Open house, hosted by Just Serve, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

More than two dozen nonprofit organizations that are looking for volunteers will be represented at an open house Saturday evening, hoping to connect with those who want to make a difference in their community.

The “Come Serve With Me” open house will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 9729 NE 50th Ave., in Vancouver.

The event is for people who say, “I want to serve but I don’t know what’s out there,” according to 

Becky Harrington, communication director for the church who is organizing the open house for Just Serve, a website that promotes volunteerism.

“I want to connect people who feel the need to connect, with something that speaks to their heart, with something that makes them feel important and relevant,” Harrington said. 

Harrington has been volunteering for years, but she understands the first step toward volunteering can be overwhelming. The open house is designed to be welcoming and informative.

The open house is scheduled to have representatives from the Clark County Food bank, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, Read Northwest, the YWCA Clark County, and many more.

“Vancouver is a great place to live. Clark County is a great place to live,” Harrington said, noting that through the years she has learned about more and more organizations that are out there to help people. 

“Everyone should know about these organizations and what they do and what’s out there for us,” she said.

Having more than two dozen organizations under one roof for one evening will give those who want to volunteer plenty of options.

“This is a chance for folks who want to reemerge from the pandemic and start reengaging into the community,” Harrington said. “They know anybody they talk to here is going to need their help.”

Family-fun activities are also scheduled, including balloon animals, face painting, and a popcorn machine. There will also be raffles for prizes.

The event is free for the organizations and the potential volunteers.

“We are providing the space and the location,” Harrington said, but this is not a missionary effort from the church or any of the other faith-based organizations that will be attending. 

It is simply a chance for the organizations to meet with potential volunteers.

Harrington also reached out to several high schools, as many organizations are looking for teenagers to get involved in their community. Many of the high school clubs also require volunteer hours from its members. This could be a place for those teens to find inspiration.

Just Serve is a website that allows organizations to post volunteer positions. Harrington said the website is a great resource, but sometimes people want a personal connection. 

At the open house, that is what will be available: People who care talking to other people who care and want to help.

Here is a list of the organizations scheduled to attend the open house: 

Changing Hearts Foundation
Clark County Adventist Community Services
Clark County Food Bank
Clark County Teen Talk
Clark County Veterans Assistance Center
Cloth and Foster
Columbia Springs
Community in Motion
Compassion 360
Evergreen Habitat for Humanity
Faith Partners for Housing
Fosterful
Friends of the Carpenter
Hispanic Disability Support SWWA (Pasitos Gigantes)
HOPE dementia support
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
NAMI Southwest Washington
Naturescaping of SW Washington
Odyssey World International Education Services
Open House MinistriesProject Linus Portland/Vancouver
Read Northwest
Salmon Creek TOPSoccer
Villages Clark County
Watershed Alliance of SW Washington
WHO — Winter Hospitality Overflow
YWCA Clark County