The Mail Tribune publishes this volunteer opportunities column to inform the public about a variety of volunteer needs and explain how readers can get involved.

For more information, contact Terry Poland at 776-4495 or e-mail tpoland@mailtribune.com. Fax changes to 776-4376. Updated June 2009

AARP TAX AIDE PROGRAM: Volunteers are needed to provide free tax help to middle and low-income taxpayers. Training in basic tax information and computerized tax programs is provided. Call RSVP at 857-7780.

ABDILL-ELLIS LAMBDA COMMUNITY CENTER ASSOCIATION needs volunteers to work in the center and on a variety of projects and events. AELCCA is a nonprofit, volunteer run, social service center serving lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender individuals and anyone questioning their sexuality, and their family and friends. Anyone interested in volunteering should e-mail abdillellis@yahoo.com or call the Center 488-6990.

ABOUT CANINE CONNECTIONS: Volunteers are needed for visiting pet programs serving the elderly and children in need. Call Julie at 482-8422 or Sandy at 245-0840.

ACCESS INC. FOOD RESCUE: Volunteers are needed to help prepare and repackage entrees, soups and side dishes for Jackson County food pantries. For information and to sign on to the food rescue team at ACCESS Community Kitchen (behind Costco), 3630 Aviation Way, Medford, call Philip Yates at 774-4320 or e-mail pyates@mighty.net.

THE ADDICTIONS RECOVERY CENTERseeks mentors. Individuals in recovery are encouraged to bring their experience, strength and hope to help other's in the early stages of recovery. Call Edward Burns at 779-1282, Ext. 108 or e-mail edb@addictionsrecovery.org.

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THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S DISCOVERY SHOP needs volunteers with a few hours a week to work in the shop. There are opportunities in sales, displays, sorting or pricing. Training is provided. Call Cliff at 779-8909.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION: Volunteers needed with flexible schedule during office hours, M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Qualifications include patience, good communication and organization skills and ability to email/use Internet. References are requested. Alzheimer’s Association will train right person/s to respond to helpline calls and walk-ins who often are caregivers and/or family of persons with dementia. Callers often need referred to resources such as support groups, respite, behavior and communication information, education programs or to check out materials from our Lending Library. Other volunteer opportunities available include classroom teacher, providing education on a variety of Alzheimer's topics such as caregiver issues, safety & communication. Volunteers are also needed to serve as facilitators for our support groups. Facilitators receive ongoing training and support by the Alzheimer’s Association. Times and locations for support groups vary. We also need volunteers for our annual October Memory Walk to assist with event promotion. For further information, please call 541-774-9348 or email Loretta.Ascencio@alz.org.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS: Assistance is needed at the Blood Donor Center and at blood drives in Jackson and Josephine counties; clerical volunteers are needed to help in the office, CPR/first aide instructors are needed to teach classes and community members are needed to become an active part of our Emergency/Disaster Services Team to be trained to respond when local and national disasters strike. All training is provided. Call 779-3773.

ANIMAL LOVERS: Committed Alliance To Strays rescues, tests, vaccinates, neuters and provides a full adoption shelter for homeless cats awaiting adoption. Skilled volunteers are needed to answer phones, adopt out cats, keep the shelter clean, help with public relations and outreach programs. Call Jan Whetstone from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 779-2916.

AGE WISE AGE WELL: This program consists of older adults volunteering as peer counselors to provide support, counseling and advocacy for older adults in the Rogue Valley. Call Brent Poulton at 774-7958.

THE ARC OF JACKSON COUNTY: Advocates For The Developmentally Disabled needs volunteers to assist in the thrift store, Treasures II. Call Mike or Trish at 779-4520.

ASANTE HOSPICE: Needs volunteers willing to spend a few hours a week to help hospice patients and their families. No prior experience is needed. Asante provides 30 hours of training several times a year. Call 789-6859.

ASHLAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: Auxiliary volunteers are needed in the gift shop, same-day surgery, and at the outpatient desk. Men and women are invited to call the membership chairman at 488-7968 for orientation and training information.

ASHLAND FAMILY YMCA needs volunteers for a variety of positions including the front desk and child development center, fitness center and youth sports. Hours are variable. Apply in person at the YMCA, 540 YMCA Way, Ashland. Call 482-9622.

ASHLAND INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL The Ashland Independent Film Festival is seeking volunteers for the eighth annual festival scheduled for April 2 to 6. An informational meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, at the Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St. No need to RSVP, just show up. Volunteering for the non-profit Ashland Independent Film Festival is a way to meet other film lovers and support the arts. Volunteers help out before and during the festival with everything from office work, events, ushering and much more. Volunteer perks include vouchers for festival screenings, 2009 AIFF Tee shirt, a volunteer appreciation party and more! For more information on the many different volunteer areas and to fill out a volunteer form visit: ashlandfilm.org. For questions, e-mail volunteers@ashlandfilm.org or call 541-488-3823. .

ASPIRE PROGRAM needs volunteer mentors to work one-on-one with high school students, helping them to continue their education after high school. ASPIRE has programs at Eagle Point, Medford and Ashland high schools. Call Jed Maclaurin at 830-6723 or see www.aspireoregon.org.

BEAR CREEK GREENWAY EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION: This nonprofit organization dedicated to building a horse/all-purpose trail in Rogue Valley needs additional members to attend monthly planning meetings. Goals include connecting trails in Central Point and Talent and providing a riding/hiking/picnic facilities throughout the valley area. Equestrian enthusiasts are encouraged. The trail is sanctioned by the Jackson County Parks Department. Call 535-6637 or 664-1941.

BICYCLE SAFETY: The Bicycle Transportation Alliance seeks volunteers to help with bicycle safety classes for fifth- and sixth-graders in Medford, Talent, and Ashland public schools. Call 482-1887.

BRITT: Do you love music, the outdoors and working with people from all walks of life? Then the Britt Festivals team needs you! There is a job for just about every person, too. Volunteers do everything on the hill from serving as ushers to scooping ice cream, from working security to selling raffle tickets, from working on a clean-up crew, to helping in the Britt office. Individually, volunteers give as much time as they’d like, whether it’s just a few concerts, or the bulk of the summer. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2009 Britt season and live in the Rogue Valley, contact volunteer coordinator Bow Seltzer at 541-779-0847 ext. 112 or email volunteers@brittfest.org or stop by the Britt office at 216 West Main St. in Medford.

CALL-A-RIDE-PROGRAM needs volunteers to drive clients to dialysis and physical therapy appointments. They work around your schedule, offer mileage reimbursement, supplemental insurance as well as training. Call Tammy Duer, volunteer coordinator at 857-7783.

CAMP WHITE MILITARY MUSEUM: Volunteers are needed to help staff the Camp White Military Museum and will receive a free lunch. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Al Inlow at 826-2111, Ext. 3674.

CANCER SOCIETY: The local chapter of the American Cancer Society is recruiting volunteers to staff their resource centers at Providence Medical Center and Rogue Valley Medical Center. The centers are open different days of the week and different hours. Volunteers receive training prior to being assigned and can choose their hours and days of service. For more information, call Linda Alba at 245-6974.

CAP: The civilian volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force needs volunteer members for Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and the Cadet Program for young people age 12-18, as well as general administration: non-pilots, or low-time pilots, to be observers in air crews; adults who would enjoy working with cadets; or who could assist in administrative or communications roles. Training is provided. For information, call 608-6362.

CARE program needs volunteers, especially bilingual volunteers, to work a couple of hours each month with childcare providers to help them meet locally established standards. Contact Michele Jones at 494-5054.

CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates are needed to speak in court for abused and neglected children ages 0-17 years. Training is provided. To attend the orientation, call 734-2272.

C.A.T.S: Committed Alliance To Strays rescues, tests, vaccinates, neuters and provides a full-adoption shelter for homeless cats awaiting adoption. Skilled volunteers are needed to answer phones, adopt out cats, keep the shelter clean, help with public relations and outreach programs. Call Jan Whetstone from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 779-2916.

THE CENTRAL POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is looking for volunteers to work from 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Duties would include providing local resource information by phone and taking messages and giving out chamber booklets and brochures. Volunteers would be working in a one-person office and can choose what days and hours they would like to work. Call Paulette Marin between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 664-5301.

CENTRAL POINT SENIOR CENTER at 123 N. Second St. needs volunteers to help serve lunch and help in the thrift store. The center will provide lunch for a two-hour commitment. Call Eleanore Holbrook at 664-4933.

THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER needs volunteers who want to help children transition into foster care. Requirements include a one day a week commitment to wear a pager and be on call from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mileage is paid. Call Jackie Ralph at 282-5474, Ext. 115 or e-mail jralph@cac4kids.us.

CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS: DHS Child Welfare Programs needs the help of committed, dedicated individuals to transport children and adults to family visits and other appointments. Benefits include mileage reimbursement, flexible schedules and the satisfaction of helping others. Call Ardy Birkmeyer at 776-6186, Ext. 7.

CHILDREN’S MUSICAL THEATRE OF OREGON needs volunteers to provide light, sound and tech help. No experience is necessary; training is provided. There are also opportunities in concessions, ushering, costuming, sales, vocals and acting. If you are interested call John Taylor at 778-3365 or www.cmtoregon.org for upcoming shows.

THE CITY OF ASHLAND COMMUNITY SERVICES VOLUNTEER PROGRAM places volunteers within the city limits, though it does recruit from outside the city limits. Contact: Lt. Frank d’Entremont at the Ashland Police Department. 482-5211.

THE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD needs volunteers in Jackson County to review the cases of children in foster care. The CRB is a division of the Oregon Judicial Department whose mission is to serve the best interest of children and families by monitoring and helping to improve Oregon’s foster care and juvenile justice systems. People from diverse backgrounds with an interest in child welfare are encouraged to apply. Volunteers serve one day per month and are provided with all necessary training. Call Suzanne Callahan, CRB field manager at 776-7171, Ext. 175 or apply online at www.ojd.state.or.us/crb.

COMMUNITY WORKS: Dunn House, the Rogue Valley’s shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children is in need of volunteers in the following programs: children’s program, court advocacy, shelter volunteers, support group facilitators, specialty volunteers, Hispanic services.HelpLine, the county’s 24-hour crisis and information hotline is also looking for volunteers for the crisis hotline.Sexual Assault Victim Services seeks volunteers for its crisis hotline and in-person response, community education, special events and public awareness and office support.The next training will be held Oct. 18 and 19. Forty hours of training and a criminal background check are required to volunteer with Victim Services.For more information on any of these volunteer opportunities, or to register, call Renee DeSautel, SAVS/HelpLine volunteer coordinator at 779-2393, ext. 212 or Teddi Wade, Dunn House volunteer coordinator at 608-7005, ext. 1001. Volunteers work on a variety of projects, including HelpLine, Sexual Assault Victim Services (formerly Rape Crisis), StreetWise and Dunn House. Call 779-2393 or visit www.community-works.org.

CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING: Volunteers work in the Money Management Program helping seniors and the disabled manage their bill paying and budgeting. All volunteers are trained and must pass a criminal background check. Call 779-2273 or see www.CCCSSO.org.

COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Volunteers are needed for three vacancies on the Jackson County Roads Committee. One position represents the trucking industry, one represents agriculture and one will represent the public. The terms are three years each. For more information, call Julie Slaughter at the Roads Department at 774-8184. For an application, call the Jackson County Board of Commissioners at 774-6116.

Volunteers are also needed for three vacancies on the Animal Control Advisory Committee. Two positions represent the interests of livestock/cattlemen; one represents the public. The term length varies from two to three years, ending on June 30. The committee meets six times yearly. Call Colleen Macuk at 774-6644. To apply, call the board of commissioners at 774-6116.

CRATERIAN GINGER ROGERS THEATER: Volunteer opportunities are available in the box office and ticket sales, ushering and concessions. Call 779-3000 to reserve a spot.

CRIME VICTIM AND WITNESS SERVICES: This program seeks concerned, dedicated volunteers to provide direct services to children and adults who have been victims of crime. A minimum commitment of six hours per week is required. Training is provided and bilingual, bicultural volunteers are encouraged to apply. Call 774-8187 or visit 717 W. 10th St., Medford.

DIABETES JACKSONVILLE WALK COMMITTEE: Volunteers are needed for the American Diabetes Jacksonville Walk Planning Committee. Contact Julie Ball at 541-830-0827.

DOGS FOR THE DEAF needs volunteer drivers to pick up and deliver dogs locally and in Portland. Locally, drivers pick dogs up from a foster home in the morning and bring them to the training facility. Drivers are also needed in the afternoon to take the dogs back home. Trips to Portland would involve picking up dogs at the airport or various shelters in the Portland area and bringing them to the training facility in Central Point. An excellent driving record is a must. Volunteers may use a company vehicle or be reimbursed for mileage. Call Tanya Dias-Casillas at 826-9220.

DUCKS UNLIMITED: Central Point/Medford Ducks Unlimited seeks volunteers to help organize the annual dinner and auction and to help collect donations from the community. For more information, visit www.ducks.org. To volunteer, call Aniese at 541-858-8161.

DUNN HOUSE: Dunn House, the Rogue Valley’s shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their children seeks volunteers for the following: Children’s program, support group facilitators, specialty volunteers, shelter volunteers and Hispanic Services. Crisis hotline and in-person response, community education, special events and office support. Call Angela Fleischer, Dunn House volunteer coordinator at 541-608-7005, Ext. 1001.

EASTER SEALS MEDFORD: Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year in programs that serve children (ages 3 and older), teens and adults with disabilities. Volunteers (ages 16 and up) are needed to work as recreation buddies for the children’s programs held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month, and for Monday through Friday afternoons. There will also be summer day camp opportunities. Call 842-2199.

FOOD & FRIENDS: The Meals on Wheels program needs drivers in Central Point, Eagle Point, Gold Hill, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix, Rogue River, Talent and White City. The need for drivers and kitchen help is critical in the Central Point area. Volunteers commit to one day a week, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Training and mileage reimbursement is available. To apply, call 664-6674 in Central Point.

FOTAS: The Friends of the Animal Shelter seeks volunteers to help save homeless cats and dogs. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at the shelter. Call 774-6646 or see www.fotas.org.

FRIENDS OF APPLEGATE VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 9: Volunteers are needed to help firefighters by providing food and drink to firefighters on extended fires, fund-raising to purchase equipment for the fire district, and planning activities for the volunteers and EMS personnel and their families, including an annual party, picnic, awards banquet, and yard sale fund-raiser in Ruch. Call 899-1050.

FRIENDS OF JACKSONVILLE HISTORIC CEMETERY: Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery seeks volunteers to help conduct an inventory of the cemetery, both written and photographic, as well as help with restoration and preservation work and cemetery grounds clean-ups. For more information, call 826-9939 or write FOJHC, P.O. Box 1541, Jacksonville, OR 97530

GLEANING NETWORK: The Gleaning Network Inc. needs volunteers to serve on its board of directors. The network serves low-income households and senior citizens by gathering excess in local orchards and community markets in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Contact Diane Lucas at 664-5244 during thrift store hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GOLF DRIVING RANGE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The Veterans Affairs domiciliary in White City needs volunteers to operate the domiciliary’s driving range. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Individual hours are flexible. Volunteers working a minimum of four hours a week are eligible to play free golf. Contact Ted Morehouse 826-9710 or Ray Keasler at the golf shop number at 826-2111, Ext. 3124 or 7406.

GREENSPRINGS FIRE AND RESCUE seeks volunteers to help with barbecues, picnics and food and drink administration for firefighters who cover the communities of Hyatt Lake, Lincoln and Pinehurst and the Cascade/Siskiyou National Monument. Weekly training sessions are offered. Call 482-0614 or 488-0911.

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND and Rogue Valley Guide Dogs in Training have several openings for adult puppy raisers. Meetings are at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Smullin Center. Call Brenda Riggs at 773-4422.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Habitat for Humanity/Rogue Valley, a nonprofit organization for building homes for low-income families, seeks volunteers for building, newsletter production, committee work, outreach and fund-raising. Skilled construction workers are especially needed, although anyone who wants to build at our sites is welcome. Position descriptions are available at the Habitat office, 229 W. Main, Medford, or call 779-1983 during the week to talk to a volunteer.

HELPLINE: Volunteers are needed to answer calls at HelpLine, a program of Community Works, and the only 24-hour crisis hot line and information/referral service in Jackson County. Training is provided on an individual basis by the HelpLine staff. Call Bill Ross at 779-2393, Ext. 212.

HELP NOW! ADVOCACY CENTER is recruiting volunteer advocates. Help Now! needs a volunteer who has IT expertise to assist on an ongoing basis with computer/network issues. Call Larry Kahn at Help Now! at 732-1911, ext. 14. The center provides free advocacy services to the disabled, seniors, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged by helping resolve disputes with governmental agencies, businesses or individuals. Training in negotiation and dispute resolution will be offered.

HOMELESS PREGNANT TEENS: Magdalene Home, a non-denominational Christian-based home providing a safe and caring environment with 24-hour supervision for homeless pregnant and parenting teens, needs dedicated individuals to transport the mothers and babies to and from doctor appointments, court appearances and other appointments. Call 773-5040 and leave a name and phone number.

HOPE EQUESTRIAN CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING needs volunteers to lead, prepare and walk horses will lessons are being given. Call 776-0878 or e-mail volunteeers@hopeequestrian.com.

JACKSON COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES seeks volunteers who can give three to four hours per week doing various library tasks. Orientation is held once a month. Contact the local library for a volunteer application form or call Carol Davis, volunteer coordinator, at 734-3923.

JACKSON COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL seeks volunteers to assist in the library, bookstore and with general office duties two to four hours per week. They also seek tutors to help adults students with reading, writing, math and language skills. Tutor training and materials are provided at no cost in conjunction with RCC. Call the Literacy Council at 245-8699.

JACKSON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT seeks a volunteer clerk with knowledge and expertise in Quick Books and Excel. This is a two-day-per-week position, one day before Wednesday and one day after Wednesday. Hours are negotiable. Volunteers must be bondable as required by state law. Call 734-3143.

KIDS Imagination Discovery Space, a nonprofit Rogue Valley organization, has volunteer opportunities for the following positions: playful parent, special events assistant, group host, program lead assistant, materials/art assistant, play guide, special skills assistant, birthday buddy, exhibit production assistant, landscaping assistant, outdoor exhibit assistant, face painting artist, mural artist and on-call volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, contact KIDS at 772-9922 or visit www.discoveryspace.org.

LABYRINTH WALK: Sixty volunteers are needed to welcome and assist visitors to the Sacred Walk to the New Year event that opens Dec. 29 and ends at 6 p.m. Jan. 1, 2007 in Ashland. The event is sponsored by the Rogue Valley Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship. Shifts last four hours, and training is provided. Call labyrinth facilitator Elizabeth Austin at 541-482-4132 or e-mail mycoach@mind.net.

LIFESPAN RESPITE Lifespan Respite, a program of The Arc of Jackson County, hosts two programs for families caring for loved ones that require around-the-clock care. The senior “Social Club” is held from noon to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Barnett Wood Retirement Community in Medford. The “Kids Club” is held from 1 to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of every month at the Rogue Valley YMCA in Medford. Lifespan Respite need snacks for both programs. Coffee, lemonade, tea mix and snacks such as pretzels or crackers and supplies such as playing cards, bingo set, puzzles, crafts, colored pencils, card stock, etc. Donations may be dropped off at Lifepan Respite Network of Jackson County, 2860 State St., Medford. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Also, if anyone would like to donate time, volunteers are always welcome. If interested, the next volunteer training is Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Call 821-8764.

LINDA VISTA NURSING AND REHABseeks volunteers who enjoy working with the elderly to come in to visit, read to, play music and games with residents. Call Diane Fair at 482-2341.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF JACKSON COUNTY has served Jackson County’s literacy needs for 35 years. They are in need of tutors as well as volunteers to serve as board members in various capacities. Call 245-8699.

LOVEJOY HOSPICE will train compassionate people to provide respite, lend a hand, visit clients, help in the Hospice offices or in the adult and children’s bereavement programs. They are also interested in volunteer chaplains. Call Carol at 474-1193 or toll free 888-798-8569

MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION needs volunteers in Southern Oregon. Volunteers work directly with wish children and their families, speak to interested community groups, or help coordinate fund-raising events. Volunteer meetings are held each month and the time commitment is flexible. Call Kara Minkoff at 800-934-9474 or visit www.orwish.org.

MEDFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT: Volunteers are needed by the Medford Police Department for records evaluation, handicapped parking control, bike path/Bear Creek Greenway patrol and for taking calls for reports. Volunteers will be asked to fill out a background information sheet. For more information, call Community Serve Officer Howard Pendleton, 774-2268.

MEDFORD SENIOR ACES is requesting volunteers for teaching, greeting or setup and take down of equipment. Call 773-4226, 774-9780 or 482-3182.

MENDED HEARTS: The Medford Chapter of Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit volunteer organization, needs volunteers for its patient visiting program, monthly speaker meetings and to help publish a newsletter. Call 772-0478.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION: Volunteers are needed to stuff envelopes and put together fund-raising kits from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Call 858-9815 Monday through Friday.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS - SOUTHERN OREGON: NAMI-SO seeks volunteers to work 2 1/2 hours per week in the Nami-So library. If interested, call 774-7872.

NORTH MOUNTAIN PARK NATURE CENTER will hold a field study volunteer training from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 12 and 13, at North Mountain Park Nature Center, 620 N Mountain Ave., Ashland. Volunteers are needed to help teach about water cycles, ponds and wetlands, water uses by people, plants and animals, the watershed, stream flow, water quality, riparian habitat and the Ashland water infrastructure. Two free training sessions will be offered to volunteers 16 and older who are interested in working with elementary students during May and June. For more information or to register visit ashlandparks.recware.com or call the Nature Center at 488-6606.

NUWANDART GALLERY, 258 A St., Suite 2 Ashland, needs volunteers Tuesdays through Saturdays to staff the gallery. Call 488-4ART to schedule.

OFFICE OF THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN seeks volunteer advocates and investigators to serve as ombudsmen for residents of nursing home, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes. Volunteers will be trained on the aging process, communication skills, problem-solving skills and investigation. Call Dale Swire at 858-2073 or 800-522-2602.

PACIFICA ARTS GUILD seeks volunteers to take a 10-minute survey to determine the type of benefit events the public would enjoy. Call 488-2577 or e-mail cgrant80@yahoo.com.

PET FOSTER CARE: Friends of the Animal Shelter needs volunteers to provide a good short-term foster home for a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from the county shelter. Basic requirements are a safe environment, time and resources to help an animal find a good home. Call 774-6646 or visit www.fotas.org.

PROVIDENCE HOSPICE seeks men and women to support hospice patients and their loved ones in a variety of ways. Massage therapists are also needed. Training is available several times a year. Call Susan at 732-6532.

PROVIDENCE LIFELINE needs volunteers to help install Lifeline and assist program. Lifeline is an emergency response service that links customers to 24-hour assistance at the push of a button. It allows customers to move freely around the home or yard with more confidence. For more information, call 732-5054.

PROVIDENCE MEDIVAN Compassionate volunteer drivers are needed to take area seniors and disabled adults to medical appointments. This is a free service. For more information, call 732-5466.

PROVIDENCE MEDFORD MEDICAL CENTER GUILD needs volunteers for greeting, helping, blood pressure, information desk, short stay, messengers, outpatient registration, surgery waiting, cancer center library and the gift shop. For more information, call 732-5179.

RELAY FOR LIFE Relay for Life is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at local event centers and take turns walking around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. The next Relay for Life begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009, and ends at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 31 at SOU's Raider Stadium. To participate call Stephanie at 541-261-1664 or e-mail walk2save@gmail.com,

RES-Q RANCH HORSE RESCUE: This nonprofit organization at 3077 Highway 234 in Sams Valley seeks volunteers committed to the recovery and care of unwanted, neglected or abused horses. Evening hours and weekend are open. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Call 830-4999 (evenings).

THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM needs volunteers to transport children and the elderly to medical appointments. Local and long distance transportation assignments are available. Supplemental insurance and mileage reimbursement is available. Call Tammy at 857-7783.

The Ashland volunteer police have recently joined the international association of chiefs of police known as the VIPS “Volunteers in Police Service,” and they are looking for a few volunteers. Former police officers are especially welcome although they will accept applicants with no police experience.

The senior program needs volunteers for the “Friendly Visitor Program” which deals with senior in need.

A part-time interdepartmental mail courier is needed as back-up for regular mail couriers. The work requires one to two hours a week, with vehicle and training provided.

ROGUE BOOK EXCHANGE needs reliable volunteers to mind the storefront during open hours and/or help sort and shelve their huge backlog of donated books. Rogue Book Exchange is a nonprofit that provides books, movies and CDs free to the public. For more information, see the Web site at www.roguebooks.org or contact Jenny at jenny@roguebooks.org or 779-1326.

ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE needs tutors for adult students in basic reading, writing, math and English as a second language. Work one-on-one, in a small group or in a classroom. Free training and materials. Call 245-7576.

ROGUE GALLERY & ART CENTER, MEDFORD: Interested in volunteering at the Rogue Gallery and Art Center? As a not-for-profit organization, the Rogue Gallery relies heavily on volunteers throughout the year. Volunteers must have an interest in art -- beyond that, job descriptions and necessary skills vary and training is provided for many of the positions. The positions range from retail sales to gardening, exhibit installation to handyman, teacher's aid to envelope stuffer. For more information and a volunteer application, see the Web site at http://www.roguegallery.org/

ROGUE VALLEY METAPHYSICAL LIBRARY AND EVENT CENTER is a nonprofit volunteer-operated organization that provides easy access to information on metaphysical, spiritual and paranormal subjects through a lending library and weekly events. It needs responsible, friendly, reliable and punctual volunteers for librarians, event staff, A/V tech. The minimum commitment is two hours a week. Call 541-535-3525 or visit RVML, 258 A St., No. 2, Ashland, or www.rvml.org.

ROGUE VALLEY SEARCH AND RESCUE needs men or women over 18 who are willing to train hard and work hard. In addition to searches, there is a need for calling team members. Callers are not required to be physically active. Call 826-6670 between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

RSVP RESPITE PROGRAM: Volunteers are needed to provide safety and comfort for two to three hours a week to an ill person while the caregiver takes a break. Call Loretta at 494-5058.

ROGUE ROCK LEARNING CENTER: Volunteers are needed for office jobs including computer use, phoning and mailings. A volunteer gardener is also needed. For an application, call 552-1201. The center is at 206 W. Wagner, Talent. References and transportation required

ROGUE VALLEY YMCA: The Rogue Valley Family YMCA seeks volunteers to mentor youth in its afterschool and camp programs, especially someone interested in sharing an age-appropriate hobby or talent in the arts or sciences. This can be done for as little as an hour a week. Interested parties may contact Youth and Family Director Debbie Rose at 772-6295, ext. 205. Sports enthusiasts interested in volunteering as a coach or referee in youth sports such as basketball, flag football and track can contact Youth Sports Director Gary Taylor at 772-6295, ext. 207. Aquatics and Fitness also needs volunteers to help with swim lessons, yoga and dance. Contact Fitness Director Andy Eck at 772-6295, ext. 206.

RVMC AUXILIARY: The Rogue Valley Medical Center Auxiliary needs volunteers to help out weekdays and some evening and weekend shifts throughout the medical center. Volunteer opportunities include escorting patients, courtesy blood pressure checks, pre-surgery, community health library, information and family assistance at the North Lobby Information Desk, in the emergency, surgery, intensive care and vascular recovery waiting areas, radiation oncology file room and in the two gift shops. No experience is necessary and training is provided. Call 608-5875.

St. Vincent de Paul: Volunteers needed for the following positions:• Greeter for the main office on Wednesdays: Welcome applicants, record arrival times an schedule meetings with counselors, maintain order in the waiting room.• Kitchen help on Mondays and Wednesdays: Assist with preparation of meals, wash larger dishes and pans and assist with clean-up at the end of the shift.• Receiving: Helpers are needed to unload donations and to determine acceptability. Volunteers must be firm, but courteous.• Male and female attendants for the Urban Rest Stop shower area: Attend sign-up sheet, hand out soap and towels and assist with laundry.• Driver: Pick-up, load and unload funiture (no second story work), six hours on Tuesdays.Anyone interested in volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul may contact volunteer coordinator Cheryle Tatman at 772-3828.

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army needs volunteers for the following:Angel Tree assistant coordinator for the 2008 holiday season. Angel Tree is a program that serves disadvantaged youth with toy and food donations. Call Jessica Cordero at 541-773-6965 or e-mail corderojessi@yahoo.comCMT provider. The perfect volunteer would have a passion for children and the desire to see them succeed. The CMT provider will act as a tutor in the after-school program assisting children K-6 with homework, computer skills, social skills and indoor and outdoor projects. Contact Jessica Cordero at 541-773-6965 or e-mail corderojessi@yahoo.com.Food pantry: Help with processing canned goods, assembling food boxes and distributing more than 450 food boxes each month to low-income individuals, seniors and families in Jackson County. Call Jeanna Sherman at 773-6965 or e-mail: jeanna_sherman@usw.salvationarmy.org.

SCIENCEWORKS HANDS-ON MUSEUM needs volunteers to do a variety of jobs including school group assistants, museum guides and office workers. Volunteers can commit to just a couple hours a week or only occasionally for special events. Call Char at 482-6767, ext. 29 or e-mail char@scienceworksmuseum.org.

SENIOR ACES COMPUTER CLUB needs volunteers to teach or assist teachers with basic Windows or MAC classes using Rogue Community College facilities. They also need volunteers to teach or assist at Thursday afternoon workshops. Only basic computer skills are necessary. Call 482-3182 or 773-4226.

SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIBA): seeks volunteers to help seniors and people with disabilities make important Medicare decisions that could save them hundreds of dollars a month. After completing a training program, volunteers will work one-on-one with clients or their family members, helping them learn and understand their benefits and options. For more information, call the local SHIBA office at 857-7780.

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM SERVICES (formerly Rape Crisis) seeks volunteers. SAVS advocates receive 40 hours of free training and carry a cell phone and rsource bag during their shift. Advocates respond to local hospitals to provide clothing, teddy bears and a caring, safe ear for teen and adult sexual assault victims and their families. Advocates may accompany survivors through the medical and legal processes. Trainings are offered three times a year. To register for the next training, call Tira at 779-2393 or e-mail tira@community-works.org.

SHADY COVE-TRAIL WILDFLOWER ASSOCIATION: Needs volunteers and donations for the 28th annual wildflower show to be held May 2 and 3, 2009, at Shady Cove Middle School. Proceeds benefit Fire District 4 and go towards the purchase of life saving equipment. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at St. Martin's Episcopal Church. For drop-off location call 878-8029 or e-mail rdhawk@ccountry.net

SMART: The Start Making A Reader Today program seeks volunteers to coordinate the program at campuses and to read to children. Program coordinators oversee volunteers, who read one-on-one with children who need literacy support. The program helps kindergarten through third grade students learn to read and read to learn. SMART volunteers spend one hour a week during the school year reading with two children for one half-hour each. Call 734-5628 (Jackson County) or 541-955-3785 (Josephine County) or visit www.getsmartoregon.org.

SOCSTC: Southern Oregon Child Treatment Center needs volunteers to work with at-risk children, youth and their families. Call Stephanie Maurer, volunteer coordinator, at 776-0497 or visit www.socstc.org..

SODA: Southern Oregon Drug Awareness needs help with office tasks and event organizing: answering phones, filing, bulk mailing, running errands and helping with the organization of events with SODA-Teens. Call SODA at 608-4028.

SOUTH MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL ASPIRE program needs volunteer mentors to work one-on-one with high school students helping them to continue their education after high school. If you are interested in becoming a mentor contact Bettina Burns, the ASPIRE on site coordinator at 541-842-5398, or e-mail her at bettina.burns@medford.k12.or.us.

SOUTHERN OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY seeks volunteers 14 and older for the following: House tour guide and piano player at Beekman House in Jacksonville, tour and wagon ride guides at Hanley Farm in Central Point, activity leader at Hanley Farm, front desk assistant at the Jacksonville Museum and Children’s Museum in Jacksonville. Call Jayme Neil at 773-6536, Ext. 225.

SOUTHERN OREGON HUMANE SOCIETY needs volunteers 12 and older to help with a variety of programs. Call Deltra or Babette at 779-3215.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Volunteers are needed to assist with bowling, volleyball and swimming September to late November. All volunteers must submit an application and pass a background check. Call Marie Quinn-Cabler at 857-0947.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: St. Vincent de Paul need volunteers to work in the thrift store, kitchen, pantry, office and receiving areas. Hours flexible. We are an all volunteer organization dedicated to helping the poor and needy. Call Volunteer Coordinator Cheryle Tatman at 899-9343 for more info. 2424 N. Pacific Highway, Medford.

TRANSMED PROGRAM needs volunteers to provide transportation to those who would not be able to get the medical attention they need. Drivers must be 21 or older. Training and reimbursement are offered. Call Tammy at 857-7783.

TUDOR GUILD:Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Tudor Guild invites anyone interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities to attend an informational meeting and coffee at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008. For location, call Stephanie Bullock at 488-7962 or Char Hersh at 482-0940, Ext. 6.

THE VA SOUTHERN OREGON REHABILITATION CENTER AND CLINICS (Domiciliary) in White City seeks golf course/driving range volunteers. Hours are flexible and applicants must have good interpersonal skills. For more information, contact golf course volunteer manager Ted Morehouse at 826-9710 or Tom Marshall at 826-2111, Ext. 3269 or 3585.

STITCHES FROM THE HEART needs volunteers to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, sweaters and hats for babies. These items are donated to hospitals all over the country. Patterns are available and donated yarn is appreciated. Contact Kathy Silverton toll-free at 1-866-472-6903 or e-mail StitchFromHeart@aol.com.

UPPER ROGUE COMMUNITY CENTER in Shady Cove needs volunteers to help in the office, thrift store and with Wednesday adult activities lunches, which involve meal preparation and cleanup. Throughout the year, it needs volunteers for fund-raisers and classes for adults and children. Call 878-2702.

UPPER ROGUE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION : Seeks volunteers to help on various projects to improve the economy and quality of life. The group meets at 6 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the Upper Rogue Community Center. Call 878-7404 or 541-210-0670 or visit the Web site at roguebasinwatersheds.org

VA SOUTHERN OREGON REHABILITATION CENTER AND CLINICS (Domiciliary) in White City needs volunteers (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the visitors information greeters desk. Duties would include helping veterans with facility information, directions and general assistance. No experience is necessary and training is provided. For more information, contact Tom Marshall at 826-2111, Ext. 3585.

VA SOUTHERN OREGON REHABILITATION CENTER AND CLINIC in White City is looking for volunteers to drive for the Volunteer Transportation Network, especially to transport veterans to and from clinic appointments. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individual driving hours are varied and flexible. Vehicles and gas will be provided. To apply, call James Cunningham at 541-826-2111, Ext. 3796 or Tom Marshall at 541-826-2111, Ext. 3585.

STUDIO SFUMATO, a studio for artists with a variety of disabilities, seeks volunteers to help with instruction and general encouragement during studio workshops. Workshops are held from 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays, noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. If you have an hour or two to spare, call Jean at Living Opportunities at 772-1503.

WINTERSPRING CENTER FOR LIVING WITH LOSS AND GRIEF, a nonprofit organization that provides grief and loss education and support services, needs compassionate people to help grieving children, youth or adults. After training and a background check, grief support volunteers may have the opportunity to work in play-based groups, classes involving arts, crafts or poetry and journal writing, peer support discussion groups or with individuals. Bilingual assistance will be especially helpful. The required 28-hour grief and loss education series includes two weekends at an Ashland location. Pre-registration is required and early registration is encouraged. Actors, including children and teens, stage help and mentors are also needed for the WinterSpring Theater. There is no training requirement. For information, call 552-0620 or visit www.winterspring.org.

WORLD HERITAGE: World Heritage, a nonprofit student exchange program, seeks a volunteer to serve as the community representative. The volunteer will screen potential host families, meet with local high schools, provide support for families and students and should enjoy working with teenagers. Call Julie at 866-985-4111 or see www.world-heritage.org.

YOUNG INVENTORS PROGRAM: Be a mentor overseeing a small group of high school/college youth in Ashland School of Environmental Technology’s Young Inventors Program. Hours can be just two hours/week. Varied skills are useful, including playground mudpie making. Contact shavana@indra.com or call or 846-6426.