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.

STASH THE TRASH as a volunteer for “Trash Bash 2010”, taking place Saturday, March 27, at a number of waterway sites from Lake Conroe to Galveston, including Lake Houston. 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.

GRANT WRITERS are wanted to help support the work of a large arboretum in Humble. If you have good writing skills and some experience in this method of fundraising, consider applying your talents to develop proposals for submittal to charitable foundations and other possible funding sources. This responsible assignment would involve a commitment of about four hours a week, on weekdays or weekends.

FOSTER A CAT or kitten for an all-volunteer animal welfare agency. If you are capable of providing temporary room and board to one of these cuddly critters while other volunteers try to secure a permanent placement, this agency wants to hear from you. Placements are arranged at special "Adopt a Cat" stations set up at a number of pet supply stores. Cooperating veterinarians offer volunteer "foster parents" reduced rates on medical care.

BECOME AN OMBUDSMAN for a health agency monitoring the quality of care at nursing homes throughout Harris County. If you have good communication skills and a deep concern for the well-being of the elderly and disabled, you'll receive in-depth training and certification that will equip you to work with a nursing home's staff and residents in mediating problems that arise. Time involved averages just a few hours a week.