Opportunities for Volunteering

Volunteer Center Assistance League of Southern California is seeking individuals interested in helping in animal shelters. Duties include cleanup and repair work as well as playing with homeless animals.

The center also needs volunteers to assist temporarily homeless women. For more information, contact the center, 8134 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 200, Panorama City, at (818) 908-5040 or visit the Web site at www.volunteers.org.

San Fernando Valley Literacy Council needs volunteers to assist adults in improving their reading and writing skills. Training will be provided. For more information, contact the council at (818) 893-5216.

Organization for the Needs of the Elderly is seeking volunteers to assist in activities with preschool children in child-care programs. Volunteers support staff in providing a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information and other volunteer opportunities, please call Carol Danziger, director of volunteers, at (818) 705-2345.

The California Emergency Mobile Patrol is looking for dedicated individuals to perform search and rescue, disaster response, park watch, communications, first aid services and community assistance. Applicants are asked to commit at least 12 hours a month. For more information, contact the mobile patrol at (818) 998-6791.

The Autry Museum of Western Heritage is searching for history buffs interested in serving as volunteer tour guides. Prospective volunteers will take part in a training program that includes a comprehensive course in Western history, lectures by guest scholars and museum staff and learning about the museum’s artifacts.

The training program begins Oct. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the museum, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. For more information, call Donna Tuggle Dickerson, volunteer administrator, at (213) 667-2000, Ext. 242.