As Hurricane Gustav evacuees by the thousands head for safety, volunteers are needed to staff shelters and feeding programs in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Local volunteers are already helping, but more are needed.

Those interested in volunteering in Louisiana should call 866-286-3835 for information on where and how to volunteer. In Mississippi, for information on shelters, call 866-472-8265. Skilled call center workers and Red Cross-trained shelter volunteers are asked to call 866-472-8265. For information on volunteering in Texas, visit http://www.texasresponds.org.

Many of the shelters, which offer assistance to both people and pets, are operating with the assistance of AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers.

The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year the Corporation engages more than four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet local needs through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.

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