On May 12, the Eastside Timebank will be holding a community potluck dinner for current members and interested members of the public at City Hall at 15670 NE 85th St. in the Bytes Cafe.

The dinner will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by a new member orientation from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

The Eastside Timebank is an exchange system that provides individuals and organizations with more opportunities to get skills and services they may need, while also giving them opportunities to help their community.

The timebank concept is simple: a person spends an hour of time doing something for someone else and in return receive a time dollar. They can spend that time dollar on having someone else in the community do something for them. An online database makes it easy to see what skills and services the community has to offer and what services are needed, allowing members to match their skills and needs with others.

The types of help offered include minor home repair, transportation, craft skills, haircuts, moving assistance and tutoring.

Joining the Eastside Timebank requires completing an application, agreeing to a background check and attending an orientation.

While there are more than 100 timebanks currently in existence throughout the country, Eastside Timebank is the first one in this area. The City of Redmond is a key partner in the launch of the Eastside Timebank, along with the cities of Kirkland and Bellevue, Hopelink and other community representatives.

For more information on the Eastside Timebank, visit www.eastsidetimebank.org or contact the staff at (206) 818-4606 or info@eastsidetimebank.org.