Auburn-area community calendar | Nov. 22

Calendar Submissions

The free community calendar is published Wednesdays and Saturdays on a space-available basis, and includes free and nonprofit local events and groups. Submit items at least a week in advance of publication dates to calendar@reporternewspapers.com.

Special Events

Auburn Tourism: For special events in the Auburn area, visit the Web site: www.auburntourism.com.

Auburn’s Big Give: 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 22. Giveaway offers 500 turkeys and 500 bags of Thanksgiving meal items for families in need. First come, first served. Presented by Northwest Family Church, TOP Food & Drug and Auburn Food Bank. Parking lot of TOP Food & Drug, 1702 Auburn Way N., Auburn. 253-833-8252 or www.nwfamilychurch.com.

Thanksgiving Community Dinner: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 27. Hot turkey dinner with all the fixings. All are welcome. White River Presbyterian Church, 526 12th St. S.E., Auburn. www.WhiteRiverPres.org.

Holiday

Bizarre Bazaar: Nov. 22-23, 1107 11 St St. NE, Auburn. The old-fashioned bazaar will include many crafts, collectibles and antiques. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 253-833-8608.

Pacific Christmas tree lighting: 6 p.m., Nov. 28, City Hall, 100 3rd Ave SE, Pacific.

Christmas Snack and Craft: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 6. Come create gingerbread houses and ornaments. Cost: $3-$5. Washington Elementary School, 20 E St. N.E., Auburn.

Auburn’s Santa Parade and Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Features a children’s parade, community caroling and lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree. Main Street, downtown Auburn. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Movies at the Ave—“Miracle on 34th Street”: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Come down after the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony for the holiday classic movie, “Miracle On 34th Street.” Auburn Youth Council will serve hot food. Cost: $6; available day of show only. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave.

“The Nutcracker” Dress-up Tea Party: Dec. 13-14. Party includes dancing, dress- up and the story of “The Nutcracker,” with an appearance by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Cost: $10 per child; advance registration required. Children’s Dance Theater, 14 B St. N.E., suites 1 and 2, Auburn. 253-887-8937 or www.auburnchildrensdancetheater.com.

Auburn Breakfast with Santa: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 13. Presented by Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation. Cost: $5-$8; advance registration required. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-3043.

Benefits

Meet the Pride Night: 5-9 p.m. Nov. 22. Includes spaghetti dinner, dessert bake sale, junior varsity and varsity basketball games, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Mountainview Lions basketball programs. Cost: $6 for adults; $3 for students; free for elementary-schoolers. Auburn Mountainview High School, 28900 124th Ave. S.E. galondon3@msn.com.

Northwest Harvest Food Drive: Through Nov. 23. Donors can bring nonperishable, nutritious food items, including oatmeal, whole-grain pasta, tomato products, canned chicken, pears and tuna. Pre-stuffed donation bags also available for $5 each. Top Food and Drug, 1702 Auburn Way N., Auburn. www.northwestharvest.org or www.Top-Foods.com.

Auburn Valley YMCA Food Drive: Through Nov. 23. Donors can bring non-perishable food items to the YMCA for the Auburn Food Bank. 1620 Perimeter Road S.W., Auburn. 253-833-2770.

Winter Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6. Presented by Auburn Mountainview High School Booster Club. Admission: Free. Auburn Mountainview High School, 28900 124th Ave. S.E., Auburn. 253-217-0237 or 253-288-1812.

Sleep Country Toy Drive: Through Dec. 14. Donors can bring unwrapped new toys, books, movies and games for foster children to any Sleep Country USA store. Call or see Web site for locations. 888-887-5337 or www.sleepcountry.com.

Classes

Camp GriefWorks 2008: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6. One-day family retreat for adults and children experiencing grief over the death of a loved one. Includes separate groups for parents, teens and children facilitated by GriefWorks bereavement specialists. Bring a sack lunch; beverages and snacks provided. Cost: $20; advance registration required. Call for details. 253-333-9420.

Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation: City of Auburn offers a variety of classes, including creative arts, watercolor painting, Spanish, dance, buying real estate and more. Call for details. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Faith

Dave Irish: 10 a.m. Dec. 7. Musician/songwriter Irish to perform during worship service. Lifegate Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-735-3153 or www.lifegatefellowship.com.

“Why Christmas?” Holiday Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Enjoy dinner, live music and a thought-provoking video on the meaning of Christmas. Cost: Free; reservations requested due to limited space. White River Presbyterian Church, 526 12th St. S.E., Auburn. 253-833-2990, WRPC@earthlink.net or www.WhiteRiverPres.org.

The Exit Youth: 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Open to students in seventh-12th grade. Come enjoy music, food, friends and fun. Lifegate Auburn Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-735-3153.

Health

Blood drive: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 24 at Columbia Bank, 241 Auburn Way N., Auburn. For Cascade Regional Blood Services. 877-242-5663 or www.crbs.net.

Yoga—Fitness for Moms and Kids: 10-11 a.m. Mondays. Cost: Free. City of Pacific Gymnasium, 122 Third Ave. S.E., Pacific. 253- 929-1155.

Dancersize Classes: 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost: Free. All ages welcome. City of Pacific Gymnasium, 122 Third Ave. S.E., Pacific. 253-929-1155.

Tiny Tots play group: 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Parent participation required. Cost: Free. City of Pacific Gymnasium, 122 Third Ave. S.E., Pacific. 253-929-1155.

Libraries

Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253-931-3018. Library events include:

• Recess Monkey—The Holiday Show: 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Fun-filled holiday concert.

• Anime & Manga Club: 4 p.m. Dec. 1. Teens can bring manga to discuss, watch anime and practice drawing.

• “Surviving the American High-Tech Diet”: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Dr. Ellouise Carroll to talk about nutrition.

• ESL: 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 3. Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.

• Medicare Part D counseling: 10 a.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Sign up for free counseling session.

• Auburn Library Book Discussion Group: 7 p.m. Dec. 9.

• “Persepolis” Movie Screening: 6 p.m. Dec. 10. Film based on the true story of a girl’s coming of age during the Iranian Revolution.

• Teen Advisory Board: 4 p.m. Dec. 15.

• Citizenship Workshop: 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Find out if you are eligible to apply for citizenship, learn how to get help and practice the citizenship interview.

• Teen Book Club: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

• Totally Board Lock-In: 6 p.m. Dec. 19. Open to first- through sixth-graders and families. Bring a pillow and book, listen to stories, play board games and eat snacks. Must stay in library for whole program.

• Computer classes: Library offers a variety of basic computer classes. Call for details, registration.

• Friends of the Auburn Library: 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month.

• Genealogy assistance: 1 p.m. most Wednesdays and Saturdays; also 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month.

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens, ages 12-18, can read three books, write three short reviews and get a free new paperback book. Pick up an entry form at the library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.

• Study Zone: 5 p.m. Mondays; 6 p.m. Tuesdays; 4 p.m. Thursdays. Students in grades K-12 can drop in for free homework help from volunteer tutors.

• Talk Time: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Free conversation group to improve English.

• Story times: Library offers baby, toddler, preschool, and family story times. Call for details.

Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens, ages 12-18, can read three books, write three short, thoughtful reviews and get a new paperback book free. Pick up an entry form at the library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.

Muckleshoot Library, 17102 Auburn-Enumclaw Road S.E., Auburn. 253-931-6779. Library events include:

• Native American Flute Workshop with Peter Ali: 7 p.m. Nov. 24.

• “The Dewey and Sketch Roadshow”: 1 p.m. Nov. 28. See the official KCLS early literacy mascots in their own puppet show.

Network

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 27. “Lunch and Learn” networking event. Copper Falls Restaurant, 29630 Green River Road, Auburn. 253-833-0700.

Auburn Business Connectors: 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesdays. A local networking and referral group. One professional per business category. Cost: $10; includes breakfast. Café Pacific, 4402 Auburn Way N., Auburn. 253-939-2638.

“Connecting for Success” Networking Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $15, includes buffet breakfast. Auburn Elks Lodge, 2402 Auburn Way N. AuburnCC@AuburnAreaWA.org.

Marketplace Ministries Networking Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Presented by River of Life Fellowship Church. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Copper Falls Restaurant on the Auburn Golf Course, 29630 Green River Road S.E., Auburn. www.mpmlive.org.

Groups

Auburn American Legion Post 78: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Veterans Memorial Building, 405 E St. N.E. 253-939-5789 or auburnpost78@yahoo.com.

Auburn Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary No. 2298: Aerie group, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; auxiliary, 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month. 702 M St. S.E., Auburn. 253-833-2298 or sec2298@integra.net.

Auburn Elks Lodge No. 1808: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. 2402 Auburn Way N., Auburn. 253-833-1808 or bpoe1808@qwest.net.

Auburn Morning Club, Toastmasters International: 6:30 a.m. Thursdays. Learn to speak to groups by working with others in a supportive environment. Newcomers are welcome. The Rainbow Cafe, 112 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-867-1260.

Auburn Noon Lions Club: Noon Tuesdays. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation building, 919 Ninth St. S.E. 253-735-5340, auburn12lions@aol.com or www.auburnlions.com.

Auburn Optimist Club: Noon every other Wednesday. Visitors welcome. Lunch: Less than $10. Auburn Elks, 2402 Auburn Way N. 253-333-8840.

Auburn Rotary Club: Noon Wednesdays. Cost: $15, includes lunch. Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253-929-4656.

Auburn Valley Kiwanis: 7 a.m. Wednesdays. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation building, 910 Ninth St. S.E. 253-833-7086 or www.kiwanisclubofthevalley.org.

Board Game Group: 7-10 p.m. every other Friday. Group plays family-friendly games including: “Settlers of Catan,” “Ticket to Ride,” “Bang!,” “Wits and Wagers,” and more. All are welcome. Cost: Free. Room 201 at Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253 833-8252 for details.

Daughters of the American Revolution, Lakota Chapter: 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10. Topic: “ Abraham Lincoln–200 Years.” Valley Regional Fire Station, 1101 D St. N.E., Auburn.

Happy Hands Craft Club: 12:30-2 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Group knits and crochets lap blankets for veterans and baby hats for PICC. Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road S.W., Auburn. 253-833-2770.

Kent Guild, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center: Noon the third Friday of the month. Luncheon in members’ homes. New members welcome to join volunteer group raising funds for uncompensated care. Call for location. 253-852-7390.

Kent Lions: 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Golden Steer Rib ’n Steak House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-5466, kentlions@gmail.com or www.kentlionsclub.org.

Kiwanis Club of Auburn: Noon Thursdays. Red Lotus Restaurant, 714 Auburn Way N., Auburn. www.kiwanisclubofauburn.com.

Moms and Kids Playgroup: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Moms can hang out while the children play together. Cost: Free. Lifegate Auburn Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-735-3153.

Newcomers and New Friends of Greater Seattle: The second Wednesday of the month. Lunch meetings held at various locations throughout the Puget Sound. Call for details. 425-778-8608 or www.seattlenewcomers.com.

Optimist Club of Auburn: Noon the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Auburn Elks Club, 2402 Auburn Way N. 253-333-8840.

Rainier Audubon Society: 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month. Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S., Auburn. 253-854-3207.

Rio Verde Golden K Senior Kiwanis Club: 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays. 1402 22nd St. N.E., Auburn. 253-941-8108.

Soroptimist International of Auburn: Noon Wednesdays. New members and guests welcome. Auburn Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 900 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn. www.soroptimistnwr.com.

South King County Genealogical Society: 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 S.E. 248th St. 206-948-4286 or www.skcgs.org.

Spina Bifida Association of Washington State, South King/North Pierce Counties Cluster: 7-8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Organization assists families with spina bifida, educates the public, and sponsors fundraisers. All are welcome. Zion Lutheran Church, 1350 17th St. S.E., Auburn. 253-887-0888 or crazy5720003@yahoo.com.

Striped Water Poets: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Round-table critique circle welcomes new poets and friends. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-735-1751.

Teen MOPS: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Free group for pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers. Childcare available. River of Life Fellowship, 10615 S.E. 216th St., Kent. 253-218-7420.

TV Toastmasters: Noon the second Saturday of the month. Learn how to perform both in front and in back of television cameras. Puget Sound Access, 22412 72nd Ave. S., Building C, Kent. 253-854-1312 or www.tvtoastmasters.org.

Valley Newcomers: 11:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Group meets at area restaurants. Call for details, locations. 253-854-1831.

White River Valley Historical Society: 1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Muckleshoot Room in the White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. 253-288-7433.

Wind Spirit Flute Circle: 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Come explore and learn the Native American Flute. All ages and abilities welcome. Beginner lessons at 6:30 p.m. Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. 253-568-6689 or www.waflutecircle.com.

Public Meetings

Regional meeting of South King County Domestic Violence Task Forces: Noon-2 p.m. Nov. 20. Speaker: Roy Carson on domestic violence perpetrator treatment. Auburn City Council Chambers, 25 W. Main St. 253-850-5927, ext. 3, or forum@skccn.com.

Auburn Airport Advisory Committee: 8 a.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Northwest Aviation College, 506 23rd St. S.E.

Auburn City Council: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. City Council Chambers, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force: Noon-2 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S.

Auburn Finance Committee: 6:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Council Conference Room, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Municipal Services: 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Conference room No. 3, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Tourism Board: 2 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Council Conference Room, 25 W. Main St.

Senior Center Advisory Board: 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E.

Seniors

Tai Chi-style exercises for seniors: 1:15-2 p.m. and 2:15-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. Taught by Cindy Woods, a grandmother and 8-year martial artist. Cost: $5 per session. American Karate Escrima Association School of Self Defense, 302 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-804-8424.

Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-3016 or www.auburnwa.gov. Senior activities include:

• Senior Coffee Hours with the Mayor and Councilmembers: 10-11 a.m. the second Thursday of the month.

• Lunch: Noon Mondays-Fridays. Registration for lunch begins at 11 a.m. Choose from soup and sandwich or the main meal menu. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and older; $5.75 for those younger than 60.

• Movie screenings: 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Refreshments provided. Cost: Free.

• Monday Supper Club: 5-6 p.m. the third Monday of the month. Cost: $5; registration required.

• Meals on Wheels: Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. For more information call the Auburn Senior Center at 253-931-3016.

• Enhance Wellness Program: Registered nurse and social worker are on-site to help individuals work towards their own health and wellness goals. Call for details.

Veterans

Military Family Support Meetings: Tuesday evenings. Open to spouses and adult family members of soldiers deployed, soon to leave or recently returned. Topics include deployment concerns, parenting needs, self-care and relationship challenges. Group is free of charge and confidential. Registration requested. 33301 First Way S., Federal Way. 253-661-6634, ext. 145.

Support

GriefWorks Public Forums: 10:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 9, “Coping with the Holidays”; 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Evergreen Community Center, 4910 A St. S.E., Auburn. 253-333-9420.

Ongoing support:

Al-Anon Family Group Meetings: 7:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Family Catholic Church, 505 17th St. S.E., Auburn; 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church, 100 N St. S.E., Auburn; 10 a.m. Saturdays in the back room of the Rainbow Cafe, 112 E. Main St., Auburn. 206-625-0000 or www.seattle-al-anon.org.

Alliance for the Mentally Ill of South King County: 6:30-8 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 253-854-6264.

Auburn Foster Parent Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month. Auburn Bible Chapel, 2606 R St., Auburn. 253-347-2580.

Auburn Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: 10 a.m. the first Friday of the month. Wesley Homes Lea Hill, 32049 109th Place S.E., Auburn. 253-876-6014.

Breast cancer patient support: Trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly-diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments and have volunteers in your community. 206-417-3484, www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Celebrate Recovery: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays. Event includes: meal, 6-7 p.m.; large group worship, 7-8 p.m.; small open group, 8-9 p.m. Twelve-step recovery program to help free people from life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits. Cost: $3 for meal. Grace Community Church 1320 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253-833-5660 or celebraterecovery@gccauburn.net.

Consumer Support Group: 6:30-8 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 253-854-6264.

Domestic Violence: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays; 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. YWCA of South King County hosts support groups for women who have experienced domestic violence. Meets at a confidential location. 206-799-6209.

Family Law CASA of King County: Children’s needs can get lost in the dispute between separating parents. Do you want to advocate for such a child? Volunteer for Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of King County. 206-748-9700 or www.familylawcasa.com.

Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll-free national hotline: 888-424-3577.

Hearing Loss Association of America, South King County Chapter: 6:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Auburn Senior Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn. garoux@verizon.net.

Medical coverage assistance: Public Health Seattle & King County provides free assistance applying for benefits, including free or low-cost medical coverage for qualifying children. Call for details. English: 206-296-3944; Spanish: 206-296-3948 or 206-296-3943; Vietnamese: 206-296-3949.

SHIBA Helpline: Statewide Heath Insurance Benefits Advisors is a network of trained volunteers that assists and advocates for consumer rights and options regarding health insurance, health care access and prescription access. Group is also accepting volunteers. 800-562-6900 or www.insurance.wa.gov.

South King County PFLAG: 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. Unitarian-Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. 206-325-7724.

South King County CHADD chapter: 7-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Discussion of issues that concern parents of children with attention-deficit disorder. New Horizon School, 1111 S. Carr Road, Renton. 253-631-8603.

WICS (Widowed Information and Consultation Services) Grief Support Group: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Grief support group for adult widows and widowers offering support, information and social activities. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave. S.E., Covington. 253-630-0324.

Volunteers

Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation: Breast cancer survivors needed to provide support for others battling cancer. Must be one year past the end of treatments and have good interpersonal skills. 206-417-3484, 877-417-3484 (toll-free), www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Auburn Regional Medical Center Gift Shop: The medical center’s auxiliary is seeking a volunteer gift shop manager to welcome customers, manage store inventory and arrange volunteer staff scheduling. Volunteer must be 18 or older. Gift shop hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Call for application or more details. Auburn Regional Medical Center, 1413 S. 348th St., Federal Way. 253-833-7711, ext. 1259.

Auburn Meals on Wheels: Auburn Senior Center seeks volunteer packers and drivers for Meals on Wheels, Thursdays and Fridays, about four hours per week. Mileage for drivers reimbursed. Call for details. 253-931-3016 or adamp@seniorservices.org.

Adopt-a-Park: Auburn’s Adopt-a-Park program is seeking individuals and groups to help keep the city’s parks and streetscapes healthy and vibrant. 253-931-3043.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound: Seeking adult mentors to spend time with children. Agency offers flexible program to fit volunteers’ schedules and interests, and plans activities such as snow tubing on Snoqualmie Pass, hiking adventures in the Cascades, and tickets to Mariners games. Call or see Web site for details. 877-700-2447 or www.bbbsps.org.

Childhaven: Volunteers needed to work with abused, neglected and alcohol- or drug-impacted children ages 1 month to 5 years in the therapeutic child-care classrooms. Volunteers must be 18 or older, commit to a two-hour time block per week, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, commit to volunteering for six months, have proof of a negative tuberculosis test and pass a criminal background check. Patrick L. Gogerty Branch, 1345 22nd Ave. N.E., Auburn. 206-957-4839 or julim@childhaven.org.

Christmas Bird Count: Dec. 28. Birders of all ability levels encouraged join Rainier Audubon Society in counting birds by sight and sound in the South King County area. Counters meet afterward for a potluck at Federal Way United Methodist Church. Advance registration is required. 253-796-2203 or nancy_streiffert@hotmail.com.

Friend to Friend: Volunteers needed to visit adults in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes throughout King and Snohomish counties. Volunteers commit to visit about twice a month for one year. 206-246-5150.

Green River Community College: College seeks volunteers in a variety of areas: ceramics, basic computing, court reporting and more. Professional experience is not required. 253-288-3346 or volunteer@greenriver.edu.

Highline Hospice: Hospice is recruiting caring and compassionate people interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers provide patient support and companionship, caregiver respite, bereavement support or office help. Comprehensive training provided. Highline Hospice, 12844 Military Road S., Tukwila. 206-439-9095.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County: MSA of King County is looking for people to assist those with MS in maintaining their independence and quality of life. People are needed to assist with water-therapy programs, visit isolated individuals, provide transportation, go shopping, do yard work or other household chores, teach computer skills and more. Call for details, locations. 206-633-2606 or www.msakc.org.

Puget Sound Blood Center: Assist with blood drives and bone marrow registry drives. Must be available in the day or early evening twice a month and have reliable transportation. 425-462-4381, meganp@psbc.org or www.psbc.org/volunteers.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team: American Red Cross is seeking King County volunteers to respond to local disasters. Volunteers must be on-call one week out of six, and will receive free training. 206-726-3566 or www.seattleredcross.org.

Special Transportation Program: Group Health Cooperative needs volunteer drivers to transport frail, elderly members to and from medical appointments in King County. Volunteers use their personal cars, are reimbursed for mileage and determine their own schedules, including when, where and how often they will drive. Volunteers do not need to be Group Health members. 206-326-2800 or resource.l@ghc.org.

Stitches from the Heart: Volunteers are needed to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, sweaters, hats and booties for babies in need. Items go to hospitals across the country. Patterns available. Donations of yarn or money also appreciated. Call for details. 866-472-6903, stitchfromheart@aol.com or www.StitchesFromTheHeart.org.

United Way tax preparation: Volunteers are needed Jan. 13-April 15 to prepare tax returns for low- to middle-income families throughout King County as part of United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign. 206-461-5048 or www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer.

White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm: Museum is seeking volunteers for jobs including cleaning and cataloging artifacts, leading school tours, greeting visitors and staffing the gift shop. Docent positions require a minimum three-hour afternoon shift per month, as well as attendance at quarterly lectures and annual training. Volunteer tour guides for school groups must be available during October, November, April and May. All volunteers receive training. Application and background check required. 253-804-5010.