Get involved in your community

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 if your are age 55 or over, call Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at (847) 228-1006. The code at the end of each item is used to match volunteers with agencies; have the code ready when you call.

One-time events

• Special Olympics District Aquatics Meet, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 30 at Lattof YMCA, Des Plaines. Assist with set-up, check-in, team hosts, bullpen, lane assistants, escorts, awards, results runners, concessions and souvenirs. Must stay for full day. Age 14 & over #894

• Assist the staff with Easter brunch at Lambs Farm, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 23. Help serve coffee, bus tables, etc. Volunteers will receive complimentary brunch. Age 14 & over #891

• Special Olympics Track & Field Time Trials, noon to 7 p.m., March 27 at Rolling Meadows High School. Volunteer responsibilities include: event committee, event coordinators, athlete escorts, timing and recording, etc. Age 14 & over #895

• Enjoy a Bunny Brunch for an agency serving the handicapped. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 21 and 22. Help with the kids program, assisting in the restaurant and joining the staff during this event. Age 14 & over #890

• Join the fun at Spring Time Camp events. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., March 24 to 28 in Bartlett, Wheeling, Mount Prospect and Palatine. Activities include cool crafts, swimming, gym activities and socializing. Age 14 & over #1288

• Gala to benefit adults with disabilities to be held at Chevy Chase from 4:30 to 11 p.m. April 12. Assist with auction tables selling raffles tickets, direct check-out flow, and much more. Age 18 & over #1962

Senior citizens assistance

• Perform chores for Seniors. Assist with yard work, painting, carpet cleaning and small repairs, such as safety bars on bathroom walls or stairs, replace or repair light fixtures, simple plumbing jobs. Agency has small budget for expenses. Age 21 & over #1789

• Senior services agency is seeking advocate volunteers who will work with older adults to ensure that they are receiving public and private benefits that they are entitled to but not taking advantage of. Flexible hours, support and training provided. Age 21 & over #461

Senior friendly visitors

• Do you have the gift of gab and not always someone to share it with? Bring joy to the life of a local shut-in senior by sharing time and companionship a couple of flexible hours a week or month. Age 18 & over #1283

• Trivia and word gamers to lead assisted-living residents in this after-dinner activity. Play 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. any day Sunday-Saturday. Age 55 & over #1692

Shelters for women and children

• House Advocate volunteer to answer the telephone, provide information and referrals related to family violence, set up counseling appointments, complete intake forms and orient new residents to the Safe House. Forty-hour Domestic Violence training required. Age 18 & over #1758

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