At a time when personal finances are strained, organizations that do good works are finding it increasingly difficult to become endowed. This makes volunteers more valuable than ever. Fortunately, we live in communities where the charitable spirit and an ethos of altruism are widely practiced. Here are some organizations that would welcome your participation:

The SPCA of Westchester, a no-kill shelter in Briarcliff Manor, is the only humane society in Westchester County empowered to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty. The SPCA does not receive any government funds. They are dependent upon gifts and sweat equity.

If you have a love for animals the SPCA has a volunteer opportunity for you. Programs for adult (18 years of age and older) volunteers include: Train to Adopt (TTA), Cat Care, Foster Programs Greeters, Grooming, Pet Therapy, Adoption Outreach, Marketing, Community Outreach, Humane Education, Disaster Relief and helping office staff with paperwork, filing, mailings, flyer postings, copying and data input.

Although insurance requirements prohibit those who are under 18 years of age from working directly with animals, the SPCA has developed special programs to accommodate those volunteers including an “Adopt a Shelter Pet” program that allows young people to raise funds; Golden Outreach, a pet therapy program where an adult and young person and their pet are trained visit over health care facilities; take part in community and animal related events on a regular basis; be involved in shelter beautification; and Click and Treat, a program to train dogs through positive reinforcement.

New volunteers are required to attend a general information session. Pre-registration for this session is required and space is limited. Please contact the volunteer coordinator to register for the next available session at volunteer@spca914.com or call (914) 941-2896, ext. 28. You may also wish to visit the SPCA website: www.spca914.org/about.htm

This past year, more than 269,000 visitors (yes, there were repeaters) used the services of The Mount Pleasant Public Library in Pleasantville and its branch in Valhalla. The library enjoyed the second busiest year in its 117-year history with more than 440,000 items checked out and had 22,000 participants enjoy its various programs. The Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library coordinates fundraising activities for the benefit of the Library. The Friends are currently planning for their spring book sale. The planning process begins in March culminating with the 3-day public sale on Friday April 29, Saturday, April 30 and Sunday May 1. The Friends welcome both student and adult volunteers to help set up for and work during the sale. For further information or to volunteer, contact Therese de Chaves at (914) 631-2987.

Since 1993, the Pleasantville Fund for Learning has been providing grants to students and teachers in the Pleasantville School District to provide innovative tools for learning and creativity. Students experience "hands-on" learning enhancements provided through the generosity of PFFL supporters. Amongst the programs for this school year are:

BRS: Hands on Learning—Legoland and Early Simple Machines

PMS: Digital Tools for the Digital Age Learner                                                          

PHS: Mini Laptop Cart with 25 Mini Laptop Computers                                                                                              

The FFL meets the first Monday of every month during the school year, holds an annual Fall Dinner Dance and Auction in the Fall and other fundraising events throughout the year including the annual Westchester Crossword Puzzle Tournament hosted by Will Shortz and the Valentine’s Day color and cut-in at Beautiful Hair Color Salon. If you would like to join the Fund for Learning, they would like to hear from you: admin@pleasantville-fund-for-learning.com or visit their website at www.Pleasantville-Fund-for-Learning.com.

Check back for more opportunities for volunteers in next Thursday's Patch Picks.