Volunteer

We couldn't do what we do without our loyal and dedicated volunteers. In 2008, volunteers donated more than 1,000 hours! From our Board of Directors who meet monthly (plus a multitude of meetings throughout the month) to the dedicated volunteers who come in on a regular basis to do what needs to be done -- we thank you all!

We are always looking for new volunteers, both on a year-round basis and for special projects.
There are many ways to get involved:  browse the list below and contact us with your interest.

Year-round opportunities

• Assist and greet our customers on the telephone or in person, routing them to the appropriate staff person or to another collaborating agency.  Training is available; a commitment of at least six months is required because of the necessary training.
• Become a Super Shopper for our special projects. Are you thrifty? Do you love garage sales? Always looking through the clearance aisles? We need people like you! We are always looking for great deals on new and gently used items for our programs.  You will be reimbursed for what you purchase.  This is a great way to satisfy that “shopaholic” in you without spending your own money! Please contact our office for specific details.
• Got a flare for writing resumes? Know the ins and outs of job hunting? Want to help someone learn computer skills? Available during the daytime hours? The Community Technology Center needs volunteers to staff the center and assist people with writing resumes, job hunting, developing computer skills, etc.
• Website maintenance. You don’t have to be a software engineer to do this.  We try to keep our website current, and are using computer tools that are relatively easy to learn.
• Database maintenance. As we get a better database, we constantly need to update information for our clients, volunteers and donors.  Training is minimal, and times can be very flexible.
• Community Committee Member. We are looking for community members interested in participating on our Program Committee, Marketing Committee, and Development Committee. These are sub-committees of our Board of Directors and we want community members to participate and help lead ResourceWest.

Fundraisers

• Empty Bowls is held in every year in mid-March, in collaboration with our sister organization ICA foodshelf. We need help contacting restaurants, picking up soup, and of course serving lunch and dinner on the day of the event. Also, you can try your hand at creating a ceramic bowl for yourself or to sell at Empty Bowls. Find out more, click here.
• Chocolate, Wine and all that Jazz is held every year in October.  This event is becoming more popular every year.  Help is needed in various areas: committee members, decorating the event venue, helping find sponsors, selling tickets, silent & live auction, and more. To learn more, click here.

 Special Projects

Back-to-School Supplies (August)

1. Buy and gather needed items — on your own, or with members of your faith community, neighborhood and/or co-workers.
2. Assist with registration; sort supplies; set up the room for distribution; keep items supplied during distribution week at the end of August.
3. Help parents on distribution days.
4. Be a Super Shopper to help us buy items that are always in short supply.

Winter Warm Wear (November)

1. Buy and/or collect new or gently used winter clothing for all ages.  This is a great opportunity for faith communities, neighborhoods and employee groups to get involved.
2. Help sort clothing by sizes and types.
3. Set up distribution room.
4. Assist customers during distributionusually early to mid November.
5. Zipper fixers - fix the zippers on donated items so we don't have to throw them away.

Toy Chest (December)

1. Buy toys for all ages of children.
2. Help sort toys by age groups.
3. Set up the Toy Chest distribution room.
4. Assist parents during distribution (mid-December).

To express interest in any of these opportunities, or to learn more about volunteering, contact us.