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Here are this week's volunteer needs in the Yakima Valley:

* READING TO STUDENTS: Chief Kamiakin Elementary School in Sunnyside is looking for volunteers to read along with students. Volunteers are needed Mondays through Fridays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. All potential volunteers must complete a volunteer packet and undergo a criminal background check. For more information, call Sirena Phillips at 574-1933.

* PROJECT LITERACY: Yakima Valley Community College's Project Literacy is looking for volunteers to tutor adult students in writing (sentences, paragraphs and essays) and basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions).

Volunteers will receive five hours of state professional development training and are needed September through June for two days a week.

Volunteers should have good interpersonal skills and a willingness to work with students of diverse backgrounds and cultures. All potential volunteers must fill out an application and undergo a criminal background check.

Tutoring is now available in the Naches area for adults needing help in reading, writing, math, or English.

Call the YVCC Project Literacy Office at 574-4942 for more information.

* CHORE SERVICES: Volunteer Chore Services provides basic in-home assistance to low-income elders and adults with disabilities to enable them to continue living safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes. Volunteers are needed to help build wheelchair ramps; provide transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and other such errands; and to provide light housekeeping.

For more information, call Lou Ann or Theresa at 965-7105.

* CASA VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are needed to be advocates for abused and neglected children in the community. If you are willing to commit time to making a difference in the life of a child, you will be trained to serve as an independent advocate. CASA volunteers have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment.

Call Anna Martinez at Yakima County Juvenile Court CASA at 574-2068.

* THERAPUETIC RIDING: Pegasus Project is a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association center providing therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for people with special needs and disabilities of all ages.

Sessions are eight weeks long. Volunteers typically help out two hours a week -- on the same time, same day each week -- for eight weeks.

For more information, contact Michelle Chalfant, volunteer coordinator/certified therapeutic riding Instructor, at 969-3310 or at gchalfant2002@charter.net.

* SENIOR COMPANION: Do you enjoy taking your neighbor to the grocery store? Are you always helping a friend with transportation? If you are 60 or older, you may be eligible to become a Senior Companion.

Volunteers are needed from 15 to 20 hours per week. A stipend and mileage reimbursement may be available. Applicants must undergo a background check.

Call Dona Ward, area coordinator, at 965-7100.

* Volunteer Opportunities is prepared by Sirena Phillips, volunteer coordinator of Yakima's Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Contact her at 574-1933, 120 S. Third St. Suite 200B, Yakima, WA 98901, or sirena.phillips@co.yakima.wa.us.