Friends of Underwood Monthly Meeting
2025-12-03 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Underwood Community Center, 951 School House Road, Underwood, WA, 98651
Friends of Underwood is a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Underwood Park and Recreation District (UPRD) by organizing community events and fundraising activities for Underwood, Washington. Our mission is to bring people together through initiatives that celebrate the spirit of our community. Through our work, we help ensure that Underwood remains a vibrant and engaging place for all.
If you’d like to join us in this mission, we’d love to see you at our monthly meeting! Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm at the Community Center. We’re always looking for volunteers. Community expertise, enthusiasm, and helping hands are always welcome! Email Robin McConnell with any questions.

Blood Drive
2025-12-17 12:30 - 17:30
There’s no better gift to give than the gift of life. Donors, we appreciate you! When you make a donation in Underwood this month, you will receive a $15 Amazon gift card to use as you choose this holiday season. The American Red Cross will be at the Underwood Community Center from 12:30 to 5:30 this month. We hope you’ll book your appointment today.

Here’s how:

1. Check Eligibility Requirements
More people can donate blood than ever before. Before you book an appointment to donate, be sure to confirm your eligibility. If you have eligibility concerns, you may call 866-236-3276.

2. Schedule an appointment.

Review available time slots in Underwood and choose the available date and time that works best for you. We strongly encourage donors to register a time slot in advance. Walk-ins will only be accepted if all appointments have not filled up. Choose a time slot here or scan the QR code below to view open appointments:

Not available to give blood on this day? Choose another date from our scheduled Blood Drives this year.

3. Complete your Rapid Pass paperwork.
This process is best done in a private location, online in advance of your appointment. It should take roughly 10-15 minutes to complete and if not done in advance, it will be required on-site at the time of donation. Completing the Rapid Pass paperwork process early will save time during your appointment and reduce overall wait times at the blood drive event. When prompted, be sure to use zip code 98651 on your form.

4. Download the Blood Donor App.

This is not required, but it is encouraged! The free Blood Donor app puts the power to save lives in the palm of your hand. Schedule and manage appointments, complete your RapidPass® paperwork, get notified when your blood is on its way to a patient, view results from your mini-physical, and more.

Still have questions? Get information about the most Common Concerns people have about giving blood.

GENERAL FAQs
What is the age requirement for donating blood?
The minimum age for making a donation is 16. 17 -year olds (and up) do not need parental consent. 16-year-olds need parental consent and parents must accompany their child for the donation.

What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your Drivers License or Red Cross Blood Donor Card. We also encourage you to download the Blood Donor app in advance of the blood drive.

How do I prepare for my appointment?
Drink plenty of water before you donate and make sure to be well-rested the day of your appointment. Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries or ice cream, and wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows. All these things will make the donation process easier. Here’s a complete guide to navigating your donation day. Questions? Call 866-236-3276.

I can’t donate blood, but I’d still like to help. Are there other volunteer opportunities available?
You bet! Volunteering to help with an upcoming blood drive in Underwood is a great way to contribute to the cause! Reach out to our blood drive organizer, Lisa Brown, for details.

Spaghetti Night in Underwood
2026-01-24 17:00 - 20:00
Join Friends of Underwood at the Community Center this winter for another annual tradition: Spaghetti Night! January is the perfect month to reconnect with neighbors and friends. Bundle up and bring the whole family; leave the cooking to Pat McConnell and crew!
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This is a fundraising event for Friends of Underwood and a delicious way to support our community!
This year’s menu will include spaghetti with sauce (meat and vegetarian options available), salad, rolls, and dessert, with gluten-free noodles available upon request. The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner cost:
$15.00 per adult
$5.00 for kids (ages 2 – 10)
Children under age 2, free
Beer and wine will also be available for purchase:
$5 for beer
$6 for wine
$25 per bottle
While an RSVP is not required, it’d be much appreciated for planning purposes! RSVP here.
Questions? Contact Robin McConnell.

Playground Work Party
2026-04-18 09:00 - 14:00
Our new play structures have arrived! And we can’t wait to get them installed.

On April 11, Friends of Underwood and the UPRD will host a volunteer work party to tear down and dispose of the old structure in order to make room for the new ones. Work will begin at 9 am and conclude around 2 pm. Friends of Underwood will provide lunch — for free! Wear comfortable work clothes and a sturdy pair of gloves. A water bottle might be handy too!

Any helping hands are welcome! We’re also specifically looking for:

A person who has a mini-excavator to help remove concrete footings.
Volunteer(s) who have a 1/2 to 3/4 inch impact wrench or equivalent air impact tool to remove bolts
Volunteer(s) with an 18- to 24-inch chainsaw to cut the wood (which may still be useful!)
A volunteer who has a truck or trailer and can haul the discarded material to the transfer station
Volunteers to lift and carry heavy pieces of the decommissioned playground structure

Installing the new play structures will be a multi-month process, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and help! When we’re done, we’ll have a beautiful, fun new playground for Underwood families, neighbors, and friends to enjoy!

For more information or to RSVP as a volunteer for our work party, please get in touch with Pat McConnell at UPRD.patrick@gmail.com.
