--"Skagitonians To Preserve Farmland" operates a low wattage radio station, providing information for travelers about local agriculture--AM 1630. (360-336-3974, spf@anacortes.net; www.skagitonians.org)

--Old Town Christian Ministries (1200 Dupont Street, Bellingham) is working with "The Basic Food Program" to help those in need. To find out if you qualify for the program; or to volunteer your time or donate call 671-5567.

--Old Town Christian Ministries (1200 Dupont Street, Bellingham) offers assistance to those "in financial crisis or personal transition." If you need their services; or to volunteer or donate call 671-5567.

--The Lynden Library recently added an extensive genealogy program. The "Ancestry Library Edition" collection draws on approximately 4,000 databases! (354-4883 or tbixby@wcls.org)

--The Bellingham and Whatcom County Convention And Visitors Bureau is offering a free mile-by-mile guide to State Route 542 (the Mount Baker Highway)--including a list of attractions, festivals and events. The brochure's available at 904, Potter Street, in Bellingham--8:30am-5:30pm. (671-3990 or www.bellingham.org)

--Bellingham's "Blue Skies For Children" always needs more kids' coats. They distribute over 1,000-a-year! (www.blueskiesforchildren.org)

--Bellingham's Interfaith Coalition needs volunteers and supplies for their "Out of the Cold" emergency shelter program. Out of the Cold provides local homeless people a place to go when a severe storm hits. For information call 734-3983. (www.interfaith-coalition.org)

--Each year the local American Red Cross office works with local schools and businesses to raise funds through coin drives. If your school or business would like to hold a coin drive this fall or next spring call the Red Cross office at 733-3290.

Northwest Wildlife Rescue And Rehabilitation needs volunteers and interns. For more information about the program, call 966-8845 or visit http://snow.prohosting.com/wildresc/.

--Skiers and boarders are invited to join a fun, active recreation group-for trips to Park City, Sun Peaks and Crystal Mountain; and other year-'round outdoor activities. Call 733-9433 or email nwsrc_bellingham@yahoo.com.

--You can find out about toxic chemicals that have been released into the environment in your area; or how and where to recycle or safely dispose of hazardous materials with a visit to the State Department Of Ecology website: www.ecy.wa.gov (or call 800-633-7585)

--The State Attorney General's Office is looking for volunteers to help work with businesses and the general public to resolve consumer complaints. Duties include answering phone inquiries; and assisting staff investigators and attorneys. For information call the Bellingham Consumer Resource Center supervisor, at 738-6188.

--Northwest Youth Services is putting out an URGENT call for volunteers to provide temporary "safe houses" for kids ages 10-to-17, who need respite from violent or seriously dysfunctional homes. (The agency's 24-hour hot line gets more than 300 calls-a-month!) For information call 734-9862, extension 123 or visit www.northwestyouthservices.org. 

--The Whatcom Family YMCA is looking for volunteer coaches for soccer and flag football in Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden. No experience is necessary. Volunteers must be enthusiastic; and must pass a background check. 

 --Lynden's Pioneer Museum is sponsoring bus tours of North Central Whatcom County, with proceeds benefiting the museum. The cost is $10. Call 354-3675 for information. (troy@lyndenpioneermuseum.com or www.lyndenpioneermuseum.com)

 --The (Oregon-based) Northwest Youth Corps is hiring teenagers (in Washington, Oregon and Idaho) who want to camp and work in the woods. If you're between sixteen and nineteen you could earn $7.05-an-hour. For applications and information surf to www.nwyouthcorps.org or call 541-349-5055.

--Kids are encouraged to borrow life jackets for free at Bellingham's Squalicum Yacht Club. They're available between 8am and 7pm, seven days-a-week. For info call 676-2542. (www.boatus.com/foundation)

--The WorkFirst partnership in Whatcom County is traveling to local clubs, business organizations and other groups to present a program called "Uniting Business With People Who Want To Succeed"-designed to change the perception of people using "welfare," and to point out the various resources provided through WorkFirst. For information call 676-2170 or visit www.workfirst.wa.gov.

--The Ferndale foodbank distributes 35,000 pounds of food monthly and is requesting packaging help on a weekly basis. If you or your group would like to volunteer call 384-1634 or 384-1506.

--Any time's a good time to volunteer! And there are plenty of opportunities in Whatcom County! The Whatcom Volunteer Center offers orientations for new volunteers of all ages, Monday-through-Friday, at noon and at 5:15 p.m. Call 734-3055, email info@whatcomvolunteer.org or surf to www.whatcomvolunteer.org for information.

--Dog walkers along Bellingham's Railroad Trail in the Whatcom Creek watershed are being rewarded now for cleaning up after their pets. Volunteers from "Hounds for Healthy Watersheds" are now on hand to offer clean-up bags and coupons good at sponsor businesses: Bellingham Cenex, Hohl Feed and Seed, Pet Panache, Pet Stop, Tails-A-Wagging, Walker's Healthy Pet. For more information call Public Works at 676-6961.

--There's an organization that helps provide financial and emotional support for the families of killed or injured wildfire-fighters. For information about the Wildland Firefighter Foundation visit www.wffoundation.org. 

--The Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for their next "Citizen's Academy." If you'd like to learn more about how the Sheriff's Office works; by joining this free, ten-week course; call 676-6650 or visit www.co.whatcom.wa.us/sheriff.

--The group Whatcom Farm Friends is offering a free map and guide to local farms, including a seasonal guide to what produce is available. It's invaluable to anyone looking for a place to pick berries or to find fresh fruits and vegetables. Copies are available by calling 354-1337 or emailing wcfarmfriends@aol.com. (www.wcfarmfriends.com)

--The City of Bellingham has a new, "one-stop shop" for construction and development permits. For information about the new Permit Center call 676-6550 or visit www.cob.org.

--There are a number of vacancies on Bellingham City boards, commissions and committees-from the Bellingham Arts Commission to the City Tourism Commission. For information call 676-6979 or visit www.cob.org.

--There are a number of vacancies on Whatcom County boards, commissions and committees. For information call 676-6690 or visit www.co.whatcom.wa.us/boards/boardsapplication.pdf.

--In an ONGOING effort to curb the pet overpopulation problem the Whatcom County Humane Society is offering low-cost spay and neuter surgery to Whatcom County residents. Applications are available, Tuesday-through-Saturday (10am-6pm), or at their website: www.whatcomhumane.org. (733-2080 or outreach@whatcomhumane.org)

--"We Care Of Whatcom County" has moved to 3550 Meridian, Suite 4--behind the former "Michael's" building. We Care gives away clothing and household goods to over 1400 people-a-month. For information call 647-5415.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER RESOURCES:

--The County Solid Waste Department's offering a free brochure, outlining the best ways to safely dispose of household chemicals when you do your "spring cleaning"-from oil to paint to pesticides and more. For your copy, or for other helpful information, call the Recycling Hotline at 676-5723.

--Volunteers are needed to "steward" Whatcom County beaches, and to educate beach users about marine life. Call ReSources at 733-8307 for information, or email crinah@re-sources.org.

--Volunteers are needed to help investigate the deaths of close to 1400 trumpeter swans in northern Whatcom County and the Sumas Valley in British Columbia over the past five years. For information on how you can contribute to the research effort call the Trumpeter Swan Society at 425-787-0258 or email Volunteer Coordinator Martha Jordan at swanlady@drizzle.com. (www.swansociety.org/washington/lead.htm)

--You could be recording bird songs in Brazil...observing dolphins in the wild...tracking jaguars...or any of a number of other interesting projects through the EarthWatch Institute. They need volunteers for over 130 expeditions this year. For information visit www.earthwatch.com. (1-800-776-0188)

--Did you know you can help save the world's manatee population by "adopting" a manatee? For information surf to www.savethemanatee.org. (1-800-432-JOIN or nsadusky@savethemanatee.org)

--Bellingham's non-profit Mother Baby Center offers a host of free "community outreach" services, including a resource room, a Care nurse to answer questions and a store with hard-to-find specialty items. For information call 647-1544.

--Bellingham's non-profit Mother Baby Center is Whatcom County's "Resource Central" for pregnant and parenting families. For information about their services--from nutritional and parenting advice to counseling to their specialty store--call 647-1544. (www.motherbabycenter.org)

--Haggen Food And Pharmacy stores will provide free prenatal vitamins and fluoride supplements to anyone who has prescriptions for them. No insurance plan is required. (650-8374 or www.haggen.com)

--The number of children coming into foster care in Washington is at an all time high. The need for foster homes is staggering! (The State has just over 6,000 foster homes; more than 16,000 children come through the foster care system in any given year) For information on how you can help call 1-800-760-5340.

--You're invited to host a foreign exchange student through "Youth For Understanding"--a non-profit, international exchange program: 1-866-4-YFU-USA or www.yfu-usa.org.

--ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking local host familes for (English-speaking) boys and girls from a variety of countries around the world. To find out more about ASSE and their programs call 1-800-733-2773 or email Cindy@ASSE.COM.

--World Heritage Student Exchange is seeking local families interested in providing a temporary place to stay for high school exchange students visiting, the U.S. Students speak English and are between 15 and 18 years-old. For information call 1-800-888-9040 or visit www.world-heritage.org.

--Pacific Intercultural Exchange is another organization looking for host families. They have students from more than forty countries who need placement. Call 1-800-828-9001 for information. (www.pieusa.org)

--Also "Academic Year in America" or A.Y.A. needs host families for (well-screened) high school exchange students. Call 1-800-322-4678 (1-800-322-host)

--The organization American Field Service, or A.F.S., is looking for host families. Call 733-2002 for information.

--Local families are needed to host boys and girls--ages 15-to-18, from around the world--through A.S.S.E. International Student Exchange. Contact them at 1-800-733-2773.

--Forte International is looking for host families--and for people to work for the organization. (1-888-866-6869 or forteexchange@forteusa.org; www.forteexchange.org)

--The Whatcom Humane Society has a number of volunteer opportunities; they need everything from clerical workers to people who can run the "Paws Awhile" gift shop. Contact the Humane Society for more information.

--Volunteers are needed for the local, long-term care Ombudsman Program. You can make a difference in the lives of the residents of long-term care facilities. Call 676-6687 or 1-877-966-2837 for information.

--The Mt. Baker Toppers Barbershop Harmony singers are always looking for new members. You can reach them at 527-3017 or email qgates@juno.com . They sing at weddings, parties and other events--with performance fees going to charities and school music programs!

--The Whatcom Humane Society's seeking donations of unopened bags and cans of dog and cat food, as well as dog and cat treats and toys. Donations may be dropped off Tuesday-through-Saturday at 3710 Williamson Way in Bellingham, or call 733-2080, extension 3002 (or email outreach@whatcomhumane.org )

--If you have trouble filling out employment applications or doctors' forms, reading the newspaper or reading to your children, the Whatcom Literacy Council urges you to take advantage of free and confidential tutoring to improve your reading and writing skills. For information call 647-3264. 

--The Puget Sound Blood Center ALWAYS needs more blood and marrow donors. Visit the Bellingham office in Sunset Square (671-8848) or call 1-800-DONATE for information. (They also need volunteers to help out during blood drives)  (www.psbc.org)

--The non-profit organization El Centro de la Raza is looking for donated vehicles, including cars, trucks, r.v.'s and boats. They'll turn them into cash to fund youth programs. For information call 206-329-9442.

--The Habitat For Humanity "Cars For Homes" program raises money to help build homes for people who need a hand up (not a hand out). For information about donating your car, truck, boat or RV call 1-877-277-4344 or visit www.carsforhomes.org.

--The Whatcom Humane Society also accepts donated cars, trucks, boats and trailers--but no "junkers," please! Your donation's tax deductible. Call 733-2080, extension 3002 for information.

--The Whatcom Humane Society's seeking a long list of supplies--if you can donate cat toys and catnip, blankets, paper towels, unopened dog treats and bags of dog food contact the Humane Society for information.

--Blood donations are not needed just during holidays or other special times; blood is needed ALL the time. Donate at Bellingham's Sunset Square office (671-8848) or call 1-800-398-7888 for information. (www.psbc.org)

--Have you ever been threatened with legal action or school expulsion if you don't put your child on psychiatric drugs? If you feel you've suffered psychiatric abuse of any kind contact the Citizens Commission on Human Rights at 1-877-448-8517.

--Did you know state law gives you the right to be notified before your child's school uses a pesticide? To learn more call the Washington Toxics Coalition at 1-888-NO-POISON or visit www.nopoison.org.

--If you or a loved one live in a nursing home or other long term care facility, you should get to know your local ombudsman. They charged with protecting the rights of nursing home residents. For information in Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties call 676-6687 or 1-877-966-2837. (toll free)

--Bellingham's St. Joseph Hospital offers free screenings for depression--a treatable illness. For information call 671-3883.

--At Alcoholics Anonymous they say, "If you want to drink, that's your business. If you want to stop, it's theirs." They can help. In Whatcom County call 734-1688 or surf to www.whatcomaa.org.

--If you want to quit smoking check out the State Department Of Health's toll free "Quit Line". It's 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). They provide confidential counseling, referrals, personalized quitting plans and more. (www.quitline.com)

--Some people mistakenly believe chewing tobacco or snuff is a safe alternative to smoking… If you'd like to quit your smokeless tobacco habit visit www.chewfree.com.  The free, self-help quitting program is funded by the National Cancer Institute.

There are nearly 180,000 people in Washington who have a gambling problem, according to the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling. The Council offers a toll free helpline: 1-800-547-6133.  You can also email wscpg@comcast.net, or visit them on the web at www.wscpg.org.

--Volunteers are needed all over Whatcom County! The Whatcom Volunteer Center has compiled more than twenty pages of volunteer opportunities. For information call them at 734-3055.

--Hearing specialists from Western Washington University periodically offer free hearing screenings for seniors. For information contact St. Joseph Hospital's Center for Senior Health.

--Bellingham's St. Joseph Hospital hosts a variety of support groups--for people who are suffering from brain injury, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, spinal cord injury and stroke. There's also a support group for caregivers. For information call the hospital.

--Bellingham's Community Cancer Center offers a variety of support groups and programs--covering prostate cancer, nutrition and cancer management, spiritual care for patients and the people who love them. There's a special women's cancer support group and a group for kids ages ten-to-eighteen who have a parent with cancer. For information call 738-6701.

--Bellingham's St. Joseph Hospital offers a number of childbirth-related programs and classes--ranging from "breastfeeding basics" to childbirth preparation to a grandparenting class. For information call 738-6363 or 715-8350. 

--Bellingham's American Museum of Radio and Electricity is a fascinating place to visit! Learn more at their website: www.americanradiomuseum.org.

--Ferndale's Tennant Lake Interpretive Center's offers family workshops on a variety of topics. For information call 384-3064 or visit www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks. 

--If you don't know how you're going to pay your taxes or other bills, the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies may be able to help. Call 1-800-450-1794 or visit www.aiccca.org.

--Under federal law, you're entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report once every 12 months. Log on to annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228 for information.

--The Bellingham Fire Department has had a collection of 100 trading cards printed up-to celebrate their centennial. The cards feature fire station personnel and apparatus. They're free! Call 815-1010 for more information.

LOCAL HURRICANE INFO:

--If you have QUESTIONS ABOUT HOUSING OR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE related to the Gulf Coast hurricanes call the Washington State Disaster Assistance Helpline: 1-800-688-3469.

--The American Red Cross has set up a FAMILY LINKS REGISTRY--to help people locate friends and family in the wake of disasters. You can access the registry at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-877-LOVED-1S (1-877-568-3317)

--Also, there's WWW.MISSINGKIDS.COM.

--Another resource is the NATIONAL NEXT OF KIN REGISTRY: www.nokr.org

--Organizations that  HELP ANIMALS THAT SURVIVE DISASTERS: www.petfinder.com  (The nation's largest and oldest online pet adoption community); www.healthypet.com  (A resource for researching animal hospitals); www.hsus.org  (The Humane Society of the United States)

THIS PAGE IS MAINTAINED BY BOB CARTER.  TO SUBMIT INFORMATION OR CORRECTIONS WRITE TO BOB CARTER, CARE OF news@kgmi.com OR WRITE TO bob@kism.com. OUR FAX NUMBER IS 733-4551.

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