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

Volunteer opportunities

Communities In Schools - Volunteers are needed to help site coordinators at Shaw Middle School and/or Sheridan Elementary School. Volunteers will be asked to commit to a minimum of four hours per week to help with paperwork, student programs, chaperoning students during/between classes, lunch times, recess times and tutoring. Positions require a Washington State Patrol background check. For more information and an application call (509) 413-1436 or email jessica@cisspokane.org.

Girl Scouts - The Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho is looking for volunteers for leadership development and mentoring of girls. Call Janet Davis, volunteer manager, at (800) 827-9478 or visit www.gsewni.org.

Global Neighborhood - Volunteers are needed to work with refugee individuals and families. Volunteers will interact with refugees, help them practice English, educate them on food, help with bus transit, and introduce them to family, friends and other aspects of the community. Volunteers are required to complete and submit the Global Neighborhood Volunteer application and undergo cultural orientation training. Volunteers must be at least 19 years old; submit to a Washington State Patrol background check; be willing to seek out resources for refugees; and commit to one year of service with a family or individual, three hours per week. For more information, call Amy Hendricks, volunteer coordinator, at (509) 703-7528 or email amy@global-neighborhood.org or visit www.global-neighborhood.org.

Greater Spokane County/Valley Meals on Wheels - Volunteers are needed to deliver hot meals to elderly and disabled people. 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; 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.

Habitat for Humanity - General construction volunteers, age 16 and older, are needed to build homes. No experience is necessary and on-site training will be provided for people who are interested. For more information call (509) 534-2552.

Horizon Hospice - Compassionate volunteers are needed to visit, read, play games and spend time with Hospice patients to provide the main caregiver a break. Training will be provided. A background check, driving record and TB test is required. For more information call (509) 489-4581 or visit www.horizonhospice.com.

Inland Northwest Blood Center - Volunteers are needed to provide refreshments and monitor donors after their blood donations. An ability to discern and assist with adverse reactions and good customer service is required. For other volunteer opportunities and more information call Tricia Cheevers, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (509) 232-4557 or visit www.inbcsaves.org.

Inland Northwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - The chapter is looking for volunteers to assist the staff in preparation for special events. Call (509) 482-2022 for more information.

Inland Northwest Mentoring Partnership - The group is looking for volunteers to open their eyes, minds and hearts to mentoring. Visit www.unitedway.org or www.inlandnwmentoring.org for more information.

Meals on Wheels Spokane - Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Spokane to deliver hot, nutritious meals to seniors in need in the community. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Delivery time takes approximately one to two hours. To volunteer call Heidi at (509) 456-0397.

Mission Community Outreach Center - Volunteers are needed to sort clothing and household good donations Monday mornings between 9 and noon, and Wednesday afternoons between 1-4 p.m. People are also needed to help with special events and to organize diaper and personal hygiene item drives. Volunteers must submit an application and be willing to submit to a Washington State Patrol background check. For further information and other volunteer opportunities call (509) 536-1084 or visit www.4mission.org.

New Hope Resource Center - The New Hope Resource Center, 4211 E. Colbert Road in Colbert, is looking for a handyman to help the elderly with home repairs. Experience in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work would be helpful, but is not necessary. Volunteers are needed occasionally. Volunteers are also needed to help seniors and disabled individuals clean their homes and provide companionship. Volunteers may be asked to drive seniors and disabled individuals to doctor appointments and to the grocery store. Transportation may be needed once a month or once a week. Community members can volunteer monthly, weekly or occasionally. For more information call (509) 467-2900.

Odyssey Youth Center - Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors and positive role models. Volunteers would provide supervision, help with meals and activities and assist staff and community educators. Greatest need is during drop-in hours. Shifts are approximately two to three hours long: 3:30- 6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; and 3:30-6 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Friday. Volunteers must be at least age 24 and pass a criminal background check. For more information call Ian Sullivan, operations coordinator, at (509) 325-3637 or email Ian@odysseyyouth.org.

Salvation Army - The Salvation Army Food Bank needs help sorting and handing out food, along with helping clients’ shops and processing donations. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, be able to lift up to 25 pounds, have good customer service skills and pass a criminal background check. For more information call (509) 329-2721 or visit www.salvationarmyspokane.org.

Second Harvest Inland Northwest - Second Harvest is in need of volunteers to help sort and pack produce, food drive or bulk food items in preparation for delivery to the food bank’s emergency food outlets. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and be able to stand for two hours. For more information call (509) 252-6257 or visit www.2-harvest.org.

Serve Spokane - Volunteers are needed for the Food Pantry, one of five of Serve Spokane’s community outreach programs. Duties may include filling bags with food, greeting visitors in the lobby, restocking shelves, or pushing shopping carts out to the parking lot. Other Serve Spokane programs are Clothing Ministry, Special Needs, City Reach, and Project Hope. For other volunteer opportunities call Joyce Walsh at (509) 444-8445, ext. 111. For more information visit www.servespokane.org.

SNAP – Volunteers are needed with experience or skills in basic carpentry, mechanical work, grounds keeping, teaching, or clerical experience to help staff with upkeep and projects, as needed. For more information and other volunteer opportunities call (509) 456-7111, ext. 211 or visit www.snapwa.org.

Spokane AIDS Network - Volunteers are needed to unload and pack grocery bags for approximately 65 local HIV positive residents. Delivery drivers are also needed to deliver the groceries to their homes. Grocery assistants must be able to lift and carry about 40 pounds and stand for up to two hours. Drivers will have to use their own car. A background check is required. To volunteer and for further details call Executive Director Gaye Weiss at (509) 455-8993, ext. 310 or email director @san-nw.org. More volunteer opportunities are available at www.san-nw.org.

Spokane COPS - 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 COPS or visit www.spokanecops.org.

Spokane Valley Partners - Three volunteer drivers are needed to transport food donations to the Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank warehouse. Shifts vary Monday through Friday from morning to afternoon. Truck access is preferable and a previous or current commercial driver’s license is encouraged. For more information and other volunteer opportunities call (509) 927-1153 or email volunteer@svpart.org.

SpokAnimal CARE - Volunteers who are at least 15 years old are needed to help maintain a healthy and sanitary environment for SpokAnimal’s cats. Includes assisting in cleaning litter pans, disinfecting cages, feeding and taking time to hold, brush and play with the cats. Call (509) 534-8133 for more information.

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