By John McAlpine
RSVP Program Recruiter
Sponsored by Catholic Community Services, RSVP is America’s largest network for volunteers 55 and older and the only program that records the collective contribution of the senior volunteers. RSVP exists to help older volunteers find fulfillment in their volunteer work. Volunteer opportunities exist all over Snohomish County.
School/After school mentors: School has started, and even though volunteers are not usually needed until Oct. 1, it is not too early to consider this work. There are opportunities to help students after school in a homeless shelter, at the Boys and Girls Club or in school during the day.
Volunteer chores: Help is needed to assist others with routine household chores like vacuuming, changing bed linens, doing laundry and similar tasks. This help allows clients to to stay in their homes and “age in place.” A few hours every couple weeks can go a long way.
Food banks: The term “food insecurity” means that a person doesn’t know where or when they’ll find their next meal. In 2013, 49.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, including 33.3 million adults and 15.8 million children. Washington state ranks as the 23rd hungriest state in the nation. Opportunities to volunteer are all over the county. Food banks need help with repacking food, assisting clients, picking up food from donors, unloading trucks and registering clients. RSVP works with the following food banks: Arlington, Everett (two locations), Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville (two locations), Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish and Stanwood/Camano.
Department of Emergency Management: If you’d like to assist the first responders in the event of a countywide emergency, this might be for you. There are several support jobs that allow those working the event to be successful. These jobs are not on the scene of the event, they are in the office.
Volunteer transportation: If you have an insured, safe vehicle (lights, brakes and horn all in working condition), consider volunteering as a driver. Your driving record doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify. Drive when and where you want.
SHIBA: Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors help callers understand their rights and options, and offer up-to-date information to help them make informed decisions concerning health insurance needs. (See story on page 7).
If you like helping people, SHIBA might be for you. There are 30 hours of training. It is a free, confidential and impartial counseling resource sponsored by the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
If you have questions about RSVP, volunteering or any of the agencies listed here, call 425-374-6374 or email johnm@ccsww.org
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