National Runaway Switchboard: 800-621-4000 (in Illinois call: 800-9726004). A crisis intervention network of trained volunteers offers confidential help to children under 18 years of age who are thinking of running away or have run away. Children can also receive professional advice via conference calls.
National AIDS Hotline: For an English-speaking operator call: 800-342-AIDS (24 hours a day). Spanishspeaking persons call: 800344-7432 (8 A.M. to 2 A.M., seven days a week). For the deaf and hearing impaired with a TTY/TDD line, call: 800-243-7889 (10 A.M. to 10 P.M., Monday-Friday). This service offers general information on acquired immume deficiency syndrome; free posters and publications (including a teacher’s packet); and medical, legal, and educational referrals.
Peace Corps: 800-424-8580 (in Washington, D.C., call: 202-254-6886). Volunteer program information and application forms are available.
National Center for Stuttering: 800221-2483 (in New York call: 212532-1460). Parents whose children (age 7 or younger) have stuttering problems can receive a free publication with exercises that they can practice at home. Older children and adults may receive information about available treatments.
Balloons: 800-762-6677. Balloon Dispatch USA, of Torrance, Calif., will deliver balloon bouquets anywhere in the U.S.
American Council on Alcoholism: 800-527-5344. An information and referral source for alcoholics, and family members or friends of alcoholics. Treatment referrals and free literature are offered, as well as information on obtaining school speakers on alcoholism.
Costume Bazaar: 800-447-7674. Persons may call to find out about the more than 40,000 different costume rentals that are available.
Radon Testing: 800-5424552 (in Virginia call: 703820-7696). Infiltec, a radon consulting firm, offers free material on radon testing and services.
Social Security: 800-9372000. Give your name and address to the computer that answers and receive a free Social Security information kit, which will tell you how to apply for a new card and check your Social Security earnings record.
Rhode Island Seafood Council: 800-EAT-FISH (in Rhode Island call: 401783-4200). Trained employees will answer questions on seafood nutrition, cooking, and storage.
Not toll-free but may be worth a call anyway:
Dial-A-Phenomenon: 202357-2000. A sky watcher’s weekly report of astronomical events from the Albert Einstein Planetarium in Washington, D.C.
President’s Daily Schedule: 202-4562343. The President’s daily agenda is announced from the White House office of the Press Secretary.
--Compiled by Sharon Williams
