INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Performing Arts Center at Cal State Northridge needs volunteers to usher shows, help publicize events, perform office work and organize special programs and events. Information: (818) 677-5768.

* The Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington needs volunteers to prepare and serve Christmas dinner on Dec. 24 at noon and in the evening and Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 in the evening. Information: (310) 830-7063.

* The Salvation Army in Los Angeles needs volunteers to help with toy packing and food and toy distribution during the holidays, as well as year-round for its many programs dealing with everything from runaway teens to homeless families with HIV-AIDS. Information: (213) 553-3277.

* Sun Alliance Hospice in Culver City needs volunteers to help care for terminally ill patients and their families. Information: (800) 664-4786, Ext. 210

* Orange County Marine Institute in Dana Point needs help in the gift shop, people to teach in the laboratory classrooms, clerical help and assistance aboard the tall ship Pilgrim. Information: (949) 496-2274.

* Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center, a rehabilitation center for seals and sea lions in Laguna Beach, needs docents to conduct tours, answer visitor questions, staff the gift shop and answer phones. Volunteers are asked to work one three-hour shift a week. Information: (949) 494-3050.

* Collage Dance Theater in Los Angeles is seeking a volunteer, five to 15 hours a week, to assist the administrator and artistic director. A strong commitment to the performing arts, good communication skills, computer literacy and transportation are required. Information: (818) 784-8669.

* Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles needs adult volunteers to work with terminally ill patients and their families in the inpatient and outpatient hospice program. Training is provided. Information: Lisa Nagy, (310) 967-1912.

* The Ryman Program for Young Artists in Los Angeles, which provides opportunities for young artists to strengthen their skills, improve their portfolios, participate in exhibits and prepare for careers in the arts, needs people to assist with its speakers bureau, office projects, student exhibitions, future Web site and fairs and festivals. Information: (213) 629-2787.

* Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles Medical Center needs volunteers to participate in a new outreach program that provides support to isolated, disabled and frail adults. Training is provided. Information: (323) 783-7416.

Information for this column should be submitted typed and double-spaced to Involvement Opportunities, SoCal Living, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053.