Ten Places to Volunteer in Carmichael

For those of you with New Year's resolutions to make a difference, Carmichael offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer. Whether your passion is mentoring children, environmental stewardship or curbing hunger, chances are there is an organization that caters to your cause.

1. The American River Parkway Foundation is a haven for nature lovers. Headquartered in the William B. Pond Recreation Area, the group organizes an annual cleanup of the region's most scenic waterway. Volunteers work weekends removing invasive plant species and planting oak trees. For the more business-minded, there are event planning, fundraising, outreach and office support needs as well. Those interested in getting involved should monitor the calendar on the group's website.

2. Located near the border of Carmichael and Sacramento's Arden-Arcade neighborhood, the Sacramento Northeast YMCA offers volunteer opportunities ranging from teaching a fitness class to coaching a children's sports team. Those interested in volunteering should stop by the YMCA, located at 3127 Eastern Ave.

3. Those interested in befriending seniors in their communities can become volunteer companions. Volunteers spend two to four hours per day once a week chatting with an isolated senior, playing games or helping coordinate appointments. The Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services has many eligible clients. For additional information on volunteer opportunities with Sacramento County, call 916-875-6851.

4. Outdoorsy types and animal lovers alike will delight in volunteering at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, located in . Volunteers may sign up to care for snakes, hawks, owls and opossums, assist with habitat restoration or serve as docents for nature and Maidu cultural programs. For more information visit the nature center or call 916-489-4981.

5. Harvest Sacramento is in need of volunteers in Carmichael to pick fruit and identify homeowners willing to donate. The organization sends groups of volunteers to harvest fresh produce from donors' houses and drops it off at the local food bank. Whenever possible, the group aims to put the food harvested in the hands of needy members of the community it came from. It is a great opportunity for families to work together to eliminate hunger within their communities. Those interested in volunteering should visit the group's website.

6. Mentoring is a great way to make a difference in a child's life. Volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area spend an hour each week with a child shooting hoops, sharing a pizza or taking a walk in the park. Volunteers share their hobbies, advice and help shape a child's future.

7. The Kiwanis Club of Carmichael offers a variety of opportunities to make a difference in the community. The club organizes fundraisers and contributes financially and through hands-on service to a variety of causes throughout the year. For additional information, visit the website linked above.

8. Tired of cluttered streets? Organize a neighborhood cleanup on your block or in your local park. Gather friends and neighbors together and make a difference. Such events are a great way to get to know your neighbors, build community and teach children the value of neighborhood stewardship.

9. Iraq may seem like a long way away but volunteers can support the troops from the comfort of home by sending letters and e-mails of support, and even care packages. Websites like www.anysoldier.com can match volunteers with a member of the armed services.

10. Help ease the transition for children entering foster care. The Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services needs volunteers to help supervise children at the children's receiving home off Auburn Boulevard. Children are guided through the process by child psychologists and community volunteers. To volunteer call 916-875-6091.