Opportunities for Volunteering

The Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs needs volunteers to join its consumer counseling program. Volunteers will receive training to educate people about a variety of topics, including door-to-door sales and landlord / tenant relations. Volunteers for a small claims court advisor program are also needed. Volunteers must commit a minimum of four hours a week at the Civic Center office and branch offices, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Cathy Mikuni, coordinator of volunteers, at (213) 974-9740.

The Sycamores, a foster family-based treatment program, needs volunteers, married or single, to provide safe, loving homes for infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents. Long-term or backup foster parents are needed. Volunteers get training and financial support for care of the children. Call (888) 243-2645 or (818) 395-7100, Ext. 2651.

doingsomething, a national network geared toward matching busy professionals with short-term volunteering opportunities, needs volunteers. The group works with a variety of agencies. Call the doingsomething hotline at (310) 391-3907.