South Sound volunteer opportunities
OLYMPIA GROUP HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER needs volunteers to assist patients and staff in a variety of jobs in four-hour shifts on weekdays. Must pass background checks and volunteer training. For more information, go to https://www1.ghc.org/html/public/governance/volunteer or contact Caron at 206-448-5795.
THE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER needs volunteers to help at Pear Blossom Place, its 24-hour family shelter in Olympia. It has a wide 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 the endangered South Sound prairies. CNLM is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and restoring endangered ecosystems. CNLM offers volunteer opportunities 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 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 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 walk through the doors or call the office, 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. Regular openings are 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays; occasionally additional shifts are open for substitutes. Contact Jennifer Leach at jenniferleach@visitolympia.com or 360-704-7544 for more information. Potential volunteers will be required to attend training before their first shift.
MERCY HOUSING is a nonprofit organization that 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 for low-income families. They offer a Homework Club, where school-age children can be supervised after school and get help with their homework. Evergreen Vista needs volunteers to purchase, donate and deliver healthful snacks for the children. Snacks could include fresh fruits, raw veggies with ranch dip, lowfat yogurt and cheese, graham crackers, whole wheat crackers, and unsalted nuts. If you would be willing to purchase and deliver some healthful snacks once a month, or would like more information, call 360-352-1315.
HEARTSTRIDES is a nonprofit program off of Littlerock Road in Tumwater that offers therapeutic riding and horsemanship opportunities to all ages and abilities. It needs volunteers to serve as side walkers and note-takers, and to assist with fundraising efforts. Those interested should contact Jodie at 360-561-5328 or heartstrides@gmail.com, or check out the website at www.heartstridestherapeuticridingandhorsemanship.yolasite.com for more information.
THE MASON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE needs retirees who would like to donate some of their time to assist with administrative duties, such as answering phones, fingerprinting, permit issuance, and public awareness programs. Assignments out on the road are available after six months of administrative duties in the office. A 12-hour training program will be provided. Volunteers donate a four-hour shift per week at the North Precinct in Belfair. Interested parties may obtain a volunteer application by contacting Chief Civil Deputy Jan Shepherd at 360-275-4255, 360-427-9670, ext. 316, or jshepherd@co.mason.wa.us or by stopping by the precinct at 23293 NE State Route 3, Belfair. A background check is required for this position.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER has occasional need for volunteers to help with bulk mailings for roughly two hours at a time. Duties include folding and applying address labels at mailing “parties” where snacks are provided. Call the center at 360-956-1155.
UNITED WAY’S RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) connects citizens age 55 and older with meaningful volunteer opportunities in the community. Volunteers can sign up for short-term projects or commit longer term. Current opprotunities: Catholic Community Services needs quality craft people to build wheelchair ramps and handle home repairs for seniors and people with disabilities. Providence Sound Home Care & Hospice needs volunteers to provide hospice support, working with patients providing comfort, and giving respite to families. Training is provided. Thurston County Food Bank needs volunteers to pack and distribute food packages, and meet and greet clients and answer questions. Catholic Community Services needs volunteers to help elderly and disabled people with chores and small projects they are unable to do. SideWalk needs greeters to work with homeless people, providing information and support. Training is provided. The Medical Equipment Bank needs volunteers to receive and organize medical supplies, and stock the shelves. Catholic Community Services also needs volunteers to help folks new to the bus system navigate and become comfortable. To sign up for one of these volunteer opportunities or to learn about more, call Jennifer Thompson at 360-943-2773, ext. 21, or visit unitedway-thurston.org and click on “RSVP,” under the “Volunteer” tab.
This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "South Sound volunteer opportunities."