When I read Marilyn R.’s note to our Publishing team I knew I had an answer. Her email asked for information on “non-profit organizations that help or protect those in need.” Immediately, a number of ways to volunteer in Olympia popped into my head. The problem – the great stories about these impactful, local non-profits are spread throughout our site and not summarized in one place.
Thank you Marilyn, and all of our readers that send us emails asking questions, for spurring me to pull together this list. I hope it brings a few extra hands to these Thurston County non-profit organizations. To read more about local non-profit organizations, click here.
1. Improve Literacy
The South Sound Reading Foundation puts books in the hands of kids. Volunteer to hand out books at local events or to discuss literacy at parenting groups. The Literacy Book Van visits low-income housing units, schools, and after school programs to promote reading. Learn more by following the South Sound Reading Foundation on Facebook.
To volunteer, email read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
Another idea to improve literacy is to be a reading buddy at your local elementary school. All Thurston County school districts appreciate extra adults in the classroom to listen to budding readers. The time commitment can be short but the impact can be powerful.
To become a reading buddy, find the elementary school closest to you. Call the school secretary and ask when you can listen to kids read. Be prepared to fill out a background check but it’s quick and well worth the effort. You can also reach out to the United Way Reading Buddy program by contacting Program Manager, Jennifer Thompson at 360-943-2773 ext 121 or JThompson@unitedway-thurston.org.
Here is a list of Thurston County school district home pages:
2. Teach English
The CIELO Project offers immigrant women sewing classes and basic English lessons to help them become entrepreneurs to support their family. The local organization is run by Charo Portaro who moved to Olympia from Peru seven years ago with her husband and four children. You can read a full story about how CIELO benefits women.
To volunteer, please call Charo at 360-709-0931 or email cieloproject@comcast.net.
3. Get Food to Hungry Kids
During the school day, the state’s free and reduced lunch program provides food for hungry kids. But, what happens on the weekend, school holidays and over the summer? Homeless Backpacks, run by founder Kelly Wilson and a team of dedicated volunteers, feeds more than 300 local high school students every weekend. Homeless Backpacks volunteers pack non-perishable food and deliver to the schools. Kids pick up a discreet backpack on the way home on Friday. You can volunteer solo or gather up a group. To read more about Homeless Backpacks, click here.
To volunteer, contact Kelly Wilson at 360-556-2135 or keljwils62@comcast.net.
4. Support Domestic Violence Survivors
SafePlace Olympia has been an advocate and shelter for survivors of domestic violence since 1981. SafePlace runs a 24-hour phone line for assistance and also operates a 28-bed shelter. SafePlace volunteers attend a 48-hour comprehensive training program and make a one-year minimum commitment.
To read more about volunteering at SafePlace click here or call 360-786-8754.
5. Help Young People Succeed
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington matches mentors with kids who need a stable adult in their lives. Shape a child’s future by spending a few hours per month doing activities that you both already enjoy. Provide sound advice to kids facing adversity in our community.
To learn more about being a mentor contact LeAnn Winkler at leann@swwabigs.org or call 360-943-0409 ext 114.
6. Support LGBTQ Teens
Pizza Klatch is a Thurston County-wide program offers lunchtime support groups to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning kids and their allies. It’s a safe place for kids to discuss and receive education from trained facilitators. Each support group is run by two volunteers. There are three trainings throughout the year.
To become a Pizza Klatch volunteer, click here or fill out this form to have someone call you.
7. Pound Nails to Build Houses
Besides operating two local ReStore outlets, Habitat for Humanity South Puget Sound is actively building houses for Thurston County families. Daily volunteer opportunities exist at construction sites as well as at the Habitat retail stores.
To become a volunteer, email the volunteer coordinator or call 360-956-3456 ext 16.
8. Other Ideas
- Volunteer at Expanding Your Horizons, a STEM education camp for girls in the spring.
- Distribute school supplies and clothing at Little Red Schoolhouse in late August.
- Support Girls Without Limits, a YWCA program that provides STEM camps for girls.
- Clean up local beaches with Washington CoastSavers.
