A successful, flexible, system for coordinating volunteers in the Meigs, Ohio, local school district's elementary schools utilizes a file box containing the names of aides selected to participate in the volunteer program, the times and days they are available, and the services they can provide. A teacher needing a volunteer to perform certain duties at specific times selects the aide who best meets his/her needs according to time and performance. By selecting and notifying the volunteer prior to the specified time (usually two days), the teacher secures from the volunteer a commitment to fulfill the teacher's classroom or clerical needs. Utilization of the file box system at each school is the responsibility of the building coordinator. A central coordinator maintains a central file box system to accommodate volunteers who are capable of making a contribution or have talents of value to more than one school site. Arrangements are made to secure the services of a multi-site volunteer by request to the central coordinator. The volunteer program at each school is conducted at a ready room--a central gathering place where volunteers may be obtained by teachers when they are needed. The ready room is staffed by volunteers whose duties are primarily clerical but who are able to provide instructional assistance if needed. The room is equipped with duplicating machines, typewriters, and work tables. (MM)