Here are this week's volunteer needs in the Yakima Valley:

* HUNGER PROJECT: Yakima Valley VISTA-Hunger Project needs volunteer community organizers to develop and sustain local gleaning groups throughout the Yakima Valley.

To learn more, call 509-575-6956 or send an e-mail to yakima@firstharvest.org.

* FOSTER GRANDPARENTS: Volunteers help struggling youth. They're a model, mentor and a friend. Serving at one of many local organizations -- including schools, faith-based groups and Head Start centers -- they help children learn to read, provide tutoring, love, comfort, and guide kids.

Volunteers must be at least 55 years old, be willing to serve 20 hours per week and have a desire to work with youth.

Volunteers receive free lunches, mileage reimbursement, liability insurance and a stipend of $2.65 per hour (if income-eligible).

Call Megan Turner at 509-965-7100.

* ADULT DAY CENTER: The Respite Adult Day Center is looking for volunteers to assist. Duties include greeting participants and family members, helping with crafts and group activities, giving personal attention to participants, including ambulatory assistance, serving coffee and snacks, and helping to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Volunteers are needed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All potential volunteers will need to have a criminal background check done by the agency before volunteering.

* IN-HOME ASSISTANCE: Volunteer Chore Services is looking for volunteers to help provide basic in-home assistance to low-income elders and adults with disabilities to enable them to continue living safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes. Volunteers help build wheelchair ramps; provide transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and for other such errands; and perform light housekeeping duties.

A criminal background check is done by the agency.

Call Sirena Phillips at 509-574-1933.

* MENTOR PROGRAM: Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration Mentor Program works to increase a juvenile offender's options for successfully re-entering the community by pairing him or her with a mentor. Mentors' responsibilities include supporting and assisting young people as they work toward individual goals through weekly contacts and once a month face-to-face activities.

Volunteers should plan to give a one-year commitment. A criminal background check is done by the agency.

Initial training will be provided, with follow-up sessions. Male mentors are urgently needed.

Call Sirena Phillips at 509-574-1933.

* Volunteer Opportunities is prepared by Sirena Phillips, volunteer coordinator of Yakima's Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Contact her at 509-574-1933, 120 S. Third St. Suite 200B, Yakima, WA 98901, or sirena.phillips@co.yakima.wa.us.