South Sound volunteer opportunities for March 20
THE CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT (CNLM) needs volunteers to help preserve the endangered South Sound prairies. The non-profit needs volunteer on the prairies on Tuesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Friday at its nursery. Additionally, there are volunteer work parties from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second Saturday of every month. Information: Hank ( hstein@cnlm.org) or visit southsoundprairies.org.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY LEWIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS are looking for volunteers to become Master Gardeners. Training involves online study, a full-day hands-on training on the third Tuesday of each month, and field experience in plant clinics and demonstration gardens. Monthly evening business meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and include continued education. Applications for the training program are available at http://lewis-mg-mrc.org/master_gardener_training/mg_training_information. Cost is $200. Information: 360-740-1216 or art.fuller@lewiscountywa.gov.
THE VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU needs volunteers to work four-hour shifts in the Visitor Information Center, assisting visitors who come in or call the office for information, and putting together mailings in response to requests for information. General computer skills are important, especially the ability to look up information online. Volunteers should have a good understanding of Thurston County, as well as a general sense of other areas of the state. Currently regular openings are 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays; occasionally additional shifts are open for substitutes. Contact Jennifer Leach at jenniferleach@visitolympia.com or call 360-704-7544 for more information. Potential volunteers will be required to attend training before their first shift.
MERCY HOUSING provides affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs. In Olympia, Mercy Housing runs Evergreen Vista Apartments at 1209 Fern St. SW where it offers residents a Homework Club, where where school-age children can be supervised after school and get help with their homework. Evergreen Vista needs volunteers to purchase, donate and deliver healthy snacks for the Homework Club. Snacks could include fresh fruits, raw veggies with dip, lowfat yogurt and cheese, graham crackers, whole wheat crackers, and unsalted nuts. If you would be willing to purchase and deliver healthy snacks once a month, or would like more information, call 360-352-1315.
THE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER needs volunteers to help at Pear Blossom Place, the 24-hour family shelter in Olympia. It has a variety of shifts and needs to fill, including evenings and weekends. Training is provided and children are welcome to volunteer alongside their parents. For more information, contact Katherine at katherinec@fscss.org.
THE YWCA OF OLYMPIA needs volunteers to work four-hour shifts in the office, and 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 360-352-0593 to volunteer or donate.
THE CRISIS CLINIC OF THURSTON AND MASON COUNTIES needs volunteers for its Crisis Line and Youth Help Line. After receiving 60 hours of training, volunteers offer free, anonymous, confidential, and nonjudgmental crisis intervention over the phone; the help lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For details about the training, call Nanci at 360-586-2888 ext. 103, or log on to crisis-clinic.org. The Crisis Clinic also needs volunteers for its working board.
SENIOR SERVICES FOR SOUTH SOUND has a number of current needs: drivers to take seniors to/from essential appointments; activities assistants for its STARS respite care program in Lacey from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; kitchen and dining crew at The Olympia Senior Center to help with dining room setup, meal prep, serving and cleanup between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Call Isaac at 360-586-6181, ext. 131 or email volunteer@southsoundseniors.org for additional information, or complete a volunteer application online at www.southsoundseniors.org.
SEA MAR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER needs volunteers to help with administrative duties, maintain the community garden, make educational displays, and community outreach. Stop by the clinic at 3030 Limited Lane, Olympia, call 360-704-7574 or go online to seamarchc.org to learn more.
THE NORTH OLYMPIA FIRE DEPARTMENT needs volunteers to create websites, maintain vehicles, promote life safety education or work with teen fire cadets. Contact Lt. Derek Hall at 360-705-0234 or hall@northolympiafire.com.
This story was originally published March 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "South Sound volunteer opportunities for March 20."