The following are local volunteer opportunities and donation needs:

Help Needed -Volunteers:

• Rock Gym help: Volunteers are needed to help clean up the Rock Gym at the corner of Mimosa and Ridge Avenue today (Wednesday, Sept. 19) in the City of Stone Mountain, between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Items from various events have been stored there over time and there's just too much clutter and stuff - as well as trash, some city council members said at their work session this week.

• Smiling faces: The Stone Mountain Visitors Center could use folks with "happy, friendly, smiling faces" who are proud of the Stone Mountain city community and a passion for sharing, said the center's Kim Cumbie. If you fit the happy bill, contact her at: kcumbie@comcast.net

• Hands On Atlanta Day is Saturday, October 6. Local DeKalb County schools including Allgood and Woodridge elementary schools in Stone Mountain as well as Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in Lithonia are listed as participants on Hands On Atlanta's site.

Learn more about volunteer age requirements, accessibility, and how to sign up for Hands On Atlanta Day here.

Help Needed - Donations:

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Donate to the Clubhouse: Learn about Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse's giving opportunities here.

• Here's what's on the wish list for AWARE (Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort, located at 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia):

GENERAL ANIMAL CARE

• Batteries (AA)
• Bleach
• Blender
• Feeding Bowls (no tip)
• Food Processor
• Heating Pads
• Laundry Detergent (unscented, dye-free)
• Towels

FOOD

• Chicken quarters
• Beef or venison
• Pedialyte
• Friskies canned classic paté (cat)
• Friskies Signature cat kibble
• Purina Complete dog kibble
• Thistle
• Wild bird seed
• Sunflower seeds
• Canned, mixed vegetables
• Mixed fruit baby food
• Sweet potato baby food
• Whole nuts