California volunteer opportunities — Dorothy’s Place in Salinas (left) helps those in need of shelter, clothing and food. Merced’s Applegate Zoo needs donations to feed the animals. Zoos & aquariums throughout California seek help in feeding and caring for animals and fish.

Most of us feel the need to help someone or perform gestures of goodwill at Christmas time. We previously mentioned the Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringers and their history. While it may be too late to become a volunteer bell ringer this year, there are countless opportunities allowing you to make a donation or offer your time to a program or event in the gesture of goodwill.

HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER IN CALIFORNIA:

• 1. ALBANY Volunteers needed for Volunteer Corps, albanyca.org/volunteer
• 2. AMERICAN CANYON Toys for Tots Drive call the Fire District: 707-551-0650
• 3. BALDWIN PARK $50 donations needed to clothe children at Walmart shopping event. Donations accepted all year long. Call 626-813-5268
• 4. BRADBURY – Volunteer opportunities: Office Work at City Hall, Handyman Projects, Trail Maintenance, Planning Commission. cityhall@cityofbradbury.org
• 5. BRAWLEY La Genter Car Club Toy Drive. December 21, 2013 brawley-ca.gov
• 6. CARLSBAD – CERT Training, assist seniors and more Volunteer Resources. volunteer@carlsbadca.gov
• 7. DALY CITY Operation Santa Claus for Needy Families accepts toy or cash donations, calling (650) 991-8138
• 8. FAIRFIELD Senior Day Program services volunteer opportunities call 707.428.7742.
• 9. GRASS VALLEY Volunteer Patrol for non-hazardous police functions. cityofgrassvalley.com
• 10. KING CITY Alliance on Aging volunteers needed. kingcity.com
• 11. LA MESA Volunteer with the City of La Mesa, call 619.667.1322. cityoflamesa.com
• 12. MERCED Applegate Zoo fundraiser to name the new Alpaca. $1 per entry, cityofmerced.org
• 13. SALINAS – Dorothy’s Place volunteer assistance in even the smallest of gestures and time such as working in the kitchen for a holiday meal served to the homeless and hungry. dorothysplace.org