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thurston county seeks citizen volunteers: Thurston County is looking for volunteers to serve on advisory boards, committees, and commissions. These groups meet on a regular basis and make recommendations on important issues to the Board of County Commissioners. Current vacancies include positions on the Agriculture Advisory Committee, Board of Equalization, Boundary Review Board, Civil Service Commission, Historic Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Storm and Surface Water Advisory Board, Thurston County Fair Board, and the Veterans Advisory Board. Log on to co.thurston.wa.us/bocc to obtain an application, or call Danielle Westbrook, 360-786-5414, for additional information.
Thurston county sheriff’s office is seeking volunteers to assist the Sheriff’s office by providing and increasing community services that would normally require a commissioned officer. Some opportunites include vacation house checks, business checks, handicap parking violations, Iris Scan, traffic control at special events, speaking engagements, multi-housing/block watch, and other duties as assigned. Each volunteer must complete the two-week volunteer academy, a field training program, and probation status. Applicants must be 18 years-old, have the ability to volunteer for four hours per week, have a valid Washington driver’s license, no criminal history, and a certificate of good health from their doctor. To apply, contact Lt. John Price, and fill out a volunteer application returning it with proper picture ID to the Sheriff’s Office, at 2000 Lakeridge Ave. S.W., Olympia. Call 360-786-5657, or email: pricej@co.thurston.wa.us, for additional information.
RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) places volunteers older than 55 in a variety of positions throughout Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties. Current opportunities include: help Mason Thurston Land Trust recruite members through Facebook and Twitter; volunteer to share musical talent with residents of Lacey Senior Center; work at a visitor bureau on Capital Campus; help greet and direct patrons of SideWalk homeless shelter; work at Wolf Haven; help at a rest home during its weekly puzzle event; volunteer at a celebration at the Childcare Action Council; volunteer with South Sound Reading Foundation; volunteer at HCR Manor Care during a wine and cheese tasting event; help deliver meals to homebound seniors through Lacey Senior Center. Assignments can be short projects or ongoing. Contact Jennifer Thompson, volunteer coordinator, 360-943-2773, ext. 21, or go to unitedway-thurston.org, and select RSVP.
Olympia farmers market needs volunteers to help the public with recycling and composting at its waste centers. No handling or lifting is expected. Individuals, groups and organizations are welcome. Training is provided. Volunteers are needed anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Call Spencer Orman, 360-753-8752, or email: sorman@ci.olympia.wa.us, for additional information. Learn more at: olympiawa.gov/employment-and-volunteering.aspx.
tumwater farmers market needs volunteers to help organize and promote events as well as serve on the planning board. The Tumwater Farmers Market operates mid-day every Wednesday, June through October. Call 360-464-5879, to help out.
sound learning located in Shelton, is dedicated to providing alternatives education opportunities for adults in both basic skills (reading, writing, math and GED prep) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We have many opportunities to get involved, including as an adult education tutor, a children’s program volunteer, or a general volunteer to help with special projects, and /or office administration. Call 360-426-9733, or log on to: soundlearning.com for an application.
the ywca of olympia needs volunteers to fill the following openings: day center hostess, serving homeless women for two-hour shifts during the winter months; office volunteers for four-hour shifts; and volunteers to stock the shelves of The Other Bank on Tuesdays. In addition, the YWCA always accepts donations of hygiene items such as shampoo and dish soap. Call Bree Lafreniere at 360-352-0593 to volunteer or donate.
GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN WASHINGTON We have many girls in Thurston County interested in Girl Scouts and we need adult volunteers. We are looking for adults to work with Brownie Girl Scouts in grades 2-3. Other age levels are also available. Call 253-798-5015, or log on to the web site and complete a Volunteer Application: GirlScoutsWW.org Click “Volunteer” then “Apply Today”.
boots to shoes foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by two Washington businessmen to show their appreciation to military service members. Volunteer mentors attend a free mentoring workshop, then are paired with a veteran who they meet with twice a month. Mentors provide insight into the civilian workforce and discuss career goals and job search strategies. Go to bootstoshoes.org.
