The volunteer opportunities listing is compiled with the assistance of Tigers In Service at Fort Hays State University. For more information or if your nonprofit or charitable organization would like to be listed, call Tigers In Service at (785) 628-5537 or visit www.fhsu.edu/tigersinservice.

* Senior Companion Program: Volunteers age 55 and older needed to provide personal and supportive services to help homebound or institutionalized frail elderly maintain their independence. Benefits include tax-free stipend, monthly training, recognition, transportation reimbursement and more. Serving throughout western Kansas.

For more information, contact Marlene Dinkel at (785) 628-5809.

Hays Good Samaritan Center: Our mission is to share God's love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that "in Christ's love, everyone is someone." Volunteers are welcome any day and time of the week.

For more information, call Kathy Moravek at (785) 625-7331.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: Volunteer to become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child age 5 to 17. As a Community Match, Bigs and their Little spend a couple of hours a week together. As a School Based match, Bigs and Littles spend 30 to 45 minutes a week at school eating lunch, playing on the playground or helping with schoolwork either during the school day or in an after school program. Volunteers also are needed to help with agency activities and office work.

For more information, call Jenny at (785) 625-6672.

Washington Elementary After-School Program: Volunteers would participate in after-school activities with students of Washington Elementary. Activities include service-learning projects, arts and crafts, science experiments, and opportunities for students to interact with and learn from each other.

For more information, call Jessica Peek at (785) 623-2510.

YouthFriends: Volunteer one hour per week to spend reading with a child, mentoring a classroom, eating lunch or playing on the playground with a child at their school.

For more information, contact Rae Smith at (785) 623-2400.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates): Volunteers can come anytime. CASA volunteers are trained and committed adults who have been appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for a neglected or abused child's best interests. Volunteers make sure the children don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social-service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home.

For more information, call Kristal Stanton or Krystal Holmes at (785) 628-8641.

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland: A variety of opportunities to volunteer -- troop leaders, older girl advisers, office assistance, program assistants, event organizers and much more. Time commitments depend on the volunteer role taken. Whether you have one hour, one month or one year, we welcome you.

For more information, call Jennifer Amrein at (785) 625-5671.

Sterling House of Hays: Residents of our assisted living are looking for volunteers to assist them with Sunday night board games and dominos, Monday afternoon or Wednesday evening bingo, and Tuesday afternoon pitch and pinochle. Additionally, we are looking for individuals to share craft and gardening skills.

For more information, call JoAnn at (785) 628-1111

CedarView Assisted Living: Play cards, share stories or just spend time with a senior. Endless opportunities to help.

For more information, contact Kathy at (785) 628-3200.

AARP Driver Safety Instructors: Teach a classroom refresher course for motorists age 50 and older.

For more information, call Roy Keller at (785) 743-2957 or log onto www.driver-training.org.

Foster Grandparent Program: Volunteers age 55 and older needed to help children in need of one-on-one attention, tutoring, encouragement, support and a positive role model. Benefits include non-taxable stipend, training, travel reimbursement and more. Serving throughout western Kansas.

For more information, call Joy Fischer at (785) 628-5809.

Ellis Good Samaritan Center: Help deliver meals to community members at lunchtime. Sign up for one weekend a month or one day out of a weekend by yourself, or with your church or civic group.

For more information, call Kristy or Donna at (785) 726-3101.

Ellis County Chapter of the American Red Cross: Volunteers needed for various committees to help support the local chapter. These committees include fundraising, health and safety, disaster, board of directors and office help. Remember: Together we can save a life.

For more information, call Bill Ring at (785) 625-2617.

Kansas Next Step: Kansas Next Step is looking for volunteers to provide unique and exciting opportunities for students. Volunteers needed to help with grant writing, Web page maintenance, fundraising, public relations and various other projects. Office hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call Deb Denning at (785) 432-7837, or log onto www.kansasnextstep.org.

Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Museum of Natural History: Admissions desk, gift shop, exhibit gallery and Discovery Room positions available, among others.

For more information, call Brad Penka, volunteer program coordinator, at (785) 628-5684.

Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers needed for various committees to help build decent, affordable housing in Ellis County.

For more information, call Bill Ring at (785) 726-4647 or Jennie Straight at (785) 628-2254.

The Arc of Central Plains: Help out with Special Olympics, life skills, other various activities or in our thrift shop with sorting, hanging and straightening. Whatever time you are able to give is appreciated.

For more information, call Gloria Von Feldt at (785) 628-6512.

Cross Road Pregnancy Care Center: Help with support groups and other classes and events. Volunteers also needed to help with fundraising to support this program. The center provides services such as pregnancy testing and consultation, material aid and childbirth and parenting classes at no charge.

For more information, call Melinda Ewert at (785) 625-4652 or (785) 625-0985 or log onto www.crossroadpcc.org.

Hospice, Palliative Care and Lifeline of Hays Medical Center: Volunteers needed to help care for the terminally ill and their families. Volunteers help by providing companionship, running errands, helping with simple tasks and supporting patients and families. Sixteen hours of training must be completed concerning hospice philosophy and volunteer roles. After that, volunteer hours are flexible.

For more information, call Myrna Kober at the hospice office at (785) 623-6200.

The Learning Center of Ellis County: Volunteers needed to help babysit children of students. This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially those involved with education in any way.

For more information, call Shanna Dinkel at (785) 623-2426.

Northwest Kansas Domestic and Sexual Violence Services: Help with the crisis line, fundraising, provide client advocacy, transportation or shelter house coverage.

For more information, call Samantha Butler at (785) 625-3055.