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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

volunteer

Sierra Club, Upper Columbia River Group – Many volunteer opportunities to work in the outdoors and for those who are enthusiastic about keeping the environment clean. Call Chris Bachman at (509) 280-8159 or visit www.sierraclub.org/ico/Spokane.

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. – Volunteers at least 15 years old are needed to help maintain a healthy and sanitary environment for SpokAnimal’s cats such as cleaning litter pans, thoroughly disinfecting cages, feeding and taking time to hold, brush and play with the cats. Call Kandace Watkins, outreach and volunteer coordinator, at (509) 534-8133.

Spokane C.O.P.S. – Community volunteers are needed for assistance with crime-prevention. Volunteers will receive professional training by crime-prevention agencies, police officers and officers with the Department of Corrections. For more information, visit any Spokane C.O.P.S. or visit www.spokanecops.org.

Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels – Volunteers are needed to deliver hot meals to elderly and disabled people in Spokane Valley. Volunteers will also need to check on the well-being of each person on their route. Volunteers may choose to drive a route any day, Monday through Friday, or drive as a substitute on flexible days. Meals will be picked up at 11 a.m. and delivered to approximately 15 people and delivery time is approximately 90 minutes. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare meals for elderly and disabled people. All skill levels are needed. Volunteers must use their own vehicles to deliver meals and must pass a background check. For more information, call Pam Almeida, executive director, at (509) 924-6976 or visit www.valleymow.org.

Spokane Valley Partners – Volunteer assistants to the program director are needed to maintain the volunteer database; six-month commitment, up to 10 hours per week; assist in the recruitment and hourly tracking of volunteers involved in seasonal programs, food bank and clothing bank. Contact Connie at (509) 927-1153, ext. 18.

Transitions – Volunteers are needed for Transitions Medicaid Treatment Childcare program and EduCare program, to help teachers in the classroom. The children, ages 2-6, are behaviorally challenged, have special needs and require extra help. Volunteers must attend two-hour training due to the special nature of the environment. They must also be 21 years old and pass a Washington State background check. Volunteers will need to commit to a three-hour-a-week block of time. For more information call Jaki Brophy at (509) 328-6702 or visit www.help4women.com.

Union Gospel Mission – Volunteers are needed for the Men’s and the Women’s and Children’s facilities. Duties for the Men’s facility include clothing room sorters, kitchen help; checking in residents, administration duties, pantry/donations managers, and building relationships through teaching classes, evangelism, tutors, etc. Duties for the Women’s and Children’s facility include updating and maintaining office paperwork; provide security for the facility, such as ensuring the health and safety of all guests; and worship leader, game leader, and other general supervision duties. For more information call Greg Barclay, Director of Volunteers, at (509) 535-8510 or visit www.ugmspokane.org.

Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery – Certified houseparents are needed for at-risk children in the Spokane community. Shifts are between four and eight hours per week and will include diapering, bathing and food preparation. Training will be provided; volunteers must meet state requirements. For more information, call Teresa Venne, volunteer coordinator, at (509) 534-7099 or visit www.vanessabehan.org.

Victims Rights Response Team – Volunteers to become advocates for victims of sexual assault and other crimes are needed. Community volunteers will provide medical and legal advocacy, crisis intervention and information referral to victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Comprehensive 35-hour training is provided and commitments of two evening or weekend shifts per month are required and stipends are available. For more information, contact Mandy Iverson, volunteer coordinator, at (509) 343-5005.

Women’s Hearth – Volunteers are needed to interact with women in an open and accepting manner through one-on-one conversation and small or large group activities. They will need to be available to play games, do arts and crafts, assist staff and help with general clean-up activities. Training will be provided. For more information call Kathy McFaul at (509) 455-4249 or visit www.help4women.org.

This list is a sample of opportunities included on the Spokane County United Way Volunteer Solutions website. For a complete list visit www.unitedwayspokane.org, or call for more information about these and other opportunities. If your organization is looking for volunteers, contact the Spokane County United Way at (509) 838-6581.