By John McAlpine
RSVP Program Recruiter
Sponsored by Catholic Community Services, RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for persons over 55 and the only program where the collective contribution of the senior volunteer is recorded. RSVP exists to help volunteers 55 and older find fulfillment in their volunteer work.
Volunteer opportunities exist all over Snohomish County.
Monroe fair volunteers: Interested in a short term volunteer job? Each year RSVP has a fundraising event at the Evergreen State Fair. We have 144 slots to fill. One responsibility is the Information Booth. We answer questions and point out directions to fairgoers. We also rent strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and power scooters. The fair runs from Aug. 24 to Sept. 4. Shifts are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Duties include having paperwork filled out, handling money (making change, etc.), wiping down the equipment and so on. There is training, a lead person is always on site, and you work with someone who has fair experience. Your parking is paid.
Food banks: According to the Volunteers of America more than 48,000 people in Snohomish County will visit a food bank this month. There are opportunities to volunteer all over the county. All food banks need help with repacking food, assisting clients and so on. You can help out in Arlington, Everett (two locations), Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville (two locations), Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish and Stanwood/Camano.
Volunteer transportation: If you have an insured, safe (lights, brakes and horn all in working condition) vehicle, consider volunteering as a driver. Without personal transportation, life can be a challenge. Coupled with the fact Snohomish County has large rural areas, getting to doctor appointments and other essential errands can be demanding. You drive when and where you want. Mileage reimbursement is provided.
Department of Emergency Management, Snohomish County: If you’d like to assist the first responders in the event of a county-wide 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 chores: Imagine no longer being able to run the vacuum, change bedding, or cut your lawn. What would you do if a parent or close friend was in this situation? What would life be like if you couldn’t manage these everyday household tasks? We seek volunteers to assist others in this manner. Helping someone with these routine chores allows them to “age in place” and stay in their home.
If you have questions about RSVP, volunteering or agency listed here, please contact RSVP at 425-374-6374 or email me at johnm@ccsww.org.
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