Opportunities for Volunteering
Volunteers with green thumbs are needed by the Common Ground Garden Program at the University of California Cooperative Extension. As part of the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program, participants will work with residents at low-income housing developments, give gardening workshops and help elementary school teachers incorporate gardening into their curriculum. They will also work on the program’s newsletter and help at the county cooperative extension office. Those who complete a 17-week, 96-hour training program, pass an exam and volunteer at least 75 hours will be certified as Master Gardeners. Applications are due Jan. 31; applicants will be interviewed in March. Classes will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays from April 2 to July 30. For an application, call (323) 838-4540.
The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank/East Valley needs volunteers for a variety of activities. Individuals who can teach drawing, painting, ceramics and photography, or who can entertain children with magic or music are especially sought. Volunteers are also needed as coaches for basketball, soccer and softball leagues; to serve as tutors at least an hour a week, or to help at the reception desk with office duties. The Boys & Girls Club, 2244 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank, is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. For more information, call Executive Director Alex Fey at (818) 842-9333
The East Valley Multipurpose Center needs people who can assist teachers at least one hour a week at Toluca Lake Elementary School. Volunteers must have recently tested negative for tuberculosis before they can help at the school at 4840 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood. For more information, call volunteer coordinator Stacey Buckley at (818) 766-5165 .
Franklin Canyon Park is seeking volunteers to help maintain its 605-acre park at 2600 Canyon Park, Beverly Hills. Volunteers should enjoy working outdoors, like native plants and be able to work independently. Weekday and weekend hours are available. People interested in leading inner city youth and other visitors on hikes must attend an eight-week training session. For more information, call volunteer coordinator Angi Bates at (310) 858-7272, Ext. 132.
