Your mission: Help locals seeking information about cancer treatment and resources.
What you'll do: Volunteers will be trained to assist cancer patients, their families and caregivers with the latest in cancer-related information and connect them to needed resources. They will also provide information on community programs and services, along with dates and times for local American Cancer Society events and programs.
Where: Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center's American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center, 1978 Industrial Blvd., Houma.
How long you're needed: The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Officials say whatever time you can donate is appreciated.
What's in it for you: You'll receive all the training you need to help patients, and you'll be rewarded by helping people in need get connected with the American Cancer Society's local resources, said Shea Austin, health initiative representative with the American Cancer Society.
Who to contact: Call the American Cancer Society office at 851-7776.
Your mission: Work in the Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
What you'll do: Various tasks, including sales, setting up display, cleanup of donation and other day-to-day operation to run the store.
How long you're needed for: The ReStore is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Where: 509 St. Mary St., Thibodaux.
Who to contact: For information, call 447-9743 or visit www.bayouhabitat.org.
Your mission: Help cancer patients feel beautiful.
What you'll do: Licensed cosmetologists, hairdressers and makeup artists are needed for the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better workshops.
How long you're needed: They're held several times a year to coach cancer patients about makeup, wigs and other beauty tips to stay looking good while undergoing treatment. Volunteers commit to two or three sessions each year, which last about two hours.
What's in it for you: The group is down to just one cosmetologist right now, and are in desperate need of a helping hand. Look Good, Feel Better is one of the American Cancer Society's most successful programs, and its a great way to volunteer and give back, Austin said.
Who to contact: To sign up, call 851-7776.
Your mission: Volunteer at Hospice of South Louisiana to help patients facing a terminal illness and their families with spiritual and supportive care.
What you'll do: You can work directly with patients and families to provide care and support as patients face the final stages of a terminal illness. You can also volunteer for office and clerical work, special events and fundraising, arts-and-crafts programs, bereavement programs or community outreach.
How long you're needed: Volunteers are needed year round.
Where: Hospice of South Louisiana, 6500 Main St., Houma.
What's in it for you: You'll provide spiritual, physical and mental support for patients and families in the greatest need.
Who to contact: Call Cathy at 868-3095.
Your mission: Help to raise money to provide services to all people living with cerebral palsy in Louisiana.
What you'll do: Donate your time or man the phones at Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana's annual two-day telethon. It will be broadcast on Charter Communications channel 18, Comcast channel 5 and online at www.cerebralpalsyla.com. The event features live entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
How long you're needed: From 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 6 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 7.
What's in it for you: You'll be helping people with cerebral palsy and their families to purchase, rent and repair medical equipment; pay for physical and occupational therapy, prescription shoes and evaluations; among other things.
Who to contact: To volunteer, call 1-800-375-8275. To make a pledge, call 868-0200 during the broadcast.