Volunteer Opportunities in Vancouver, Washington

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. When you volunteer, you are helping to save resources which can be spend on local improvements. The estimated dollar value of a volunteer's time is $15.39 an hour! Volunteering is also a great way to build up a resume and make professional contacts. Some people have even discovered hidden talents by volunteering and opened up a whole new area of opportunity.

Now is a great time to resolve to give back to your community by volunteering. Here are just a few of the many volunteer needs currently available in Vancouver, Washington.

Columbia Land Trust

The Columbia Land Trust conserves signature landscapes and vital habitat together with the landowners and communities of the Columbia River region. With offices located at 1351 Officer's Row in Vancouver, The Columbia Land Trust manages land under a stewardship plan, and also acquires land with significant scenic, recreation or habitat qualities. They work along the Columbia River in both Washington and Oregon-the Pacific Coast and estuary, the more developed mid-river, the Columbia Gorge, and the Eastern Cascade watersheds.

Columbia Land Trust has ongoing needs for volunteers to help with Tree Planting Work Parites in January, February and March. Work parties take place on a Saturday and last from 9am to 4pm. An ivy pulling work party is also scheduled for Friday, February 23^rd from 9am to 4pm. Call Columbia Land Trust at 360-969-0131 for more information.

Humane Society for Southwest Washington

The mission of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington is the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, and the extension of Humane Education. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is an open admission animal shelter in Vancouver, Washington. They have animals available for adoption, as well as house strays and owner released pets from Clark and Skamania Counties.

Currently, the HSSW is looking for volunteers for the following positions: transport volunteer, animal care assistant, customer service coordinator, foster care, morning dog walker, off-site adoption advisor and or pet care, photo team, thrift store assistant. If you enjoy working with animals and the people who care for them, the HSSW will be a great volunteer match for you. They are located at 2121 St. Francis Lane, Vancouver, WA 98660. Their phone number is 360-693-4746, extension 209.

The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides releif to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies. Usually one of the first responders after disaster strikes, the Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers. Right now, the Southwest Washington chapters are looking for volunteers to help in their front office, as volunteer youth instructors, and as a blood drive volunteer. More information is available through their website.

This is a small sampling of the many volunteer opportunities currently available in Vancouver, Washington. For even more volunteer opportunities, check out volunteermatch.org where you can enter your zip code for hundreds of local charities, non-profits and government agencies looking for volunteers.