Now, we don't want to call these resolutions, because we all know how those turn out. BUT, if you've been telling yourself you're ready to donate some time and energy to a worthy cause, here's a slew of opportunities that should appeal to just about every one, whether you're interested in the well-being of animals, children, the elderly or the disabled.

TRIANGLE MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE

Last year's third annual Triangle MLK Day of Service brought together 1,238 volunteers, 200 local organizations and the Triangle United Way for projects that helped the homeless, the disadvantaged and folks just temporarily down on their luck. You can be part of the solution Jan. 21 by going to www.trianglemlkdayofservice.org and scrolling down to 'Volunteer for a project.' Here are some projects that need your help:

* Volunteers will sort and repackage bulk food into family size portions from 9 a.m. to noon at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at 3808 Tarheel Drive, off St. Albans Drive in North Raleigh.

* Joyner Elementary School off Anderson Drive is looking for a dozen volunteers to help with its MLK Character Education Night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 15. Youth volunteers will participate in service activities that will develop them as citizens.

* The What Color Do You Bleed campaign seeks to collect 250 units of blood from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 21. Groups and individuals are asked to roll up their sleeves at collection centers across the Triangle. North Raleigh sites include 8301 Bandford Way off Creedmoor Road.

YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

* PLM Ministries invites the public to a one-hour program called Journey Days where participants will learn about the problem of family homelessness in Wake County. Journey Days is a good way to find out whether you'd like to become a board member or just help the program with its various life skills classes. The next Journey Days meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 23 at 1410 Brookside Drive off Atlantic Avenue. Visit www.plmft.org to register or to learn more.

* Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit guide dog school, needs people to raise puppies starting at nine weeks old to be future guide dogs before returning them to Guiding Eyes for the Blind at 14- to 16-months-old for specialized guide dog training. Raisers teach puppies socialization, house manners and basic obedience. Veterinary care and puppy classes are supported by the organization but food expenses, toys, leashes and transportation to puppy classes will be the volunteer's responsibility. Contact the Canine Development Center at (845) 878-3330 visit www.cdc.guidingeyes.org for more information.

KID ENRICHMENT

Register now for Eco-Kids - Astronomy Adventures, a three-day mini-camp at Blue Jay Point County Park for kids 4 and 5 years old.

This mini-camp will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 14 and 16 plus a night session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18 to provide stargazing time. Participants will learn about astronomy through crafts, hikes, stories and snacks. The fee is $25 per child.

For more information, visit www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/education.htm#children.

If Earth-bound creations are more your speed, check out Critters and Craft: Mini-beasts, where kids will learn about fascinating local animals, where they live and what they eat.

This program is open to participants from 6 to 8 years of age and the fee is $5 per child.

This program will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26. at the Sertoma Arts Center at 1400 W. Millbrook Road. Registration is available at any of the city's community centers.

For more information, contact City of Raleigh's Nature Programs at 831-6640.