JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers Hogan Foundation Gardens of the World April is National Volunteer Month and one of the most prolific volunteer efforts locally is coordinated through The Hogan Family Foundation.

Since 1998, the foundation has operated a number of philanthropic programs around the country. Last year more than 100 Southern California volunteers have helped with a variety of local humanitarian, civic and educational programs.

In acknowledging the volunteer efforts, Christine Hogan, foundation executive vice president, said, "We are so thankful for our volunteers every single day of the year in helping run the programs that benefit our neighbors and the communities we serve. We are extremely grateful that so many volunteers give of their precious time to care for abused, abandoned and neglected animals; provide educational tours; and help underprivileged children."

Among other programs, the foundation operates the Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, which hosted more than 50,000 visitors last year.

The foundation's Rancho St. Francis and Rancho Nuevo facilities near the foundation headquarters in Newbury Park function to help abused horses and dogs and underprivileged children.

For details on programs operated by the foundation, go online at www.hoganfoundation.org. For local volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteermatch.com.