Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Summer is in full swing and people are deep into planning mode – festivals and vacations and weddings oh my! We are entering one of the busiest social seasons of the year, which means there a lot of fun to be had but also bountiful opportunities to lend a helping hand to your local non-profits and all their summer programs. Before your calendar fills up take a moment to consider a few options that might be the perfect way to give back this summer:

The Humane Society

Shelters and animal adoption programs are always looking for good volunteers to give some love to the animals awaiting their forever homes. They need walks and playtime, as well as help behind the desk. Reach out to your local shelters or programs like Best Friends Animal Society to learn what kind of assistance they need!

Hospice and Hospitals

Caretaking facilities are always searching for individuals who want to volunteer some time to bring cheer to the patients. Many programs need musicians to come in to play for groups, or talented storytellers to read aloud, even sing. It makes such a difference to the residents and you will feel like you have done some major good by bringing light and entertainment to them!

Homeless Meal Services and Events

There are amazing year-round shelters that are always looking for groups and individuals to come in and help prepare and serve meals for the less fortunate in the area. It usually only takes about 2 hours and makes a HUGE difference to have helping hands and friendly faces in the facilities. You can sign up once or be a recurring volunteer! Also, be on the lookout for events around 4th of July and as it gets increasingly warmer outside, there are pop-ups all over most towns to bring healthy food and water to anyone who needs it, and they need people to help get the word out and help onsite!

Tutor and Mentor Programs

Summer programs are in full swing and kids will look to you for help. Whether it’s boning up on some extra math or English skills, or needing a mentor for day programs while parents are at work, there are all kinds of centers in need of qualified volunteers to shine up kids of all age’s summers. If you are particularly well versed in a subject or love kids consider what you can do to enhance their experiences.

Booth Manning

The weather is great and school is out – summer brings all kinds of outdoor walks, events, and festivals, many of which are put on for great causes! Check your local city’s calendar to see what kind of events are coming up, chances are they need help manning booths and passing out flyers, plus you might even get some free stuff out of it! Tickets, swag, ice cream…and you get to feel good about helping out. It’s a win win!

There are countless opportunities all around no matter where you live, so get to googling and make volunteerism an active part of your summer plans! Guaranteed you won’t regret it.