As the sun sets earlier and earlier, we are given added opportunities to create our own light within our community. Volunteering is a fantastic way to not only support those in need around you, but also to create a myriad of social and mental health benefits for ourselves. The catch — there’s so many opportunities, it can be hard to know where to get started. Check out these Clark County-specific places, and get involved today!
Seasonal Opportunities
Give with Cheer Program
Run by the year-round Share team, a nonprofit that provides assistance to 10,000+ Clark County residents each year. Give with Cheer is the seasonal program providing food boxes, winter essentials, and other necessary items for the season. Volunteers help collate and curate these donations and distribute these items. (Event details releasing soon on the website, but volunteer groups and individuals welcome.)
Salvation Army Bell Ringers
You might call it the sound of the season, as so many of us associate holiday shopping with the sound of Salvation Army bell ringing volunteers. The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 to provide Christmas dinner to those in need and more than a century later is still going strong. Proceeds currently are invested back into the local community. Volunteers of all ages can ring bells, but children of certain ages require an adult. Bell-ringing shifts begin in two hour increments and a short application is required.
Children’s Center
Support children’s mental health by volunteering with Children’s Center. There are multiple volunteer and donation opportunities, including Holiday Food and Toy Drives. While not necessarily seasonal, also check out sewing volunteer opportunities with the Sewing Heavy Helpers where volunteer craft comforting weighted stuffies for children with sensory needs. No restrictions are listed, but expect any volunteer opportunities with children to include additional screening and training.
Social Services
Vancouver Farmers Market
The information and EBT Booths at the Vancouver Farmers Market are always in need of volunteers. Surround yourself with local farm goods and arts and crafts while connecting with the community. The market also accepts speciality volunteers who may donate their skills in everything from manual labor to specialized website and design work. Group volunteer activities are also available. Volunteers 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult; application required.
Clark County Foodbank
Food insecurity is all too common. Help stop hunger in Clark County as a volunteer supporting one of Clark County Foodbank‘s many programs in the area including: farm volunteers supporting growing and crop care, sorting and packaging food donations, home food delivery, nutrition educators and assisting with the SNAP food program applications. Criteria varies depending on position, but may be restricted by age, license, education, training or time commitment.
Columbia Play Project
Is playing your superpower? The Columbia Play Project is looking for those who are ready to help make their dream of a new Children’s Museum a reality by supporting local kids and play at different events. Become a Volunteer Play Promoter or a Play Facilitator by sharing your enthusiasm and ideas with the group. Previous experience working with children is desired, but not necessarily required. Reach out to connect via email.
Repair Clark County
Do you hate seeing things go into the landfill unnecessarily? Repair Clark County is a free clinic — made possible by Columbia Springs — that helps mend broken items for local residents. Experts in electronics, sewing, sharpening, bicycles and assorted vintage items are always needed.
Animal Welfare
ReTails Thrift Store
Widely considered the best thrift store in all of Vancouver, ReTails benefits the Humane Society of Southwest Washington. Help support the store with more than your donated gently-used goods. Support merchandising, sorting, repairing and cleaning items or by being a greeter at the door. Must be 18 years of age, commit to given schedules, and follow any required training to learn this position.
I Paw’d it Forward
Turning lost pets into found, this organization helps rescue Southwest Washington pets in need. Feed, play, clean up after and support animals in need in a variety of different ways. Animals may include dogs, cats and avians —or offer support with marketing, tech and admin. Consider becoming a foster pet parent, too. Volunteer application required.
Environmental
Vancouver Urban Forestry
Become a tree steward or help adopt a local park and remove invasive weeds. Vancouver Urban Forestry provides both volunteer opportunities and community education to help preserve and protect nature and growing things in our local area. Tree stewardship requires and application and year-long time commitment. Adopt a Park has variable times and events, but a commitment of at least once per quarter is preferred. Volunteers 18 and under require a minor consent form on file while volunteers 14 and under must accompanied by an adult.
Watershed Alliance of SW Washington
Engage, educate and inspire the community by focusing on clean water and the environment with Watershed Alliance of SW Washington. Choose from multiple volunteer opportunities including: Native tree plantings, invasive plant removal in public green spaces, river litter clean-ups and leak checks. Submit a volunteer interest form to be matched with opportunities.
Looking for even more ways and place to volunteer with the family? We’ve got it covered!
- Where to Find the Holiday Spirit in SW Washington - November 25, 2024
- Free Indoor Play Spaces Across Portland - October 29, 2024
- Spread the Cheer by Volunteering in Vancouver - October 22, 2024