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.

CARE AND CONSOLATION are provided to terminally ill persons and their families through a hospice program serving northeast Harris County and surrounding areas. As part of a multidisciplinary support team, you can be a friend and resource to a patient during the final stages of illness and counsel with family members during the bereavement process. Call now to register for the next training series.

NICE NAILS can enhance the morale of female senior citizens at a nursing home in Humble. If you have a steady hand and a good rapport with older folks, plan on stopping by a couple of weekday mornings or afternoons a month to polish the nails of a few of these special ladies. Your service and good company is sure to do a lot to keep their spirits bright. Staff will be happy to furnish you with any needed supplies.

CHECK OUT BARGAINS by volunteering at a thrift shop near Deerbrook Mall. The shop is run by a coalition of local churches, and proceeds from sales go to support services to needy families. Volunteer duties can include sorting through donated items, pricing merchandise, keeping the shop's clothing racks in good order, helping customers make selections, and processing sales. Shifts are available during the daytime on weekdays and Saturdays.

HAPPY TRAILS await you as a grounds maintenance volunteer at an environmental learning center in an urban wilderness area south of Kingwood. Keeping the place shipshape for school tours and the general public, you can assist with pruning, trail surfacing, control of exotic vegetation, tree planting, and maintenance of wildlife habitats. Shifts can be arranged for weekdays or weekends, and you can get involved on an occasional or regular basis.