For more information on the following volunteer opportunities, please call Volunteer Houston at 713-965-0031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional opportunities can be found at www.volunteerhouston.org.

REALLY CLEAN UP as a volunteer for “Trash Bash 2010”, taking place Saturday, March 27, at a number of waterway sites from Lake Conroe to Galveston. At the location of your choice, you'll team up with other volunteers to remove debris that spoils the appearance and threatens the ecology of these valuable environmental resources. Gloves, garbage bags, and free lunch will be provided.

HELP HEAL THE HURT of children victimized by abuse or neglect. A Montgomery County agency that works directly with the courts has many key volunteer assignments available. Some volunteers research placements for children who have been removed from their homes; others review foster care cases and make recommendations for permanent placement; still others work with families in which abuse has occurred. Comprehensive training is provided.

EARLY RISERS are wanted as volunteers are heart and vascular surgery section of a medical center in Conroe. Duties will include greeting visitors, apprising them of the status and room numbers of patients, giving directions, and helping transport patients to their rooms. This assignment calls for persons comfortable using a computer to retrieve information. Volunteers commit to a weekly shift from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on their choice of weekdays. Uniforms are provided.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES respond enthusiastically to the love and attention they get from caring adults in a program called "Family Friends". Each volunteer is assigned a child to visit once a week for a one-to-one session of recreation and conversation. The time spent with these youngsters helps enrich their self-esteem and gives their parents a little time off to attend to other matters. Training is provided.