* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the...

* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the Daily Pilot on a rotating

basis. For information about adding your organization to this list,

call (949) 574-4298.

BEST BUDDIES

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers 18 and older

to provide companionship for adults with developmental disabilities.

As a “Citizen Buddy,” volunteers will visit with a buddy twice a

month and call or e-mail them once a week. The organization also has

an e-Buddies program that forms friendships entirely over the

Internet. Volunteers for that program must be at least 12 years old.

Information: (714) 546-1826 or https://www.bestbuddies.org.

BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS

The local chapter is looking for men and women older than 18 who

have lived in Orange County for at least one month and have been

employed for at least one month to serve as big brothers or big

sisters for children ages 6 to 16 from single-parent homes.

Information: (714) 544-7773, https://www.bigbrooc.org.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA INC.

Volunteer opportunities for the Orange County Council include

fundraising, program development and training to existing troops and

packs. Information: (714) 546-4990.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NEWPORT-MESA

The three area clubs need volunteer coaches and arts-and-crafts

workshop teachers. Call for locations. Information: (949) 642-2245.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

The organization is running car campaigns to support its programs.

If you would like to donate your automobile, call (800) 246-0493.

BRAILLE INSTITUTE’S

ORANGE COUNTY CENTER

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers to assist

blind and visually impaired students in a variety of areas.

Information: Mary Johnson, (714) 821-5000, Ext. 2113.

CAMP LAUREL FOUNDATION

Camp Laurel is seeking volunteer counselors and medical staff for

Summer Camp and Teen Adventure Camp. The organization is dedicated to

providing educational camping programs free of charge to children

living with HIV and AIDS. Information: (323) 653-5005.

CASA TERESA

Casa Teresa, a temporary home for single, pregnant, homeless women

18 and older, needs volunteers for these positions: office

assistant/greeter, computer assistant, program developer assistant,

and resale-boutique salesperson. Information: (714) 538-4860.

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

Volunteers are needed to serve on a Centennial Event Committee to

celebrate the 100th anniversary of Corona del Mar in 2004. Community

input on the final form of that committee is also sought.

Information: (949) 675-0501.

COMPANION HOSPICE

The hospice is now recruiting volunteers to become a friend for

someone who needs that extra special caring at the end of life.

Become a member of a team whose goal is to promote quality of life

and comfort measures. Each applicant will receive 16 hours of

orientation and training. Information: (714) 560-8177 or

volunteers@CompanionHospice. com.

COMMUNITY ANIMAL NETWORK

The network needs volunteers to help control the rising population

of wild cats in local neighborhoods. Volunteers would trap and

deliver cats to local veterinarians for spaying or neutering, and

then release them back to the property where they were found. The

goal of the program is to save the lives of stray cats. Information:

(949) 759-3646.

COSTA MESA CIVIC PLAYHOUSE

The playhouse needs volunteers for ushering, backstage work,

mailings, typing, controlling lights and many other duties.

Information: (949) 650-5269.

COSTA MESA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The society preserves and promotes the history of Costa Mesa and

the harbor area. Volunteers are needed for the archives, library,

museum, docent and public-outreach programs. Information: (949)

631-5918.

LITERACY COUNCIL

The Costa Mesa Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to teach

English as a second language. People who want to learn English as a

second language are also encouraged to call. Call to register.

Information: (714) 435-3310 or (714) 545-3445.

LITERACY PROGRAM

The program is always in need of volunteer tutors. No professional

teaching experience is required. To attain certification, a series of

training classes must be completed. For more information, contact

Literary Services at the Newport Beach Library, (949) 717-3874.

MS SELF-HELP GROUP

The Orange County chapter of the national Multiple Sclerosis

Society has started a new self-help group in Costa Mesa for people

newly diagnosed or with minimal symptoms of multiple sclerosis, or

both. The group meets at 11 a.m. the second Tuesday of every month.

Information: (949) 650-7659.

COSTA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Seniors 55 and older are invited to help staff the Westside

substation. Volunteers are asked to work two, four-hour, daytime

shifts per week. They would be responsible for answering phones,

bicycle registration, fingerprinting, data entry and assisting with

other citywide projects. Seniors who can speak Spanish and English

are also needed. Call for an application. Fred Gaeckler, (714)

754-5208.

COSTA MESA SENIOR CENTER

The multipurpose senior services facility at the corner of 19th

Street and Pomona Avenue seeks volunteers who can greet members and

the public at the front desk and volunteers for the Resource

Department with Excel computer experience and sharp telephone skills.

The Senior Meals program also needs people to deliver meals to homes.

Information: (949) 645-2356.

COSTA MESA SENIOR CORP.

The nonprofit organization at the Costa Mesa Senior Center is

looking for new board members. The fundraising and policymaking board

needs volunteers who will participate in monthly meetings, occasional

committee meetings and special projects. Candidates should have

connections in Costa Mesa and surrounding communities and an interest

in serving the community by helping seniors. Information: (949)

645-2356, Ext. 16.

COURT-APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES

Volunteers are needed to serve as advocates for abused, neglected

and abandoned children. Volunteers work one on one with a child for

three hours a week. Information: (714) 619-5155.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES

Volunteer mediators, case specialists and outreach assistants are

needed to help in a variety of mediation cases. Bilingual language

skills are needed for office volunteers and for mediators.

Information: (949) 250-0488.

EASTER SEALS

Easter Seals needs volunteers for ongoing clerical work, programs

for children with disabilities and special events. Information: (714)

834-1111.

ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER

The Environmental Nature Center provides quality education through

hands-on experience with nature in a 3.5-acre outdoor classroom.

Adult volunteer trail guides are needed in the afternoon during the

week to lead children’s tours in the Center. Several other volunteer

opportunities are also available. Information: (949) 645-8489.

FAMILIES -- COSTA MESA

This team of community-based organizations, which works to provide

youth and families with counseling, family support, health education,

mentoring, tutoring, after-school activities and kinship services,

needs volunteers in all areas. Information: (949) 574-3976.

FISH -- MOBILE MEALS

Call (949) 642-6060 to help Friends in Service to Humanity with

the Mobile Meals program and provide ongoing emergency assistance to

those in need. Both always seek volunteer assistance in a variety of

areas. Information: (949) 645-8050.