Volunteers wanted for Federal Way gardens, senior center and more

Ten years ago this summer, the Federal Way Community Gardens began when a garden was built at the Federal Way Senior Center.

Over the following years, nine additional gardens were built, many at local schools. Each year the all-volunteer program delivers approximately 20,000 pounds of organically grown fruits and vegetables to the local SHAG apartments, meals provided by three local churches for members of our community, as well as local food banks.

In 2017, the Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation joined the Federal Way Community Caregivers Network organization. The combining of these two organizations results in a stronger single organization. One result of this new organization was the very generous grant that the Federal Way Rotary provided to fund the purchase of a new greenhouse, located at the Federal Way Senior Center, and a fence around the Truman community garden. This grant will significantly improve our ability to increase the amount of produce that can be delivered over an extended growing season.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the gardens may contact Michael Stanley at 253-279-6443.

Opportunities and activities

Federal Way Senior Center: The Federal Way Senior Center is located at 4016 S. 352nd St. and supports activities for seniors in South King County and Pierce County including Federal Way, Auburn, Edgewood, Des Moines, Kent, Milton, Northeast Tacoma, Pacific and nearby unincorporated areas. Operating hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The senior center offers a variety of meals, events, classes and fitness activities. Computer classes are offered to area adults regardless of age. Walks sponsored by the center provide good exercise activities for seniors and are held every Tuesday, rain or shine. The facility is also available to rent. The center also has a food bank and a thrift store for those in need. Learn more at (253) 838-3604, 206-954-2926 or visit www.federalwayseniorcenter.org. Also email executive director Shelley Puariea at shelleyp004@gmail.com.

Federal Way Community Center: The center offers a full senior program with water- and land-based fitness activities, classes, contests, dancing, day trips and special events. The center has a hot lunch program on Fridays, along with traditional Korean meals served on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meals on Wheels are also available. The center also offers bingo, bridge, pinochle, chess and cribbage. Seniors can also relax in the Forest Lounge with its fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Celebration Park. To learn more, visit the Federal Way Community Center at 876 S. 333rd St. or call 253-835-6900.

Delivery drivers needed: Sound Generations is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program. Drivers are needed to deliver meals in Federal Way on Thursday mornings, as needed when one of the regular drivers is unavailable. Routes start between 8 and 9 a.m. and typically take one to two hours. Mileage is reimbursable while making deliveries. Info: 206-448-5767 or mealsonwheels@soundgenerations.org.

Historical Society of Federal Way: Volunteer opportunities include collections care, greeting the public at public events, docents for historic Denny and Barker cabins, computer work, building maintenance and phone calling. For more information, contact Diana Noble-Gulliford at diana@gulliford.com or call 206-412-5545.

Federal Way Coalition Against Trafficking Opportunities: Local non-profit is seeking volunteers for various positions including website manager, funding coordinator, event coordinator, and graphic design coordinator. Email info@fwcat.org for more information.

Volunteer Services: the Catholic Community Service Program is committed to providing in-home chore assistance to elders and adults with disabilities, helping them to remain in their own home for as long and as safely as possible. Volunteers provide assistance with the following tasks: transportation, shopping, housework, laundry, minor home repairs, communications and yard work. To learn more about this rewarding opportunity, contact Adria Briehl at vc@ccsww.org or 253-850-2525.

Drivers Needed: Volunteer drivers are needed to transport elderly residents in King County. Contact 206-326-2800 or resource.I@ghc.org.

South King Council of the Blind: This group meets from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month in the back room of Denny’s, 2132 S. 320th St. They are a resource for people dealing with vision loss, their friends’ and families’ vision, or anyone interested in vision loss. For more information, contact Gaylen Floyd at 253-217-9586 or gaylenfloy@gmail.com or Marlaina Lieberg at 1guidedog@gmail.com. More information is also available at www.southkingcounciloftheblind.org.

Bingo: Social bingo for all ages is held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Mondays and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. For more information, contact Char Ashcraft at shelleyp004@gmail.com or call 253-838-3604 or visit federalwayseniorcenter.org.

Seniors In Motion: Seniors in Motion is a senior exercise class at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. The class is held at 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The goal of the program is to focus on strengthening and conditioning the entire body. Participants will strengthen muscles, achieve better balance, improve overall body tone and enjoy a more positive self-image. For more information, contact Dorothy at 253-835-3529.

Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group: These professionally facilitated groups meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Virginia Mason Medical Center, 33501 First Way Way S. For more information, call Theresa Kelly at 206-709-1400 or email theresa@cancerpathways.org or visit cancerpathways.org.

One-on-One Resume Assistance: A King County Library volunteer can provide 45 minutes of one-on-one to help write or update your resume. Make sure to bring a list of previous employment (name of business, address, phone number and position) and a current resume if you have one. Typing services are not provided. Registration required. For days and times, call 253-839-0257.

One-on-One Computer Help: Library volunteers provide assistance with basic level computer and software questions at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Call the library at 253-838-3668 or 253-839-0257.