It’s not easy to volunteer with two young kids in tow – or to find volunteer opportunities for the evenings when I finally have a few minutes to myself. I had to learn a new reality after I had got married and had kids, as previously I had spent a lot of my evenings and weekends working with Special Olympics and other programs for people with developmental disabilities. I just didn’t have the same amount of time to offer as I got older.
We moved to Issaquah Highlands in 2012 and through my research I discovered so many volunteering options in the Highlands – and many that I could do from home and coordinate around my schedule. And what better way to get to know my neighbors and community?
I jumped at the chance to volunteer from the comfort of my chair! I started by offering to co-administer the “Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange” Facebook group. I enjoyed it so much that when the opportunity arose, I offered to help administer the “unofficial” Issaquah Highlands Facebook group. I love hearing from my neighbors (even if it’s just about parking or dog messes).
In 2015, I pitched the idea of a monthly “Photo Treasure Hunt” to Nina Milligan, Editor of Connections news – yet another opportunity for me to fit volunteering around my schedule. As somewhat recent arrival to the city, it was also a great way to find the hidden gems and have an excuse to really explore the neighborhood.
All those experiences led to more hands-on opportunities, such as helping to organize the 2017 Shop Local Holiday Bazaar at Blakely Hall. I felt I finally had enough free time to commit to something away from my keyboard. I had made a lot of friends in the community, and I enjoyed getting out from behind my computer and spending time with them. I’ve also found the more I volunteer the more I want to volunteer.
This area is full of wonderful opportunities to volunteer from home and around your own schedule. You don’t have to have to commit to hours and hours of volunteering time. There are so many options if you are looking to start off small – you just have to find them.
Editor’s Note: If you are interested in volunteering in Issaquah Highlands, see more information at issaquahhighlands.com/connect/volunteer/
As published in February 2018 Connections
Photo: Volunteer of the Month, Chelsea Musick with her husband Grant, son Caius and daughter Adara.
