Many people ask us "How can I get involved?"

I thought I would take a little time and tell you about some very practical, simple ways to get involved...

First off we have tons of volunteer opportunities: There are several events DOI does throughout the year to raise funds for the financial need that continues all year long. From our annual auction to Christmas Trees there is something going on all year!

Auction: We have an auction that occurs every spring right around April or May. This years auction will be April 23rd at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.  We need help procuring items, setting up for the event which includes; decorating the Meydenbauer, setting up the live and silent auctions, assembling furniture that has been donated, arranging centerpieces, creating a childcare room etc. We also need volunteers to help the event run smoothly like raffle ticket sellers, certified babysitters, runners, data entry and bankers, those that are greeters, coat checkers, flaggers to help in the live auction room, silent auction helpers, baggers for after the auction and clean up crew. If you would like to help in any of these areas, Please contact Kelly Klopfenstein, our volunteer coordinator this year through info@DisplacedOrphans.com Attn: Kelly K.-Auction

Fireworks: July is a great fundraising month as we sell Fireworks in Snohomish County and this year may be expanding into Pierce and Island County. This is a 7 day fireworks sale and is a great way to share the story of DOI in the public and have a lot of fun! We partner with Shock N Awe fireworks and sell some of the biggest and best quality fireworks you can buy! If you would like to help with our fireworks stands you can contact Greg Wineman at GregWineman@displacedorphans.com and let us know how you would like to help. The fireworks volunteers opportunities typically run from June 29-July5th. Jobs range from heavy lifting and putting up large tents to manning the cash register and helping set up displays...we even have volunteer opportunities for those who love to dress up in costume and wave flags around! Don't miss it!

Burgers & Fries: The Island County Fair is going to be a new fundraiser for DOI this year as we have a wonderful opportunity to run the Buffalo Burger and Curly Fries booth! Come and spend a day or 3 as we grill buffalo burgers, fry up potatoes and raise awareness. Dates are August 18-21 and we need volunteers for all 4 days! Please contact Lynnette Wineman at info@DisplacedOrphans.com Attn: Lynnette W.-Fair if you are interested.

Christmas Trees: We love the holiday season and one of the new things we did in 2010 was a Christmas Tree Sale.  Volunteer opportunities run from December 1st through December 23rd. We need help with getting tents set up, staking signs, delivering trees to the lots, decorating with lights, serving hot cocoa, manning the register, night security and more. It is a really fun and rewarding thing to get involved in. The community loves it and we love blessing the community. if you are interested please contact Greg Wineman at GregWineman@DisplacedOrphans.com .

Prayer: Probably the easier way you can get involved is to pray for the children! DOI believes strongly that the children we serve are God's kids and that we are His hands extended. Praying for the children is an essential part of our work and the more prayers we have the greater the impact and effectiveness of our efforts will be in the lives of these beautiful orphans.

Thanks so much for caring and for giving of your time, talents and resources!

Lynnette