volunteer opportunities

Charles County Literacy Council needs volunteers to tutor in reading, writing, spelling, basic math and English as a second language. The council is also seeking students who need help with reading, writing and basic math. Free volunteer workshops will be held 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27, 28 and 29. All three sessions are required. Light dinner and training materials provided. 301-870-5974, ccliteracy@ccboe.comor http://www.charlescountyliteracy.org.

Tri-County Animal Shelter needs volunteers 14 and older to help clean kennels, wash bowls and toys, do laundry, sweep, take photos of dogs and cats and spend time with animals at the Hughesville shelter. 800-903-1992 or 301-932-1713.

Humane Society of Charles County needs volunteers daily to clean cages and runs, feed animals and do other jobs. Help is also needed with the PetSmart-Petco adoption programs, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Jennifer McLellan at 301-645-1063, Ext. 2, or http://www.humanesocietycc.org.

Calvert County fire/rescue and emergency medical service stations need volunteers. Kim Jones, 410-535-1600, Ext. 2668, or 443-532-5315.

FLOW Mentoring in St. Mary's County public schools need volunteers to mentor children in local elementary schools. 301-475-5511, Ext. 145, srtyson@smcps.orgor http://www.smcps.org/mentor.

Christmas Connection, a Charles County Department of Community Services interagency partnership that provides holiday cheer to seniors and families, needs volunteers prepare and deliver holiday food baskets. 301-609-5712 or 301-934-9305, Ext. 5143. Seniors who may be available for a holiday food basket can call 301-609-5712.

Patuxent Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers to help build houses in St. Mary's and Calvert counties and to assist in the office, serve on committees and help with projects. 301-863-6227 or http://www.patuxenthabitat.org.

-- Habitat also needs cashiers and customer service volunteers at its ReStore in Lexington Park. The store receives new and used furniture, appliances, building materials and supply donations, which are sold to build affordable housing in Calvert and St. Mary's counties. Store hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 301-737-6273.

St. Mary's County Health Department needs volunteers for two or three hours a week to scan records. Training provided. Volunteers are needed to take residents to doctors' appointments. A valid driver's license and good driving record are required. Cindy Spalding at 301-475-4328.

Calvert County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents for committees. Applications can be picked up at the commissioners' office at 175 Main St., Room 205, Prince Frederick; any public library; by calling 410-535-1600, Ext. 2214; or at http://www.co.cal.md.us/references/getinvolved.

American Red Cross needs volunteers to answer phones and perform light typing and basic computer tasks in the Southern Maryland offices. 888-276-2767.

Southern Maryland chapter of the American Red Cross needs volunteers for disaster services and health, safety, administrative and special events. Bob Gretton, 888-276-2767 or bobg@somdredcross.org.