Academic Foundation For International Cultural Exchange is looking for individuals to work as community representatives and is also looking for host families to house foreign exchange students. To volunteer call Anne Ring, 866.462.3423.
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers. Positions are available for desk and telephone receptionists, blood services, computer and web design, public relations, class instructors, fundraising, working in disaster preparedness, and assisting the chapter’s youth program. To volunteer, call Tom Viscount at 310.394.3773 x112 from 1-5 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Ananda LA offers free Thursday Night Lectures, every other Thursday at 7:30pm, anandala.org.
The Assistance League of Santa Monica is celebrating their 70th anniversary. Help the ALSM by shopping at their thrift shop, the Assistance League Bargain Bazaar, 1453 14th St., 310.395.2338.
Baha’i Center in Santa Monica is located at 3102 Colorado Avenue, 310.394.7971 or go to santamonicabahai.org.
Carepages.com and the USO are sponsoring Yellow Ribbons For Our Wounded Troops, a web page where wounded soldiers and their families can post their stories, share information about medical advice, and give and receive support from others, carepages.com/yellow-ribbons.
Competitive landscape grants of up to $20,000 are being offered by the City of Santa Monica. To qualify for a grant, the landscaping plan must include water-efficient irrigation, plus one or more of the following: California native plants, water-efficient plants, storm-water management systems, graywater systems, and/or other innovative water-saving features. Applications will accepted through March 27, and are available by calling 866.728.3229 or at smepd.org org.
Host families are needed by Pacific Intercultural Exchange for foreign high school students, 866.546.1402.
The Marshall McLuhan-Finnegan’s Wake Reading Club meets first Mondays from 6-8pm at the Venice Library, 501 S. Venice Blvd., free, 310.306.7330 or venicewake.org.
Meals on Wheels West needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound people in Santa Monica. Deliveries are from 11am-1pm, Mondays-Fridays. To volunteer call 310.394.7558.
Mt. Olive Film Night, entertaining and thought-provoking films shown on the 2nd Saturdays of each month, supper at 6pm, films start at 7pm, free, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd., 310.452.1116.
Nominations are now being taken for the 2008 Green Prizes in Sustainable Literature. Books from publishers and authors, or titles suggested by the public must be submitted by March 31. The winners will be announced at a presentation in October. For information go to smpl.org/green prize.htm.
Santa Monica Oceanaires barbershop harmony chorus invites men of all ages and voice parts to sing each Tuesday, 7-10pm, Church of Christ, 9733 Venice Blvd., WLA, oceanaires.org, 310.202.1380.
The Santa Monica Rotary Club is accepting applications from area nonprofits for capital and equipment funding requests. Applications are due January 31 for the next funding cycle. Applicants can call the Rotary Club at 310.917.3313 or e-mail rotaryclubofsantamonica@verizon.net.
Santa Monica’s Solid Waste Division’s website answers many residential and business customer queries. To learn how to setup recycling programs at apartment buildings, what to do with unwanted electronics devices, where to drop off bulky items like refrigerators, and answers to many more questions go to smgov.net/swm.
The United States Veterans Initiative (USVETS) is collecting used and unwanted cell phones to raise money for formerly homeless veterans and returning troops. Donations can be dropped off at 733 S. Hindry Ave., Inglewood, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm, at the front desk, or 24 hours a day in room 206.
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Day of Service in Mar Vista on January 26. Projects involve planting new trees at the park, spreading wood chips around small recently planted trees, repairing the roller hockey rink fence and dasher boards, and painting and repairing the equipment shed, and more. If you can help, please e-mail Tom Ponton at ponton@marvista.org or fax to 310.202.5373.
Whole Foods Market is launching a website for people who want to make lasting resolutions for lifestyle changes. Go to wholefoodsmarket.com or to whole foods market locations to enter your resolution.
