Volunteer Opportunities / Donations Needed
Pet food and supply drive | Best Friends Pet Care’s 7th annual Angel Tree campaign is happening now through the end of December in Wheat Ridge. The Angel Tree in the lobby of Best Friends, 11440 W. 44th Ave., is decorated with paper stockings providing information about needy cats and dogs at Clear Creek Rescue and Mushy May Foundation. Participants are invited to select a card from the Angel Tree and donate the listed holiday gifts. Donations can also be made with a credit card by calling 303-422-2055. Info: or 888-FOR-PETS.
Pet food and supply drive | The Longmont Humane Society is accepting donations of canned pet food and supplies through December at the Longmont Humane Society Thrift Store, 1265 Bramwood Place. No dry food or biscuits, please. Info: 720-494-8348 or .
Canned food drive | CBS4, KCNC-TV and the Salvation Army are collecting canned foods and non-perishable goods at drop-off bins, featuring the CBS4 logo, in all metro area King Soopers and Albertsons stores through Dec. 24. Info: 303-861-4444 or visit .
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alzheimer’s residents | Volunteers are needed to spend time with Alzheimer’s residents at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab in Morrison. Volunteers spend time with residents, talking to them, helping to read and write letters, sending holiday greeting cards, playing cards and more. Info: Karen Fletcher, 303-697-8181.
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.
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: .
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.
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.
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.
Childrens’ healthcare | “Kidblitz,” a training session for interested participants to help enroll children in healthcare programs, such as Medicaid or CHP+, will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th Ave., Denver. At the training, participants learn about how to fill out the applications, what is required for families applying for various programs, what healthcare resources are available in communities, and how they can take action to ensure children are receiving access to healthcare. Info/register: Brad Wood at brad@hungerforjustice.org or 303-350-3699.
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.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.
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 .
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.
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 .
Earth Corps | In the summer of 2008, the Rocky Mountain Field Institute is accepting undergraduate student applications to participate in its Earth Corps program. The 2008 program will provide key support for the completion of high-altitude restoration projects near the summits of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak. The program will be 30 days in length. After completion of the program, each student will receive 4 hours of credit from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (GES 446: Field Studies in Geography). Travel expenses to and from the program are not covered, but there are no charges for the program or the UCCS credit. Program dates are June 4-July 3, 2008 and July 14-August 12, 2008. To apply, visit . for an application form, or visit RMFI at 3310 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, call 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org. Deadline for submittal is April 4. Outstanding applicants will be awarded internships in advance of the deadline. Final decisions will be announced by April 11.
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.
