Even as the president pushes citizens to help others, Angelenos are already answering the call. Whether the need is visiting children with AIDS, teaching adults to read or making home repairs, these volunteers are. . . : Hands On

We’ve heard it so often it’s become like white noise: “It is better to give than to receive.”

But the deepest truth is that giving is receiving.

Ask any volunteer.

As President Clinton’s three-day Summit for America’s Future focuses national attention on the importance of citizens sharing their time and talents, The Times asked a variety of Southern California volunteers to recall unforgettable moments.

All said they went into volunteering thinking they were the giver, and were transformed. They got so much out of it they can’t imagine giving it up.

That truth is brought home by the statistics: More than a million Angelenos volunteer on a regular basis. More Americans volunteer than vote. And each one has a special story.

Here are just a few.

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Ronnie Cavalluzzi organized a ballet performance for 1,200 children at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex in Los Angeles:

“I worked all summer, calling the schools, meeting with the principals, the board of education, getting everybody involved, even the permits and the parking. The morning it happened it was the most incredible high, all these kids from different backgrounds--7-, 8- and 9-year-old kids--and for almost all of them this was their first exposure to a live arts performance.

“Picture this collective excitement of 1,200 kids outside at 9 a.m. on a bright summer day. And then we go into the theater--the women in long white tutus and pink pointe shoes come out--and there was dead silence, this total captivation. It was a thrill I’ll never forget.”

Luckman Fine Arts Complex: (213) 343-6600

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Nancy and Sanford King take care of dogs for people with HIV / AIDS:

“We got a call that a foster home was needed for Girlfriend because her owner had to go into a hospice. Michael came to meet us to make sure that she would be happy with us. He was sort of a street-tough kid, but he and the dog obviously had a terrific bond.

“We visited him twice a week, bringing pictures of the dog. We brought Girlfriend to the grounds, and he came down in an electric wheelchair and they played. He was very weak. But it was wonderful to see how much they loved each other. A few days later, he died. Girlfriend became really quiet and sat by the gate for weeks. We know she knew. She’s part of our family now.”

PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful support): (213) 876-7297

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Martin Early teaches job-seeking skills to the homeless:

“A man came in after 10 straight years in prison. He wanted to find a job but didn’t think he had any skill or occupation. But it turned out he had done all aspects of kitchen and food-service work in prison. He took workshops on developing a work history, finding job leads, learning to prepare an application, how to act in an interview.

“He went out to new restaurant in Westwood and got hired immediately as a chef. They knew he’d been in prison. Now he’s a volunteer at Chrysalis, teaching others. He’s why I do what I do.”

Chrysalis: (213) 895-7777

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Ilse Kahn holds after-school cooking classes for kids:

“We’re little old ladies with white hair. We pack up half our kitchens and drive to inner-city schools to teach kids to cook. They love it, the boys as much as the girls. They’re so proud to take home dishes they’ve made. One little boy in our class was shot, and his grandmother made aprons for us.

“They love expressing their creativity. That’s what we want. It’s for their self-esteem.”

LA’s BEST, After School Enrichment Program: (213) 847-3681

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Milesetta Cole teaches adults to read:

“A woman I was tutoring had to stop school when her mother died, to stay home and take care of her sisters and brothers. She began working when she was about 13. She started in a laundry, sorting clothes. She eventually became an experienced presser for film studio costumes. She made an enormous salary--but she couldn’t read.

“I taught her for two years. I remember when she finally learned the word ‘sister’: It was very slow ‘sis . . . ter.’ Her face glowed. I was overcome.”

Library Adult Reading Project: (213) 228-7540

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Tom Wagener works with Christmas in April to provide home repairs for the indigent and handicapped:

“This year we’re doing repairs on a house for a fellow who is a Vietnam veteran. He lost his leg to diabetes three years ago. It’s been three years since he’s had heat or hot water. The only way he can get water is to go outside.

“We’re going to replace all his plumbing, give him a new stove, new water heater and furnace, build a kitchen counter that he can access with his wheelchair. I know already that this is going to be my favorite of all.”

Christmas in April, South-Central L.A.: (310) 672-0971

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Ileana Ruiz reads to children at elementary schools and libraries:

“I remember one little boy coming up to me last year and asking if I read to my children. I said, ‘Of course I do.’ He said, ‘Oh, they’re so lucky! My parents don’t read to me at home.’

“I read ‘The Red Balloon’ and did something special with that story. I also showed the kids the video, and, as a surprise, my husband was outside the door and came in with 40 red balloons, and gave each child a balloon to take home.”

Rolling Readers: (213) 351-8499

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Bonnie Flores visits and spends time with babies with HIV / AIDS:

“There was a special little girl. She was like an old soul in a sick child’s body. When I first met her, she was 3 1/2 and weighed 15 pounds. I went to see her on what I sensed would be our last visit. I normally wouldn’t cry but I teared up. She was aware of it, but she said nothing to me.

“She curled up in my lap quietly. We were just saying goodbye to each other. She looked at me, square in the eyes, gave me this wise old knowing look like ‘I know.’ This was without any conversation. And that was in fact the last time I saw her. I visit her grave site, and she will always remain one of the most special people that I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

Caring for Babies With AIDS: (213) 931-9828

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Wendy Darby volunteers for L.A. Opera:

“I’ve loved opera since I was 6 and first went to the Met. I work sometimes for the marketing department, doing clerical. Or help at parties, like handing out gifts. And every production there’s one time when the whole cast has back-to-back rehearsals and they’re in costume so they can’t leave the building. So we prepare food and serve a meal for everyone.

“But my favorite [task] is light walking. I stand onstage and take the place of the singer while the lighting director sets the lights. It’s fascinating. The sets are close up. You watch the production come together on the stage.”

* L.A. Opera: (213) 972-7200