Practical View : What Can You Do to...Feed the hungry, help a child, inspire a teen-ager, cheer the lonely, clean the ocean, befriend an old person or share the healing beauty of art...

After a year of riots and recession, many Southern Californians have resolved--or at least considered--doing more to help rebuild their communities in ’93. We couldn’t print every volunteer opportunity, so if you don’t find any listed in your neighborhood or area of interest, contact county or local city volunteer agencies. And if time is a problem, many groups welcome donations of food, clothing and money. Work With Kids

The Family Friends Project is looking for people 55 and older to be surrogate grandparents to children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. These volunteers bring friendship to children and their families, offering such aid as respite care and help with homework. The next training session is Jan. 25-27. Information: Terry Shajirat, San Fernando Valley, (818) 761-3447; Linda Sarni, San Gabriel Valley, (818) 397-3001; Darlene Basch, Los Angeles, (310) 825-9647.

* Among the successes at the Alliance for Children’s Rights was the reuniting of five siblings placed in separate foster homes. Volunteer attorneys represent children in non-criminal court cases. (213) 368-6010.

* Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s new “Health Champions Program” teaches kids to take charge of their own well-being. Among its volunteer jobs are helping the district medical staff prepare a fitness report for each student and working at new salad bars in cafeterias. To inquire, call (310) 450-8338, Ext. 218.

* You might not know that you don’t have to be a parent to be a Scout leader. The Boy Scouts of America, (213) 413-4400, accepts men and women over 21 as Scout masters. Angeles Girl Scout Council, (213)-933-4700, and others welcome men and women over 18 to lead troops.

* If you’d rather befriend one young person at a time, consider Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles seeks men over 18 to serve a half day a week as friends to boys without male role models. Call Mary Langford at (213) 258-3333. Big Sisters of Los Angeles seeks women over 21 to be friends and mentors for young girls. (213) 933-5749.

* Serving needy children in downtown Los Angeles is Para Los Ninos. People help with projects including emergency food and shelter, day care and after-school care and recreation and intervention programs for teens. Patricia Tomlin, (213) 623-8446.

* Can you cook, sew, do arts and crafts? Do you like to read to children? The Jeffrey Foundation could use you in its day-care center, which offers education and recreation programs for multi-handicapped children. A volunteer workshop will be held March 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Carol Saenz, (213) 965-7536.

* Five Acres in Altadena provides residential treatment, a therapeutic school, an emergency shelter, family group homes, a deaf services program, foster care and in-home treatment and support for families in crisis. There is a need for volunteers to be special friends to children, assist house parents at residential facilities and help at fund-raising events. Nan Jones, (818) 798-6793, Ext. 2532.

* The Superior Court Advocate Office recruits adult volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates for children in the dependency court system. Applicants must have time on some weekdays for training, court hearings and other case duties. African-American and Latino volunteers are in particular demand. An orientation will be held Jan. 26, 7-9 p.m., in Monterey Park. (213) 526-6666.

* Working with kids can mean playing with kids. Basketball coaches spend three hours a week with teens 14-19 at the Aliso-Pico Recreation Center in Boyle Heights. Joyce Nishimuro, (213) 264-5261.

* Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist children in its after-school activities, aquatic programs, camp and field trips. Hours are flexible and there are several locations. Brenda Sorensen, (213) 874-3300, Ext. 337.

* Rolling Readers USA needs men and women to read stories to economically disadvantaged children for one hour a week or more. Robert Condon, (213) 351-8499.

* Tripod needs people to help hearing-impaired children and their families. Assistance with morning day care, arts and crafts, simple activities for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 and other projects is needed. Volunteers should have intermediate sign-language skills and art experience. A commitment of three months is required. Training provided. Information: Barbara Lincoln, (818) 972-2080 (V/TDD).

Promote the Arts

The Bilingual Foundation for the Arts, founded by actress Carmen Zapata, produces three classical productions in Spanish and English each season as well as a series of staged readings. It also offers theater programs in elementary and secondary schools. Volunteers usher and help with concession booths. Information: Peter Weber, (213) 225-4044.

* String players are especially needed at the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra, a service organization in its 40th year. Other instruments are welcome and you don’t have to be a doctor to join. (310) 275-0584.

* A love of art and time are the only requirements for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Docent Council. These volunteers lead museum tours for schoolchildren and adults. Bilingual applicants are needed. For information and applications (deadline Feb. 3), write the Docent Council, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036.

* Arts, crafts and theater for junior and senior high school students are led by volunteers at the Korean Youth Center, 3470 Wilshire Blvd. Also needed are tutors for children ages 6 to 15. Kathy Kim, (213) 365-7400.

* Free Arts for Abused Children brings healing through art to troubled families and children in protective custody. Volunteers accompany children to cultural and athletic outings and such special events as arts days. Amateur and professional artists share expertise in drawing, dance, drama and music. Activities take place in more than 60 residential-care facilities and group homes throughout Southern California. Barbara Lashenick, executive director, (310) 479-1212.

* Do you play the piano? Help Goodwill Industries of Southern California, which gives benefit shows of antique fashions with music from Broadway and films. Information: Beryl Panza, (213) 223-1211, Ext. 229 or 230.

* Inner-City Arts provides programs to schools during the day and in after-school latchkey programs. Volunteers assist in classrooms and the office. (213) 627-9621.

Help the Needy

Project Angel Food needs volunteer drivers throughout Los Angeles County to deliver meals to homebound AIDS patients and others with life-threatening illnesses. The project delivers up to 400 meals daily, and has a long waiting list of new patients. Information: Ilsa Glanzberg or Thom Murray, (213) 656-9615.

* Catholic Charities’ Loaves & Fishes, an emergency food and clothing assistance program, needs volunteers on weekdays to help with all aspects of the program. There are locations in Glendale, Van Nuys, San Fernando and Canoga Park. Ema Collins (Glendale), (818) 247-8215; Steve Squier (San Fernando Valley), (818) 365-3194.

* Chrysalis in downtown Los Angeles helps homeless men get back on their feet and into the mainstream by providing clothing and grooming aid, job training and counseling. Becky Iverson, (213) 895-7777.

* Imani Unidos AIDS Project Food Pantry, at Faith United Methodist Church, 1713 W. 108th St., South-Central Los Angeles, is seeking volunteers to help stock shelves and distribute groceries to the needy. The pantry is jointly run by the church and AIDS Project Los Angeles. Information: (213) 754-2320.

* Downtown Women’s Center has an ongoing need for volunteers to provide legal advice, assistance in obtaining government benefits and advocacy services to the mentally ill and homeless women it serves. Volunteers also teach art, dance and poetry and help cook and serve lunch at the center. Many volunteers are business people in the downtown area. Juliana Otis or Debra Garvey, (213) 680-0600.

* Nechama, a program of the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, offers food, shelter, legal and other services and public education about AIDS. It also prepares kosher meals at holidays for those in need. Volunteers are needed for its speakers bureau, education and food programs. Information: (213) 653-8313.

* Los Angeles Mission in downtown Los Angeles gives food, clothing, lodging, counseling and other services to men and women in need. Volunteers may become involved in a wide variety of programs. For women’s programs, call Deborah Giles, (213) 614-0743, Ext. 507; for men, Veronica Barrios, (213) 629-1227, Ext. 328.

Boost Education

At the Fulfillment Fund of Los Angeles, mentors help disadvantaged junior high and high school students realize their potential. This is a one-on-one relationship that ideally lasts through a teen’s years in secondary school. Mentors introduce students to experiences such as visits to college campuses, are available to help with school problems and encourage students to finish high school and attend college. Information: (310) 788-9700.

* The I Have a Dream Foundation of Los Angeles is another organization that recruits adults to mentor disadvantaged Los Angeles area students. The focus is on inspiring and helping young people to achieve high school diplomas and college educations. (213) 295-8428.

* The Fred Jordan Mission in downtown Los Angeles needs people to tutor schoolchildren. Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. (818) 915-1981.

* Braille Institute provides free programs and services to thousands of blind and visually impaired people each year. Volunteers serve as classroom assistants, teaching cooking, English as a second language, arts, crafts and music. Readers assist blind college students, record study materials and prepare printed material for translation into Braille. There’s also a place for people who can repair talking book machines used by more than 17,000 library patrons. Carlye Rudkin, (213) 663-1111, Ext. 260.

* Keeping teens in school and teaching them about business are missions of Junior Achievement of Southern California, which is recruiting volunteers for the spring school semester. Leaders work during school hours, bringing business experiences to junior high and high school students. Volunteers receive training, lesson plans and classroom materials. Martin Anenberg, (213) 957-1818.

* Volunteers at the California Museum of Science and Industry make science fun by working with the museum staff to present interactive programs to visitors. Orientations take place the first Saturday of each month. Information/RSVP for orientation: Terrell Avazian, (213) 744-2327.

* The Library Adult Reading Project, a literacy service of the Los Angeles Public Library, provides free English as a second language instruction to adults in Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown, Echo Park, the Exposition Park area and at Central Library. No experience is required to train as a volunteer instructor. William Byrne, (213) 750-3573.

Contribute to Health

Concern II, an all volunteer organization of men and women ages 25 to 45, supports pediatric cancer research. Members work on fund-raisers--publicity, decorations, selling tickets. Lisa Charnes, (213) 870-0319.

* Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation, 4401 Crenshaw Blvd., needs help with fund-raising and administrative work. Tasks include assisting with mailings and events. Minimum commitment is four hours a week. People are also needed to help prepare for the foundation’s summer camp for children with sickle cell disease. Jacqueline Bradley or Shellene Stephens, (213) 299-3600.

* Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital treats more than 15,000 children annually. The hospital’s International Children’s program needs translators for children arriving from Mexico. Other volunteers work with children in arts and crafts and music therapy, assist in medical departments, pitch in with clerical work and staff the information desk and thrift shop. Information: Linda Corrente, (213) 742-1532.

* National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 836 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach seeks volunteers for its Woman to Woman program. The program provides help to women recovering from alcohol and drug abuse and to their children. Areas that need workers: the office, general maintenance, the garden and the kitchen. Information: (310) 435-5507.

* The Los Angeles Free Clinic serves poor people at facilities in Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Hollywood. All are in need of volunteers ranging from physicians, dentists, nurses and pharmacists to clerical helpers. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed in all areas. Hours are flexible. Information: Andi Sobbe, (213) 653-8622.

Aid the Elderly

Bet Tzedek Legal Services is seeking paralegals and retired professionals interested in working with low-income, primarily elderly people with legal problems. A commitment of eight hours per week is asked. Volunteer attorneys are also needed. Information: Robin Sommerstein, (213) 939-0506.

* Elderly people in 15 convalescent homes and care facilities are on the waiting list for the Pasadena Humane Society’s Companion Animal Program (CAPS), in which owners bring friendly pets to cheer patients. The program also serves children’s facilities. The minimum commitment is one visit a month. Anyone with a socialized pet and their own transportation may call Sandy De Marco, (818) 792-7158.

* Sunset Hall, 2830 Francis Ave., a nonprofit retirement residence for free-thinking, liberal elders, needs volunteers to assist with resident group activities, transportation, “adopting” a senior, reading, gardening, discussion groups and office work. Information: Priscilla Yablon, (213) 387-5277 or (213) 387-6581.

* Organization for the Needs of the Elderly in Van Nuys, is seeking drivers to escort frail seniors to and from medical appointments. Drivers must use their own cars and be insured. Information: Valley Senior Service & Resource Center, (818) 705-2345.

* As April 15 looms, Pico-Robertson Multipurpose Center is recruiting people to assist low-income seniors in preparing federal and state income tax returns. Volunteers work one day a week. Training is given by U.S. Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board representatives. Information: Barbara Harris, (310) 271-3306.

* Wise Senior Services Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers to help residents of nursing homes and board and care facilities with issues of abuse, resident rights, medical care, diet and living conditions. Volunteers will undergo 36 hours of training before being assigned to a facility in the Los Angeles area. Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed. Information: Estelle Harris, (800) 334-9473 or (310) 393-3618.

* Volunteers visit isolated old people through the West Hollywood Senior Center. Training is provided. Commitment is two hours a week. Hours are flexible. Information: (213) 851-8202.

Befriend Animals

The Amanda Foundation needs volunteers to exercise and play with dogs and cats that have been rescued from city and county pounds. The animals are kept at sites in Culver City and Beverly Hills while awaiting adoption. (310) 278-2935.

* Pet Orphans Fund in Van Nuys needs volunteers to walk dogs and spend time with dogs and cats. A monthly training class is required of all volunteers. Volunteers should love animals and commit at least 10 hours a month to help care for them. Linda Rosenblum, (818) 980-0458, evenings.

Save the Planet

The next project for Rhapsody in Green will be helping to restore the natural environment at the El Segundo Sand Dunes in Playa del Rey on Jan. 24. The organization schedules Southern California environmental restoration projects on Saturdays and Sundays. Volunteers work under the direction of biologists on such tasks as replacing exotic plants with native ones. Information: (213) 654-5821.

* The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service uses volunteers on biological and environmental projects throughout Southern California. People may work on wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, administration, research studies, library organization or biological examinations. (619) 431-9440.

* Citizens for a Better Environment concentrates on urban problems such as air pollution, quality of drinking water and toxic waste. It seeks volunteers for office work, research and staffing special events. Woody Hastings, (310) 450 5192.

* Coalition for Clean Air works to clean the air in the Los Angeles Basin. Activities include monitoring government agencies and providing a clearinghouse of air pollution information. Especially needed are speaker’s bureau volunteers to visit clubs, schools, churches and other organizations with slide show presentation and air pollution literature. (310) 450-3190

* At Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles, the focus is on a range of urban environmental issues from public health to community recycling. Programs include public outreach and education, workshops and block club organizing. Volunteers are needed for office staff, neighborhood surveys and information distribution. RaJendra Samana, (213) 235-1128.

* A Santa Monica Bay that is safe for swimming and fishing is the aim of Santa Monica-based Heal the Bay. Among the jobs for volunteers is the “gutter patrol” that monitors storm drain catch basins. Information: Kim Francis at (310) 394-4552.

* The Mono Lake Committee is a nonprofit citizens’ group dedicated to saving Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra. Volunteer opportunities in the Los Angeles area and the Eastern Sierra park include office work, speakers bureau and staffing special events. Betsy Reifsnider at (818) 972 2025.

* Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter, 3345 Wilshire Blvd., needs front-desk volunteers, especially on Fridays and Mondays, for office work and telephone duty. The organization works on environmental issues at local, state, national and international levels. Francesca Maas, (213) 387-4287.

* Volunteers can join groups planting street trees in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles or seedlings in local mountain forests under the auspices of TreePeople. For information and a calendar of events call (818) 753-4600.