NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
This Week:
Military Appreciation Picnic
Pacific Rim Institute
Summit Assistance Dogs
Growing Veterans Volunteer Day
Habitat for Humanity
NMCRS Thrift Shop
Whidbey Camano Land Trust
Island Senior Resources
Organic Farm School at Keystone Farm & Forest Preserve
Military Appreciation Picnic
The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Navy League are looking for volunteers for this year’s Military Appreciation Picnic that will be held Sept. 6, 2025. Interested personnel should go here to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B094BAAAD2CA0F94-57618122-military#/
Pacific Rim Institute
Pacific Rim Institute (PRI) is requesting volunteer support for the upcoming Whidbey Island Cider Festival.
This is a one day event where guests can enjoy cider tastings, food trucks, live entertainment, activities for children, and vendor booths. Guests are also encouraged to explore the over two-miles of trails on the grounds.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 20, 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Location: Pacific Rim Institute, 180 Parker Road, Coupeville, WA 98239.
Website: https://www.pacificriminstitute.org/ciderfestival
Volunteer Positions: Parking Attendant, Grounds Maintenance, Security, Set-Up, Clean-Up, Hospitality, Tickets, Apple Press Operator, “Tipsy Taxi” Driver, Alcohol Monitors.
PRI supports native prairie and Garry oak savanna restoration and operates a Native Plant Center. PRI was pivotal in helping restore the golden paintbrush, a plant that was once listed as Threatened in the state of Washington. They also provide numerous educational and volunteer opportunities.
If interested in volunteering, please contact Mira Thomas -
thomasm@whidbey.net.
Summit Assistance Dogs
Summit Assistance Dogs is seeking volunteers to help them complete their Canine Condo. Volunteers will assist building a brick wall, guided by our Facilities Manager Mark Bunje. Little to no construction experience is required. If light construction work isn't your strength, there may be other volunteer opportunities available, including trail maintenance, kennel work, and tug toy preparation. Lunch will be provided. Please wear appropriate clothing, including clothing you don't mind getting dirty/hairy, along with close-toed shoes.
When: Saturday, August 9th. 10am-2pm
Where: Summit's Canine Condo. 359 E Henni Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Please contact
volunteer@summitdogs.org to register. Registration REQUIRED.
Growing Veterans Volunteer Day
Contact Info:
Michael@growingveterans.org (360) 553-3577x2
Time: Every Saturday 10am-2pm (Through - October)
Place: 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank (Behind all the buildings up on the hill to the left)
About Us: (Growingveterans.org) We are a non-profit organization based in mental health wellness through farming and gardening. We help build community through shared purpose and belonging using dirt therapy as a way to connect with the land and each other.
What to expect: We typically do a quick check-in then we get started with a variety of activities ranging from weeding garden beds to pruning tomatoes and cucumbers depending on the time of year it is.
What to bring: Gloves, water and wear whatever you don't mind getting dirty
NMCRS Thrift Shop
Location: Seaplane Base, Bldg 13, NMCRS Thrift Shop
Contact Info:
whidbeyisland@nmcrs.org (360) 257-2728
Times: Monday-Friday 0800-1600, Thursdays 0800-1800,
Saturdays 0930-1330, Aug 23, Sept 13, Sept 27
Time commitment: ½ hour to full day, you choose!
About Us: We are a non-profit organization supporting military families with essential needs and UNIFORMS.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing.
Benefits: We will track your volunteer hours and provide this info as needed! Helping military members and their families. And we have great snacks!
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Habitat for Humanity - Whidbey Island
Help Build Homes and Hope!
Habitat for Humanity of Island County needs volunteers to support affordable housing on Whidbey Island. No construction experience? No problem—we provide training, tools, and safety gear. Join us to make a difference!
Opportunities:
Construction: Help build homes (ages 18+). Tasks vary; no skills required.
Other Roles: Assist at Habitat Stores or events (details upon sign-up).
Prerequisites:
Must be 18+ for construction.
Submit a 2023 Volunteer Waiver and Background Check Release (sent after registration).
Complete a Volunteer Orientation (Wednesdays at 2:00 PM or by arrangement).
How to Join:
Register at islandcountyhabitat.org/volunteer/volunteer-shifts/.
Await clearance email with shift sign-up instructions.
Pick a shift via the “Choose a Shift” page.
What to Bring:
Weather-appropriate, durable clothing.
Closed-toe shoes.
Water and snacks (lunch not provided).
Schedule:
Shifts vary—check the website for current options, typically daytime, full or half-day.
Contact:
Email volunteer@islandcountyhabitat.com or call 360-679-9444 with questions. Let’s build a brighter future together!
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Whidbey Camano Land Trust
Trillium Trail & Forest Tune-Up
Thursday, September 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Improve and maintain the trails and forest at this 721-acre property outside of Freeland.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Keystone Preserve Work Party
Sunday, September 14, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Help out with weed removal, trail building, farm tasks and more at this preserve in Coupeville, not yet open to the public.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Glendale Beach Weed Removal
Friday, September 19, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Remove invasive English ivy, English holly and other weeds near this beach in Clinton.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Strawberry Point Preserve Work Party
Wednesday, September 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us to remove noxious weeds, pick up litter and improve the trail at this Oak Harbor preserve.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Please register at: www.wclt.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-calendar
Work parties are affected by inclement weather and vegetation growth. Project descriptions are broad because we don’t know the exact work needed until closer to the date. If you have questions about a specific work party, or want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Taylor Schmuki at taylor@wclt.org.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Organic Farm School at Keystone Farm & Forest Preserve
Fridays from 9:00 am -11:00 am
Join our partners, Whidbey Island Organic Farm School, at Keystone Preserve on Fridays to clean the barn and prepare a future cover crop demonstration site. Tasks will include wheelbarrowing, power washing, mowing, trimming and planting!
Questions and registration to Judy at judy@organicfarmschool.org
Island Senior Resources
Volunteers needed! Island Senior Resources (ISR) is a Non-Profit 501(3)c organization, serving Island County since 1972, that provides essential resources for older/disabled adults, their families, and caregivers. We are seeking volunteers to help us with our newest program for social engagement to close the gap between older/disabled adults and social isolation.
Our trained volunteer teams take older adults to a variety of activities and events on Whidbey. If seniors are unable to leave their homes, we can have volunteers go inside the home to play games, read, or simple companionship and friendly visiting. Those who join ISR Connects view it as a lifeline. As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic closed many doors, especially for those within older generations or with medical conditions. As we enter a post pandemic world, our most vulnerable populations have lost and have not been able to find connection within the community.
Our program provides social enrichment to anyone 60+ yrs old or a disabled adult 18-59 yrs old. We have some transportation options available for those who need it. If possible, we would LOVE to bring more volunteers onboard as this program will not function without them. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, but youth are encouraged to volunteer with their guardians. This program is seeking help from active-duty military, reserves, contractors, civilians, and dependents. So, pass along this info to anyone seeking to enrich their lives with human connection. Our goal is for our volunteers to commit to one social connection per week, although even a once-a-month commitment would help break the isolation so many of our disabled and aging community members are going through.
For more information or to sign up, contact the ISR Connects Program Manager: Bailey Todd at 360-672-6505 or
Bailey@islandseniorservices.org
Volunteer Chore Program
The Volunteer Chore Program is a new program at Whidbey Island that assists with day-to-day chores such as yard care, grocery shopping, dog walking, medical transportation and housekeeping for elderly residents over 60 who are financially qualified. This program is administered by The Volunteer Center with the Opportunity Council. If you are interested in participating, please contact Ross Labrenz at (360) 679-6577 ext. 2133.
If you have volunteer opportunities, please send all submission requests to:
naswipao@us.navy.mil