Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training Course: Washington State University Thurston County Extension is currently accepting applications for its Master Recycler Program. The county trains each Master Recycler Composter volunteer on how to become a community educator on solid waste issues such as waste reduction, recycling and composting within Thurston County. Training will be conducted at 6 p.m., on Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2, and at 9 a.m., on Oct. 15 and 22. A $50 class fee will be collected on the first class, and covers all class materials. Applications are due by Sept. 23. To learn more or to apply online, log on to: http://county.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening/mc/Pages/default.aspx, or call Cori Carlton, 360-867-2162.
Soundhomecare Hospice: Volunteers offer support to families/caregivers and those who are dying by offering respite for a caregiver, companionship, running errands, being a loving presence, etc. Trainings will be from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, and Oct. 14, and from 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 and 12. To receive an application and sign up for training, call Debbe Edden, 360-493-4689.
Ongoing
Boots to Shoes Foundation: A non-profit organization founded by two Washington businessmen as a way of showing their appreciation to military service members. Volunteer mentors will start by attending a free mentoring workshop and then be paired with a veteran. By meeting with your veteran twice a month, you will provide insight into the language of the civilian workforce, provide objective discussions of career goals and job search strategy. For additional information, log on to: www.bootstoshoes.org.
Mercy Housing Evergreen Vista Apartments: Needs volunteers to buy $25 worth of nutritious snacks, using your money, for their homework club. You would buy the snacks and deliver them to Evergreen Vista. Several volunteers are needed each month. Call Lindsay, 360-352-1315, for additional information.
Dispute Resolution Center Needs volunteers to help people resolve their conflicts with friends, neighbors, families, co-workers, landlords or businesses. Learn how to be a neutral listener for four hours per week. Call 360-956-1155.
Kokua: Help make the world a better place, one life at a time. Volunteer to “Be a Buddy” to an adult with disabilities. Volunteers are partnered with an individual with similar interests to go on outings or visit in the client’s home. Must be 18 years or older and able to pass a background check. Please contact Randi Miller, Volunteer and Internship Coordinator 360-705-4665 ext. 120.
Providence St. Peter Hospital Has fun and rewarding volunteer positions in their gift shops. Profits from the gift shops fund much needed equipment for the hospital. Call Volunteer Services at 360-493-7482.
The Crisis Clinic of Thurston and Mason Counties Needs help staffing their hot lines. Hot line volunteers offer free, anonymous, confidential, and nonjudgmental crisis intervention over the phone 24 hours a day. Volunteers receive training. For more information about the 60-hour training, call Jill at 586-2888 ext. 103, or log on to: www.crisis-clinic.org.
The North Olympia Fire Department Has established a Fire Corps program and is seeking volunteers to create Web sites, maintain vehicles, promote life safety education, or work with teen fire cadets. For more information, call Lt. Derek Hall at 360-705-0234 or send an e-mail to hall@northolympiafire.com.
The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter Is looking for volunteers to support military service members and military families with emergency communications and casework services. For more information, call 360-352-8575. Friend to Friend is looking for volunteers to visit one-on-one with residents in nursing, assisted-living and retirement homes throughout Thurston County. Call 888-383-7818.
Rosie’s Place, A local non-profit serving homeless and high-risk youth and their families, has a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities. Contact Susan Alexander, salexander@communityyouthservices.org, or 360-943-0780, ext. 116, for additional information.
Mason County Literacy Has many volunteer jobs available, including tutoring positions in math, reading, GED preparation and ESL (English as a second language). Volunteers also are needed to do office work, child care and database management. Call 360-426-9733.
SafePlace Needs volunteers and interns to provide support to those affected by domestic and sexual abuse. Call 360-754-6389, ext. 103.
City of Olympia Safe & Sober Driving Seeks volunteers who have been injured or have had a loved one injured or killed by a drunken driver to share their stories with the DUI Victim Impact Panel. Call Patty or Cheryl at 360-753-8284.
