Where to volunteer in Auburn this holiday season

For many non-profits in Auburn that are out there doing good, volunteers are their life’s blood – they couldn’t do the important stuff they do without ‘em.

And if you are the type that likes to give, local non-profits that could use your help this holiday season are eager to hear from you.

Here is a list non-profits to contact, as compiled by the Auburn Reporter:

The Auburn Food Bank

“We love volunteers!” said Debbie Christian, director of the Auburn Food Bank. “And right now, we can take volunteers on Monday and Friday right, which are our two lowest days from 8:30 to 1:30 or any time frame in between those hours.”

For instance, the Food Bank could use help at its annual basket giveaway from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Holy Family Church.

The Auburn Food Bank is: at 2804 Auburn Way North in Auburn. For more information, email debbiec@theauburnfoodbank.org or call (253) 833-8925.

Christ Community Free Clinic

This private, not-for-profit mission provides free quality urgent medical care and dental care with compassion and dignity for the uninsured and under-insured in the community.

And like the Auburn Food Bank, it just loves volunteers.

According to its website, CCFC also offers limited prescriptions and procedures, can help people apply for free or low-cost insurance, and connect them with local community services. Additionally, staff can provide prayer and emotional support.

If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, click on the medical or dental photos on its website for more information or stop by. The address is A Street Northwest in Auburn, inside Gustaves Manor Apartments with an entrance on the east side of the Gustaves Manor. The phone number is 253-736-2634 and the clinic is at 1 A Street Northwest in Auburn, on the east side of the Gustaves Manor building. Email info@christfreeclinic.org for more information.

The Auburn Valley Humane Society

For the AVHS to be a success, it must have the community’s help.

According to a statement on its website, volunteers are an essential part of the organization.

With (volunteer) help, it can meet its fundraising goals and live its mission of enriching the lives of companion animals and people through animal sheltering, programs and community engagement.

Its All-Star Volunteer Program offers a holistic learning experience, creating a well-rounded, fully integrated volunteer. New volunteers complete seven in-person training modules in “Organizational Support.” giving them time to learn about the organization, a chance to work closely with the staff, and gain an appreciation for what they do there at AVHS.

Got questions? Then contact the Volunteer Coordinator at jriss@auburnvalleyhs.org. or call 253-249-7849. Some exemptions apply for underage volunteers, medical restrictions, court-ordered community service, temporary, light-duty volunteers, or those seeking to fulfill school graduation hours. The Auburn Valley Humane Society is located at 4910 A Street Southeast in Auburn.

Auburn Police

Auburn Police volunteers support and assist the Auburn Police Department in any activity that does not require a commissioned officer.

Volunteers are present at several events throughout the year and can help with:

Fingerprinting

Interaction with the general public at the Auburn Police Station, assisting with completion of required paperwork, and imprints for concealed weapons permits or employment purposes.

Provide assistance to various units and individuals within the department. This may require specific skills.

Auburn Police Volunteers holds monthly meetings the first Thursday of each month. Meeting attendance is mandatory to remain in good standing.

The first step is to fill out the volunteer application. All volunteers submit to a criminal background check. If the background check is passed, a panel interview will be conducted and references checked. If selected after the interview, the volunteer will be trained to serve their community.

For more information on the volunteer program or how to become a volunteer, email sbennett@auburnwa.gov, or stop by the Police Department.