Thurston county sheriff’s office needs volunteers to perform vacation house and business checks, monitor handicap parking violations, provide Iris Scans, direct traffic at special events, speak at events, and support multi-housing/block watch. Each volunteer must complete a two-week volunteer academy, a field training program, and probation status. Applicants must be 18 years old, commit to volunteering 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 details.
RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) places volunteers older than 55 in a variety of positions throughout Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties. Current opportunities include: recruiting Mason Thurston Land Trust members through social media; sharing musical talent with residents of Lacey Senior Center; working at the Capitol Campus visitors bureau; greeting and directing patrons of Sidewalk homeless shelter; working at Wolf Haven; helping at a rest home during its weekly puzzle event; volunteering at a celebration at the Child Care Action Council; volunteering with the South Sound Reading Foundation; volunteering at HCR Manor Care during a wine and cheese tasting event; and delivering meals to homebound seniors through Lacey Senior Center. Assignments can be short projects or on-going. Contact Jennifer Thompson at 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. Thursdays-Sundays. Call Spencer Orman, 360-753-8752, or email sorman@ci.olympia.wa.us for details. 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 midday every Wednesday, June through October. Call 360-464-5879 to help out.
sound learning in Shelton provides alternative education opportunities for adults in both basic skills (reading, writing, math and GED prep) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Opportunities include serving 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 go to soundlearning.com for an application.
the ywca of olympia needs volunteers to fill these openings: day center hostess, serving homeless women for two-hour shifts; 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 has many girls in Thurston County interested in Girl Scouts but it needs adult volunteers, particularly to work with Brownie Girl Scouts in grades 2-3. Call 253-798-5015, or go to the website 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 veterans 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.
friends of paul grudis needs volunteers to purchase and deliver nutritious snacks for the homework club at Evergreen Vista. Also needed are donations of housewares, bedding, towels and kitchen wares. Several volunteers are needed each month. Call Lindsay at 360-352-1315.
