I sat with a group of other volunteers this morning; the coffee was good before jumping in up to our elbows to sort food for a food bank. We talked about volunteering, providing time and energy to organizations that serve the needy, organizations that have a large reach, organizations that see the people “next door” as well as those in other geographic areas.
We agreed that in most instances, needs exist for the basic essentials in life. We agreed that families who have difficulty in providing for themselves are just like us. Provisions we can help make for them will very commonly result in them providing for others. Ah – that legacy thing.
Our two key thrusts during our conversation dealt with food and family necessities. The organizations I’m listing today came from our conversation.
A group of us volunteered at Northwest Harvest at their Kent processing plant. You should do this. It was well organized, staffed well, well instructed, safe and provided a volume of output as on that date there were a number of volunteers. It would be good for everyone to see how that much food is processed that quickly and moved out the door to a number of needy areas, including local food banks.
Salvation Army’s promise to America is “Doing the Most Good.” A good, simple statement and focus. I had the chance to work with an experienced Salvation Army volunteer who opened my eyes to the variety of programs and services the organization delivers. A worthy organization, one that truly focuses upon the needy and one that is well organized, appreciates its volunteers, and serves every day.
Can you imagine the difference a neighborhood group could make compared to an individual!
Consider the following opportunities for volunteering.
Northwest Harvest relies on volunteers to ensure food reaches hungry people throughout the state.
Volunteers can help sort and pack food at their Kent warehouse, serve clients at Cherry Street Food Bank, or assist staff at special events.
Check out their volunteer opportunities page to learn more about regular tasks or see their VolunteerMatch.org profile for a complete list of available jobs.
You can also email volunteer@northwestharvest.org. Last year Northwest Harvest volunteers donated more than 92,400 hours – the equivalent of 44 full-time employees.
The Salvation Army constantly needs volunteers to serve the needy. Opportunities exist in the categories of: community and friendship (Kroc Centers, youth camps, recreation); rebuilding lives (prisoner rehabilitation, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, fighting human trafficking); comfort and support (Christmas charity, elderly services, community care ministries) and others.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible.
Bill LaMarche is a 36-year Kirkland resident, retired, and active community, national and international volunteer. Bill’s prior career focused upon coaching and mentoring profit and nonprofit executives and company/organizational participants in professional development, leadership, organizational alignment and performance management, including planning for volunteer service as part of existing company/organizational culture. Send in suggested volunteer opportunities to attn: Bill LaMarche, at editor@kirklandreporter.com
