Thanks to Learning for Life for the following tips on "Why Volunteer?":

• Be smart! Pick out something that interests you and the time will fly by.

• Think about things you love: your pets, your younger siblings, nature, or sports. Where could you volunteer to take care of animals, work with children, help the environment, or teach someone your favorite sport?

• Think about something that matters to you– do you wish that people weren’t homeless? Does a relative have a disease you wish there was a cure for? Organizations exist that have the same goals as you, and they need your help. 

• Think about what career you would like to have– where can you volunteer now to learn more about that job? Look for problems in your neighborhood that you could solve– do children have a safe place to play? Does an elderly person need help cleaning up their yard? Could you come up with a plan to solve the problem?

Current Local Volunteer Opportunities

Kids Quest Children's Museum - Bellevue - Volunteer to interact with kids of all ages.  Volunteers needed to help with arts & crafts activities, encouraging creativity in children, basic exhibit upkeep and maintenance of the museum floor.  Volunteers must pass a Washington State background check, interview on-site and attend a two-hour orientation session (offered twice a month).  For more information visit www.kidsquestmuseum.org for an volunteer application click here: Kids Quest Volunteer Application

Seattle Marathon Volunteers Needed!  Volunteers are needed to help packet stuff, register, course marshal, finish line, kids marathon, 5k, and in the Victory Recovery area.  Get 4, 8, 12 or more volunteer hours.  Volunteer information & registration:  Seattle Marathon

Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is accepting volunteer applications!  If you are interested in a career in the medical field there is no better way to get started than to volunteer at a hospital.  Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is training new volunteers beginning July 1st.  Download program information and an application:  Sno Valley Hospital Questions?? Contact Carol Waters, Coordinator Volunteer Services at carolw@snoqualmiehospital.org

TEEN LINK - Teen Link is a confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental help line answered by teens from 6-10 p.m. 365 days a years.  Teen Link volunteers are trained to listen to a caller's concerns and talk to them about whatever on their mind.  Teen Link is run for teens by teens, so there is always a need for volunteers.  Teen Link offers numerous volunteer opportunities for teens such as: Youth Suicide Speakers Bureau. phone worker positions, School and Community Liaison as well as on the Peer Advisory Board for Teen Link.  For more information and to volunteer go to:  www.866teenlink.org  click on volunteers

EASTSIDE BABY CORNER-  EBC is an all-volunteer charity that collects, sorts and distributes everything that children use from birth to age 12, distributing the items through over 100 different agencies around the Eastside, but EBC does not give items directly to families.  Our distribution center is located ½ block off SR900 off Maple Street in Issaquah.  Our volunteers work filling orders (filling bags with clothing for children) and sorting incoming clothing donations by size/gender/type of clothing.  The work is very easy and is fun to do with friends! Volunteers are needed Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Thursday mornings 9 to 11 or Saturdays from 9 to noon.  Students (and everyone!) have to register on the site and pre-register for days they want to volunteer www.babycorner.org 

Museum of Flight Apprentice Program  Registration is now open!  The Museum Apprentice Program provides high school students with an exciting volunteer opportunity. All participants complete a 12-hour interactive training training class and then choose one of three Apprentice Pathways to continue their 30-hour volunteer commitment to the Museum. Apprentice Pathways: The Exhibits Pathway: Discovery Carts  The Education Pathway: Live Theater - Living History  The Curatorial Pathway: Oral History Interview
For further information and a registration form, visit our Museum Apprentice Program.

Kelsey Creek After School Volunteers:  Work with farm staff, care for animals and do chores outdoors.  Volunteer application packet CLICK HERE

Virginia Mason:  Currently seeking volunteers aged 15 or older, click Volunteering
 

Put your computer skills to good use: The Issaquah Valley Senior Center is getting their computer lab updated.  Many senior residence enjoy using the computers for research, email, shopping, etc.  They need a student who is patient and understanding to help them use this technology and improve their skills.  If you have 1-2 hours one day per week to volunteer and want to help people enjoy computing as much as you do this might be just the opportunity for you.  Contact Susan at (425)392-2381 to find out more.