With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and Festivus (for the rest of us!) well under way, many Salemites are looking for volunteer opportunities to help the community, hide from relatives, or teach their children a lesson in benevolence.

A number of organizations are seeking volunteers, whatever their intent. In fact, places like Union Gospel Mission are looking for, well, everyone.

"We need people of all skills, abilities and experience. We need office help, sewing help, food service, warehouse help, phones and reception, professional services ... well, the list just goes on and on. There is a place for everyone," Reverend Connie Crawford Lain, director of development for Union Gospel Mission, said.

"The best thing for someone to do who is interested in volunteering with Union Gospel Mission is call or come in and get a volunteer application packet. That packet will describe some of the available positions as well as a little bit about the process for becoming a UGM volunteer."

Marion County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is also looking for help.

"[We're] actively recruiting volunteer child advocates, board members, and event planners. CASAs are a diverse group of well-trained community volunteers appointed by judges to speak up for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system, " Advocate Coordinator Erin Audley of Marion County CASA said.

There is a 10-week training session that is provided for those interested in becoming a CASA. According to Audley, there are only 60 CASAs to advocate for 166 children in the system. The next training class starts January 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. To sign up with Marion County CASA visit their www.marioncountycasa.org or call (503) 378-6327, extension 369.

Salem Monthly's Give Guide features a number of small nonprofit organizations that are not only looking for monetary donations, but also volunteers. To find out more, visit the Give Guide online at giveguide.willamettelive.com.