South Sound volunteer opportunities
THE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER needs volunteers to help at Pear Blossom Place, a 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 CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT needs volunteers to help preserve endangered South Sound prairies. Volunteers work on the prairies on Tuesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Friday at the nonprofit’s nursery. Additionally, there are volunteer work parties from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. Information: Hank ( hstein@cnlm.org) or visit southsoundprairies.org.
MASTER GARDENER TRAINING The Washington State University Lewis County Master Gardeners need 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 bit.ly/1cAxuz7. 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 walk through the doors 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. Current regular openings are 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 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.
KOKUA needs volunteers 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 age 18 or older and pass a background check. Contact Randi Miller at 360-705-4665, ext. 120.
THURSTON COUNTY FOOD BANK needs more volunteers as it transitions into its new warehouse in Tumwater while maintaining its current building where the focus is client services and food distribution. Those interested should attend the upcoming volunteer orientation from 3-4 p.m. June 16 at the downtown Food Bank, 220 Thurston Ave., Olympia.
THURSTON COUNTY AND WSU WATER RESOURCES/NATIVE PLANT SALVAGE FOUNDATION needs volunteers for the “Stormwater Stewards” program, to help residents reduce pollution in local waterways and Puget Sound from stormwater runoff. Volunteers receive training in rain gardens, water-wise plants, pervious pavements, vegetated roofs, and more. Landscape professionals may also join. Trainings will be held on Thursday evenings in May and June with field days on June 14, 27 and July 11. Download the recruitment packet and application at bit.ly/1FXqxmh or contact WSU Extension at stormwater.stewards@gmail.com or 360-867-2167.
THE STATE CAPITOL VISITOR SERVICES PROGRAM is currently recruiting volunteers to serve as tour guides and information specialists. If you enjoy providing visitors with a fun and educational experience in a historic setting, a volunteer position may be perfect for you. State Capitol volunteers provide guided tours and visitor information services for visitors from across the country and world, providing insights about state history, government and architecture. A weekly shift commitment of three hours is required. Comprehensive training is provided. For additional information about current volunteer opportunities, please call 360-902-8887 or email tours@des.wa.gov.
This story was originally published June 5, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "South Sound volunteer opportunities."