Calendar

This schedule of community events and activities is published on a space-available basis in the Reporter’s print editions. Calendar also appears in the online edition. Submit calendar items to calendar@reporternewspapers.com.

January 22, 2009 4:13 pm

Fund-raisers/charities

Friends of Black Diamond Library Book Sale: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 6; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7. Proceeds benefit special library programs supported by the Friends of the Black Diamond Library. Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive. 360-886-1105.

Friends of the Covington Library Book Sale: 10 a.m. Feb. 28; 1 p.m. Buy used books, movies and CDs at the library. Proceeds benefit library programs. March 1. Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave. S.E. 253-630-8761.

Sleep Country USA Foster Kids Pajama Drive: Through Feb. 15. Bring new pajamas for foster children to any Sleep Country USA store. See Web site for store locations. 888-887-5337 or www.sleepcountry.com.

Classes

Meditation classes: 6:45-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Classes include “Theta Brainwave the Body meditation,” “Theta Brainwave the Spirit meditation” and “Val Moore drumming meditation.” Black Diamond Community Center, 31605 Third Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-1011.

Children/Families

Toddler Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Greater Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley; 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays at Gracie Hansen Community Center, 27132 S.E. Ravensdale Way, Ravensdale. 425-432-1272.

Before and After School Kids: 6-8:45 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m. school days; 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. non-school weekdays. Childcare program for kindergarten-sixth grade. School breakfast available at 8:30 a.m. Cost: $3.75-$8 per 3-hour session; $26 per day. Discounts available. Portable next to Black Diamond Elementary School, 25314 Baker St., Black Diamond. 360-886-9844 or 360-802-7587.

Black Diamond Community Center, 31605 Third Ave. Center offers a variety of youth programs, including:

• Get on Track (GOT): 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Open to students ages 13-17 who are in danger of entering the Juvenile Justice System. A session qualifies as 1.5 hours community service. Interview required. Call 360-886-9844.

Faith

Chicks with Choices: 9:30-11 a.m. Jan. 28. Meet with other women in the community and listen to a presentation. Speaker Kim Galgano to present topic “To Fret or Not to Fret: Tackling Worry.” Cost: Free. Childcare available with advance registration. Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Road S.E. www.mvpc.net.

Health

Adult Jazzercise: 9:45 and 11 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. Saturdays. Cost: $30 per month. Black Diamond Community Center Gym, 25511 Lawson St. 360-886-1011.

Adult Jazzercise, Jazzercise LITE and Body Sculpting: 8:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 5:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Drop-ins welcome. Call for cost. Maple Valley Creative Arts Center, 23220 Maple Valley Highway, Suite 15. 425-413-8627 or carolyn@C3-Inc.net.

Baby Boot Camp: 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pre- and post-natal fitness classes for new mothers to participate in with their babies. Cost: Free for first session. Gracie Hansen Park, 27132 S.E. Ravensdale Way, Ravensdale. 425-443-7412 or www.babybootcamp.com.

Creative Movement and Dance classes: 11 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Open to ages 3-5. Afternoon classes for older children available. Cost: $25 per month. Black Diamond Gym, 25511 Lawson St. 360-886-1011.

Fitness classes at Black Diamond Community Center: Center offers a variety of health and fitness classes, including Jazzercise, creative dance movement and more. Call for details. 31605 Third Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-1011, bdcc-admin@qwest.net or www.blackdiamondcc.org.

Iyengar Yoga: Maple Valley Parks and Recreation Department hosts yoga classes for all ages and ability levels, mornings and evenings. Call for details. Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-413-8800 or www.bluemoonartsyoga.com.

Step Aerobic/Weights Class: 7-8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: $79 for 10 weeks. King County Fire Department No. 44, Station 92, 31709 Kent-Black Diamond Road, Auburn. 253-631-6350 or 425-413-1623.

Stroller Strides: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Hour-long class for moms with babies in tow includes abs, powerwalking, toning, cardio and stretching. Bring water and mat or towel for ground work. Cost: Free for first class. Lake Wilderness Park, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 800-569-1624, bonnie@strollerstrides.net, or www.strollerstrides.net/maplevalley.

TOPS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a nonprofit weight loss support group. New Hope Church, 21115 S.E. 272nd St., Maple Valley. 253-631-3567 or www.tops.org.

Weight Watchers: 6 p.m. Tuesdays; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. Fridays. Maple Valley Common Ground Church, 26207 Maple Valley Highway. 800-651-6000 or www.weightwatchers.com.

Libraries

Donations Needed: The Maple Valley Library Guild is seeking donations of books, DVDs, CDs, game cartridges and videos for its ongoing book-cart sales. Proceeds benefit library programs and special events. Donations can be dropped off at the library during open hours, or in the book-return slot at the library. 21844 S.E. 248th St. 425-432-4620.

Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive. 360-886-1105 or www.kcls.org. Library events include:

• Game On!: 4 p.m. Feb. 3. Teens can play video games at the library.

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

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens can read three books, write three short reviews and earn a free book.

• Ready, Set, Read!: Students in elementary school can read 20 minutes a day for 20 days in a month and earn a free new paperback.

• Story times: Library offers story times for children and families. Call for details.

Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave. S.E. 253-630-8761 or www.kcls.org. Library events include:

• Young Readers Brunch Book Bunch: 10 a.m. Jan. 24. For children in first-third grade; parents welcome. Topic: “Flotsam” by David Wiesner.

• “The Tiger, the Rabbit and the Rescue of Spring”: 3 p.m. Jan. 24. Live theater performance by Last Leaf Theater Productions.

• “The ‘Basics’ of eBay Selling”: 10 a.m. Jan. 31.

• Game On!: 4 p.m. Feb. 4 and 18. Teens can play video games at the library.

• “Money Management”: 7 p.m. Feb. 5. Learn about setting goals, establishing realistic spending plans and making wise choices.

• “A Brief History of American Quilts—1800-Present”: 1 p.m. Feb. 7. Slide show and lecture led by art historian Susan Olds.

• Anime and Manga Group: 4 p.m. Feb. 11.

• Covington Adult Book Group: 2 p.m. Feb. 12. Topic: “Bridge of Sighs” by Richard Russo.

• Teen After-Hours @ the Library: 7 p.m. Feb. 13. Play video games, use computers, snack or just hang out. Registration required.

• “How to Grow Good Roses”: 12:30 p.m. Feb. 21.

• Young Readers Brunch Book Bunch: 10 a.m. Feb. 21. For grades 1-3. Discuss books with Charlotte Lewis Brown, author of “Beyond the Dinosaurs.”

• Searchlight Kid’s Book Group: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 24. For ages 8-12 with an adult; younger siblings welcome. Topic: “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick.

• The Supersones—A Family Performance: 3 p.m. Feb. 28. For ages 5 and older.

• Computer classes: Library offers various basic computer classes. Call for details.

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens can read three books, write three short reviews and earn a free book.

• Ready-Set-Read: Elementary school students can read at least 20 minutes per day for 20 days in a month to win a free paperback book.

• Story times: Library offers story times for children, families and foreign language speakers. Call for details.

• Study Zone: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays during school session. Students in kindergarten-12th grade can drop in for free homework help.

• Talk Time: 10:30 a.m. most Mondays. Practice speaking English speaking skills in a comfortable environment. No registration required.

Maple Valley Library, 21844 S.E. 248th St. 425-432-4620 or www.kcls.org. Library events include:

• Maple Valley Men’s Book Group: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Topic: “Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway.

• Game On!: 4 p.m. Jan. 29. For teens to hang out, snack and play video games at the library.

• Story times: Library offers story times for children and families. Call for details.

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens can read three books, write three short reviews and earn a free book.

Groups

Business Networking International: 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesdays. Networking organization welcomes local entrepreneurs, sales-oriented small-business representatives and others. Only one member allowed per business category. Round Table Pizza, 13036 Kent-Kangley Road, Covington. 253-322-4218. 425-432-7077.

Covington Chamber of Commerce: Membership luncheon: 11:45 a.m. the second Thursday of the month. Networking breakfast: 8 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Radcliffe Place, 13510 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 253-631-6117 or www.covingtonchamber.org.

Covington Lions Club: Noon the first Tuesday of each month; 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month. Covington MultiCare Clinic, 17700 S.E. 272nd St. 425-432-1598 or 425-432-1087.

Covington Rotary Club: Noon Fridays. Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St. www.covingtonrotary.org.

Friends of the Black Diamond Library: 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Baker Street Books, 32709 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-1105.

Friends of the Covington Library: 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Covington Library meeting room, 27100 164th Ave. S.E.

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Develop public-speaking and leadership skills in a friendly environment. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S., Kent. 253-854-1312 or www.kenteveningtoastmasters.org.

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. Kent group specializes in local youth, families, seniors and veterans, as well as sponsoring Kent Cornucopia Days and the Kent Farmers Market. Golden Steer Rib ‘n Steak House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-5466, kentlions@gmail.com or www.kentlionsclub.org.

Kent-Renton Newcomers Club: Social club welcomes new residents to the area. There is a luncheon the second Wednesday of the month, as well as smaller hobby groups. Call for details. 425-235-1819 or 253-638-0857.

Kiwanis Club of the Foothills: Noon Tuesdays. Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St. 253-856-4482.

Maple Valley Amateur Radio Club: 10 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month. See Web site for details, location. www.kc7key.org.

Maple Valley Creative Arts Council: 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month through June. Creative Arts Center, 23220 Maple Valley Highway S.E., Suite 15, Maple Valley. mvcac@comcast.net or www.maplevalleyarts.com.

Maple Valley Library Guild: 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. New members are welcome. Library meeting room, 21844 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley.

Maple Valley Luna Moms Club: Friendly group of moms with children of varying ages. Activities include playgroups, book club, moms’ night out, walks and more. Call or e-mail for details. 800-569-1624, www.moms.meetup.com/2012 or bonnie@strollerstrides.net.

Maple Valley MOMS Club: 10:30 a.m. the second Thursday of the month. Open to Maple Valley-area moms of all ages to enjoy speakers, playgroups, seasonal parties and service projects. Children welcome at all events except Moms Night Out. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 26800 S.E. 236th St., Maple Valley. 425-413-8914 or jennycoogan@att.net.

Maple Valley Rotary Club: 7:15 a.m. Fridays. Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-432-1912 or www.rotary5030.org/maplevalley.

Muttley Crew Dog 4-H Club: 7 p.m. Feb. 3. Cedar Heights Middle School, 19640 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. 253-639-0549.

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.

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.

Rotary Club of Covington: Noon Fridays. Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St., Covington.

Solo Squares Club: Square dances: 7-9 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month. Cedar Grange, 22531 S.E. 218th St., Maple Valley. 206-525-2198.

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.

Spirit Song Flute Circle: 7-9 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. Free lessons: 6:30 p.m. An accepting place to play, listen, experience and grow together with Native American style flutes. Cost: Free, donations welcome. St. George Episcopal Church, 24219 Witte Road S.E., Maple Valley. 206-818-0549.

TV Toastmasters: 10 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. 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.

XanGo Business Builders: 7-7:45 p.m. the last Thursday of the month. Participants learn leadership and business building skills to build XanGo businesses. Discuss the Internet and off-line tools, events and programs. 253-856-7734 or mangosteen@comcast.net.

Public Meetings

Covington Domestic Violence Task Force: Noon-1 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St., Suite 100. 253-638-1110, ext. 2237.

Covington Arts Commission: 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Council Chambers at Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St. Agendas are available online: www.ci.covington.wa.us.

Covington City Council: 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Council Chambers at Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St. Agendas are available online: www.ci.covington.wa.us.

Covington Economic Development Council: 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month. Covington City Hall, in the large conference room, 16720 S.E. 271st St.

Covington Planning Commission: 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Council Chambers at Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St. Agendas are available online: www.ci.covington.wa.us.

Maple Valley City Council: 7 p.m. Mondays. Tahoma School District Central Services Center, 25720 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road S.E., Maple Valley.

Maple Valley Library Advisory Board: 7 p.m. the first Thursday of alternating months. Maple Valley Library, 21844 S.E. 248th St.

Maple Valley Public Safety Oversight Committee: 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of every other month. Maple Valley City Hall, 22035 S.E. Wax Road.

Seniors

Black Diamond Community Center, 31605 Third Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-1011. Senior activities at the center include:

• Stained glass class: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays Feb. 4-March 18. Cost: Free; registration required.

• Investment Club: 9:30 a.m. Jan. 26.

• Chinese New Year lunch: Jan. 27. Come enjoy homemade chicken stir fry with rice. Cost: $3.

• Nutrition lunch: Noon Tuesdays and Thursdays-Fridays. Social hour starts at 11 a.m. Cost: $3 donation.

• Blood pressure checks: 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays.

• Games: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Adult Day Health: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. Caregivers can bring seniors 55 and older for activities, lunch and companionship. Cost: $3 donation for meal.

• Meals on Wheels: Senior Services’ program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. Cost: $3. Call for details.

Greater Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-432-1272. Center offers transportation to people within the Tahoma School District who would like to attend the seniors’ program. Community center programs include:

• AARP Safe Driving: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Jan. 23 and 26. Refresher course for older drivers. Completion of both days qualifies seniors for insurance discounts. Cost: $12-$14. Bring lunch or lunch money.

• Chinese New Year Celebration: 10:45 a.m. Jan. 26. Come play a few mind games involving Chinese New Year, then stay for Chinese lunch ($3).

• Senior trip to Snoqualmie Casino: 11 a.m. Jan. 27. Cost: $9. Bring money for lunch and games. Trips leave from community center; advance registration required.

• Wii Bowling League: Sign up by Jan. 30.

• Senior Sweetheart Dinner/Dance: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 14. Features homemade dinner, dancing and live music for seniors 55 and older. Cost: $3; advance registration required.

• “I Love Lucy” Marathon: 1 p.m. Mondays (except the second Monday of the month). Enjoy every episode ever recorded. Cost: Free.

• Games: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Enjoy ping pong, shuffleboard, pool, bingo and more. Cost: $1.

• Wii Sports: 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Try bowling, boxing, golf or tennis in the comfort of the community center.

• Needlework: 10 a.m. Mondays. Come work on your projects while socializing.

• Painting: 1-4 p.m. Fridays. Come paint and socialize. Open to all mediums and experience levels.

• Senior Rights Assistance: The third Wednesday of the month. Answers to insurance questions offered by appointment only.

• Senior Lunch: Noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: $3.

• Birthday Party: The third Wednesday of the month. The Senior Program buys lunch for registered seniors with birthdays this month. Call for details.

• Meals on Wheels: Senior Services’ program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. Call for details.

Support

Al-Anon Family Groups: Meetings include:

• Wednesdays: 7 p.m. at Light of Life Lutheran Church, 28505 216th Ave. S.E., Covington.

• Fridays: 7 p.m. at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Road S.E., Maple Valley.

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

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.

Bridges: 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Support group open to parents and caregivers of children with Individual Education Plans. Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 S.E. 248th St. 425-432-1366.

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.

Fibromyalgia Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Group offers faith-based, positive atmosphere, education and more. Alliance Bible Church, 19320 S.E. 240th St., Covington. 425-432-2546, 360-886-0597 or Whitesberry@juno.com.

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

Holistic Moms Network: 7-9 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. Group provides support to moms interested in natural health, holistic living and mindful parenting. Meetings feature a variety of holistic topics and guest speakers from the community. All caregivers are welcome. Greater Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-413-0996 or www.holisticmoms.org.

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.

Messies Anonymous: Group for those overwhelmed by clutter and disorder. Weekly meetings in Burien, Des Moines and Maple Valley. 206-248-2922.

Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W.: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Alliance Bible Church, 19320 S.E. 240th St., Kent; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Road S.E., Maple Valley; 9-10:15 a.m. Saturdays at Covington MultiCare, third floor conference room, 17700 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. www.overeaters.org.

Renton PFLAG: 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is open to anyone having issues about acceptance of a gay or lesbian loved one, or oneself. Meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave. S., Renton. 425-235-4139.

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 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): 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. 206-241-5650 or 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.

Date Wise: Dating violence awareness program is recruiting for teen volunteer peer educators. 425-432-1272.

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.

Auburn Regional Medical Center: Medical center seeks information desk volunteers to greet and direct patients. Volunteers, who must be at least 18 years old, must have excellent customer-service skills, enjoy working with people and be able to quickly learn the layout of the hospital. Volunteers provide services a minimum of one three-hour shift per week. Benefits include a free meal each shift and participation in hospital and auxiliary events. 253-833-7711, ext. 1254, or 253-833-7711, ext. 1259.

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.

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.

Junior Youth Council: Eighth and ninth-graders in the Tahoma School District can be a part of a cool social group while planning fun events for other youths. 425-432-1272.

Meals on Wheels: Meal-delivery program has openings for volunteer drivers and co-coordinators at sites throughout King County. Time commitment for drivers averages three hours once a week, with 35-cent reimbursement per mile. Coordinators may work one or two days a week, four to six hours total. 206-448-5767 or www.seniorservices.org.

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. Volunteers are also needed to assist with an ongoing school-assembly program that educates elementary-school children about coping with the challenges of disabilities. 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.

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.

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.

Volunteer of America’s Mentoring Children of Promise: Organization is seeking mentors 18 and older to spend six hours per month with a child of a prisoner doing fun activities of your choice, scheduled at your convenience. Mentors are provided training, ongoing support and periodically free tickets/activities. 253-273-6282 or amberdwade@voaww.org.

Youth Council: 7-8 p.m. Mondays. Program is open to eighth- to 12th-grade students in the Tahoma School District. Volunteers make a difference in the community through Prom Promise, Battle of the Bands, concerts and many more programs. Greater Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-432-1272.