Finding time to volunteer can be difficult for students, but the time given to others can be a rewarding experience.

Many people volunteer, whether on their own or as part of an obligation, and many volunteers  find that they enjoy being active in the community. There are many opportunities for those wanting to do volunteer work to take advantage of in the Spokane area. The website www.spokanes.com/volunteer lists volunteering opportunities from places like Hospice Care and local animal shelters.

SpokAnimal is a local non-profit that is always in need of volunteers to help care for pets who are available for adoption.

“I was compelled to volunteer after bringing my dog to the shelter to get its registration,” said Taylor Olsen, a Lewis and Clark High School student. “ My favorite part is being able to work and bond with the dogs. When we can help them be calmer, they have less of a chance of being euthanized.”

Key Club, which is an organization sponsored by the Kiwanis, helps high-school students get a jump on volunteer work. Students can continue volunteer work into college through Circle K, which is a branch of Key Club for college level students.

“I started volunteering in high school by joining the Key Club, and continued in college by joining Circle K,” Brynn Hand, a volunteer at Deaconess said. “Key Club is an organization for high-school students who participate in community service projects.”

The Center for Service-Learning here at SFCC has students covered for volunteer opportunities. Students interested in volunteering can find the application form and contact information on the SFCC website.

Once you find a place you want to volunteer, be aware that not all places put students right to work. Some places, such as Horizon Hospice, require an orientation and background check.

“We have an orientation that takes place over a couple of weeks and the content covers a variety of subjects which is mandated by Medicare,” said Lori Bradeen, the volunteer coordinator for Horizon Hospice. “It includes class time, discussion, instruction, videos, take-home reading, and comprehension checks.

“We also require TB testing, background checks, and driving record checks. Once volunteers are trained they go out with someone else on their first visit, and we have ongoing quarterly training,” Bradeen said.

Volunteering looks good on resumes or if students plan on continuing to a four year college. Students can find out more about volunteer opportunities by contacting SFCC’s Center for Service-Learning.