South Sound volunteer opportunities
THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE needs volunteers to help with vacation house checks, business checks, handicap parking violations, iris scans, traffic control at special events, speaking engagements, multi-housing/block watch, and other duties. Each volunteer must complete a field training program and probation status. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have the ability to volunteer for four hours per week, a valid Washington driver’s license, no criminal history, and a certificate of good health from their doctor. To apply, contact Gerry Jorgensen at 360-438-9398 or RJGJJorge@juno.com, or Greg Young at 360-352-9996. Fill out a volunteer application and return it with picture ID to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office at 2000 Lakeridge Ave. SW, Olympia.
SENIOR SERVICES FOR SOUTH SOUND is a nonprofit dedicated to helping those 55 and older in Thurston and Mason counties remain vital and independent. It currently needs volunteers to fill the following openings: Senior transportation drivers to take clients to/from essential appointments; volunteers can use their own vehicle, with mileage reimbursement, or one of the agency vehicles. Activities assistants for the STARS respite care program in Lacey; program hours are 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; a foodhandler’s permit is required for meal prep. Call Isaac at 360-586-6181, ext. 131, or email volunteer@southsoundseniors.org for more information, or complete a volunteer application online at southsoundseniors.org.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS MOUNT RAINIER CHAPTER needs volunteers to support military service members and military families with emergency communications and casework services. Call 360-352-8575.
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.
NORTHWEST LIONS EYEGLASS RECYCLING CENTER ( lionsnwlerc.org) in Lacey needs more volunteers to work at its facility. The all-volunteer nonprofit supplies used eyeglasses to medical missions throughout the world. Volunteers inspect and wash glasses, determine prescriptions, prepare glasses for shipment. The group also has community volunteers serving in staff positions. Hours are flexible; teams work during the days and evenings. For more information or to tour the facility, contact Don Schmidt at 360-292-3511 or Northwestlerc@gmail.com.
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 through Sundays. Contact Spencer Orman at 360-753-8752 or sorman@ci.olympia.wa.us for more information. Learn more at olympiawa.gov/employment-and-volunteering.aspx.
KOKUA needs volunteers to “Be a Buddy” to adults with disabilities. Each volunteer is partnered with an individual with similar interests to go on outings or visit in the client’s home. Must be age 18 or older and pass a background check. Contact Randi Miller at 360-705-4665, ext. 120.
THURSTON COUNTY FOOD BANK has begun using its new warehouse in Tumwater, so some staff has been reassigned to the warehouse and volunteer needs have increased at the existing downtown Olympia site where the focus is food distribution. If you have considered volunteering or are interested in learning more, attend one of the upcoming volunteer orientations at the downtown Food Bank, 220 Thurston Ave., Olympia, scheduled for 3-4 p.m. May 12, June 2 or June 16.
THURSTON COUNTY’S WATER RESOURCES/STREAM TEAM PROGRAM AND WSU EXTENSION need volunteers to train as “Stormwater Stewards” to help residents reduce pollution from stormwater runoff into local waterways and Puget Sound. Volunteers receive training in rain gardens, water-wise plants, pervious pavements, vegetated roofs, and more. Landscape professionals also may join. Trainings will be conducted on Thursday evenings in May and June with field days on June 14 and 27 and July 11. To learn more, download the recruitment packet and application at nativeplantsalvage.org/becoming-a-stormwater-steward or contact WSU Extension at stormwater.stewards@gmail.com or 360-867-2167.
THE STATE CAPITOL VISITOR SERVICES PROGRAM needs volunteers to serve as tour guides and information specialists, providing visitors with a fun and educational experience in a historic setting. Volunteers provide guided tours that include insights about state history, government and architecture. A three-hour weekly shift commitment is required. Training is provided. For more information, call 360-902-8887 or email tours@des.wa.gov.
This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "South Sound volunteer opportunities."