It’s a great time to spring into action for National Volunteer Month this April. There is no shortage of volunteers needed in the Blaine area, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
Pairing one’s skills and passion with a need in the community, or a cause of choice, can be the first step to a rewarding volunteer experience. From the arts to social services, there is no shortage of nonprofits and community organizations in need of assistance. And surprising side-benefits to volunteering include improved personal health and wellness – from stress reduction to increased feelings of belonging and connectedness.
One local volunteer, Kimberli Shea, contributes to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, Blaine Fine Arts Association and Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs).
“Contributing to the long-term growth, life skills and learning experiences of young people through Girl Scouts has been so rewarding,” said Shea of the 12 years she has volunteered with Girl Scouts of Western Washington. “When adults give of their time to interact with young people it helps boost their social skills and build values such as trust, honesty and fairness.”
She has served as a troop leader and as product manager for the Girl Scouts’ annual cookie sales, providing order tracking and reconciliation for Western Washington troops that sold a combined 18,307 boxes of cookies in just three weeks.
Shea’s volunteering is supported by her employer, Umpqua Bank, which provides 40 hours per year, per associate, of paid volunteer time. It’s part of the Bank’s Connect Volunteer Network™, a program now in its 19th year. In 2021 alone, Umpqua Bank associates volunteered nearly 18,500 hours.
“There are so many needs in the community and no shortage of opportunities to volunteer,” Shea shared.
Individuals or companies interested in volunteering or contributing to Girl Scouts can learn more at girlscoutsww.org.
Courtesy Umpqua Bank
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