GETTING INVOLVED

THE PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The institute is looking for volunteers to take part in a study on smoking cessation. Call: (888) 774-4673.

PRIME DYNAMICS

Prime Dynamics, a Newport Beach nonprofit organization for the 99-and-younger set, needs volunteers for its programs. Call: (949) 262-7300.

PROJECT ACCESS

Project Access is a nonprofit organization that links residents of low-income housing developments with beneficial social services, usually through resource centers. Volunteers are needed to tutor children and teach crafts and computer skills at the various centers. Call: Paul Shapiro, (949) 253-3120 ext. 229.

PROJECT CUDDLE

Project Cuddle is a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit organization that meets the needs of girls and women facing unplanned pregnancies. In addition to office help and 12-hour hotline shifts once a month, volunteers are needed for an auxiliary group and fundraising committees. The organization also needs donated gift items for mothers and babies. Call: (714) 432-9681 or visit: www.projectcuddle.org.

READ/ORANGE COUNTY

Volunteer literacy tutors are needed to help create a more literate community with no-cost tutoring for adults in reading and writing. The adult literacy program serves the Orange County Public Library system. Required training is provided. Call: (714) 566-3070 or visit:www.readoc.org.

READING BY 9

The mentor reading program seeks volunteers to read to students in kindergarten through third grade. Costa Mesa schools need help for students in reading, writing and English. Mentor sessions may be scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and after school from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call: Pomona Elementary School, (949) 515-6980; Whittier Elementary School, (949) 515-6898; Wilson Elementary School, (949) 515-6995; and New Shalimar Learning Center, (949) 646-0396.

SALVATION ARMY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Group or family volunteers are needed to adopt a family, sponsor an angel tree, hold a canned food or toy drive, or make a special gift or donation directly to the Salvation Army. Call: (714) 832-7100.

SAVE OUR YOUTH

The Westside Costa Mesa youth organization is looking for volunteers to help create a positive alternative for people 12 to 23. Volunteers are needed to help in areas such as boxing, sports, health, fitness, aerobics and academic tutoring. Call: (949) 548-3255.

SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES

Join other business professionals to help small businesses succeed by leading seminars and coaching entrepreneurs online. The corps is a nonprofit charitable organization composed of 11,500 volunteer business mentors, both working and retired, who counsel businesses from nearly 400 offices throughout the country. Call: (714) 550-7369.

SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED

Serve as a guide for homeless families by helping them set goals and maintain a basic budget. Provide tutoring, prepare meals and assist with special projects. Bilingual skills needed. Orientation and training provided. Call: Kim Frazier, (714) 751-1101 ext. 19.

SENIOR MEALS AND SERVICES INC.

Volunteers deliver hot meals to more than 500 homebound seniors each weekday and provide friendly visits to isolated seniors. The rewards are great, but this is a big job requiring many volunteers, so help is always needed. Call: (714) 891-0804.

SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED

Serving People in Need, is looking for volunteers to help prepare meals for the homeless, assemble hygiene kits, distribute meals and pick up food for preparation. SPIN provides move-in costs for housing, case management and support services to families leaving shelters. Visit SPIN at 2900 Bristol St., Suite H-106, Costa Mesa. Call: (714) 751-1101.