Volunteer Opportunities/Donations Needed
Animal sanctuary | Denkai Animal Sanctuary needs volunteers to help feed, water, drain hoses, clean pens and repair fencing for the many animals housed at the sanctuary. Dog-walkers are also needed. Info: 970-897-3122 or e-mail info@denkaisanctuary.org.
Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers for ongoing projects throughout the fall to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact volunteer coordinator David Williams at 720 274-5147 or e-mail david@crrn.org.
Airport ambassadors | Denver International Airport needs 50 volunteers for its Ambassador Program for 2008. Candidates must be outgoing and able to work directly with the public, and be physically capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Prospects must be over 21, pass a background check and complete a day of training. Info: corinne.christensen@diadenver.net or 303-342-2242.
Volunteers of America | RSVP, a program sponsored by Volunteers of America, assists over 80 agencies in Denver, Douglas and western Arapahoe counties recruit volunteers. Participants must be 55 or older and can sign up for volunteer positions at partner agencies during RSVP’s “Inside Scoop” meetings. Upcoming meetings are Dec. 12 at 1 p.m.; January 15, 2008, at 10 a.m. and Feb. 13, 2008 at 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the VOA Administration Building, 2660 Larimer St. Info: Jan Munoz at 303-297-0408, ext. 13128.
Travelers assistance | The Travelers Assistance Program at the Denver International Airport needs mature volunteers to provide comfort; information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities; and provide social services to the DIA traveler. Shifts are 8a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flexible schedule and stations. Once a week or twice a month would be great. Volunteers undergo a complete background check. Training is provided. Contact TAP at 303-342-0400 or dentravler@aol.com.
Money management | Seniors Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people maximize their personal independence, needs volunteers for its Money Management Program — Bill Payer Service. After training, volunteers will go into the residences of low income disabled or elderly persons, at no cost, to assist them with organizing and paying their bills, balancing their checkbook and providing guidance on personal budgeting and related matter. Info: Tim Cusick at 303- 300-6933 or tcusick@seniorsinc.org.
Tax preparation | The Denver Asset Building Coalition needs volunteers to assist low-income families with income tax preparation services during the tax season from January to April 15. No specialized tax experience is necessary; all training is provided. Info: 303-388-7030 or volunteer@denverabc.org.
Elder care | Total Longterm Care, a nonprofit that allows elders to live with dignity in the community for as long as possible, needs volunteers for its End of Life program. Volunteers would go into the home or other place of residence and be a companion for an individual who is experiencing end of life. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and given a great deal of support when they get started. Info: Barb Warner at 720-974-6003 or bwarner @totallong .
Hospice | Trinity Hospice of Colorado needs volunteers to provide visits, companionship and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. Contact Kathy McCune at 303-799-5096, or e-mail kathryn .mccune@trinityhospice.com.
Toy drive | Seventy metro area King Soopers’ stores will provide collection boxes for toy drop-offs for the Denver Santa Claus Shop. New and gently used toys for children ages newborn through 11 years will be accepted at the stores through Dec. 17. Info: . or 303-988-2465.
Toy drive | Colorado Springs Police Department in partnership with Christmas Unlimited are collecting new, unwrapped toys between now and Dec. 25 for children in families that are either in crisis or unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children. Toys can be dropped of 24-hours a day at the following locations: Falcon Division (North), 7850 Goddard St., 719-444-7240; Gold Hill Division (West), 955 W. Moreno Ave., 719-385-2100; Sand Creek Division (Southeast), 4125 Center Park Drive, 719-444-7270; Stetson Hills Division (Northwest), 4110 Tutt Boulevard, 719-444-3140; Police Operations Center (Downtown), 705 S. Nevada Ave., 719-444-7595.
Blanket drive | The Jeffco Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, is collecting blankets and sleeping bags for the homeless and the “working poor” who are in homes without sufficient heat. The Jeffco Action Center is a nonpofit organization that provides emergency services to needy residents in Jefferson County. Info: 303-237-7704 or .
Hat and glove collection | CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewing, 5 Old Town Square, Fort Collins, is collecting hats and gloves (adult sizes are especially needed). Hats and gloves will be accepted at CooperSmith’s between now and Christmas Day. Catholic Charities Northern will distribute the hats and gloves to attendees of the free Christmas meal for the needy at CooperSmith’s on Christmas Day. Info: gmcoop@coopersmithspub.com or 970-498-0483.
Socks and mittens drive | Foothills United Way is holding its fourth annual “Socks and Mittens Drive” through Dec. 15. This yearly holiday-time event provides much-needed cold-weather clothing items to children and adults in need in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Collection bins will be set out by participating companies, groups and organizations, where donors can drop off new, unused pairs of socks, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves that will be donated to local non-profit organizations for distribution. Info: .
Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers for ongoing projects to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact: David Williams at 720 274-5147 or david @crrn.org.
Habitat for Humanity | Volunteers are needed to help a single dad and his daughter build a home for Christmas in Downtown Denver. Volunteers must be 16-years and older, but no special skills are necessary. Work will continue through March. Info: .
Trail guides | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. Info: osmp . or 720-579-4161.
Puppy raisers | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., is having an informational meeting for people interested in becoming volunteer puppy raisers. An introductory program will be at Jan. 23, 2008 at the offices and training facility of CaPR, at 651-E Potomac St., Aurora. Linda Port, training director, will introduce the program and answer questions. Guests will learn about the importance of service dogs in the lives of people with severe mobility limitations. The base requirements for puppy raisers include raising the puppy for 18 months and attending scheduled training classes with other puppy raisers. A volunteer orientation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2008, at CaPR’s training facility, immediately followed by a training class at 12:30 p.m. Info/Register: 303-364-9040, Linda@caninepartnersoftherockies or .
Raptor program | Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, based in Fort Collins, needs volunteers. RMRP encourages preservation of our environmental and cultural resources through excellence in raptor rehabilitation, community education and research. Info: 970-484-7756 or e-mail info@rmrp.org.
Teddy Bear Project | The ninth annual Teddy Bear Project needs volunteers to do independent collections of new and slightly used plush animals, any size, shape or color. Through Dec. 12, the drop-off site is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays at 3021 S. University Blvd. Info: 303-628-0477.
Medical relief | Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need of medical relief around the world. Project C.U.R.E. Corps needs groups of volunteers to sort items, load containers and for warehouse organization. Individual volunteers are needed to work as truck drivers, volunteer coordinators, couriers, sorting team leaders, and in procurement and general administration. Info: . or 303-792-0729.
Child assistance | CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties needs volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Volunteers gather information about a child or sibling group that is involved with the court system due to abuse or neglect and make recommendations as to what is in the best interest of the child/sibling group. Info: casa17th ., 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.
Gift wrapping | The Aurora Public Library needs volunteers now through Dec. 24 to gift wrap books and other items purchased at Barnes & Noble, 170 S. Abilene St., at Aurora City Place shopping center. The gift-wrapping will be provided free of charge to customers. Customer donations for the services benefit the Aurora Public Library’s programs and collections. Weekend, evening and some day shifts are available. Info: 303-739-6580.
English tutors | The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language program needs volunteers to teach English to recently-arrived refugees. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. The next training date will be in early December. Info: Sharon McCreary at 720-423-4843 or sharon_mccreary@dpsk12.org; or refugee-esl.org.Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative BCWI needs volunteers to help with forums, to work on StreamTeams to protect local waterways, to write articles and take photographs, to help with general clerical duties and more. Info: KeepItCleanPartner . or 303-413-7365.
Wilderness environmental service programs | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals. Info: RMFI at 719-471-7736 or rmfibox@qwest.net.
Park weeding and trail maintenance | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, needs volunteers to work with trained crew leaders to pull, snip and collect noxious weeds and help maintain the hiking trails. Info: 303-973-3959.
Morrison Museum | The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colorado 8, needs volunteers to teach about local fossils and rocks using hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Training and mentorship provided. Volunteers are also needed to assist with reptile collection care, fossil molding and casting, and information desk/gift shop operations. Info: 303-697-1873 or .
Museo de las Americas | The Museo de las Americas is recruiting and training volunteers for art, programs and events. Contact Kristi Martens at 303-571-4401, ext. 28, or e-mail Kristi@ .
Air and Space museum | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., needs volunteers to help with youth and adult education programs offered by the Museum’s Education Department. Volunteers conduct tours, assist with hands-on activities, teach in the flight simulator lab and conduct our Project Pilot course. Project Pilot is a team building course in which students learn the basics of flight planning and then fly a mission in the Museum’s Flight Simulator Lab. Wings offers progressive training for all of these volunteer positions. Aviation experience is a plus, but is not required. Info: Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@ .
Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitor Center | School field trip program guides and docents are needed to serve as hosts and conduct programs appropriate for school groups, youth and scouting organizations, senior citizen and civic groups at the Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. Info: Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.
Zoo | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., needs volunteers to assist with special events, to assist zookeepers and to work in the zoo’s membership, education and administration departments. Info: . or 303-376-4894.
Dinosaur Ridge | Volunteer tour guides are needed to teach people about the paleontological, geological, natural resources and history of Dinosaur Ridge. Applicants must be at least 18 and must complete required training. Info: 303-697-3466 or .
Science Museum | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., needs volunteers to work with visitors in the Museum’s diorama halls, galleries and activity areas. Also needed are volunteers to be guides, interpreters, collections assistants and classroom prep assistants. Info: Volunteer Services Office, 303-370-6419.
Nature Center | Bluff Lake Nature Center, East 30th Avenue and Moline Street, needs volunteer naturalists to work with kids, using games, science experiments and hands-on activities to teach them about nature. No experience is required. Info: Sue Schafer, 303-468-3245.
Butterfly Pavilion | The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, needs volunteers to work with visitors and to help in its tropical butterfly conservatory, tide pool, touch cart, and garden areas. Info: . or Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.
TWICE WEEKLY
Telescope viewing | Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Ave., on the University of Denver campus, has astronomy presentations and allows use of the 20-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Info: ., or call 303-871-5172 for reservations.
ONGOING
River table | Visit South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, the first Saturday of each month and manipulate a river in the 12-foot stainless steel river table. The table is filled with plastic sand and recirculating water powered by pumps that can be controlled by participants. Visitors can create a city landscape and see how natural river actions affect their creation. Naturalists are on hand from 2-3 the first Saturday of each month to guide individuals and families through the free, hands-on experience. Info: 303-730-1022 or .
Science open house | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free open house with hands-on science activities from 1 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month. Register: 303-739-2428.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research | NCAR’s Mesa Lab, a working research laboratory at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in Boulder, has a free visitor center that is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The visitor center has a climate exhibit, an eclipse telescope, working supercomputers, a gravity well, and hands on demonstrations of lightning, tornados and fluid dynamics. Info: 303-497-1174 or .
Renewable energy | The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Visitors Center features an interactive exhibit hall and DOE public reading room. Info: . or 303-384-6565.
Children’s workshops | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., has many children’s workshops and events for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For a list, call the Children’s Workshop coordinators at 303-370-8225 or 303-370-8347.
Nature movies | Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free nature movie, popcorn and hands-on projects at 2 p.m. the 3rd Sunday monthly. Register: 303-739-2428.
Kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 5 and under every Thursday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. with puppets, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. Info: 303-739-2428 or .
Kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 6-10, “Junior Rangers,” which meets the second Sunday every month at 1:30 p.m. Register: 303-739-2428.
Nature activities | South Suburban Parks and Recreation naturalists lead many outdoor, nature and environmentally related activities and events at Carson Nature Center, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. For a list of events, visit . or call 303-730-1022.
Nature programs | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a variety of nature programs for children and adults. For a list of events, call 303-739-2428 or visit .
Nature programs and hikes | “Rox-Revealed,” a program featuring naturalist-led programs and hikes, is at 11 a.m. Saturdays at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959 or .
Wildlife program | Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Road, is offering free hands-on wildlife programs led by park interpreters at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The program features mountain lions, black bears, hummingbirds, porcupines, common birds and other wildlife. An optional hike on the Columbine Trail will follow the talk.
Wildlife program | “North Cheyenne Cañon Wildlife,” a park interpreter-led program, will be at noon Saturdays and Sundays at Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Road. An optional walk on the Columbine Trail will follow the talk. Info: 719-385-6086.
Wildlife refuge programs | The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, East 56th Avenue at Havana Street, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There are various exhibits at the Visitor Center, and free nature programs and refuge tours. Info: 303-289-0930 for times and reservations, or visit .
Natural history seminars | The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers a series of outdoor seminars on natural history topics in Rocky Mountain National Park. Info: 970-586-3262 or .
Astronomy events | Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, has a variety of astronomy shows, talks, and family matinees. The evening talks and shows are $6 adults, $5 students with valid I.D., and $3.50 for children and seniors. Saturday family shows are $5 adults, $3.50 children and seniors. Laser shows are $5. Info: 303-492-5002 or .
SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING
TODAY
Guided nature walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation is offering a free naturalist-guided walk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Cooley Lake Wildlife area at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. The area is normally closed to general public access to protect wildlife. Info: 303-730-1022.
THURSDAY
Astronomy program | “Astronomical Star of Bethlehem,” a program by Gil Buller of the Longmont Astronomical Society, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adult, $3.50 child/senior. Student admission to Thursday shows is free with valid ID. Student admission to Friday shows is $5 with valid ID. The program will be repeated at 7:30 Dec. 14; 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; and 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 27. Info: . or call 303-492-5002.
Human re-evolution program | “Re-Designing Humans: Human Re-Evolution in 2050 and Beyond,” a free talk by plastic surgeon Joseph Rosen, whose work has ranged from treating war veterans, advising national disaster response teams, and reshaping the lives and futures of children with congenital defects in less developed nations. The talk will focus on the broad social implications of technological advances in health care, and will be at 7:30 p.m. at Colorado College, Gaylord Hall, main floor of Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave.
FRIDAY
State Park open house and bird count event | State Forest State Park, 56750 Highway 14, is having its annual Christmas Open House and Christmas Bird Count from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moose Visitor Center. CBC volunteers will meet for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and then break into groups. After the bird count, a warm meal will be provided. Snacks will be provided for the Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 970-723-8366.
SATURDAY
Bird feeding class | “Bird Feeding Basics,” a free talk about what to feed, when to feed and who to feed, will be at 10 a.m. at Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
State Park open house event | Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S. Parker Road, is having an open house event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a kids craft activity, a live bird show by HawkQwest, and a visit from Santa Claus at 1 p.m. Info: 303-690-1166, ext. 720.
State Park open house event | Lathrop State Park in Walsenburg is having a Holiday Open House and Kid’s Craft Creation time at 10 a.m. Kids will create a Christmas ornament to take home. Open house hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: 719-738-2376
State Park holiday celebration | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, is having an “Old Fashioned Holiday Celebration” featuring a winter stroll on the Fountain Valley Trail, followed by hot cocoa, warm cider and holiday treats.
Dec. 16
Archaeology program | Payson Sheets of the University of Colorado will discuss the discovery of manioc cultivation by ancient Mayan farmers outside the ancient village of Ceran. This free talk is sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America, Denver Society, in cooperation with the Tattered Cover. The program will be at 2 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Bookstore, 16th and Wynkoop in downtown Denver. Info: .
Historical tour to Bailey | Follow the route geologist Arthur Lakes took on a very cold Christmas Eve and day as he rode Jenny, his mule, to Bailey (and back). Meet at 9 a.m. at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor’s Center, 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison. Cost is $15 and includes a Dutch treat lunch stop in Aspen Park. Info: 303-697-3466.
To publicize upcoming events geared toward and open to the public, please mail details at least two weeks in advance to Andrea Labak, Scientifically Speaking, The Denver Post, City Desk, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail to Scispeak@denverpost.com.
