Student Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering looks different around the world. In America, 25% of the population takes the time to volunteer. This is an important value taught to kids beginning in elementary school.

When children volunteer, they realize that there is something bigger than themselves. They experience a sense of fulfillment and learn the ability to be selfless, developing empathy towards others. They understand that ordinary people can make a difference, even at a young age. They are also more likely to do better in school, avoid risky behavior, and can even list their volunteer work on college applications!

Here, we share some great opportunities for kids to volunteer in our community.

City of Issaquah

Some volunteer opportunities offered are helping with Issaquah’s parks and natural areas or at the Senior Center and at the many community events (Issaquah Farmers Market, Issy Kids Triathlon in June, Beat the Heat Splash Day in August and Boo at the Barn in October). To check for more volunteer opportunities with the City of Issaquah, please visit: https://issaquahwa.gov/index.aspx?NID=920.

City of Sammamish

They have opportunities for a variety of events and programs: park projects that include native plantings, trail building, wetlands, stream restoration, invasive management, and storm cleanup. They also look for volunteers to help with Sammamish Walks and their “Storm Drain Marking Program.” To check the detailed volunteer opportunities with the City of Sammamish, please visit: https://www.sammamish.us/communityinvolvement/volunteer/

Renton History Museum

They are looking for volunteers at the museum. Volunteers under the age of 18 will require a parent/ guardian for their background check. Each volunteer needs to attend volunteer training and sign release forms. Please visit: https://www.rentonwa.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=8566064

Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank is always looking for volunteers to help translate into our primary languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, and Ukrainian. Translation assistance is needed for written materials in person at the Food Bank. If you are interested, please contact our

volunteer coordinator at volunteer@issaquahfoodbank. org. If you would like to volunteer at the Food Bank with a student, please note that the minimum age to volunteer is 16. Volunteers younger than 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to sign up, visit: https://issaquahfoodbank.org/volunteer/

Northwest Harvest

Northwest Harvest has a variety of volunteer opportunities in different locations, as well as some special events. Anybody who is at least 9 years old or in 3rd grade can become a volunteer. 9-to-15-year-olds need to have a parent or guardian with them. Individuals who are 16 and 17 years old are able to volunteer on their own with an application and a parent/guardian permission form on file. Check their website for all the opportunities and locations: https://www.northwestharvest.org/getinvolved/volunteer/

Food Lifeline

Food Lifeline offers volunteer opportunities at its Hunger Solution Center, which is located in Seattle. Anyone who is 10 years and older is welcome to volunteer during weekday mornings and afternoons, Saturdays, and some evenings. Check their website to sign up for their volunteer sessions: https://foodlifeline.org/volunteer/

KidVantage (Formerly Eastside Baby Corner)

Students 12 years old and up are encouraged to volunteer at KidVantage. The work done at KidVantage directly benefits families in our community by providing clothing for children. Volunteers under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult during their entire shift. Check more details on their website: https://kidvantagenw.org/volunteer/

The Circle

The Circle is a nonprofit based in Issaquah that advocates reducing barriers for individuals and families new to the country, as well as those who are already established in the community. The Circle identifies their needs and makes them feel welcome and connected so they can participate fully in their communities. We offer classes, cultural events, and community navigation. They are always looking for volunteers to assist in a class, help during an event, translate information, and do many other tasks. Contact them to find out more about opportunities. They want to make sure you are doing something you enjoy while giving back to your community. Send them an email to: contact@thecircle-wa.org