Update On The Volunteer - Sandbagging Opportunities

Sandbagging volunteer efforts are available in Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila right now. Contact those local Fire Departments or call the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) coordinator to learn exactly where you can check in to volunteer. Otherwise, feel free to just show up at one of the locations listed below in the press release sent out by the City of Auburn. (Note: the Les Grove location is actually just south of the park in the old YMCA parking lot. It took me a while to find that fill site location because tall evergreen hedges hide the event from the park's view).


When you, as a Pagan, sign in for your volunteer effort, please write your name followed by a dash and the acronym EARTH. (For example, when I signed in to volunteer at the filling sight, I wrote my name as Tami Jayne Jackson/EARTH. This is simply one very easy way to begin giving credit for your volunteer hours to our collective Pagan volunteer efforts.


* Sandbagging provides a legitimate full-body physical workout. My legs are incredibly sore today (but they will stop hurting as soon as the pain goes away) :D   


TIPS FOR SANDBAG VOLUNTEERS:
* Those less-abled might volunteer to tie the sandbags closed (wear some sort of thin rubber gloves if you do that as tying the bag-ties truly make the fingers go raw after a while). Those less-abled might also volunteer to greet customers, advising them how to sign in, what pile of empty sandbags to collect and where to go.
* Instead of squatting long-term to tie sandbags closed, grab an already sealed sand-bag and sit upon it. (This will save your knees and be easier on your back.)
* Use proper lifting techniques for hoisting and carrying sandbags
* Never give customers advice on how to load their vehicles. Watch how the weight of the sandbags affects their back tires (some folks try hauling too much weight for their cars and that can cause damage to their vehicle, not to mention affect their driving ability)
* Bring a shovel if you have one (there were a few times when customers needing sandbags showed up without them and the city didn't have enough on site so folks were waiting).
* Pack a lunch and bring water and/or a Gatorade-type drink (or you'll wish you had).


I found that during the 5 hours I volunteered yesterday I was taking turns shoveling sand, holding sandbags open for other shovels, tying sandbags closed and carrying heavy sandbags to load in vehicles. At the start of the day I was carrying two bags at a time. By the end of those five hours I was so tired I only carried one at a time.  {Hint: PACE YOURSELF!}