debby Novotny Doig at 303-957-2883 or Debby@coloradoliteracy.org.

English tutors Central Denver Language School (CDLS) is a non profit English language program that teaches English to non English speaking adults. The school was founded by a group of volunteer teachers and has been in operation for one and a half years. CDLS’s student population has grown from thirty to over 70. CDLS needs more teachers. If you enjoy interacting with foreign students, in a classroom setting or one-on-one as a tutor, become a volunteer. Training and guidance will be provided. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, located near Broadway and 1st Ave. Info: call Bud at 303-520-4466.

English tutors The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language program needs volunteers to teach English to recently-arrived refugees. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Info: Sharon McCreary at 720-423-4843 or sharon_mccreary@dpsk12.org; or refugee-esl.org.

State Park Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton needs volunteers to help with boat inspections, greet visitors and the entrance and to lead activities for teens. There are training opportunities scheduled throughout the year. Volunteers can earn a free Colorado State Parks Annual Pass after 48hours of volunteer time. Info: 303-659-6005 or e-mail barr.lake.nature.center@state.co.us.

Yampa Valley Sustainability Council Several of Yampa Valley Sustainability Council’s programs need volunteer support.

Talking Green is forming a committee to help grow its educational program. To help select topics, schedule events and lead this educational forum, contact Sarah Fox at sarah@fox-construction.com.

Zero Waste needs volunteers for upcoming events. E-mail zero@yvsc.org.

Youth Education/Enviro Club needs volunteers to work with children and needs a new place to meet. Info: contact Kyleigh DeNucci at kyleigh@steamboatchamber.com.

Natural areas The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program needs volunteers for the following programs: “Adopt a Natural Area,” which involves monthly litter clean-ups in natural areas with flexible time commitment; “Volunteer Ranger Assistants,” serving as a friendly face on the trail to greet visitors, promote safety and assist rangers from The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program and the Larimer County Department of Natural Resource; “Master Naturalists,” learn how to lead fun hands-on field trips on a flexible schedule; and “other opportunities,” which are scheduled in the warmer months. To volunteer: Contact Susan Schafer, Natural Areas Volunteer Coordinator at 970-416-2480 or sschafer@fcgov.com. Info: visit fcgov.com/naturalareas/volunteers.php.

Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative BCWI needs volunteers to help with forums, to work on StreamTeams to protect local waterways, to write articles and take photographs, to help with general clerical duties and more. Info: KeepItCleanPartnership.org or 303-413-7365.

Trail guides The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. Info: osmp.org or 720-579-4161.

Trailwork group Trails 2000 builds and maintains trails; educates trail users and advocates for total connectivity on road, path and trail. Volunteers are needed for trail work projects near Durango and across Southwest Colorado. Info/register: visit trails2000.org, e-mail Info@Trails2000.org or call 970-259-4682.

Wilderness environmental service programs The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals. Info: 719-471-7736 or rmfi.org.

Weed district Larimer County Weed District needs a volunteer to donate about 12 hours a week assisting with general office responsibilities. Duties include answering phones, responding to questions, and preparing mailings and invoices. A six-month commitment is required. Info: 970-679-4552 or ccullins@larimer.org.

Park weeding and trail maintenance Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, needs volunteers to work with trained crew leaders to pull, snip and collect noxious weeds from 8 a.m. until noon Wednesday and to help maintain the hiking trails from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. Take a pair of work gloves with you! Info: 303-973-3959.

Trailwork The Continental Divide Trail Alliance needs volunteers to do trail work and camp in scenic landscapes ranging from arid desert to high alpine wilderness in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Volunteers will need to take camping gear. A crew chef will be on hand to provide most meals, and federal land managers and CDTA crew leaders will explain tool use, provide safety training and information on proper trail building techniques. Many projects included a guided hike or other educational outing. Projects range from one day to one week. Most project locations are car-camping accessible, however some backpacking options exist as well. Volunteers on the five Clear Creek projects can take part in prime time fly fishing, wildlife viewing and visiting Winfield, a mining ghost town. Register at cdtrail.org/getinvolved. Info: 303-838-3760, 888-909-2382 or cdtrail.org.

Trailwork The Department of Community Resources and the City of Lakewood’s Regional Parks division needs individuals, community groups and businesses to adopt a section of trail at William Fredrick Hayden Park on Green Mountain. The Adopt-A-Trail Program encourages volunteers to “adopt” a half-mile section to be inspected three times a year. Once a year, each Adopt-A-Trail team will join other teams in the park to clean up and maintain trail sections. Everyone who adopts a section of trail will be recognized with a sticker on the trail mile marker of the adopted section. Info: Lakewood.org, 303-697-6159, or e-mail erinil@Lakewood.org.

Morrison Museum The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colorado 8, needs volunteers to teach about local fossils and rocks using hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Training and mentorship provided. Volunteers are also needed to assist with reptile collection care, fossil molding and casting, and information desk/gift shop operations. Info: 303-697-1873 or mnhm.org.

Museo de las Americas The Museo de las Americas is recruiting and training volunteers for art, programs and events. Contact Kristi Martens at 303-571-4401, ext. 28, or e-mail Kristi@museo.org.

Denver Platte Valley Trolley Denver Platte Valley Trolley is an all volunteer organization in need of new volunteers. There is a formalized training program and no experience is required. The trolley is housed at the Downtown REI store lot and travels along the South Platte Greenway past Confluence Park, REI, Downtown Aquarium, Children’s Museum and Invesco Field at Mile High. Info: denvertrolley.org.

Air and Space museum Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., needs volunteers to help with youth and adult education programs offered by the Museum’s Education Department. Volunteers conduct tours, assist with hands-on activities, teach in the flight simulator lab and conduct our Project Pilot course. Project Pilot is a team building course in which students learn the basics of flight planning and then fly a mission in the Museum’s Flight Simulator Lab. Wings offers progressive training for all of these volunteer positions. Aviation experience is a plus, but is not required. Info: Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@wingsmuseum.org.

Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitor Center School field trip program guides and docents are needed to serve as hosts and conduct programs appropriate for school groups, youth and scouting organizations, senior citizen and civic groups at the Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. Info: Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.

Zoo The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., needs volunteers to assist with special events, to assist zookeepers and to work in the zoo’s membership, education and administration departments. Info: denverzoo.org or 303-376-4894.

Dinosaur Ridge Volunteer tour guides are needed to teach people about the paleontological, geological, natural resources and history of Dinosaur Ridge. Applicants must be at least 18 and must complete required training. Info: 303-697-3466 or dinoridge.org.

Science Museum The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., needs volunteers to work with visitors in the Museum’s diorama halls, galleries and activity areas. Also needed are volunteers to be guides, interpreters, collections assistants and classroom prep assistants. Info: Volunteer Services Office, 303-370-6419.

Nature Center Bluff Lake Nature Center, on the eastern edge of Stapleton, needs volunteer naturalists to work with kids using games, science experiments and hands-on activities to teach them about nature. No experience is required. Info: 303-344-0031 or BluffLakeNatureCenter.org.

Butterfly Pavilion The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, needs volunteers to work with visitors and to help in its tropical butterfly conservatory, tide pool, touch cart, and garden areas. Info: butterflies.org or Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.

Administrative assistance for Pawnee National Grassland The Pawnee National Grassland needs volunteer administrative assistants to assist with administrative work in a small office in Greeley. Duties include answering phones, filing, copying and performing other tasks while learning about the grassland. Some computer knowledge would be preferred; training will be provided. The hours volunteers will work are flexible. Info: contact the district office betseen 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 970-346-5000.

Battered women’s services Gateway Battered Women’s Services needs volunteers for its next training session in October. The 26-hour training course provides a comprehensive overview of battering dynamics and casual factors related to domestic violence. Volunteers are prepared to assist Gateway staff members in area such as: crisis line management, children’s services, legal advocacy, community education and shelter services. Gateway provides services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence who reside in the city of Aurora and Arapahoe County. Bilingual skills are welcome. For application and information, call Jeneen Klippel-Worden at 303-343-1856.

Today through Oct. 31

Crutches, canes, wheelchairs and walkers collection Arvada Fire Department and Arvada Sunrise Rotary Club are partnering with Crutches 4 Africa to provide used crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs to people in Africa who are lacking mobility. Drop off your used/unwanted mobility devices during the month of October at any of Arvada’s eight fire stations. Items in disrepair are also accepted, as working components can be utilized to repair other donated mobility devices. Arvada Fire Station locations: Station 1, 7900 W. 57th Ave.; Station 2, 12195 W. 52nd Ave.; Station 3, 7300 Kipling St.; Station 4, 6845 W. 68th Ave.; Station 8, 8100 Vance Drive; Station 6, 6503 Simms St.; Station 7, 8027 Alkire St.; Station 8, 6385 Quaker St. Info: crutches4africa.org.

Today through Nov. 5

Blankets, linens and towels drive Several Stevinson Automotive dealerships and Touchstone Imaging facilities are serving as donation drop off sites for new and clean, gently-used blankets, linens towels, and/or cash donations for the metro Denver Salvation Army. Donation sites are: Stevinson Lexus of Fredrick, 8337 Raspberry Way; Stevinson Toyota West and Scion, 700 Indiana St., Lakewood; Stevinson Chevrolet West, 15000 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood; Stevinson Imports, 5500 S. Broadway, Littleton; Stevinson of Lakewood, 801 Indiana St.; Stevinson Toyota East and Scion, 444 S. Havana St., Aurora; Dry creek Imaging, 125 Inverness Drive East, Ste. 140, Englewood; Highline MRI, 26 W. Dry Creek Circle, Ste. 160, Littleton; Lakewood Imaging Center, 14062 Denver West Pkwy., Bldg. 52, Ste. 180, Lakewood; and Thornton Imaging Center, 12021 Pennsylvania St., Ste. 106, Thornton.

Monday

Food canning Jewish Family Services needs volunteers to help can food from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Weinberg Food Pantry. Volunteers can participate in every step of the canning process – cooking in huge vats, filling and sealing cans, then cooling, labeling and packing cans into boxes for transport to the Weinberg Food Pantry. Info: contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, 303-597-5000, ext. 369.

Oct. 30

Erosion control project Rocky Mountain Field Institute needs volunteers, ages 16 and above, to plant willows and complete erosion control structures in a closed road bed that leads to Trail Creek in part of the Hayman Burn area. Volunteer hours run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Register in advance: contact Liz at 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.

Food drive/fitness event The second annual Halloween Fitness Food Drive for the Emergency Family Assistance Association will be at 8:45 a.m. at Scott Carpenter Park, 1505 30th St., Boulder. The fitness event involves a workout using a pumpkin as a substitute for a medicine ball. Participants are asked to donate 4 non-perishable items or $15. To register or for information, visit fitliv.com/bc_halloween_food_drive or call 303-550-3491.

Oct. 30 through Dec. 31

Food drive “Colfax Fights Hunger,” a community food drive benefiting Denver Urban Ministries and Metro CareRing, starts Oct. 30 with the “Boo and Brew on Colfax Avenue Halloween event. (visit booNbrew.com for details). The “Colfax Fights Hunger” tour continues through the end of December. Here is a list of participating locations where food/non-perishables may be dropped off: Paradise Cleaners, Colfax and Adams; Atomic Cowboy, Colfax and Adams; Annie’s Cafe, Colfax and St. Paul; Tiger Kim Academy, Colfax and Steele; Hooked on Colfax, Colfax and Steele; Encore Restaurant, Lowenstein CulturePlex; The Bad Kittie Salon, Colfax and Fillmore; Cafe Sanora, Colfax and Lafayette, and UMB Bank, Colfax and Gilpin. As more locations become available, an updated list can be found at mycolfax.org. Info can also be found at chundenver.org.

Nov. 13 through April 22

Fur for animals Unwanted fur apparel, including trims, accessories and shearling, can be donated to any Buffalo Exchange location Nov. 13 through April 22 for the “Coats for Cubs” program, which uses the fur to provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. (When you drop off fur, let Buffalo Exchange know it is for the “Coats for Cubs” program). To claim a tax deduction, mail your fur directly to The Humane Society of the United States, Attn: Coats for Cubs, 21oo L St., N.W., Washington, DC, 20037. Info: buffaloexchange.com and humanesociety.org/coatsforcubs.

Nov. 17

Hamill House Museum A decorating party and volunteer brunch will be at 9 a.m. at the Hamill House Museum, 305 Argentine St., Georgetown. Volunteers are needed to help decorate the Museum on Nov. 17. Volunter docents are needed during the 50th annual Georgetown Christmas Market (Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12) who can guide visitors through the museum and answer basic questions. Tours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; volunteer shifts are typically three hours, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Info: 303-569-2840.

To publicize volunteer opportunities/donations needed notices, mail details at least two weeks in advance to Andrea Labak, Volunteers Needed, The Denver Post, City Desk, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail Scispeak@denverpost.com.