* 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 (714) 966-4600.

“NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS”

The 25th bi-annual community clean-up event hosted by the City of

Costa Mesa will focus on low-income, senior-owned, mobile homes. The

program was created by the city to help low-income residents with the

beautification of their homes and to assist in local community

clean-up, as well as foster the volunteer spirit throughout the

community. The city is looking for cash and in-kind donations of

supplies, materials and food for the event, as well as community

volunteers interested in participating in the clean-up activities

from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 1. Anyone interested should call (714)

754-4870.

ACADEMIC YEAR IN AMERICA

Costa Mesa families can host a German student and earn up to

$1,000 toward a number of travel-abroad programs. Information:

Danielle Carpino, (800) 322-HOST.

ALS ASSN., ORANGE

COUNTY CHAPTER

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assn., which helps people who

have the disorder that is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, needs

volunteers. Information: (714) 375-1922.

AMERICAN RED CROSS, ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER

The chapter needs volunteers to address community groups about Red

Cross services and to act as liaisons with the media in disaster and

emergency situations. Information: Lynn Howes, (714) 481-5376.

ANGEL’S CHARITY

A nonprofit charity to help children with multiple birth defects,

the group needs help with their annual fundraiser, Angel’s Run.

Information: (949) 650-2757 or o7www.angelscharity.orgf7.

ANIMAL NETWORK OF ORANGE COUNTY

Become a bottle-feeder or take in pregnant cats at your home. Many

shelters kill pregnant cats upon arrival. Dogs and cats are also

available for adoption. Information: (949) 759-3646 or

o7www.animalnetwork.orgf7.

ASERA CARE AND HOSPICE

Volunteers are needed to help make a difference in the lives of

terminally ill persons and their families. Volunteers would assist

with nonmedical needs such as providing respite for the primary

caregiver, running errands, reading to the patients and making weekly

social visits. The organization is also looking for clerical and

bereavement volunteers to assist with office duties. Training is

provided. Information: (714) 980-0900.

ASSN. RENAISSANCE CREATORS

The Costa Mesa group sponsors and supports outreach community

service programs, such as the homeless sanctuary. Volunteers are

needed. Information: (714) 540-5803.

BEST BUDDIES

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers 18 and older

to provide companionship for adults with developmental disabilities.

As a Citizen Buddy, a volunteer will visit with a buddy twice a month

and call or e-mail 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 o7www.bestbuddies.orgf7.

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 or o7www.bigbrooc.orgf7.

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 the following positions: office

assistant/greeter, computer assistant, program developer assistant

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

COMPANION HOSPICE

The hospice is now recruiting volunteers to become friends to

those approaching the end of life. Become a member of a team whose

goal is to promote quality of life and comfort. Each applicant will

receive 16 hours of orientation and training. Information: (714)

560-8177 or o7volunteers@companionhos pice.comf7.

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 where they were found. (949) 759-3646.