Mayor promotes ‘Spokane Gives’ as path to year-round volunteerism

A new effort to promote community volunteerism is getting a boost from Spokane Mayor David Condon.

The mayor this week unveiled plans for Spokane Gives, a weeklong initiative set for April 12-19 that organizers hope will encourage year-round volunteerism. The centerpiece of the effort is a new website, SpokaneGives.org, that enables would-be volunteers to find and sign up for planned community projects in need of their help.

“Establishing a coordinated network of volunteer opportunities is the starting point to making Spokane the most compassionate city,” Condon said in prepared remarks. “A single act can make a collective difference. Spokane is counting on its neighbors to make a difference.”

The April 12 kickoff event is being called “Cleaning From the Core,” and is looking for as many as 400 volunteers to help sweep downtown sidewalks, clear debris from flower beds to prepare them for planting, pick up garbage and cover graffiti. Those who sign up through the website by April 7 will receive a free T-shirt, organizers said.

The activity is designed to help prepare downtown Spokane for the upcoming season of festivals and events. Other volunteer opportunities are listed at the website and organizers note that groups as well as individuals are able to register.

The weeklong emphasis is intended as a way to help foster year-round interest in volunteering across Spokane.

The effort is a partnership among the city, the United Way of Spokane and the Empire Health Foundation. Corporate partners are Windermere Real Estate and Spokane Teachers Credit Union.