Categories... Special Events Concerts Stage Kid Stuff Outdoors Sports Farmers Market Lectures & Learning Art Openings Volunteering

PARKINSON’S INSTITUTE FUNDRAISING EVENT needs volunteers to help run the silent auction and work the door Dec. 12, 6:30-11 p.m., at the Veterans Hall in SLO. Additional donations can be sent to The Parkinson’s Institute, 1265 Galleon Way, SLO, 93405. Info: 546-9665.

THE JOY OF GIVING is a canned food and toy drive hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. Bring in a canned god for the Salvation Army or a toy for Toys for Tots and get free admission to the museum on Sundays and Mondays through Dec. 15. Info: 928-8414.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to play Santa and elves at Santa’s House in Mission Plaza, SLO. Shifts are three hours. Santa’s House will be open daily through Dec. 24. Costumes provided. Info: 550-9657.

OPERATION SANTA CLAUS 2003, hosted by The California Department of Forestry and the SLO County Firefighters Benevolent Association, continues through Dec. 24. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate toys, gifts, and money to purchase needed items for the children within the SLO County Child Protective Services. Drop off points for toys will be at fire stations throughout the county. All gifts must be new and unwrapped. Info: www.cdfslo.com, 438-5426, or 238-3571.

COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER needs volunteers to help exercise, bathe, groom, and socialize with the animals and to help with the adoption process. Data entry people are also needed. Must be 18 or older. Info: Jerry, 541-8808 or 781-4413. ³

SIERRA VISTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER is looking for volunteers to visit patients, work with staff, and help at the gift shop. Stop by for an application.

NORTH COUNTY WOMEN’S SHELTER AND RESOURCE CENTER needs small denomination gift cards to local gas stations. The cards allow clients to get to work or take their kids to school. Gift certificates to local grocery stores are also needed. Info: 461-1338.

FELINE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL COAST, a non-profit organization, is looking for volunteer to socialize with cats and kittens, provide foster homes, or someone who knows QuickBooks, or has humane education skills. Info: 545-9385 or 544-6138.

VOLUNTEER TAX PREPARERS are needed by the AARP to prepare tax returns for low and moderate income families. Training is provided. Info: 489-9170.

TOYS FOR TOTS seeks volunteers to help distribute boxes of toys and books to local needy children. Donations are also accepted. Info: 543-5240.

THE SALVATION ARMY in SLO needs volunteers to help with their Christmas Kettle Drive. Hours and locations are flexible. Info: 544-3401 or 438-3070. The Salvation Army also offers its annual Angel Giving Tree program. Donors can provide gifts for disadvantaged children online. Just go to www.angelgivingtree.org.

SANTA MARGARITA LIONS CLUB is selling handmade toffee to benefit local kids this season. Info: 438-5995 or 438-4192.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION BEACH CLEANUP is the first Saturday of every month at the Cayucos Pier. Help remove garbage from the shorelines. Surfrider provides plastic gloves and bags. Info: 771-9134 or 594-1326 or visit www.sanluisbaysurfrider.org.

LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY IS LOW due to accidents, trauma, and surgeries. Levels of O Pos., A Pos., O Neg., and A Neg. are critical; levels of AB Pos. and B Neg are Serious; and levels of B Pos. and AB Neg. are General. Call Tri-Counties Blood Bank today to schedule an appointment. Info: 543-4290.

SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE Humane Society needs volunteers for its weekly Adopt-A-Pet program. It is held every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at the Templeton Farmer’s Market. Rain cancels. Info: www.secondchancelove.org or 927-7370.

HUGH O’BRIAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP is a volunteer driven non-profit organization that presents a three-day leadership seminar in the spring for high school sophomores. It is looking for volunteers to help plan and organize the 2004 seminar. A variety of positions are needed. Info: www.hoby.org or 543-1608.

CASA/VOICES FOR CHILDREN is looking for people to help abused and neglected children in the community. Volunteers are needed to help children of all ages. There is a special need for volunteers willing to visit and advocate for infants and toddlers. Educational advocates are also needed to work with children in our community who are experiencing difficulty in school. Training is provided. Info: 541-6542.

NON-PROFIT THRIFT STORE needs volunteers. Hours and days are flexible. Info: David, 922-2059.

ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM seeks volunteers to pick up cancer patients at their home and provide transportation to and from their treatment facility. A valid California driver’s license and proof of insurance are required. Info: 543-1481.

OCEANO DUNES STATE PARK is looking for volunteers to participate in the Oso Flaco Docent Program. Volunteers spend 4-hour shifts on the beach and boardwalk providing educational outreach to the public. Volunteers work weekends, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: 473-7232, Ext. 18.

HOSPICE seeks volunteers to help with grief counseling and support for people dealing with terminal or life-threatening illnesses and their families. Info: 544-2266 or 434-1164.

MORRO BAY ESTUARY VISITOR CENTER needs volunteers to help visitors learn about the Morro Bay Estuary. Training is provided. Commitment is a minimum of 4 hours a month. Info: 772-3834.

PISMO STATE BEACH CAMPGROUND welcomes volunteers to help plant, water, and care for native flowers, shrubs, and trees. Meet at 9 a.m. every Tuesday at the Pismo State Beach Campground, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano. Info: 773-2147 or 543-2141.

FELINE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL COAST is looking for volunteers for foster homes, petting, and socializing cats and kittens. Feral cat trappers are also needed. Info: 545-9385 or 544-6138.

NORTH COUNTY WOMEN’S SHELTER & Resource Center needs crisis volunteers to provide intervention assistance for victims of domestic violence. Training provided. Volunteers provide transportation, childcare, court accompaniment, and more. Info: 461-1338.

CENTRAL COAST MARITIME MUSEUM ASSOCIATION needs volunteers to help preserve local maritime history and to sit on the Board of Trustees. Send resume to CCMMA, c/o 710 Rancho Dr., SLO, 93405.

AIDS PROJECT CENTRAL COAST needs volunteers to assist with clients and staff, help with the Necessities of Life Pantry in Santa Maria, deliver pre-bagged groceries to homebound clients, and more in the Santa Maria and Lompoc areas. Info: Judith, 349-9947.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION, San Luis Bay Chapter, seeks volunteers to serve on its Executive Board. Members meet the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. in SLO. Info: Matthew, 771-9134.

CARING CALLERS is a LifeSpan Services Network, Inc. program looking for people who will help seniors by reading to them, helping them write a letter, talking with them, walking with them. Volunteers of all ages are needed. Info: 541-1800.

SAN LUIS OPTIMISTS INTERNATIONAL CLUB is looking for speakers involved in organizations that need funding for children and youth activities. The group is also looking for a volunteer secretary for board meetings. Info: Dianne, 781-2630.

4-H CLUBS IN SLO COUNTY are recycling old greeting cards to raise money for St. Judes. To donate, cut off the backs of used greeting cards and bring the fronts to Cad’s Coffee House, Baywood Elementary, Los Osos Middle School, Mid-State Bank in Los Osos, or Del Mar Elementary School. Info: 528-7620.

GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR BALANCE AND HEALING, a non-profit organization that provides holistic health services, seeks volunteers for its publicity and fundraising committees and to fill the positions of Publicity Coordinator, Historian, and Travel Agent. Info: Nancy, 461-1212.

KIDS ON THE BLOCK, an Easter Seals Program, is looking for volunteers to learn to puppeteer and to participate in educational programs in elementary schools in SLO County. These programs help develop positive attitudes, sensitivity, and understanding toward people with disabilities. Training is provided. Info: Joyce, 543-4122.

FRENCH HOSPITAL seeks volunteers in a variety of departments. Training is provided. Info: 542-6330.

SLO BLUES SOCIETY seeks volunteers to help at shows. Volunteers see free shows and receive free drink tickets. Info: 541-7930.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADVISORY BOARD OF SLO COUNTY is looking for new members. Individuals should have an interest in drug and alcohol related issues and be willing to volunteer four hours per month. The Board is especially interested in attracting volunteers from Cal Poly, Cuesta College, the medical communities, and Spanish speakers. Info: 781-4290.

ANIMAL SHELTER ADOPTION PARTNERS helps save animals by increasing adoptions from shelters. Volunteers are needed to adopt, foster care an animal, donate funds, and more. Info: 489-0689.

FELINE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL COAST need volunteers to work with cats and kittens. Helpers provide foster homes, assist with pet adoptions, and trap feral cats. Info: 545-9385.

SLO LITERACY COUNCIL is in need of Center Directors in Paso Robles, Cayucos, and Morro Bay. Info: Virginia, 541-4219.

PARTNERS IN EQUESTRIAN THERAPY seeks volunteers who enjoy horses and working with handicapped riders to walk alongside students on horses. Walks are about one hour, usually on Fridays and Saturdays. Info: 786-4059.

BEINGFREE.ORG, an educational community service, is looking to establish a community center in the SLO area. Free volunteer training is also being provided. The organization teaches how to understand outer and inner experiences in our daily lives. Info: www.beingfree.org or 1-714-478-9977.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER OF SLO COUNTY seeks volunteers to staff phones, plan special events, sit in courtrooms and observe family law cases, and more. Training is provided. Info: 544-9313.

ADOPT A DOG, hosted by the Humane Society in Atascadero, happens every Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at 2300 Ramona, across the freeway from the outlets. Play with the dogs and take home your favorite. Rain cancels. Info: 461-3014.

WORLD PEACE EXODUS, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and advancement of peace, seeks volunteers for web page design and grant writing. Info: www.worldpeaceexodus.org.

WORLD HERITAGE, a non-profit student exchange program, seeks a local community representative to provide high school exchange students with program support. Info: 1-800-888-9040.

SLO COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM seeks volunteers to research local history and to create exhibits. The museum is located at 696 Monterey St., SLO. Info: Ron, 543-0456.

PASO ROBLES LIBRARY seeks people to help in the library 2-4 hours a week. Info: Suzanne, 237-3871, Ext. 811.

COAST MOUNTED ASSISTANCE seeks volunteers to help install new pipe corrals and help with trail maintenance at Montaña de Oro’s Horse Camp. Meet at Oak Campsite at 9 a.m. Bring tools and gloves. Info: John, 528-4522.

RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (R.S.V.P.) knows of a vast number of volunteer opportunities-and can match just about any skill or interest you may have with a community need. Info: R.S.V.P., 544-8740. Organizations that could use help include Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and Charles Paddock Zoo.

SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM of SLO County and Santa Maria Valley is accepting applications for volunteers. Needed are drivers to deliver meals, people to help prepare and bag food, and help with clean up. Positions are available at 15 locations, from San Miguel to Orcutt. Most sites are open weekdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 541-3312.

CUESTA COLLEGE MENTOR PROGRAM seeks volunteers to share information about their profession, give tours of work sites, provide job shadowing opportunities, and help youth plan for achieving their career goals. Youth are ages 16-19. Info: 788-2645, Ext. 3.

THE FLYING SAMARITANS, Gold Coast Chapter, is comprised of doctors, nurses, pilots, and interpreters that make regular flights for care services to cities on the Sea of Cortez. The chapter welcomes additional caring hands and tax deductible donations. Info: 543-4144.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, Channel Islands Chapter, seeks volunteers to obtain raffle and auction items from businesses throughout SLO, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Donated items will be used in fundraising events. Info: 682-8783 or 1-800-367-9195.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY needs volunteers to help at Habitat’s ReStore Warehouse and Thrift Store on Saturdays. Volunteers take delivery of donated materials, arrange materials in the store, and help with sales. Info: 235-5099.

GROVER BEACH COMMUNITY LIBRARY COMMITTEE meets the second Wednesday of every month to help with the planning and construction of the new library. They meet 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Central Coast Exploration Station, Ramona St., Grover Beach. Info: Nan, 489-7510.

FAITH IN ACTION seeks interfaith volunteer caregivers to give compassion or assistance to people living alone in the Santa Maria area. For training and info: Community Partners, 925-8000.

MENTOR ALLIANCE OF SLO COUNTY, a program of EOC, is recruiting caring adults to become volunteer mentors. Info: 549-3770.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA needs volunteers to help on committees, run special events, and help with outdoor programs. No experience needed, training is provided. Info: Aimee, 543-5766.

CENTRAL COAST PRIMARY CARE seeks volunteers for clinical studies in arthritis, high blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, high cholesterol, sinusitis, and diabetes. People who qualify for studies receive study related medical visits, procedures, medications, and a stipend. Info: Barbara, 543-2724.

THE RABBIT ADVOCATE needs volunteers to start a rabbit rescue in the Paso Robles area. Volunteers will educate the public about the humane care of bunnies and promote spaying and neutering. Info: Vicki, 239-2176.

MIRACLE ON WHEELS offers free electric wheelchairs to senior citizens who qualify. Info: 1-800-749-8778.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA needs volunteers to help with recruiting, special events, and running units. No Scouting background necessary and training is provided. Info: Aimee, 594-1263.

TRAVEL CONNECTIONS AND SOCIAL CLUB is looking for a non-profit club or organization who would be interested in a fund-raising event. Info: Dianne, 781-2630.

GROVER BEACH NEEDS CLASS INSTRUCTORS for classes taught through the parks and recreation department. Class ideas include yoga, cooking, painting, fitness, and more. Info: 473-4580.

EMERGENCY FOOD MINISTRY needs volunteers to sort and give out donated food to families in need. Volunteers work Monday-Friday, 8:30-10 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. Info: Emelia, 489-2309, Fern, 481-2877, or Ella, 473-4795.

FOOD BANK COALITION OF SLO COUNTY needs volunteers for warehouse support activities, sorting foods, processing packaged food for distribution, bagging bulk foods, and more. Lifting up to 25 pounds is desirable but not necessary. The food bank is located at 741 Paso Robles St., Paso Robles. Volunteers may choose their own hours. Info: 238-4664. Volunteers are also needed in Atascadero. Info: 461-0211.

PISMO BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Visitors Information Center needs volunteers to help assist visitors. Various shifts are available. Must be friendly and outgoing. Info: 773-4382.

CUESTA COLLEGE CAREER MENTOR PROGRAM is looking for Career Mentors for foster youth in SLO County. Volunteers answer questions, give tours of work sites, provide job shadowing opportunities, and help youth plan their career goals. Needed are mentors in the fields of quantum physics, visual and performing arts, computers, automotive mechanics, and construction. Info: Yvonne, 788-2645, Ext. 3.

UNITED VOLUNTARY SERVICES OF SLO is looking for people to help with projects or volunteer in the thrift shop at 474 Marsh St., SLO. Info: 541-0920.

FERAL CAT SPAY/NEUTER and release trappers are needed in the South County area. Training is provided. Info: POUNCE, 528-2917 or 528-7326..

AIDS PROJECT CENTRAL COAST needs volunteers to assist with Necessities of Life Food Pantry in Santa Maria on Tuesdays and/or Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Also needed are receptionists and couriers. Info: Keen, 349-9947.

SLO HEP-C PROJECT seeks volunteers interested in helping with food drives, fundraising, transportation and other client services. Info: Nicole, 543-4372.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SLO is recruiting volunteer mentors to work with at–risk youth in SLO County. Mentoring commitments can be as minimal as one hour per week and all mentoring experiences are paid for by Planned Parenthood. Volunteers are needed for the Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and SLO areas. Info: Eddie, 549-9446.

VOLUNTEER TO WORK IN AFRICA and help fight the spread of AIDS. Info: www.cctg.org or 1-530-467-4082.

HYPERTENSION, TYPE II DIABETES, & OSTEOARTHRITIS sufferers are needed to volunteer in a clinical research study to determine the safety and efficacy of three approved and commonly prescribed medications headed by Dr. Jeffrey Bloom. Info: 543-2724.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of SLO is looking for men and women to mentor children throughout the county. Volunteers provide healthy role-modeling, fun, and stability for youth in need. Training provided. Volunteers are also needed to spend time at Lucia Mar schools reading to kids. Info: 781-3226, Ext. 26.

SLO BLUES SOCIETY, a nonprofit group, welcomes volunteers who want to help out at blues concerts/dances held regularly in SLO. Volunteers are entitled to free admission to blues shows. Graphic designers are also needed to design groovy fliers. Info: 541-7930.

INSTRUCTORS NEEDED for teaching youth programs including music, photography, and dance through Pismo Beach Parks and Rec. Info: 773-7063.

ANIMAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM is recruiting teen and adult facilitators for a science education program for elementary-age children. Training is provided. Info: 781-5944.

SLO PARKS AND REC needs adults 50 and older to volunteer for Adopt-A-Grandparent Program at S.T.A.R. (Students taking Active Responsibility), an after school program. Seniors help with homework, teach crafts, and more. Info: 781-7068.

GROWING GROUNDS FARM run by Transitions-Mental Health Association is looking for volunteers to work outdoors with people and plants weekdays in SLO, participating in a community program growing lettuce, seedlings and plants for local restaurants and nurseries. Flexible hours. Info: Frank, 543-6071.

PASO ROBLES PUBLIC LIBRARY needs volunteers to help patrons find reference materials, use computers, check out books, and more. Must be 16 or older. Info: Suzanne, 237-3870.

Heather: You can slash it here.