The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County

12/17/2025

Want to help with local flood relief efforts this week? Check out the opportunities below:

🚨🚨As we continue to respond to the recent flooding in our communities, we are in desperate need of volunteers to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts throughout this entire week, including through Sunday.
Volunteers are needed for critical tasks such as muck out and tear out in flooded homes, yard cleanup, and general debris removal in affected areas of town. Your help would make a tremendous difference for families and residents working to recover.

Volunteer Check-In Locations and Hours:
Monday through Sunday (including today and this weekend):
Station 81 Fire Hall
101 E Main St, Everson, WA
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sumas Advent Christian Church
125 Front St, Sumas, WA
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Meals served for the community and volunteers each day from 2-5pm

No prior experience is necessary, we'll provide guidance and any needed tools on site. Please come prepared with sturdy boots, gloves, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty if possible.

If you can join us for even a few hours, or if you know others who might be able to help, please spread the word or stop by one of the locations. Every pair of hands counts right now.

Thank you so much for your support!

11/10/2025

Opportunity Council offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. We're so grateful for all who have served, including some of our very own team members. Thank you for your service!

10/13/2025

To honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day, all Opportunity Council offices are closed Monday, October 13.

09/25/2025

Every child deserves a strong start. That’s why we’re excited to share that our Preschool and Head Start classrooms are enrolling now!

Spots are open for children ages 3–5 in Whatcom County (at no cost for eligible families). Apply today: oppco.org/preschool

09/24/2025

Did you know you can manage a variety of public benefits more easily (like help with food, child care and health benefits) using Washington Connection? Now, you can create an account even if you're not the head of household, even if you only receive child care benefits, and even if you don't have a federally verified Social Security Number. Learn more at washingtonconnection.org.

08/29/2025

It's back-to-school season, which means it's a great time for families to apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals. Check out the latest version of our Food and Meal Guide to learn how to apply in your school district: whatcomabc.org/food-guide.

08/23/2025

Whatcom friends: If you use EBT (Electronic Food Benefits) to purchase $10 or more of fruits and vegetables at participating stores, you can earn extra $ through SNAP Produce Match! 🍍🍉🥑

At Community Food Co-op locations in Whatcom County, ask your cashier for the Produce Match discount to receive $5 off your transaction. And when you shop at any Safeway or Haggen location in WA, a $10 coupon will automatically print on your receipt for qualifying purchases.

08/04/2025

Heads up: We're taking some time Monday, August 4 to connect as a team, and all Opportunity Council offices will be closed.

07/31/2025

If you use SNAP to buy fresh, local produce at your local farmers market, you can double your EBT dollars at participating locations with SNAP Market Match! In Whatcom County, visit Bellingham Farmer's Market, Twin Sisters Mobile Market, Lynden Farmers Market, or EN Valley Farmers Market to take advantage of this great program in Whatcom County. Learn more at whatcomabc.org/snap (link in bio).

📸: Sarah Schu

07/18/2025

Free Summer Meals are available for every kid, 18 and under, at schools and community locations throughout Whatcom County! Check out the latest version of the Food and Meal Guide to learn more at whatcomabc.org/food-guide.

06/26/2025

Hey, Whatcom County folks receiving SNAP benefits! How would you like to receive a share of fresh produce directly from local farms? Many Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription programs accept SNAP. SNAP recipients in Whatcom can:

🥬Get discounted CSA rates through
🥬Get up to $50 per month put back on their EBT card through the new SNAP Produce Rewards program

Learm more at vivafarms.org/csa.

06/06/2025

SUN Bucks is back, providing $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries this summer! Be sure to check this out if your household receives SNAP or TANF benefits, and your kiddo(s) are between the ages of 8 and 18—or if they’ve been approved for free/reduced-priced meals at a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Find more info at sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov.