This is especially true during the holiday season when attendance at museums, zoos, aquariums, historic sites, presidential homes and libraries are up.

Non-profits that have gift shops always need extra staff between mid-November and December 24th.

And then there are the many associations working to save our forests, farmland, animals, water and clean air. One may be headquartered in your city or town. And nearly all communities operate programs to help the homeless, delivering food, shelter and medical care. And, add your local hospitals, clinics, schools and libraries to your list.

So, if you are out of work, retired or simply have extra time, look into volunteering - its benefits (beyond feeling good!) are many.

Keep in mind that if you are well suited to the work, you may eventually be hired when a paid position becomes available. A known worker, if he or she is a good worker, is always favored over an unknown one. Tell the director or the volunteer coordinator that you would like to leave your resume on file.

For a listing of volunteer openings as well as jobs and internships in the non-profit world, go to: www.idealist.org. Founded in 1995, its motto is "Imagine. Connect. Act."

As we go to press, the website lists over 18,500 volunteer opportunities. You can search by area of focus or by location (country, state, city or town or ZIP code).

 - Nancy Dunnan