So here's what I'll do: for everyone who leaves a comment here expressing an interest, I'll do a four-hour volunteer shift in your place and I'll try to post at least a brief report about the work I did and the people I met during your shift.
This offer is open to anyone, not just the few folks on my flist, so feel free to let others who might be interested in taking me up on it know.
So, who wants me to go volunteer tomorrow?
P.S. For those living in the Houston area who are interested in helping out, the best site to get info on volunteering is http://www.volunteercenter.us/rsvp6.htm. It's updated several times daily with pertinent info and is a great resource, so please, if you know anyone in Houston, pass it on to them in case they'd like to get involved.