An estimated 125 volunteers are needed for the 2011 Babe Ruth 12U Softball World Series next month.

Organizers issued the plea during the group’s biweekly planning meeting Tuesday, because in less than three weeks, 12 softball teams and their families from across the eight geographic regions of the United States will converge at the Andalusia Sports Complex for this year’s World Series.

“It’s going to take a lot of people to make this event a success,” said Mark Ingram, volunteer coordinator. “We’re thinking anywhere between 100 to 125, and we want to remind people this is a countywide event. We welcome civic groups, churches, from Andalusia, Opp, Florala and all parts in between.”

Ingram said volunteers are needed for four and a half hour sessions, twice a day. He said at least three people are needed in the concession stand, two for program sales and another two for ticket sales.

Ingram said there are also countless other areas where volunteers will be needed.

Area hotels are already being booked up as teams earn their right to play. Last week, teams from Alex City, East Brewton and Brewton qualified to play in August. The South Alabama team, which is comprised of girls from Covington County, will serve as the host team. Other teams will be announced in the coming weeks.

Dwight Mikel, the city’s department of leisure services director, said financially, the project is on target to meet the estimated $100,000 needed for the event.

“Still, we could use a few more sponsors,” he said. “So far, we’ve raised nearly $70,000 in cash and are expecting another $30,000 in revenues, so I feel very good about where we are.”

Mikel said about three months ago, fundraising efforts were slow because of the economy.

The World Series will be held Aug. 4-9.

To volunteer, contact Ingram by phone at 334-427-3330 or by email at mark.ingram@powersouth.com.