Top 7 Ways to Volunteer in L.A.

Our #1 pick for volunteering is going to the dogs ... literally. This grassroots charity rescues dogs that are scheduled to be euthanized in overcrowded shelters throughout Los Angeles. Volunteers can donate blankets, food, treats and other items as well as foster dogs in their home. The Guardian Angel program is a great way to get involved for those who cannot have pets at home--this allows pet-lovers to be a "big brother" or "big sister" and spend time with a designated dog until he/she finds a forever home. MORE INFO: www.karmarescue.org

This non-profit encourages the love of reading to underserved children throughout Los Angeles. Taking place on the second Saturday of every month at eight different elementary schools, volunteers read to children and then give each child a brand-new book that has been donated to the organization. It's an easy way to bring the magic of storytelling (and build the personal library) for kids who often do not have books of their own. MORE INFO: www.readingtokids.org

Founded more than 25 years ago, this esteemed charity's motto is "changing lives through jobs." Dedicated to helping the poor and homeless become self-sufficient through employment, Chrysalis has helped more than 30,000 people at three different branches--one in Santa Monica, Downtown L.A. and Pacoima--and offers numerous volunteer opportunities ranging from resume-writing assistance, basic computer lessons and interview training as well as clothing donations. MORE INFO: www.changelives.org

Raising awareness and much-needed money has allowed this non-profit to function as a lasting outreach organization for the Jewish Home for the Aging. Each year, narly 1,000 elderly are able to live out their remaining years with physical, emotional, social and spiritual fulfillment regardless of their ability to pay. Volunteers help with monetary donations, fundraising and other special events. MORE INFO: www.laguardians.com

Proving that it's not too late to save Southern California's beaches, Heal the Bay is committed to giving everyone a year-round swimmable and fishable Santa Monica Bay. Volunteer opportunities come in every shape and size, from beach cleanups on the third Saturday of every month to cleaning out weeds along the Malibu Creek. MORE INFO: www.healthebay.org

Originally founded in 1936, the Los Angeles Mission was established to meet the immediate and long term needs of the city's homeless and disadvantaged. There are volunteer opportunities 365 days a year, including food service and event preparation. MORE INFO: www.losangelesmission.org

With locations in Echo Park and Venice, this non-profit writing and tutoring center offers free support to students ages 6 to 18 with their writing skills through one-on-one attention. Volunteers help out with drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-school tutoring and assisting children who are still learning the English language. MORE INFO: www.826la.org

As a non-profit hospital, CHOC relies on community support to provide care for infants, children and adolescents close to home. With a team of 650 volunteers who give more than 5,000 hours a month and save the hospital over $1 million annually, CHOC's program offers many opportunities for gifts of time, talent or treasure. MORE INFO: www.choc.org/volunteer

This large-breed dog rescue focuses on caring for homeless dogs in the communities of Newbury Park, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills. Volunteer opportunities include exercise, spending quality time with the dogs, working on basic training, grooming them, transporting them to vets for medical care, and even fostering them. There is also a youth volunteer program for those ages 16 and 17. MORE INFO: www.bigpaws4acause.org

With a volunteer program called Hands On Inland Empire, this local branch of the United Way provides a link for people to join together within the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and Pomona Valley. There are numerous ways to get involved, from the "Knit for Need" group of volunteers that knit socks, hats, and blankets for local homeless shelters and hospitals to "Kidz Night Out!" which provides companionship for underserved toddlers, kids and teens. MORE INFO: www.handsoninlandempire.org