For more information about 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.

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, the safety of persons throughout Harris County and surrounding areas can depend in large part on the effective response of trained volunteers. You can become one of these critically important volunteers by joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) supported by a network of city, county, state, and private agencies. Register now for an upcoming 20-hour CERT training series.

BROADEN HORIZONS for high school students by volunteering as a representative for an international student exchange program. Duties will include making presentations at a local school, answering inquiries from students and their families, and screening youngsters who apply to study abroad. The assignment requires Internet access and a commitment of about five hours a month. Now is the ideal time to start gearing up for involvement during the spring academic semester.

PROVIDE A FOSTER HOME to a lost or abandoned dog for an all-volunteer animal welfare agency based in Kingwood. If you are capable of providing temporary room and board to a pooch while other volunteers try to arrange for a permanent placement, the agency will make sure you have access to low-cost or free veterinarian care for your new friend. Placements are made through a mobile adoption in operation on Saturdays at a local church.

FUN AND GAMES are in store when you serve as a recreation volunteer at a new Atascocita facility for Alzheimer’s patients. You can lead several residents in group activities such as board games, bingo, or cards, or pair off with one resident at a time for a friendly game of their choosing. The time you contribute is sure to brighten these folks’ spirits and afford them much-needed upbeat stimulation. You can schedule sessions for weekdays or weekends.