The Providence Animal Rescue League needs volunteers to assist staff with the daily morning duties that are necessary to keep the shelter a clean and comfortable place for the animals. Duties may include dog kennel and cat cage cleaning, washing dishes and litter boxes, feeding and watering the animals, laundry, toy distribution, mopping floors and more. Morning shifts are seven days a week from 8 to 10 a.m. Animal-loving volunteers are also needed to get animals out of their cages for some exercise and socialization. This can be as simple as petting a cat in his cage or taking a dog outside to play ball in the yard. All volunteers for both these positions must be at least 18, have health insurance and attend a volunteer orientation. Contact Shana Cobin at (401) 421-1399, ext. 208 or e-mail volunteer@parl.org.

Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island in Pawtucket needs volunteers on an ongoing basis to assist with daily operations. Some of these opportunities include helping with community fairs, public speaking, workshop trainers, marketing/fundraising, advocacy, office assistance and special fundraising events. There are opportunities for individuals, small and large groups, teens and families. Contact Katherine Begin at (401) 728-7920 or e-mail kbegin@preventchildabuse-ri.org.

Rhode Island Hospital in Providence is looking for volunteers to help in the surgical waiting room, where they will provide surgical patients’ family members with information regarding the status of surgery and recovery. Good interpersonal skills and sensitivity to families’ concerns are a must. The hospital also needs volunteers to serve as ambassadors, who guide patients and their families to various locations throughout the hospital. Another volunteer is needed to assist with the Art Cart, a collection of 25 framed prints and photographs. The volunteer will bring the cart to patients’ rooms and ask them to select a piece of art to hang in the rooms during their stays. This is an excellent opportunity for a mature person who is a good conversationalist. All R.I. Hospital volunteers must go through orientation and commit to 100 hours of volunteer time over a year. Contact Adrianne Walsh at (401) 444-8635 or e-mail awalsh@lifespan.org.

Project Homeless Connect is a one-day special effort to connect homeless individuals and families with services. All the service providers come to one location for the day so homeless people can take care of as many areas of assistance as they want to, such as signing up for housing or job training, getting a medical or dental exam, having a haircut, speaking to a case manager and more. Volunteers are needed to help escort clients through all the available services, providing friendly support and preventing long lines. Interested volunteers must be comfortable working with homeless clients and dedicated to confidentiality. Training will be provided. Project Homeless Connect is scheduled for Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.at the Rhode Island Donation Exchange in Providence. Volunteers are encouraged to be available for most of the day, but some half-day shifts are available as well. Contact Carmen Ferguson at (401) 444-0640 or e-mail carmen.ferguson@uwri.org.

— JENNIFER BELLIVEAU

Volunteer opportunities are provided by the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island. To list a volunteer opportunity, call (401) 421-6547 or (800) VOLUNTEER; to search volunteer opportunities, go to www.vcri.org.