Holiday

“Around the World Christmas Care”: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 18-20; also 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 20. Girl Scout Troop 3080, with adult helpers, will provide free babysitting services for children ages 3-7. Must be potty trained. Children will learn about Christmas celebrations around the world, and will make crafts relating to various countries. Project is for the troop’s Silver Award. First Presbyterian Church of Renton, 2640 Benson Road S.

Santa in Renton: 5-7 p.m. Fridays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20. Children can visit Santa at his house in Piazza Park. 233 Burnett Ave. S.

Holiday light display: 7-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 23. Features more than 10,000 lights synchronized to holiday music, with 8-foot motorized displays including snowmen, Harley motorcycle rider, Peanuts display, teeter-totter and more. 16235 S.E. 137th Place, Renton.

Benefits

UNICEF Card Fundraiser: Through Dec. 24. Purchase UNICEF Christmas greeting cards at IKEA, and the store will donate all the proceeds, plus $1 per pack, to UNICEF. IKEA, 601 S.W. 41st St., Renton. www.ikea-usa.com/Seattle.

Classes

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

Housing seminar: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 13. Free seminar offered by Washington Homebuyer’s Association. Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 253-682-1157 or www.whba.org.

Renton Black Parents Association Community Tutoring Program: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Computer lab sessions. 13611 S.E. 116th Ave., Renton. 425-226-8443 or rbpamlk@rentonbpa.org.

Faith

Community Bible Study : 7-8 p.m. Dec. 19. All are welcome. N-Time Music Productions, 410 S. Third St., Renton. royceys@msn.com.

“All I Want For Christmas” drama: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 21; 7 p.m. Dec. 22. Church presents a Christmas story that spans from the birth of Jesus to life today. Cost: Free. Celebration Church, 11840 148th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-2381 or www.celebrationfoursquare.org.

KUMC Women’s Support Group: 11:30 a.m. the first Monday of the month. All women are welcome. Tea and coffee provided. Kennydale United Methodist Church, 3009 Park Ave. Renton. 425-255-4127.

Renton Day Women’s Bible Study: 9:25 a.m. Tuesdays. First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. S.E. www.bsfinternational.org.

Seniors’ Bible Study: 9:15-11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Non-denominational group is open to all. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633.

Women’s Group Bible Study: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Room 110 at Highlands Community Church, 3031 N.E. 10th St., Renton. nlr22@comcast.net.

Libraries

Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-0522 or www.kcls.org.

• Master Gardeners: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.

• ESL class: 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Registration required; call 253-838-6810.

• Story times: Library offers various story times for newborns to 6-year-olds and foreign language speakers. Call for details.

• Talk Time: 10 a.m. Saturdays. Improve speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Renton Public Library, 100 Mill Ave. S. 425-430-6610. Library events include:

• Teen Game Days: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 18. Teens in sixth-12th grade can play video and board games at the library.

• Renton Library Book Group: 7-8:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Topic: Dec. 18, “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen.

• Baby Signs: 10:30 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month. For mothers with babies 6-24 months old to learn sign language.

• ESL classes: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Free classes for non-English speakers offered by Multi-Service Center. Registration required. Call 253-838-6810.

• PAWS to Read: 2-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Children in fourth grade and younger can come to practice reading skills with a canine listener. Registration required. Call 425-430-6825.

• Story times: 7 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Open to ages 2-6 and parents.

• Talk Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Adults welcome to practice speaking English in a fun and friendly setting.

Highlands Library, 2902 N.E. 12th St., Renton. 425-430-6790. Library events include:

• Story times: 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Open to ages 2-6 and parents.

Seniors

Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633. Events and activities include:

• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-noon Mondays-Fridays. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and older; $5.75 for those younger than 60. 425-254-1128.

• Health Assessment: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays. Provided by a visiting nurse.

• Computer Lab: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays. Open to seniors with some computer experience to use Internet and e-mail. Cost: Free.

• Activities: Center offers a variety of activities and games, including bocce, bridge, pinochle, crochet group, horseshoes, open painting, woodcarving and pool.

• Thursday Afternoon Dances: 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: Free.

• Foot Care: Service is limited to seniors who cannot manage their own foot care. Call to schedule or cancel an appointment: 425-430-6662 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays.

• Free Blood Pressure Checks: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Low Vision Education Group: 12:15-1:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month.

• Widowed Information and Consulting Service: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

• Meals-On-Wheels: Program provides frozen meals for homebound seniors. 425-255-7932.

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission: Mission offers Renton-area seniors a variety of activities, including Bible studies, road trips, themed luncheons, summer camp, food boxes, free hair cuts and volunteer opportunities. For details, call 206-322-6801 or jmack@ugm.org.

Support

Al-Anon Family Group meetings: Meetings in Renton include:

• Saturdays and Sundays: 7:30 p.m. at Valley Medical Center’s Medical Arts Building, 400 S. 43rd St.

• Mondays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. Mondays and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Prichard Hall, 99 Wells Ave. S.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. Thursdays, at First United Methodist Church, 2201 N.E. Fourth St.

• Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. at May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 S.E. Renton-Issaquah Road.

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.

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.

Cancer Support Group: 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 12. Group offers friendship, encouragement, laughter, and hope for those with cancer and their support persons. Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-271-2327.

Changes Parent Support Group: Help for families torn apart by adolescent defiance or self-destructive behaviors. Weekly meetings, 7-9:30 p.m. various nights at locations in Des Moines, Kent, Seattle, Redmond, and Snohomish County. 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.

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 and King County: 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.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7-9 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church of Renton, 2640 Benson Road S.; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 10940 S.E. 168th St., Renton; 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Nativity Lutheran Church, 17707 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 888-424-3577.

Hearing Loss Association: 12:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month. Group works to help people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton. www.hearingloss.org or www.wasa-shhh.org.

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.

Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America: Meets three times a year. Call for details. 425-235-1435 or 877-252-0677.

Parkinson’s Support Group: 1:30-3 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre, 104 Burnett Ave. S., Renton.

Renton PFLAG Meetings: 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is open to anyone having issues about acceptance of a gay or lesbian loved one, or yourself. Meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave. S., Renton. 425-235-4139.

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.

Veterans

American Legion and Auxiliary, Renton Fred Hancock Post No. 19: 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month through June. Legion and Auxiliary membership open to all active duty veterans and spouses. Post Hall, 3224 N.E. 12th St., Renton 98057-0503 or 425-271-1439.

VFW 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.

VFW Post 9430: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Ladies Auxiliary meetings: 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Family Hamburger Night: 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays (except holidays). 7421 S. 126th St., Seattle. 206-772-9982.

VFW Renton Post 1263: 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Ladies’ Auxiliary: 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month; Men’s Auxiliary: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. VFW provides support to veterans of foreign wars and their families through overseas troop support, volunteer programs, community service, legislative action, charitable donations and research, and helps veterans seeking governmental benefits. Frank R. Vaise Post 1263, 416 Burnett Ave. S., Renton. 425-255-9010 or www.vfw1263.com.

Volunteers

Meals on Wheels at Renton Senior Activity Center: Volunteer wanted to enter meal orders on a spreadsheet. Training provided. Easy to learn even if new to computers. 211 Burnett Ave. N. 206-727-6250.

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.

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.

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.

Litter Patrol: Once a month, help patrol State Route 900 from Interstate 405. All gear supplied by the Washington State Department of Transportation. 206-351-6796.

Domestic Violence Unit: King County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking volunteers to provide legal advocacy to King County domestic violence victims. Volunteers needed for 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. 206-296-9700.

CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates is looking for volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in court. Must be 21 with excellent references. Volunteers must also attend 28 hours of training. 206-296-1120, gal.group@metrokc.gov or www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/depcasa.htm.

Dining Program Volunteers: Currently seeking volunteers to help with the Senior Community Dining Program at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Program hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Hours are negotiable. Food service experience is helpful and a food handler’s permit is required. When obtained the cost of the permit is reimbursed. 425-254-1128.

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.

Help Teach English: Volunteer tutors needed to help new immigrants and refugees learn English. Contact the City of Renton Community Services Department for more information. 425-430-6600.

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.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County Volunteers: MSA of King County is looking for people to assist those with MS in maintaining their independence and quality of life. People are needed to assist with water-therapy programs, visit isolated individuals, provide transportation, go shopping, do yard work or other household chores, teach computer skills and more. Volunteers are also needed to assist with an ongoing school-assembly program that educates elementary-school children about coping with the challenges of disabilities. 206-633-2606 or www.msakc.org.

Olive Crest Abused and Neglected Children’s Foundation: Group is looking for dedicated volunteers to join the auxiliary group. Members assist with foster family activities, fundraising activities and welcome baskets for children entering new homes. 425-462-1612, ext. 1314, or www.olivecrest.org.

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.

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.

Study Zone Volunteer Tutors: Volunteers needed to help tutor children in kindergarten-12th grade in all subject areas. Opportunities available at libraries throughout King County, including Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. Call or e-mail for details. 425-369-3312 or aholloma@kcls.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: 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. 206-328-5787 or vc@ccsww.org.

Volunteer Literacy Program: Many people in our community struggle to communicate in the English language because they are new to the country. If you can volunteer three to four hours a week, you can help someone learn to read, write and speak English. Call Highline Community College: 206-878-3710, ext. 3303.