Get involved!

For more opportunities, see the Volunteer Center Web site, www.volunteerinfo.net.

You can make a difference and help the community in which you live and work. The Volunteer Center has hundreds of opportunities; listed here is a sampling. Call the Center's Agency/School Volunteer Program at (847) 228-1320 or Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at (847) 228-1006.

Child care

•Respite childcare volunteers needed to provide childcare while mothers attend mandatory education classes on Tuesday and/or Thursday at transitional shelters for homeless women and their children in McHenry and Crystal Lake. Training is provided. Age 14 & over #588

•Are you that special person who loves children? Assist with child care for a single moms support group. Mondays every week from 10 a.m. to noon or 6 to 8 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.; first Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Age 14 & over #1223

Children's activities

•Play with special needs Early Childhood Program Playgroup and have fun with various activities 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. every Wednesday starting Sept. 19 in Elk Grove Village. 14 & over #2006

Clerical/office help

•Looking for organized individuals to assist our development department. Assist with typing, filing and other clerical duties as needed, Monday-Friday anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Flexible, will work with your schedule. Age 18 & over #1733

•Provide office support including typing, data input, filing, collating, assisting with mailings and reception work. This can be an occasional or continuous commitment. Willing to work with your schedule. Weekday need only. Age 16 & over #1438

•Assist with general office duties at local Social Service Center. Age 16 & over #42

•Develop list of possible revenue sources in North and Northwest Cook County. Create files, make contacts and gather information on these organizations. Review existing mailing list for accuracy. Flexible day and hours Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Age 55 & over #1868

•Assist the Human Resources Department at area nursing home in preparing items to be given to new associates and candidates with photocopying, assemble booklets and recognition gifts and shred documents. Age 15 & over #1816

Conservation/nature

•Help establish an annual plan to grow plants and flowers, and recommendations on setting up a new greenhouse. Knowledge of plants and seasonal growing, fertilizing, watering, insecticides, temperature control, etc. Commit to one season. Age 21 & over #1600

Maintenance

•If organization is your game, extra hands are needed to help tidy up the storeroom and their vans at a agency for special needs children and adults. Age 14 & over #2004

One-time events

•Looking for a Saturday night gig? Gala to benefit adults with disabilities to be held at Chevy Chase from 4:30 to 11 p.m. on April 12, 2008. Assist with auction tables, selling raffles tickets, direct check outflow and much more. Age 18 & over #1962

•School's out on Nov 12. Have fun on your "Day Off" accompanying special needs children and teens and enjoy a game of bowling, go to McDonald's and then to the movies at the Barrington AMC from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Age 14 & over #2003

Schools/mentors

•Do you want to make a difference in the future of a young child? Tutors needed for local elementary school children. Meaningful assignments working one-on-one with children. Prior teaching experience not necessary. Volunteers needed for the school year. Age 55 & over #1448

•Make a difference in a young child's life. Tutors needed for local elementary school children. Meaningful assignments working one-on-one with children under the direction of the teacher. Training provided. Volunteers needed for the school year. Age 55 & over #1422

•A child would love a little of your time. Tutors needed for local elementary school children. Work one-on-one with children under the direction of the teacher. Prior teaching experience not necessary. Volunteers needed for the school year. Age 55 & over #1449

Serve food

•Provide lunches for construction workers for Habitat for Humanity at work site on Wednesday and Saturdays for up to 16 people -- locations will vary. Also, need lunches for five or six volunteers who work at their ReStore in Elgin. Age 14 & over #1826

Transportation services

•Driver needed to assist with picking up flowers for the Moments Remembered greeting card program from area funeral homes. Program benefits person with disabilities. Flexible schedule, Monday-Friday, mornings or afternoons, on an as-needed basis. Age 18 & over #1947

•Serve child-care providers by delivering toys to family child-care providers' homes and demonstrating activities for the children. Deliveries in Des Plaines and Glenview; no delivery in the summer months. Two hours a month using your own car. Age 55 & over #1193

Youth mentoring

•Youth in Action. Be part of this leadership development team. Help plan and supervise youth activities ranging from community service projects to outward-bound trips to pizza parties. Commit to three hours a month for six months. Age 21 & over #280