Get Involved: SWONA Projects & Events

SWONA is leading several grassroots efforts to support a more connected, resilient, and inclusive neighborhood in Southwest Olympia. From food access to emergency preparedness, these projects are designed by and for our community.

Whether you’re ready to dig in, lend a hand, or simply learn more—there’s a place for everyone.

 

Community Garden Project

Grow food, build relationships, and support local resilience.

This initiative brings neighbors together to create and maintain small garden plots throughout Southwest Olympia. The goal is to increase access to fresh produce, build relationships among neighbors, and strengthen our local food system.

You can participate by:

  • Hosting a garden site in your yard or at your property

  • Volunteering to help plant, weed, and water

  • Donating materials like tools, compost, soil, or lumber

  • Helping build garden boxes or assist with construction needs

We’ve also partnered with the West Central Park Neighborhood Center (WCPNC) to provide SWONA volunteer support for their community garden beds. This partnership allows us to extend our reach while supporting the mission of another neighborhood-based organization committed to sustainability and food justice.

This project is open to gardeners of all experience levels—whether you're brand new or a lifelong grower.

Sign Up for the Community Garden Project

 

Gleaning Project

Reducing waste, sharing abundance, and feeding the community.

Many fruit trees across our neighborhood go unharvested each season—resulting in wasted food and missed opportunities. SWONA’s gleaning project aims to change that by organizing volunteers to collect excess fruit and vegetables from local yards and distributing the harvest to neighbors, mutual aid groups, or community fridges.

You can participate by:

  • Donating fruit or vegetables from your yard

  • Volunteering to glean (harvest) produce from neighborhood trees

  • Sorting or delivering gleaned produce to households or community partners

This project works in tandem with the Community Garden Project and is part of our broader effort to address food insecurity through local, community-led solutions.

Sign Up for the Gleaning Project

 

Emergency Response Effort

Prepare, support, and stay connected when it matters most.

SWONA’s Emergency Response Effort helps neighbors prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. We're building a network of local support that includes:

  • Block or section points of contact

  • Neighbor check-in volunteers

  • Support for medical or mobility needs

  • Help coordinating communications and shared resources

Whether you’re trained in emergency response or simply want to look out for your neighbors, your participation is welcome and appreciated.

Sign Up for the Emergency Response Effort

 

Neighborhood Garage Sale – June 21–22, 2025

A community-wide garage sale for Southwest Olympia neighbors.

SWONA is organizing a neighborhood garage sale just for residents of Southwest Olympia. This is a great opportunity to do some spring cleaning, find new homes for unwanted items, and connect with people who live nearby.

You can participate by:

  • Hosting a sale at your home (we’ll include your address on the map)

  • Sharing your yard with a neighbor who doesn’t have outdoor space

  • Helping spread the word and promote the event

Whether you’re selling on your own or teaming up with others, this is a fun, low-pressure way to get involved in a community-wide event.

Sign Up for the Garage Sale

 

Spread the Word

Know a neighbor who might be interested in participating in one of our projects? Please pass this page along. The more we work together, the stronger our community becomes.