WHERE TO LEND A HAND VOLUNTEERISM THRIVING IN THE VALLEY.

Byline: - Lisa Van Proyen

Volunteerismis a way of life in the San Fernando Valley, with more than 28,000 teens, adults and seniors giving 2.7 million hours of their time last year, according to the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles.

``There's no place that has the extent of volunteerism like the San Fernando Valley,'' said Michael Miller, president of the Fernando Award, given annually to honor volunteerism. ``People believe in giving.''

Eighty-year-old Ruth Richter received the 44th annual Fernando Award in November, a testament to her 50 years of volunteerism.

Richter has volunteered for more than 30 organizations, including the Southern California Rapid Transit District, which appointed her as its first Valley representative.

Richter remains active in the Police Activity League and the Valley Traffic Advisory Board.

``Somebody needs somebody to do something,'' she said while managing the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce. ``If somebody needs something, you just jump in and do it.''

Sherman Oaks Hospital volunteer April Grimm echoes Richter's outlook.

She makes weekly rounds with her African basenji dog Fendi as part of the hospital's pet therapy program. She also gives patients massages, brushes their hair and hands out herbal teas.

``I just take the time to listen to them about the little things,'' she said.

Valley volunteers like Richter and Grimm never give up, Miller added.

Despite living with cancer and a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, 80-year-old Rerendina Maazel of Tarzana eagerly visits patients to cheer them up weekly at Sherman Oaks Hospital.

Maazel spends five hours weekly listening to the patients and tending to their needs, such as getting them extra pillows or reading materials. Every week, she arranges a bouquet of flowers from her own garden for patients and the staff. On Christmas, she visited 20 patients and gave them miniature rose plants.

``They loved it. Some even cried because they don't have visitors,'' she said.

The following are some Valley-based volunteer organizations in need of help, according to the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles:

Sherman Oaks Hospital: Needs volunteers to greet visitors in the front lobby, work in the gift shop and deliver menus to patients. Work might be with patients and/or their families. Contact: Ernestine Garcia at [phone] or Caroline Greco at [phone].

Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Panorama City: Those 55 and over participate in a variety of work, including at schools and hospitals. Contact: Jacqueline Turner at [phone].

Americorps Ambassador Mentoring: Provides mentors for agencies throughout the Valley to tutor school-age children. Also participates in Big Brother/Big Sister program. Contact: Israel Ortiz at [phone].

MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity): As the largest nonprofit poverty relief agency in Valley, the Pacoima agency operates a food pantry in a free weekly medical, vision and dental clinic, conducts home visits to assess the needs of those at or below federal poverty level. Also provides ESL classes and computer training. Contact: Lupe Acosta at [phone].

APD Foothill area Jeopardy Program in San Fernando: Tutor and assist at-risk youths in getting involved in after-school programs, such as sports activities. Contact: Tracy Holcomb at [phone].

California Youth Authority in Van Nuys: Help prepare parolees for the community by answering phones and filing records. Contact: Jerrie White at [phone].

Guadalupe Community Center in Canoga Park. Services: Operates a food pantry, thrift store, after-school tutoring and recreation programs for ages 5 to 16. Contact: Center director Margaret Pontius at [phone].

Children of our Future in Northridge: Monitors children who are wards of the courts or on probation. Contact: Nancy Linquata at [phone].

People in Progress in Sun Valley: Alcohol and drug abuse treatment center. Contact: volunteer coordinator at [phone].

Los Angeles Family Housing in North Hollywood. Services: Homeless shelter and food pantry. Contact: volunteer coordinator at [phone].

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Photo:

(color) Volunteer April Grimm works with Larry Lanning at Sherman Oaks Hospital and Health Center.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach