The New Skagit Volunteer Center

SCCAA staff outside the Skagit Volunteer Center

Many people in our community have heard of the Whatcom Volunteer Center.  We at Serve Northwest WA are big fans of the convenience and abundance of their volunteer resources and opportunities. I get asked a lot if there is a resource like the WVC, but in Skagit County. The answer is YES! In fact, I work there. Who knew?

Ladies and gentlemen, I am excited to announce the upcoming opening of the Skagit Volunteer Center! We will be open for business during Volunteer Week, April 19th, 2010. And we will have a grand opening celebration during AmeriCorps Week, May 10th, 2010.  The new space is located at 2221 Riverside Drive, Suite B, Mount Vernon.

The Skagit Volunteer Center has been around for many years. We were lucky this last year to receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand our volunteer center from a small online operation to a welcoming and physical space where volunteers can drop in to learn about volunteer and AmeriCorps opportunities. We’re also installing computer stations to help folks navigate opportunities on our online volunteer center and to assist AmeriCorps applicants through the application process.

We will dedicate the Skagit Volunteer Center in memory of a devoted volunteer, Bill McIlraith who unfortunately passed away last year.  Bill gave nearly 20 years of serve to the SCCAA’s Volunteer Chore program by installing ramps and grab bars in the homes of the elderly and disabled, transporting clients to appointments, and by visiting with clients in their homes.  Bill volunteered right up until he passed away at age 89.  He was an outstanding volunteer, and we are proud to honor his memory in this way.

Last week we selected the paint for the new space.  We are lucky that the Rotary Club of Mount Vernon has volunteered to paint the space for us.  A volunteer center painted by volunteers!  Wow!  Stay tuned for more volunteer center updates!