PNA : Get Connected: Community Volunteeer Opportunities

HELP SAVE LIVES with North Seattle Puget Sound Blood Center. PSBC volunteers are links in a lifesaving chain of services that gets blood to local patients in need. Meet new people, gain work experience in a friendly atmosphere and accumulate community service hours for school and civic organizations. For more info contact Robyn Chernick at 425-412-1012 or email robync@psbc.org.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Literacy Source works with adults who have beginning level reading, writing, math, and computer skills. Our mission is to build a literate community and promote self-sufficiency by providing learner-centered instruction with the help of volunteers, trained and supported by professional staff. Call 206.782.2050 or visit www.literacysource.org.

HELP GIRLS LEAD LIVES OF COURAGE, CONFIDENCE AND CHARACTER: Volunteer for the Girl Scouts! Caring adults can make a difference for girls in their neighborhood; we are SO much more than cookies and camping! Whether you would like to volunteer at an event, community day camp or start a troop – we can help you find an opportunity that fits your needs. Email joinus@girlscoutsww.org or call (206) 633-5600.

BE A PART OF A GREAT VOLUNTEER TEAM! Meet your neighborhood volunteers, who are the heart of Volunteers of America Greenwood Food Bank. Evaluate, repackage and stock shelves, and more--we have a spot that will fit your interests. Make a contribution to your community, and help us to feed our neighbors in need. Contact Patricia Leach at 782-6731, or pleach@voaww.org.

SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS! The Outdoors for All Foundation has been providing instruction in outdoor recreation for people with physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities since 1978. We are looking for volunteers for Day Camps, Custom Events and other Spring/Summer activities including kayaking, cycling, rock-climbing, and more! For more information on how you can help out and enjoy the outdoors please contact Brooks at volunteer@outdoorsforall.org.

HELP OTHER SENIORS Volunteers of America Senior Companion Program is seeking low-income volunteers 60 years of age or older in King County. Volunteers provide companionship, socialization, light in-home care, may help also by providing escort/transportation to appointments/outings, and other activities as agreed upon. Volunteers receive a monthly small tax-free stipend / compensation, mileage/transportation reimbursement and other benefits. Call Cristina Vasconcelos, Director, at (206) 329-0515.

TAKE A LEAD Volunteers of America Senior Companion Program seeks local, dynamic and diverse community members of all ages to be part of our Advisory Council Board. Make a difference in the lives of seniors and disabled people in your neighborhood. Public outreach, event planning, fundraising, and fun, special projects. Council meets 6-8 times per year. For details call Cristina Vasconcelos at (206) 329-0515.

PROMOTE ORGANIC garden education by volunteering at Seattle Tilth! Assist at one of our organic edible plant sales on March 20, May 1 and 2, or May 22, join a garden crew in north or south Seattle, or help lead hands-on garden tours for children. Visit seattletilth.org. Email tilth@seattletilth.org

WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS to the United States! We need caring, active host families for college-age English students. Share dinners, provide a furnished bedroom, and expand your horizons! Weekly stipend covers room, meals, & utilities. Visit our website for FAQs, guidelines, and an application. http://kaplanseattlehomestay.ning.com.

HELP KIDS, MAKE FRIENDS Are you looking for a way to help local children? Do you enjoy spending time with friends? These two things can happen simultaneously. Volunteering is more meaningful when we do it with friends. Ryther Child Center League is looking for individuals to start new units in support of Ryther. Visit www.rytherleague.org.

HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!! Relay For Life, one of the world's largest fundraisers for cancer research and patient programs, is looking for committee members for its chapter in Greenlake. Open positions include sponsorship, survivorship, team development, and advocacy. Must be friendly, hard working, and passionate about the fight against cancer! If interested, please email Kara McDermott, kara_r_mcdermott@yahoo.com.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP CHILDREN WITH DIABETES! Come be a part of the American Diabetes Association's annual Family Retreat program, June 4th - 6th, 2010 at Camp Berachah in Auburn, WA. Spend the weekend enjoying the great outdoors playing games and running organized activities for inspiring children with diabetes their families. For more information contact Lisa Kuhnau at lkuhnau@diabetes.org or 206-282-4616 x7216.

TUTOR AT-RISK YOUTH Help students achieve academic success by becoming a tutor today! Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students on homework, reading, language arts, and math skills. Students in the Youth Tutoring Program are in grades 1-12 and are primarily from low-income refugee and immigrant families. Tutoring sessions are Mon-Thurs at 4:20, 5:30 and 6:40pm. Visit www.ccsww.ory/ytp or contact Rebecca at volunteerytp@ccsww.org or 206-328-5659.

DRIVE ‘EM HOME Seniors in Phinney Ridge urgently need help getting to their medical appointments! Become a volunteer driver for Senior Services and you’ll help seniors remain independent. We work with your schedule and reimburse for mileage! Call (206) 748-7588 or apply online at www.seniorservices.org.