The family that volunteers together…

With the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico dominating news headlines, some families are reacting by turning off the TV. But other families have instead chosen to respond by signing up to volunteer, as a family. Megan Miller and her 16-year-old daughter Savannah Miller are signed on as volunteers with the Alabama Coastal Foundation. Together, along with dad Sean and 13-year-old sister Annalese, the Millers plan to help clean up the coast.

Ylonda Gault Caviness also joins us. A longtime family and parenting journalist whose work regularly appears in Redbook, Ylonda has tips on how to make volunteerism a family affair.

Would you and your family like to volunteer cleaning up the Gulf Coast? Resources and organizations that can help you help the coast are below.

Organizations that are looking for assistance in identifying shoreline animals / birds affected by the oil spill (please do not attempt to capture or handle animals, but report them):

The Deep Water Horizon. Call 1-866-557-1401. To report areas with oil ashore or to volunteer in the affected areas, call 1-866-448-5816.

The Audubon Society. Call 1-866-557-1401.

Organizations that are looking for volunteers trained in handling oiled birds and marshland animals:

Save Our Seabirds (a Florida-based bird rescue group). Call 941-388-3010.

The National Wildlife Federation

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

Organizations that are accepting names and contact information of volunteers who wish to assist with clean-up efforts:

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

The Alabama Coastal Foundation (should the oil spill reach Alabama’s shores). Call 251-990-6002

The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (should the oil spill hit the Mobile Bay). Call 251-431-6409.

The Mobile Baykeeper (for anywhere along the Gulf Coast). Call 251-433-4229.