HOLIDAYS : Giving of Oneself : Opportunities to volunteer are available all year, although more people seem to offer their help during the holidays.

By HEATHER W. MORGAN

Nov. 27, 1992 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES; <i> Heather W. Morgan is a regular contributor to Valley Life</i>

For Jeff Lowenson, there’s no such thing as too much math. Some days, he puts in as much as four straight hours solving algebra and geometry problems at Lawrence Junior High School in Chatsworth. And he’s not even a student there.

He’s one of several hundred senior citizens who are Dedicated Older Volunteers in Educational Services (DOVES) for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“There are tough moments,” said Lowenson, a retired Hughes Aircraft employee who lives near the school he has volunteered at since 1990. “Math isn’t always everyone’s favorite subject. But it’s very rewarding to see that certain look in a child’s eye when they finally understand and work it out for themselves.”

The volunteers “really help ease the pain of large classrooms,” said Brenda Winter, assistant principal at Lawrence. “And when you have someone like Jeff, well, what a bonus! He’s able to bring so much knowledge into the class. But he also gives his time and energy after the bell rings. He’s really trying to get the kids involved.”

Lowenson has also formed the Hughes Futuristics, a lunchtime club that works in conjunction with the company to expose young minority students to math- and science-related jobs.

“We need lots of manpower all year long, people who are willing to give their time and care to the children,” said Soung-An Kim, the DOVES coordinator. “That’s really all you need to volunteer.”

For details, call (818) 997-2300, Ext. 6080.

Volunteering often goes up during the holidays, but many people continue to give their time after the last gift is unwrapped.

Dee Dee Davidson-Porter is no exception.

“One day several years ago, my daughter and I went on a Nursery Nature Walk and I really loved it,” said Davidson-Porter, whose daughter is now 5.

“It all came flooding back. You see, the women in my family had taught me to look at the world through gentle eyes.”

The Woodland Hills resident, who grew up in Malibu, has been a volunteer docent for Nursery Nature Walks for two years. The group, based in Pacific Palisades, offers walks for young children and their parents at parks and trails throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.

“Children and parents need to explore nature together. Sometimes you get so housebound, you forget to connect with the world around you,” Davidson-Porter said.

“Each volunteer adds a little something unique,” Davidson-Porter said. “For me, it’s usually a Native American perspective. I like to incorporate traditional songs or stories into the walk.”

To volunteer as a Nursery Nature Walks docent, call (310) 998-1151.

Other organizations in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys that need volunteers during the holidays and the rest of the year:

* Loaves & Fishes is a Van Nuys-based food pantry that is under the umbrella of Catholic Charities. The organization has been serving those on limited incomes and the homeless for four years. Barbara Ausburn, volunteer coordinator, says the group provides groceries for about 3,000 people each month. During the holidays, the food production line and distribution of groceries is busy. Loaves & Fishes is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Volunteers are needed to interview applicants, fill food orders, sort and organize the food pantry, and assist with office work. Call (818) 997-0943.

* Meals to the Homebound provides just that--a hot meal and beverage to the elderly who are confined to their homes. “Several years back, there was a boy, about 12, who asked me if he could deliver meals on his bicycle,” said Evelyn Luckow, volunteer director. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t use him. But that’s the spirit we need around here. I know he grew up to be a really fine citizen.” Volunteers must be 18 and hold a current California driver’s license and insurance. Drivers are reimbursed for mileage. Call Van Nuys: (818) 988-7188; North Hollywood: (818) 761-6224; Sunland: (818) 353-1413; San Fernando: (818) 361-8089.

* Lutheran Social Services, Emergency Center, has existed since 1946. The operation uses about 300 volunteers to help thousands of the needy and provide job assistance. Jerome Nilssen, the Valley coordinator, said volunteers are especially needed around the holidays for interviewing, case management, staffing the job desk, running the thrift shop and food distribution. Bilingual volunteers are in demand. Call (818) 785-2114.

* The Valley Interfaith Council, based in Chatsworth, provides nine different food pantries for the needy. The organization, a network of temples and churches throughout the Valley, serves millions of meals each year. Volunteers are needed to set and clean tables, prepare food and serve it, and do telephone and office work. Call (818) 718-6460.

* The Burbank Temporary Aid Center provides Christmas food pantries to local families and individuals. People are needed for preparing food, making baskets, sorting donated items and answering the telephones. Call (818) 846-2330.

* The Pacoima Community Youth Culture Center works with several local churches to provide holiday dinners for about 500 needy families and individuals. The rest of the year, the center offers a variety of counseling, tutorial and other educational programs for low-income and poverty-level individuals. Volunteers are needed to prepare, cook, clean and service holiday dinners and baskets. Call (818) 896-8878.

* Luz de Cristo Youth Center in Van Nuys tries to help gang members stay off the streets by providing counseling services, computer skills, recreational activities and other social services. About 25 volunteers are helping these 12- to 25-year-olds in the evenings and Saturdays. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Call (818) 901-1684.

* Jewish Big Brothers offers Jewish children from 6 to 16 a “big brother” to take them to such places as the zoo or the movies. Ninety-five percent of the children come from single-parent homes. Volunteers must be at least 23 and are asked to be able to give four to six hours a week for a year. The screening process is extensive. Valley locations: Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks (818) 907-3870 and West Hills (818) 587-4360.

* Children’s Home Society of California in Van Nuys needs volunteer foster parents. Commitment time ranges from one week to permanent placement. Children range from infants to 18 years old. Bilingual families are especially needed. Training is required, and screening is extensive. Call (818) 908-5055.

* AIDS Project Los Angeles, a countywide agency, is looking for “Buddies” to offer comfort and companionship during the holidays and assist with small errands and other household chores. Volunteers are also needed for the hot line, clerical duties and fund-raising campaigns. Training is provided and buddies can be matched by location. Call (213) 962-1600, Ext. 109.

* Heads Up, Therapy on Horseback was formed in 1986 by Nancy Pitchford to give disabled children, teen-agers and adults the opportunity to continue physical therapy in a non-clinical environment. “The horse is like a giant heating pad that improves circulation and balance,” Pitchford said. The Saugus ranch has 30 people in its program, with three volunteers required per horse. Equestrian experience is not required. This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus (Mary and Bill Guyot, whose son is in the program) will be available for photographs at a Santa Clarita location; proceeds will benefit Heads Up. Call (805) 297-7433.

* Mothers Against Drunk Driving needs holiday volunteers to act as designated drivers, assist with conferences, stuff envelopes and answer telephones in the office. Teen-agers are always needed to become involved at their local high school. Call (818) 986-6233.

* Haven Hills offers battered women and their children shelter during a domestic emergency. Volunteers are needed to staff referral telephone lines, provide temporary housing, donate clothing and furniture, and help with office duties. Call (818) 887-6589.

* Las Mujeres: Harmony in the Family is based in Van Nuys and offers support to Spanish-speaking families who experience violence in the home. Volunteers are needed for the organizations’s hot line and speaker’s bureau, fund-raising, publicity and counseling. Bilingual volunteers especially needed. Call (818) 786-2079.

* The American Red Cross in Van Nuys uses volunteers for its cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses, answering telephones, filing, typing, computer data entry and organizing fund-raising events. Bilingual speakers are also needed for the emergency hot line. Call (818) 376-1700.

* The Los Angeles Zoo uses volunteers to give tours to schoolchildren and organizations. They also provide information and answer questions from the public. The zoo also has volunteer programs for teen-agers. Training is required for both. Call (213) 666-4090.

* The Student Naturalist Program in Newhall offers children 8 to 12 years old the opportunity to explore 10 miles of local flora and fauna in the 350-acre Placerita Canyon State and County Park. The year-round program includes hikes along with wildlife displays. There is a special program for deaf children. Volunteers, especially those conversant in sign language, are needed to give hikes. Call (805) 259-7721.

* Cabaret uses professional musicians to perform at local convalescent and nursing homes. Established five years ago by Rena Le Blanc, the group generally plays big band jazz and Broadway show tunes, touring about once a month. Auditions required. Call (818) 887-6053.

* The West Valley Symphony Orchestra, featuring Pierce College students and professional musicians, uses volunteers for its fund-raising efforts, writing press releases, clerical duties and scheduling concert dates. Call (818) 883-8030.

* The Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Van Nuys and Burbank is dedicated to providing assistance to senior citizens with their personal needs, from taxes to Medicare advice. The program also places older adults as volunteers in various community projects. Call (818) 908-5070 or (818) 953-9503.

* Jewish Elder-Care Corps provides care and companionship to senior citizens in nursing homes. Volunteers are asked to visit on a regular basis, reading, writing, playing games and conversing with the patient. Volunteers are matched with nursing homes in the area. Days are flexible. Call (818) 377-9849.

* Ombudsmen, Long-Term Care is a Los Angeles-based agency that recruits volunteers to assist senior citizens with legal questions about their convalescent or nursing home care. Volunteers require training. Call (818) 881-6460 or (310) 393-3618.

* Senior citizen centers throughout the county use volunteers during the holidays to get involved with special programs and bring warmth and holiday cheer to the elderly. Other programs are offered during the year. Locations:

Agoura Hills Senior Center, (818) 597-7361.

Bernardi Multipurpose Senior Center, Van Nuys, (818) 781-1101.

Canoga Park Senior Center, (818) 340-2633 or (818) 992-8094.

East Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, North Hollywood, (818) 780-0633.

Glendale Senior Center, (818) 241-4136.

Joslyn Senior Center, Burbank, (818) 953-9594.

Korean Senior Citizens Center, Granada Hills, (818) 368-8611.

Robert M. Wilkinson Center, Northridge, (818) 701-0141.

Valley Senior Service and Resource Center, Reseda, (818) 705-2345.

Valley Storefront Multipurpose Center for Seniors, North Hollywood, (818) 984-1380.

* Museums and natural preserves use volunteers to maintain the surrounding grounds, catalogue and file historical artifacts, provide public information, and assist with publicity and fund-raising efforts. Some places to call:

Andres Pico Adobe, Mission Hills, (818) 365-7810.

Antelope Valley Indian Museum, Lancaster, (805) 942-0662.

Bolton Hall, Tujunga, (818) 352-3420.

Brand Library and Art Center, Glendale, (818) 548-2051.

Canoga Mission Gallery, Canoga Park, (818) 883-1085.

Casa Adobe de San Rafael, Glendale, (818) 548-2147.

City of Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery, (805) 723-6250.

Descanso Gardens, La Canada-Flintridge, (818) 952-4400.

Exotic Feline Breeding Compound, Rosamond, (805) 256-3332.

Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, Griffith Park, (213) 667-2000.

Gordon S. Howard Museum, Burbank, (818) 841-6333.

The Japanese Garden, Van Nuys, (818) 989-8166.

La Casa de Geronimo Lopez, San Fernando, (818) 361-5050 or (818) 365-9990.

Leonis Adobe/Plummer House, Calabasas, (818) 712-0734.

Los Encinos State Historic Park, Encino, (818) 784-4849.

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, San Fernando, (818) 361-0186.

Orcutt Ranch and Horticultural Center, West Hills, (818) 883-6641.

Theodore Payne Foundation, Sun Valley, (818) 768-1802.

Travel Town Railroad and Museum, Griffith Park, (213) 662-5874.

The Western Hotel Museum, Lancaster, (805) 723-6260.

Wildlife Waystation, Angeles National Forest, (818) 899-5201.

William S. Hart County Park and Museum, Newhall, (805) 254-4584 or (805) 259-0855.

* Libraries are looking for volunteers to sort, stack, clean and catalogue books. Other programs include used-book sales, toddler storytelling hours and “Grandparents and Books,” where grandparents read and discuss books with young children. For details, contact the specific library:

Agoura Hills, (818) 889-2278.

Burbank Main, (818) 953-9725.

Burbank Buena Vista, (818) 953-9747.

Burbank Northwest, (818) 953-9750.

Canoga Park, (818) 887-0320.

Canyon Country, (805) 251-220.

Chatsworth, (818) 341-4275.

Encino-Tarzana, (818) 343-1983.

Glendale Main, (818) 548-2035.

Glendale Chevy Chase, (818) 548-2046.

Glendale Grandview, (818) 548-2049.

Lancaster, (805) 948-5029.