Community Calendar for week of Dec. 3

Events

King County Animal Care and Control Adoption Booth: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20. Meet animals available for adoption, learn about volunteering, and see what the homeless animals need on the Giving Tree. Animals adopted at booth receive free photo with Santa. Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent. www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

Kent Chamber 60th Birthday Bash: 4-7 p.m. Dec. 9. Chamber will celebrate 60 years with birthday cake, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, fun and games. Nonmembers wanting to attend should call for details. Cost: $20; $10 with a coat or blanket to donate to St. Vincent de Paul. Registration required. Kent Chamber office, 524 W. Meeker St., Suite 1. 253-854-1770 or danak@kentchamber.com.

Elite & Repeat Framed Art Fundraiser: 6-7:15 p.m. Dec. 9. Includes silent auction and desserts. Auction proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Association. Cost: Free. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5164.

Christmas Memorial and Candle Lighting Ceremony: 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Includes talk by local clergy, live music, candlelighting ceremony, slide show tribute for loved ones who have died, and reception. Bring photos by Dec. 11 for slide show. Cost: Free. Marlatt Funeral Home, 713 Central Ave. N., Kent. 253-852-2620.

Holiday

25th annual Kent Parks Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 5; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6. Includes more than 100 vendors of unique and handmade gifts, food and beverages, live entertainment, raffles and more. Bring canned goods for Kent Food Bank. Admission: $1; free for ages 12 and younger. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. 253-856-5025 or www.kentarts.com.

Winterfest—A Holly Jolly Day in Kent: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Includes breakfast at Maggie’s on Meeker, street-corner caroling, Holly Jolly Walk for adults (11 a.m.), Kids ‘n Kritters Pet Walk, Kent Lions parade, Santa’s arrival, bike giveaway and tree lighting. See Web site for full schedule. Downtown Kent. www.kentwinterfest.com.

Safe Harbor’s Foster Family Christmas Party: 2:30-5 p.m. Dec. 7. Foster children and their foster families can enjoy crafts, games, inflatables, food, presents and a visit with Santa. Sponsored by Safe Harbors, a ministry of LifePoint Foursquare Church. Pacific Middle School, 22705 24th Ave. S., Des Moines. 206-330-4085.

Holiday open house at MaST Center: 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7. Visit the college’s aquarium and aquatic life, and enjoy the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival at Redondo Beach (ship in Des Moines 6:30-6:50 p.m.). Cost: Free. Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology Center, 28203 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines. www.highline.edu/mast.

Breakfast with Santa: 8:30-11 a.m. Dec. 13. Cost: $4 in advance; $5 at the door. Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St., Des Moines. 206-870-6527.

Santa at Kent Station: Through Dec. 13. Santa will be on hand for visits and photos. Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent. www.kentstation.com.

Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk: 9:50 a.m. Dec. 13. 5K starts at 9:50 a.m.; 10K at 10 a.m. Annual event presented by the Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services department. Cost: $10-$20 by Dec. 5; $20-$25 thereafter. Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Road, Kent. 253-856-5050.

Benefits

Sing from the Heart: 2-7 p.m. Dec. 12; noon-7 p.m. Dec. 13; noon-5 p.m. Dec. 14. Singers and musicians wanted to perform holiday music for one hour (30 minutes for children’s groups) outside TOP Food and Drug. Store will donate $50 to local food bank for each hour of holiday music. Advance registration required. TOP Food and Drug, 26015 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. www.Top-Foods.com.

Arbor Village Food Drive: Through Dec. 14. Donors can bring non-perishable food items for Northwest Harvest. Main lobby of Arbor Village, 24205 116 Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600.

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

REI clinics: 7 p.m. various Wednesdays, including: Dec. 3, “Snowshoeing 101 for Women”; Jan. 7, “Avalanche Awareness Clinic.” Cost: Free. 240 Andover Park W., Tukwila. 206-248-1938.

“Understanding Dementia”: 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 4. Discussion for family members and caregivers covers various types of dementia, warning signs of Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory changes, and treatment options. Cost: Free; reservations requested for space. The Inn at Arbor Village, 24205 116 Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600.

Cookie decorating class: 1-2 p.m. Dec. 6. Children can decorate gingerbread men and sugar cookies while parents enjoy appetizers on the house. Cost: Free; registration required. Zephyr Grill and Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St., Suite 104, Kent. 253-854-5050.

Homebuyer seminar: 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Free seminar for first-time homebuyers. Registration requested. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. 888-4990684, ext. 2008.

Tile installation classes: 9 a.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 27. Learn the fundamentals of setting granite, marble and ceramic tiles. Cost: Free; registration requested. 8605 S. 212th St., Kent. 253-872-0449 or darrell@tilelines.com.

State Bond First-time Homebuyer Seminar: 4-9 p.m. Dec. 16. Learn how to qualify for the down payment assistance program. Light dinner provided. Cost: Free; registration required. Capital Financial Mortgage, 841 Central Ave. N., Suite C-106, Kent. 206-714-1384 or karenluv@comcast.net.

“Meeting your Goals” Pizza Feast: 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Presented by Kent Evening Toastmasters. All are welcome. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-709-4486.

Housing seminar: 12:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Free seminar for first-time home buyers seeking certification from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Kent Regional Library, 212 N. Second Ave., Kent. 253-682-1157 or www.whba.org.

ParentMap Preschool Preview Night: 5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 10. Representatives from more than 30 preschools will offer information and answer parents questions. Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. www.parentmap.com.

Faith

Kent Lutheran Festival of Lessons, Carols and Anthems: Dec. 14. Service includes Christmas readings, carols and special music. Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S. 253-852-2057 or www.kentlutheran.com.

First Baptist Church Christmas Eve Service: 7 p.m. Dec. 24. First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 S.E. 248th St. 253-852-5970 or www.kentfirstbaptist.org.

Non-denominational Bible study: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. All are welcome. Reservations requested. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600.

Kent Aglow: 10 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. Aglow is an international, trans-denominational organization of Christian women. Consists of small group studies, care support, retreats and annual conferences. Cascade Office Plaza, 1209 S. Central Ave., Suite 209, Kent. 253-630-6833, prayermom51@yahoo.com or www.aglow.org.

“The Quest” classes: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Class aims to help people find the divine essence within themselves. Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Ave. S. 253-854-9747.

Food/Meals

Kent Senior Activity Center Deli and Café: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. All ages are welcome. Lunch includes a main entree and soup, vegetables, rice, potatoes or pasta, salad bar, bread, dessert and beverage. Cost: $5. 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5155, ext. 1.

Wednesday Night Community Meal: 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. All are welcome to join Trinity Community Church in the gym for a free homestyle meal. 3807 Reith Road and 38th Avenue South, Kent. 253-852-1044.

Health

Life Nutrition NW: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Topic: “Cardiovascular Health.” Cost: $5 per class. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253 630-7000.

Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services: City offers a variety of fitness classes, including Nia, Zumba and PiYo. Call for details, cost. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. 253-856-5000.

Living Healthy 101: 5:15-6 p.m. Thursdays. Ongoing 12-week sessions include weight-loss challenge, nutrition class and support group. Advance registration required. 27215 124th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-630-3674 or www.LivingHealthyWLC.com.

TOPS No. WA916: 7-8 p.m. Thursdays. Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 206th St., Kent. 253-981-3867.

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.

Libraries

Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-3330 or www.kcls.org/kent. Library events include:

• Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 17. Open to ages 12-18 to play GameCube, Nintendo Wii and “Dance Dance Revolution” at the library.

• Holiday Story Time and Festivities: 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

• Kent Regional Library Book Bunch: 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Topic: Dec. 10, “The Children’s Blizzard” by David Laskin.

• “The Rain-Deer”: 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Musical puppet adventure presented by Rowbes.

• Book Explorers’ Book Club: 4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. For ages 9-15.

• ESL classes: 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills. Registration required.

• Early Literacy Parties in Spanish (Fiestas de Alfabetizacion): 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Open to families with children ages newborn-5 years.

• Read Three, Get One Free: Children ages 12-18 can read three books, write three short reviews and get a new paperback book for free. Entry forms available at the library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.

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

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

• Citizenship and Talk Time classes: Call for dates and times.

• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Free counseling for small businesses. Appointments required.

• Study Zone: 1-3 p.m. Sundays; 3:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Students in grades K-12 can drop in for free homework help.

Network

Kent Breakfast Club: 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Develop and maintain a network of business associates in the greater Kent area. Farrington Court, 516 Kenosia Ave. S., Kent. 206-243-2015 or cmtiwest@yahoo.com.

Kent Chapter of Business Networking International: 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost: $10, includes breakfast. Old Country Buffet, 25630 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-376-4975 or www.bninw.com.

Networking Professionals: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 13036 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-951-6491.

Groups

Des Moines DeMolay: 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Des Moines Masonic Center, 2208 S. 223rd St. 206-878-3400.

Des Moines Soundwaves Toastmasters: 7 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Board Room at Wesley Homes Administration Building, 21631 11th Ave. S., Des Moines. 253-839-9982.

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 441: 7:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month. Crest Airpark, Mellema hangar, 17605 S.E. 288th Place, Kent. www.eaa441.org.

Friends of the Kent Library: Noon Dec. 3. Membership includes lunch meetings every other month and annual September book sale. Cost: $2 per year. Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-3330 or 253-859-3856.

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Develop public-speaking and leadership skills in a friendly environment. Guests welcome. Cost: Free. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S., Kent. 888-370-9827 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 Historical Society: 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. Kent Historical Society Museum, 855 E. Smith St. 253-854-4330.

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 Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-5466, kentlions@gmail.com or www.kentlionsclub.org.

Kiwanis Club of Kent: Noon Fridays. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-8323.

Kiwanis Club of Meridian-Kent: Noon Wednesdays. A global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time through innovative community service. H.D. Hotspurs Restaurant, 315 Washington Ave. S., Kent. 425-277-4340.

Kent-Renton Newcomers Club: A social ladies’ club that welcomes new residents to the area. Luncheons hosted on the second Wednesday of each month and smaller hobby groups, such as mahjong, bunko, needlework, and dining out excursions are also offered. 425-235-1819 or 253-638-0857.

Medicine Wheel: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Group features study of the Native American Medicine Wheel, song, prayer and friendship. All are welcome. Cost: By donation. Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Ave. S., Kent. 253-854-9747 or www.unityofkent.org.

MOMS Club of Kent: Social organization for moms. Activities include playgroup, book club, mom’s night out and more. Call or see Web site for details. 206-225-4018, www.momsclubofkentwa.org or membershipvp@momsclubofkentwa.org.

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.

Quota International of Kent Valley: 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Mitzel’s American Kitchen, 22330 84th Ave. S., Kent. 253-856-5723 or www.quotakentvalley.org.

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.

Renton/Kent Women’s Connection: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month. Cost: $13.75, includes luncheon. No dues or memberships required. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 425-271-3198 or 425-226-7829.

Rotary Club of Kent: Noon Tuesdays. Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-1044, 253-852-1480 or www.kentrotary.com.

Rotary Club of Kent—Sunrise: 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays. Members bring support and energy to many projects that affect people living in Kent. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-670-5551 or www.kentsunriserotary.org.

Soroptimist International of Kent: Noon the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Soroptimists are dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women within the community and welcome interested women from the community to attend. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 206-387-3353.

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.

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.

Toastmasters Club 791: 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Mitzel’s Restaurant, 22244 84th Ave. S., Kent. 425-228-7371.

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.

Writers’ Muse: 10 a.m.-noon the fourth Wednesday of the month. Bring three pages of writing to share. Group for professional and aspiring writers to share and comment on each other’s works, offer literary tips, marketing ideas and writing contest info. Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. SunTiger@usa.com.

Public Meetings

Kent City Hall is located at 220 Fourth Ave. S. For meeting information, see the City Web site at www.ci.kent.wa.us.

Kent City Council: 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month, except December. Council Chambers in Kent City Hall.

Kent City Council Committee: 4 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent Planning and Economic Development: 4 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent Public Safety Committee: 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent Public Works Committee: 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent School District School Board: 7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Administration Center board room, 12033 S.E. 256th St., Kent. Agendas are available from the superintendent’s office or any school office the Monday afternoon before the meeting.

Parks and Human Services: 5 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Veterans

Veterans Outreach: 3:15-6 p.m. Dec. 9 and Jan. 16. Veterans and their families can get assistance in applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs from a Disabled American Veterans Service Officer. Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-6439.

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.

Veterans of Foreign Wars- Panther Lake Post 11329: 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. U.S. Army Reserve Center, 14631 S.E. 192nd St., Renton. 253-631-8151 or 425-254-1459.

Seniors

Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5150. Senior events include:

• Kent Koffee Klatch Club: 11 a.m. Mondays. Free event features Starbucks door prizes, coffee and mini-concerts. Entertainers include Jee Wong, Beth Wulff, Bob Weymouth and Jason Reynolds.

• Health screenings: 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, blood pressure checks; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, foot care; 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, massage therapy.

Support

Al-Anon Family Groups: 8 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, 9425 S. 248th St., Kent; 7:30 p.m. Fridays at the Holy Spirit Church, 327 Second Ave. S. (Vida Nueva AFG in Spanish), Kent; 8 p.m. Fridays in the rear white building at Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S.; 8 p.m. Fridays at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 310 S. Third Ave., Kent; 10 a.m. Saturdays at the United Methodist Church, 11010 S.E. 248th St., Kent.

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.

Angel Flight West: Volunteer pilot group offers free air transportation to those in need, especially medical care. 888-426-2643 or www.angelflightwest.org.

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 support groups: 7 p.m. Thursdays. Men’s and women’s groups to support you in making life changes. Kent Covenant Church, 12010 S.E. 240th St., Kent. 253-631-0222, ext. 300.

Changes Parent Support Group: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays. Group offers help for families torn apart by adolescent defiance or self-destructive behavior. 11717 SE 240th St., Kent. 888-468-2620 or www.cpsn.org.

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.

Diabetes Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Cost: Free; registration required. Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St. 206-878-1642.

Divorce Lifeline: Lifeline offers adult therapy groups for people dealing with divorce or separation. Call for details. 206-694-5788 or www.divorcelifeline.org.

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.

Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle & King County: The program offers 14 varieties of healthy, nutritionally balanced food packs to families and individuals with an immediate need for food. 206-329-0300 or www.emergencyfeeding.org.

Fathers’ Network: 9:30 a.m.-noon every other Saturday. Fathers and men involved in the life of a child with special needs or developmental disabilities can attend these meetings to share resources and personal joys and challenges. The Children’s Therapy Center, 10811 S.E. Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. www.ctckids.org.

Foster and Adoptive Parents: The fourth Thursday of every month. Group sponsored by Foster Our Future. Kent Covenant Church, 12020 240th St. S.E. 253-630-6567.

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

Grief Recovery: 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Support for those experiencing a personal loss. Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 S.E. 248th St., Kent. 253-852-3900.

Grief Recovery Group: 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Liberty Ridge Church, 24711 94th Ave. S., Kent. 253-852-4221 or www.libertyridgechurch.com.

Meaningful Connections: 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Sessions are facilitated by Valley Cities Counseling Services staff members to encourage involvement and sharing of interest, concerns joys and challenges. Snacks are served along with lively conversation. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5167.

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.

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.

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 14 Place S., Des Moines. 206-325-7724.

WICS (Widowed Information and Consultation Services): 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Grief support group for adult widows and widowers offering support, information and social activities. 25810 156th Ave. S.E., Covington. 206-241-5650 or 253-630-0324.

Women’s Support Group: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. 218 State St., Kent. 206-947-7556, 253-946-6271 or women_share@yahoo.com.

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.

Arbor Village Retirement Community: Volunteers needed to lead weekly or bi-weekly craft activities, women’s club, discussion groups, socials and other group activities or classes. Suggestions for groups or activities are welcome. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600.

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.

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.

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.

Fostering Together: Foster parents needed. 866-958-5437 or www.fosteringtogether.org.

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.

Meals on Wheels at the Kent Senior Center: Seeking back-up drivers to deliver meals as needed on Thursday mornings. Mileage reimbursable. Call nonprofit agency Senior Services for details. 206-727-6350.

Kent Historical Society Museum: Volunteers needed to provide tours during business hours, one day per month. Training provided. Open noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-854-4330.

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.

South King County Genealogical Society: Group seeks volunteers to aid restoration effort at Saar Pioneer Cemetery in Kent. 206-719-6374, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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.

Volunteer Chore Services: Kent-area volunteers needed to assist with chores for low-income elders and adults with disabilities. Services include shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and yard work. Program is a service of Catholic Community Services. 253-850-2509, 888-649-6850 or KizzieF@ccsww.org.