Men and women of any age often see a job to be done and don't hesitate to do it or help to get it done. It's people helping people and ultimately feeling good about what they've done.

Do you hesitate to learn more about volunteering because you're concerned about being away from home too many hours or that you have no particular talent to share? Or maybe you have time now and then and don't want to get caught up in a regular schedule? You don't drive and have concerns about transportation?

Maybe we should back up a bit. First, a volunteer candidate should decide on where his or her interests lie. Do they involve children or adults? Is your comfort zone in health care, retirement centers, child welfare, library programs or helping those recovering from major tragedies? What about offering assistance to your church or community or animal rescue league? Do you enjoy quiet work at a desk or computer? Or are you people oriented with hopes to improve living standards through compassion and good works?

They include:

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has 140 community gardens around western Pennsylvania. Volunteers help with gardening in the South Hills including Castle Shannon, Scott, Carnegie, Bridgeville, Green Tree and South Park. Opportunities include planting, weeding, maintaining gardens through summer season and fall clean-up.

To provide free instruction to adults, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council needs weekly tutors for short-term classes. Telephone conversation partners are needed twice a month to assist foreign-born students. Other partners are needed weekly to help students with writing and e-mail skills.

AARP needs help in preparing income tax returns for seniors and others with low income and also with its driving safety program.

Being a volunteer can be extremely rewarding. Think seriously about giving it a try. To learn more, call 412-835-2207.