Volunteer Opportunities

SPANISH Speaking Welcome Center Volunteers: Welcome Center volunteers are on duty from 1:30-7:00pm Monday through Thursday. There are two shifts available: 1:30-7:00pm and 3:00-8:00pm. Volunteers generally work two shifts per month. Volunteer duties include: 

• Greeting released immigrants and visitors;
• Offering telephone access to released immigrants;
• Assisting in travel planning, ensuring that travel plans follow AIDNW guidelines;
• Offering soft drinks, snacks, backpacks, and clothing as needed;
• Arranging safe housing for those who are not traveling on immediately.

Volunteers may choose to drive immigrants to the bus or train station, or to the AIDNW Hospitality House.

Full training is provided. Welcome Center volunteers report to the AIDNW Program Manager, Deborah Cruz. 

Interested? Volunteers may sign up at https://aidnw.org/get-involved/ 

Questions? Contact Program Manager, Deborah Cruz, at dcruz@aidnw.org or (253) 572-9659.

Discovery Shop Volunteers Needed! Develop your retail merchandising, customer service, and sales skills - all while making a difference. American Cancer Society Discovery Shops help support the fight against cancer through the sale of high-quality, gently used, donated merchandise. For more than 40 years, the Society has owned and operated these specialty resale stores, featuring items such as clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture, artwork, antiques, collectables, and other household items. Volunteers are always needed for a variety of meaningful opportunities like working in the store, providing customer service, receiving inventory, and other duties. 

Location: 2512 N Proctor, Tacoma, WA 98406

Time Commitment: Opportunities are during retail hours (Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:30pm; Sunday 12:00-3:00pm), seven days a week. On-site training is required and provided to all volunteers. 

Interested? Contact Mike O'Sullivan at michael.osullivan@cancer.org or at (253) 759-2823 to get started! 

For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound has been establishing and supporting 1-to-1 mentoring relationships. By igniting these relationships and empowering youth in the South sound, our programming has shown to mutually improve self-esteem, heighten academic performance, deepen relationships with peers and family, as well as decrease risk behavior to help close achievement and opportunity gaps for youth between the ages of 6-18.

Volunteer Opportunities with BBBS:

• Community Based Programming: 1-to-1 mentoring taking place in the community while engaging in activities that you and your Little enjoy. This program enables you to foster a trusting relationship in which both parties learn and grow together. 
• Site Based Programming: Currently based out of Delong and McCarver elementaries, these mentorship programs work to cultivate the 1:1 relationship in the context of the school setting: at lunch, recess, or after-school games, sports and tutoring.
• Virtual Mentoring: If you're not comfortable meeting in person due to the ongoing pandemic, we have been able to successfully transition our mentoring program to an online platform for virtual hangout sessions

Requirements to Volunteer:

• Be at least 18 years old; 
• Commit to spending a minimum of 4 hour with your little, separated into at least 2 visits to ensure that you and your little are getting to know each other in a consistent manner;
• Be able to commit to at least one year in the program - this timeline is where we begin to see significant outcomes from a strong and meaningful relationship for everyone!

*All volunteers receive a background clearance check*

Interested in becoming a mentor? Complete a Volunteer Interest Form!

Know a child who may be interested in the program? Have their parent/guardian fill out our Child Enrollment Form.

Questions?  Contact Talia Collett at talia.collett@bbbsps.org

Help someone in your neighborhood live safely and independently! Volunteer Services (VS) is designed to help low-income elders and disabled adults stay in their homes for as long as it is safely possible. VS provides assistance to those who cannot afford to pay for the kinds of services we provide, do not qualify for assistance elsewhere, or don't have family and friends available to help them. 

Volunteers assist elderly and disabled adults with household tasks, transportation to medical appointments, shopping, minor home repairs, yard car, and other essential needs. 

Requirements:

• WA State Patrol background check and signed confidentiality form required.
• Drivers must be 21 and over, have a valid WA drivers license, insurance and own vehicle. 
• COVID vaccination is required to participate in this opportunity. 

Time Commitment: Shopping and housework is usually twice per month, driving can be on-call or days and times of your choosing. We work with your schedule and preferences. Mileage reimbursement is available. 

Interested? Fill out a volunteer application! 

Volunteers are essential to our work at Communities In Schools of Tacoma. We could not reach as many families and students as we do without the help of our many dedicated mentors, tutors, reading buddies, and teachers. "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

Volunteer Opportunities: 

• All-Star Readers: Volunteer as a reading buddy with the All-Star Readers program on M/W at Arlington Elementary or T/Th at Fern Hill Elementary from 4:00-5:15pm. The All-Star Readers program is designed to help students struggling in reading reach their potential. Dedicated community members volunteer to help a struggling student work through their reading kit and practice literacy skills. 
• Middle and High School Academic Coaches: Volunteer as an academic coach for a struggling student. Academic coaches help keep students motivated and on-task in class during the day, or help students with their homework after school. We offer Academic Coaching in the following schools:
  • Math at Stewart Middle School, M-Th from 2:45-4:30pm
  • Algebra at Oakland High School, M/T/Th/F from 11:30am-12:50pm or 12:00-1:00pm
  • Geometry at Oakland High School, M/T/Th/F from 12:55-2:15pm
• One-Time Volunteer for Events: If you are interested in a one-time volunteer opportunity for events, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Pearl Franklin, at pfrankl@tacoma.k12.wa.us.

Requirements to Apply:

• Volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 18, 2021

How to Apply:

• Please complete a Tacoma Public Schools Community Volunteer Form
• Once complete, return the completed form, along with a color copy or clear photograph of your photo ID and supporting vaccine documentation to Volunteer Coordinator, Pearl Franklin, at pfrankl@tacoma.k12.wa.us. 
• All school-based volunteers must pass a Washington State Patrol background check and have completed COVID-19 vaccination or approved exemption in order to work in a school building. 

Host a Holiday Food Drive: Want to engage your neighborhood in helping to relieve hunger in Pierce County this holiday season? We can provide you with collection bins, customizable posters, and even a virtual donation page to share within your social circles. These funds will help Emergency Food Network purchase bulk food, solicit donations, and transport food to our partner programs. With every $1 raised, we can provide 5 meals to someone in need. 

If you need food drive bins, you can pick them up here M-F 8:00am-4:00pm: 

Emergency Food Network

3318 92nd St. S

Lakewood, WA 98499

To register: https://efoodnet.org/get-involved/food-drive/ or email carolinec@efoodnet.org to get started!

Winter Weeding at Emergency Food Network's Mother Earth Farm: One of the ways EFN fights hunger is through Mother Earth Organic Farm, which grows fresh fruits and vegetables for local food pantries on its' eight acres in Puyallup. The work at EFN's Mother Earth Organic Farm is year round! During winter months, we distribute more than 13,000 pounds of cool-weather produce such as leafy greens, brussels sprouts, and chard. You will stay dry while you lend a hand by weeding in our industrial-sized high tunnels. It doesn't matter if you are an avid gardener, or if this is your first time working with plants. Our awesome staff will be on hand with gloves, tools, and everything you need to get started!

Time Commitment: December 3rd, 9:00am-12:00pm

To Register: Please contact carolinec@efoodnet.org, or sign up here: http://bttr.im/bz7lm

Repack Project: Volunteers transform bulk food shipments into family-sized portions that are ready to help feed the community! Working in our Lakewood Distribution Center, you and your fellow volunteers might find yourselves bagging up oats or sorting cucumbers that didn't make it to grocery store shelves to save them from the landfill. Come help us relieve Pierce County hunger and have fund with old and new friends in the process.

No experience necessary, anyone can contribute!

Time Commitment: 2.5 hours (9:00-11:30am or 12:30-2:30pm) on Thursdays and Saturdays. Upcoming shifts can be found here: http://bttr.im/kw9hr

Questions? Ready to sign up? Email Caroline Crum at CarolineC@efoodnet.org for more info!

Future opportunities available - Check back soon! 

At Greentrike, everything we do begins with our image of the child. We believe children are: leaders, creative, capable, compassionate, inquisitive, and authentic. Greentrike educators nurture children, help ignite their individual sparks for learning and play, foster a strong learning community, and encourage playful explorations that honor the whole child. 

• Market Researcher: If you enjoy collecting and organizing data, our Communications Manager is looking for a Market Researcher. Flexible time commitment.
• Greentrike Children's Museum at JBLM Play Guide Assistant: During museum hours work alongside our Staff Play Guides engaging in Early Learning Activities and facilitate "Power Plays" with our visitors. Usually a two hour shift. 
  • Volunteer shifts are available during our operating hours: Friday - Sunday 10am-5pm, Mondays 1-5pm
  • Please contact Jen McDonald (jmcdonald@playtacoma.org) with the days and hours you are interested in volunteering. 
• Greentrike Children's Museum of Tacoma Play Guide Assistant: During museum hours work alongside our Staff Play Guides engaging in Early Learning Activities and facilitate "Power Plays" with our visitors. Usually a two hour shift. 
  • Volunteer shifts are available during our operating hours: Friday - Sunday 10am-5pm, Mondays 1-5pm
  • Please contact Jen McDonald (jmcdonald@playtacoma.org) with the days and hours you are interested in volunteering.
• Play to Learn in the Community Program Assistant: Help the program instructor with set up, activity implementation with the children and families, and help clean-up at the locations we are able to socially distance. Shifts are half-hour before and after the program time is scheduled. 
  • Play to Learn at Bryant Neighborhood Center:  Tuesdays from 9:30am-12:00pm
  • Play to Learn at Asia Pacific Cultural Center: Fridays from 9:30am-12:00pm
  • Play to Learn at JBLM: Fridays from 9:30am-12:00pm

All volunteers will be interviewed, complete a background check, and must show proof of COVID-19 Vaccine. 

Interested in volunteering? Apply here!

Questions?  Contact Jen McDonald, Volunteer Manager, at jmcdonald@playtacoma.org

Are you interested in working on a funded project in partnership with Seattle Children's Hospital, UW Seattle, and Trust for Public Land? Green School Yards Tacoma is converting schoolyards across Tacoma into green community gardens. Participants are measuring the physical and mental health benefits associated with such interventions in the children and community. The project will include some in-person data collection, and the project would love to have UW Tacoma students participate! 

Time Commitment: About 3-9 months, training will be provided. Students should be able to commit through the academic year (through the 2022 Summer Term or beyond). 

Interested? Contact GreenSchoolYardsTacoma@gmail.com to get started! 

LeMay America's Car Museum has many volunteer opportunities! Share your energy, talents, winning personality and enthusiasm for automobiles! Volunteer opportunities include:

• Docent/Tour Guide: Tell stories about vehicles in the museum during a guided tour.
• Museum Education: Lead guided tours for K - 12 students.
• Collection Monitor: Talk to visitors about ACM's vehicles and let them share their stories.
• Pit Crew/Crew Chiefs: Assist with CXC racing simulators and slot car track in the Speed Zone.
• Greeter: Welcome guests and inform them about En Route, the museum's monthly e-newsletter.
• Photo Booth Attendant: Take pictures of guests in a 1923 Buick and print out a memento of their visit.
• Events Specialist: Assist with evening and weekend ACM and private events.
• Museum Ambassador: Represent ACM at offsite events.
• Collection Management Crew: Assist with all facets of the museum's collection of automobiles.
• Office/Administration Assistance: Help administrative staff with office tasks.

Individuals interested in volunteering at ACM are asked to complete a volunteer application. Applications are available at the museum or on the ACM website.

To learn more about ACM volunteer opportunities:

• Visit www.americascarmuseum.org/get-involved/volunteer/,
• Email volunteer@americascarmuseum.org, or
• Call (253) 779-8490. 

Lutheran Community Services Northwest has a variety of volunteer opportunities open to UWT students! 

Making a Difference Foundation has an opportunity for UWT students! See below:

Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help as delivery drivers, box truck drivers, foodbank volunteers, and warehouse volunteers. 

The Food Bank is open Tuesday - Saturday. Options for shifts include: 9am-5pm, 9am-12pm, 12pm-5pm.

You can sign up for this opportunity at http://themadf.org/volunteer/. 

Requirements before volunteering:

• Fill out a volunteer application
• Fill out a waiver
• You are required to wear steel toe boots as a safety precaution for warehouse and food bank shifts

Metro Parks Tacoma is looking for some support with their Beyond the Bell youth sports program! Specifically, they are looking for basketball coaches for this upcoming season (December - February). 

Time Commitment: After school, 2x per week and Saturdays for games.

Daily Process for a Coach:

• Arrive at the school site by 3:30pm to have practice after school on practice days. Students receive a snack and get ready for practice.
• Coach escorts team to the area for practice (gym/field).
• Coaches start practicing by leading a programmed Social Emotional Learning check-in with the team. 
• Practice from 4:15-5:30pm
• At the end of practice, coaches will walk the team back inside as parents pick their children up.
• Games are on Saturdays for about an hour at various gyms in the Tacoma area: January 22, 29, February 5, 12, and 26.
• Be point of contact for team families for league related information.

Interested? Click here to apply!

Questions? Email Benton Lefton at bentonl@tacomaparks.com

MultiCare continues to improve the patient experience by expanding our volunteer support to Virtual Health. This new volunteer position will assist MultiCare patients with setting up their virtual visit along with troubleshooting and problem solving of basic computer questions. The volunteer will work one-on-one with patients to alleviate any challenges they might face with telehealth. We are looking for volunteers who have great communication skills, demonstrate active listening, and have strong knowledge of basic computer skills and comprehension of basic wireless/wired interned. 

What is needed:

• Must commit to a regular schedule, one day per week for a 4-hour shift and 100 hours of service.
• Volunteers are required to undergo a health screening including providing documentation of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

MultiCare will conduct a criminal background check on all volunteer applicants. 

If interested, please schedule a phone interview here.

More information about this opportunity can be found here.

Art Tutor for Elementary Kids: Volunteers will work one-on-one with children, as well as, in groups depending on the activity and level of need with tutoring. During these sessions, volunteers will be doing art with the children and assist with crafting and art skills as well as assist the children with their homework if needed. We will provide art materials for activities and/or games that volunteers wish to do. This will be a direct, in-person service. 

Dance Instructor for Elementary Kids: Volunteers will work one-on-one with children, as well as, in groups depending on the activity and level of need with instructing. During these sessions, volunteers will be dancing with the children and assist with dance skills and styles. We will provide music and space for dancing, dance activities and/or games that volunteers wish to do. This will be a direct, in-person service. 

Math Tutor for Elementary Kids: Volunteers will work one-on-one with children, as well as, in groups depending on the activity and level of need with tutoring. During these sessions, volunteers will be assisting the children in understanding and practicing math concepts as well as assist the children on their homework if needed. We will provide appropriate math material for activities and/or games that volunteers wish to do. This will be a direct, in-person service. 

Reading Tutor for Elementary Kids: Volunteers will work one-on-one with children, as well as, in groups depending on the activity and level of need with tutoring. During these sessions, volunteers will be reading with the children and assist with fluency and comprehension skills as well as assist the children with their homework if needed. We will provide reading-level appropriate books and material for activities and/or games that volunteers wish to do. This will be a direct, in-person service.  

Time Commitment: Volunteer hours will be before and/or after school, from 7:00-8:00am and 4:00-5:00pm. Hours will change when students are on break. There will be further instructions and guidelines provided once the volunteer is accepted. Volunteers will also go through orientation/training once a volunteer. 

Required to Volunteer: 

• COVID Vaccination
• WATCH Background Check
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Food Handlers Card
• A Negative TB Result (If working with children)

Interested? Apply to volunteer athttps://mcfhc.aidaform.com/volunteer-application or email Kelly Nguyyen at knguyen@mcfhc.org to get started! 

Nourish Pierce County has opportunities available at multiple locations within Pierce County for their food bank distribution days, warehouse work, and staffing their mobile units across the county.

Mobile Food Bank Volunteers: Feed your neighbors in need as a volunteer with us! As a mobile food bank volunteer, you directly contribute to our mission of providing nutritious food to people in need with compassion, dignity, and respect. Volunteering with Nourish Pierce County is a great way to meet new people, serve an immediate need in the community, and have some fun!

Warehouse Volunteers: Every day at the warehouse, we sort through thousands of pounds of donated food. We need volunteers to help sort through an inspect donations, repack bulk food into smaller packaging, and even drive and deliver truckloads of food. 

Interested? Visit https://volunteer.nourishpc.org/ to get started with your volunteer application! Volunteers must register, fill out two waivers, and complete a background check to participate. 

Rebuilding Together South Sound is a local nonprofit which provides no cost home repairs for low income homeowners in Pierce County, Federal Way, and Auburn. We serve seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. In the last 20 years, we’ve served more than 1,100 households with the help of more than 10,700 volunteers on project sites and in the office.

[Re]Build Days – join us for a monthly [Re]Build day to make a difference in the life of a neighbor in need and gain some construction skills! Monthly [Re]Builds take place one Saturday a month from February to November. Projects are lead by a contractor, a great way to meet new people, help the community, and learn something new. These are typically one time projects, but folks are welcome to sign up as many times as they like! Sign up is available at rebuildingtogethersouthsound.force.com under the Volunteer Jobs tab or by emailing volunteer@rebuildingtogetherss.org.

Ambassador – construction not your thing? Join us as an Ambassador! You could take photos on a project day, be part of our Equity Outreach team, attend community meetings and share updates about Rebuilding Together South Sound, or reach out to restaurants for project meals. Time investment will be based on the type of Ambassador you’d like to be – an hour or two a week or up to a day a month. Email us at volunteer@rebuildingtogetherss.org.

Office Intern – We can always use support in our office. An ideal intern could commit to 10+ hours per week with at least 3 hour long shifts during normal business hours. They would help process applications, follow up for income documents, contact homeowners for follow up evaluations, and develop outreach lists. This would be a great fit for someone who wants to gain some office experience and learn about community resources. Comfort with Office products needed, experience with databases such as Salesforce helpful, but not required. Email Rachel Lehr at rlehr@rebuildingtogetherss.org for more information.

For in office volunteering, a person must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For out of office volunteering, face masks are required for any indoor work and outdoor work done in close proximity to another person.

Being involved with THS is a great way to learn more about Tacoma's rich history, its neighborhoods, its historic buildings and its people. See THS's volunteer opportunities for UWT students below:

• Museum Docent: This role is three-fold. 1) Docents serve as hosts, to provide a welcoming experience. In many cases they are the museum's "front-line" representatives. 2) They serve as interpreters of the museum's exhibits, helping to give the visitor a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history. 3) In addition, docents assist in preserving the collections by providing assistance with various projects or tasks. 
• Collections and Exhibit Research: Research volunteers and interns assist the museum curator with managing the society's growing collection of artifacts. This includes preparing and organizing storage of items, researching and writing narrative descriptions, updating database entries, etc. Others are researching the background information and narratives for new museum exhibits. 
• Digital Project Assistance: The society has several ongoing digital projects to share information about Tacoma's heritage with a wider audience. This may be content for a historic walking tour, content for an audio podcast or local history blog. If you're handy with computers and web-based projects, the society wants your help!

All opportunities are ongoing and flexible. Docent schedules are aligned with the museum's public hours (11am-3pm, Wednesday-Saturday).

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact the THS Director at director@tacomahistory.org or (253) 472-3738. 

Retail Store Volunteers: Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity currently has volunteer positions in our three retail store locations: Tacoma, Puyallup, and Lakewood. Store volunteers help with tasks such as sorting, cleaning, and stocking items that have come in for donation; building displays; assisting customers; and cashiering. 

Time Commitment: Store volunteers typically work a 4-hour shift. There are two shifts available daily (9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm) in all three retail stores. 

Construction Site Opportunities: We do NOT have construction site volunteer opportunities right now. However, we hope that will change by winter. Construction volunteers help with all aspects for home building except for specialty trades (e.g. drywall, plumbing, and electrical). 

Time Commitment: When available, construction shifts are from 8:30am-3:30pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Locations vary but are within Pierce County. 

Whether you are interested in volunteering in our stores or in construction, the first step is to attend a New Volunteer Orientation. These are offered virtually over Zoom once per month. See our Events Calendar for upcoming orientation dates. 

Questions? Contact volunteer@tpc-habitat.org.

To volunteer with the Tacoma Public Library, you must submit an application to the Manager of the branch in which you wish to volunteer. Tacoma Public Library offers a variety of volunteer opportunities including:

• Hospitality: Serve as a greeter, docent, and/or monitor to ensure that patrons feel welcome at special events which may include author's lectures, children's programs, the StoryLab programs and activities, and movies.
• Children's/Teen Events: Assist staff with Children's Programming and/or Summer Reading Club activities, and with programming and special activities, which may include set-up, logistics, and other tasks for the annual celebration in late August, and/or assist with Teen Programming and/or special activities with the StoryLab.
• Local History Projects: Assist library professionals and para-professionals with various projects such as genealogy, neighborhood histories, securing photographs and other material as assigned.
• Cleaning of Children's Books: Wipe down and clean covers of books to preserve them for continued use.
• Community Outreach: Staff booths and/or display tables at events such as Ethnic Fest, Taste of Tacoma, the Puyallup Fair and Tacoma Rainer's baseball games. Distribute posters and flyers (at churches, schools, community centers) to promote upcoming library events. Design and decorate bulletin boards at branches to promote programs and events; and/or assist Teen Librarians with offsite outreach to various teen related organizations including middle and high schools to discuss the StoryLab with teachers and students.
• Book Discussion Leaders: Organize and lead teen and adult reading groups at branches including selection of books and arranging meetings.
• StoryLab Mentoring: Skill or expert knowledge in the use of digital audio/visual equipment and/or audio/visual production to provide technical support and guidance for teens in the use of various software applications and external hardware, such as video cameras and microphones. 

Questions? Contact the Manager of the library branch where you wish to volunteer!

Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) has a few different opportunities for UWT students:

Sign up for a volunteer account and get started with TRM!

Interested in volunteering at the Humane Society? Apply to volunteer if you are...

• Able to make a minimum commitment of 6 hours per month for at least 6 months.
• Able to squat, bend, twist, life, or stand for long periods of time when working directly with the animals.
• A people person, as well as an animal person.
• Committed to creating a compassionate community for not only animals but also for the people that love them. 

The Humane Society offers both individual and group volunteer opportunities! Some individual opportunities include: 

• Administrative Assistant
• Animal Transport
• Bath Brigade 
• Cat Care Specialist
• Customer Service Aid
• Dog Enrichment
• Dog Walker
• Events and Outreach
• Laundry Folding Crew
• Pet Food Pantry
• Pet Store Liaison 
• Purrtime Specialist (cat enrichment)
• Rabbit Enrichment Specialist

Volunteer shifts range from 7:00am-6:30pm, seven days a week excluding holidays. Limited opportunities are available on the weekends for entry-level volunteers.

Have additional questions? Contact the Humane Society! 

Bell Ringing: Salvation Army Bell Ringers are instrumental in our biggest fundraiser of the year. Volunteers ring the bell in front of approved locations, collecting donations in the red kettle and representing The Salvation Army's love of the people in our community in need. Bell Ringing starts on Monday, November 14th and runs through Christmas Eve, shifts range from Mondays through Thursdays. For more information and to schedule bell ringing shifts, contact the Salvation Army of Tacoma's Christmas Coordinator, Stacy Blaisdell, at stacy.blaisdell@usw.salvationarmy.org, or at (253) 572-8452 ext. 104.

Food Pantry: Food Pantry workers help create food boxes and no-cook bags for community members in need of food. They also hand food out and collect client information as needed. Food Pantry volunteers work Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9am-2pm, and on Fridays from 9am-1pm. Those who are interested may contact Stacy Blaisdell at stacy.blaisdell@usw.salvationarmy.org, or at (253) 572-8452 ext. 104. 

Volunteers should be able to lift up to 25 pounds to waist level. Reasonable accommodations can be made.