Opportunities From: HandsOn Twin Cities

Everyone is invited to help clean up the Lake of the Isles several times this spring through fall. The first opportunity will be Earth Day! In partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, there will be cleanup supplies and treats at our check-in table.

No registration is required, but if you can register here and follow Green Guardians that would help us stay in touch. 

Long pants and boots are helpful when working around the edge of the lake. 

MPRB would like people to sign their waiver once a year - MPRB Waiver

Bring your neighbors, family, and friends!

https://www.eastisles.org/green-team - check website for changes due to weather

Friends of Lake of the Isles Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/796514388254895

Did you know our street storm drains empty into our lakes and rivers?

You can help by adopting drains in your neighborhood, it's free and easy Adopt a Drain HERE

Storm water carries trash pollution and leaves which contributes to the green slime that forms on our lakes. Just keep the top of the drains clear when you can, it's easy to do several drains in an intersection near your home. 

Please let us know your storm drain names, some neighborhoods eligible for contest prizes.

Enter Contest

more info - greenguardiansmn@gmail.com

Join our hardworking Meals on Wheels team to pack meals for delivery to older adults and people with limited mobility in Saint Paul. Volunteer packers visit our site to warm hot meals and additional items for each participant, so participants can receive nutritious meals. After you pack them, volunteer drivers get these meals directly out into the hands of older adults and people with limited mobility.

You can support the well-being and independence of your neighbors.

Current openings:

Learn more:

Be part of our community of volunteers who takes action together.

Reach for Resources is refreshing our staff first aid kits. The kits are already assembled. We only need volunteers to add gloves and place each kit into a labeled baggie. This is a fast and simple project that directly supports staff safety. Groups are welcome to volunteer at our office or complete the project at their own site.

Volunteers will:

No experience is needed.

First aid kits are used by staff in community programs, home visits, recreation activities, and office settings. Volunteers help ensure each kit is complete, accurate, and ready to use.

Reach for Resources Office
Minnetonka, MN

Off site volunteering is available on request. We are happy to transport all kits and supplies to your group.

To schedule a time or request an off site option, contact:

Blair McLaughlin
Executive Administrative Assistant

bmclaughlin@reachforresources.org | 952-688-3944

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. Here are a few urgent needs:

Let's connect at paula.wilhelm@hcmed.org 

Paula Wilhelm, Engagement Manager
Hennepin Healthcare Foundation

Volunteer at Arc's Value Village in New Hope and help unpack, sort and price great donations.  Volunteers are also need to stock the sales floor and to help colorize/organize wonderful items.

Shifts available 7 days a week and are only 2 hours.  Individuals and groups are welcome! No minimum commitment required--volunteer once or for multiple shifts!  Youth aged 8-15 can also volunteer but must do so with an adult.

Arc's Value Village offers direct volunteer sign-up through our Online Volunteer Calendar! Interested volunteers can visit our website at www.volunteerforarc.org. Click the "Sign Up or Login" tab to browse for the location, date, and time of your choosing.  If you need assistance with signing up or have questions contact Michelle T at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3670.

Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

Volunteer at Arc's Value Village in Richfield and help unpack, sort and price great donations.  Volunteers are also need to stock the sales floor and to help colorize/organize wonderful items.

Shifts available 7 days a week and are only 2-hours.  Individuals and groups are welcome! No minimum commitment required--volunteer once or for multiple shifts!  Youth aged 8-15 can also volunteer but must do so with an adult.

Arc's Value Village offers direct volunteer sign-up through our Online Volunteer Calendar! Interested volunteers can visit our website at www.volunteerforarc.org. Click the "Sign Up or Login" tab to browse and find the location, date and time of your choosing.  If you need assistance with signing up or have questions contact Michelle T at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3670.

Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

You’ve got your Fitbit and you’re striving to get in 10,000 steps every day! Sign up to volunteer with Arc’s Value Village as a sales floor stocker and you’ll have the opportunity to walk and work and reach your daily 10,000+ step goal! You’ll stay busy & always be moving-just watch the steps rack up! Your fitness goal will be reached AND you’ll help The Arc Minnesota support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families!

Volunteers are needed daily to help stock our sales floor and merchandise/organize. Volunteer shifts are 2 hours in length and you can volunteer individually or with a group. Sign up at www.volunteerforarc.org or contact Michelle T at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org to find out more and sign up!

 Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

Love spending time as a family to make a difference in our community? Then volunteering at Arc's Value Village in Richfield is for you! Volunteers are needed to help stock the store with all the best fashions, accessories and with the comforts of home.

Shifts available 7 days a week and are only 2 hours.

Individuals and groups are welcome! No minimum commitment required--volunteer once or for multiple shifts!  Youth aged 8-15 can also volunteer but must do so with an adult.

Arc's Value Village offers direct volunteer sign-up through our Online Volunteer Calendar! Interested volunteers can visit our website at www.volunteerforarc.org Click the Sign Up or Login tab to browse for the location, date and time of your choosing.  If you need assistance with signing up or have questions contact Michelle at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3670.

Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

Love spending time as a family to make a difference in our community? Then volunteering at Arc's Value Village in New Hope is for you! Volunteers are needed to help stock the store with all the best fashions, accessories and with the comforts of home.

Shifts available 7 days a week and are only 2 hours.

Individuals and groups are welcome! No minimum commitment required--volunteer once or for multiple shifts!  Youth 8-15 can also volunteer but must do so with an adult.

Arc's Value Village offers direct volunteer sign-up through our Online Volunteer Calendar! Interested volunteers can visit our website at www.volunteerforarc.org Click the Sign Up or Login Tab to browse for the location, date and time of your choosing.  If you need assistance with signing up or have questions contact Michelle at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3670.

Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

Love spending time as a family to make a difference in our community? Then volunteering at Arc's Value Village in Bloomington is for you! Volunteers are needed to help stock the store with all the best fashions, accessories and with the comforts of home.

Shifts available 7 days a week and are only 2 hours.

Individuals and groups are welcome! No minimum commitment required--volunteer once or for multiple shifts!  Youth 8-15 can also volunteer but must do so with an adult.

Arc's Value Village offers direct volunteer sign-up through our Online Volunteer Calendar! Interested volunteers can visit our website at www.volunteerforarc.org. Click the Login or Sign Up tab to browse for the location, date and time of your choosing.  If you need assistance with signing up or have questions contact Michelle at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3670.

Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

Help HOTC's project team prepare for the hundreds of high quality volunteer events hosted annually. Each week brings new projects, new supplies and new adventures, and we are looking for volunteers to help work behind the scenes to help project preparation run smoothly. Volunteer tasks and responsibilities typically include:

Volunteering at HOTC is best suited for volunteers ages 14+. Those under the age of 18 must provide HOTC with signed permissions from a parent/guardian to volunteer. Many volunteer roles include lifting up to 30 pounds, bending, lifting, twisting, and standing, but accommodations for low-impact tasks can easily be arranged. We welcome teams for this event, and can be flexible up to 8 volunteers.  Volunteer shifts take place every Wednesday from 9AM-12PM. We can be flexible for groups as well.

Warehouse/Food Rescue

Purpose: The Warehouse volunteer is responsible for processing incoming food deliveries and keeping food stocked in the food shelf, refrigerator, and freezer.

Description of Role:

The role of Warehouse/Food Rescue Volunteer enhances our organization’s ability to provide food for those who need it, when they need it. Volunteers in this position can expect to receive training and ongoing support from food program staff and work alongside several fellow Warehouse Volunteers.

Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities

·        Sort, store, and distribute bulk food products that are delivered to our warehouse.

·        Follow food safety guidelines provided for each category of product and dispose properly of products that do not meet guidelines.

·        Ensure a safe working space by following all warehouse safety guidelines.

Volunteer Requirements and Expectations:

·        A friendly demeanor

·        A desire to serve others.

·        Be punctual for your volunteer shift.

·        Follow Valley Outreach Standard of Appearance guidelines.

·        A willingness to follow specific directions.

·        The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·        Respect for client confidentiality, consistent with treating clients with dignity and respect.

·        A commitment to racial equity and social justice and willingness to learn and be curious.

Physical Demands:

·        Must be able to lift 30 pounds (or even 40–50-pound bags of produce)

·        Must be able to bend and twist to pick up items.

·        Able to tolerate walking and standing on hard surfaces for up to 3-5 hours at a time.

·        Able to bend, reach and grasp cans of food.

 Time Commitment: 3-5 hours

Warehouse volunteer shifts vary by the day of the week. See below for time ranges.

Monday

Tuesday

    Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8am-1pm

11am - 2pm

8am - 11am

11am - 2pm

8am – 1pm

1pm - 4pm

1pm - 4pm

10am - 1pm

4pm-7pm

4pm-7pm

Training and Support:

Volunteers will receive training from the Warehouse Coordinator prior to the start of their shift. New volunteers will shadow experienced volunteers prior to working alone. All volunteers will receive training applicable to their position as needed.

StyleXchange Sorting Volunteer

Purpose: The StyleXchange Sorting volunteer will assess the quality, seasonality, and usability of the clothing items that are donated.

Description of Role:

As a clothing sorting volunteer, you will process donated items and prepare them for the store floor. Providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all shoppers is our goal! You'll be making a real difference in the lives of people in need by providing low-barrier access for everyone to receive high-quality clothing for free or at a low cost in our thrift store. 

Volunteer Duties and responsibilities.

·        Understand and abide by quality standards set by Valley Outreach to ensure positive client experience. Consider quality and seasonality, understand what "usable condition" means, and center the dignity of shoppers.

·        Work independently and use decision-making skills to effectively sort, select, and evaluate donated goods in line with our quality standards, using "Keep - Pass - Shred " sorting process.

·        Follow established processes for organizing, tagging, and properly adding items into inventory to prepare them for the store floor.

·        Maintain area cleanliness and organization.

Volunteer Requirements and Expectations

·        Friendly demeanor.

·        Desire to serve others.

·        Be punctual for your volunteer shift.

·        Follow Valley Outreach Standard of Appearance guidelines.

·        Willingness to follow directions, including verbal, written, and posted signage.

·        Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

·        Respect for client confidentiality, consistent with treating clients with dignity and respect.

·        A commitment to racial equity and social justice and willingness to learn and be curious.

Physical Demands:

·        Able to lift up to 15 lbs. repetitively and safely.

·        Able to tolerate walking and standing on hard surfaces for up to 2 hours at a time.

·        Able to bend, reach in front, above and below the waist.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours

StyleXchange sorting volunteer shifts vary by the day of the week. See below for time ranges.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9am-12pm

11am – 1pm

8am - 11am

11am – 1pm

9am-12pm

1pm-4pm

1pm-4pm

Training and Support:

Clothes sorter volunteers will receive training from the StyleXchange Manager prior to starting the position. New volunteers will shadow experienced volunteers prior to working alone. All volunteers will receive training applicable to their position as needed.

Food Shelf Volunteer

Purpose: The Food Shelf volunteer is responsible for providing clients with great customer service while creating a positive and welcoming environment in the Food Shelf.

Description of Role:

The role of Food Shelf volunteer enhances our organization’s ability to destigmatize the food shelf shopping experience by providing great customer service to clients shopping in the food shelf. By demonstrating our organization’s values, volunteers will employ empathy and understanding as well as practicing non-judgement and inclusion to foster a welcoming environment. Volunteers in this position will receive initial training and ongoing support from food program staff and work alongside several fellow Food Shelf Volunteers.

Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities

Roles included: Scale attendant, Aisle attendants, Personal care/household items attendant.

Volunteer Requirements and Expectations:

Physical Demands:

Time Commitment: 3-4 hours

Food Shelf volunteer shifts vary by the day of the week. See below for time ranges.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9am-1pm

1pm-4pm

Closed

1pm-4pm

9-1pm

4pm-7pm

4pm-7pm

Training and Support:

The Food Shelf volunteer will receive training from the Food Program Assistant or experienced volunteer prior to working the position alone. All volunteers will receive training applicable to their position as needed.

We are calling on groups or families to donate and assemble snack packs for youth in Wilder programs. We need 300 snack packs - your group could complete some or all of this need! Each pack should be in a 1 gallon size Zip-Top bag and include:

When and Where: Collect items anytime now through the end of April 2026 (or sooner if possible). You can do this on your own time and at your own location. Then, contact us to arrange a drop off time once you’re ready! Note - there is no option to volunteer at our location.

Your group will:

Learn More: Contact us to express interest at volunteer@wilder.org or 651-280-2460. We will then share more details about our request and arrange time for you to deliver the packs to us during Monday-Friday daytime business hours.

Please check-in  on the footpath at Euclid Pl & E Lake of the Isles Pkwy

Help clean up trash in and around the Lake! We do this every 2nd Saturday of each month through September. We’ll have treats and clean up gear like gloves, buckets, bags, rakes and trash pickers to borrow.

You may want to wear tall boots to reach trash at the edge of the Lake. Please be cautious as we sometimes find sharp objects.

Bring your friends and family! You are welcome to bring your canoes and kayaks.

Our clean-ups are Park Steward events, the Park Board asks that volunteers sign a waiver once a year. Use this link or sign one at the clean up.  MPRB Waiver

Please check-in  on the footpath at Euclid Pl & E Lake of the Isles Pkwy

Help clean up trash in and around the Lake! We do this every 2nd Saturday of each month through September. We’ll have treats and clean up gear like gloves, buckets, bags, rakes and trash pickers to borrow.

You may want to wear tall boots to reach trash at the edge of the Lake. Please be cautious as we sometimes find sharp objects.

Bring your friends and family! You are welcome to bring your canoes and kayaks.

Our clean-ups are Park Steward events, the Park Board asks that volunteers sign a waiver once a year. Use this link or sign one at the clean up.  MPRB Waiver

Please check-in  on the footpath at Euclid Pl & E Lake of the Isles Pkwy

Help clean up trash in and around the Lake! We do this every 2nd Saturday of each month through September. We’ll have treats and clean up gear like gloves, buckets, bags, rakes and trash pickers to borrow.

You may want to wear tall boots to reach trash at the edge of the Lake. Please be cautious as we sometimes find sharp objects.

Bring your friends and family! You are welcome to bring your canoes and kayaks.

Our clean-ups are Park Steward events, the Park Board asks that volunteers sign a waiver once a year. Use this link or sign one at the clean up.  MPRB Waiver

Please check-in  on the footpath at Euclid Pl & E Lake of the Isles Pkwy

Help clean up trash in and around the Lake! We do this every 2nd Saturday of each month through September. We’ll have treats and clean up gear like gloves, buckets, bags, rakes and trash pickers to borrow.

You may want to wear tall boots to reach trash at the edge of the Lake. Please be cautious as we sometimes find sharp objects.

Bring your friends and family! You are welcome to bring your canoes and kayaks.

Our clean-ups are Park Steward events, the Park Board asks that volunteers sign a waiver once a year. Use this link or sign one at the clean up.  MPRB Waiver

Please check-in  on the footpath at Euclid Pl & E Lake of the Isles Pkwy

Help clean up trash in and around the Lake! We do this every 2nd Saturday of each month through September. We’ll have treats and clean up gear like gloves, buckets, bags, rakes and trash pickers to borrow.

You may want to wear tall boots to reach trash at the edge of the Lake. Please be cautious as we sometimes find sharp objects.

Bring your friends and family! You are welcome to bring your canoes and kayaks.

Our clean-ups are Park Steward events, the Park Board asks that volunteers sign a waiver once a year. Use this link or sign one at the clean up.   MPRB Waiver

Help keep our exhibits looking their best by supporting the care, cleaning, and preparation of museum props used in our galleries, the Studio, and our Traveling Exhibits. Volunteers will assist with washing props (by hand and dishwasher), preparing exhibit materials, and cutting supplies for Studio activities. This role is based in the basement workshop props area and supports an ongoing cleaning cycle of more than 2,500 items, especially during travelling exhibit changeovers that occur three times each year. There is always something that needs care, so dedicated time and attention make a big impact.

Volunteers will follow a documented cleaning guide that includes prop introductions, sink tips, and washing techniques to ensure items are handled properly.

Schedule:
Recurring Weekly Shift/s

1–2 volunteers per shift, Wednesday–Sunday, anytime between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (2-hour minimum shift)

Requirements & Ideal Experience:

Must wear closed-toed shoes in the workshop

Comfortable with hands-on cleaning and prep tasks

Food service or dishwashing experience is helpful

Great opportunity for those interested in a future props or costumes internship

This role is perfect for detail-oriented volunteers who enjoy hands-on work and helping behind the scenes to keep exhibits running smoothly. We have made this role separate from the Play Guide role in mind of those of you who want to support the museum but prefer to stay off the floor.

Please reach out if you are interested as we are looking to get volunteers started on these tasks as soon as possible!

By partnering with teachers and students in under-resourced schools, the Kids In Need Foundation provides the support needed for teachers to teach and learners to learn. The fulfillment of our national programs occurs at our Teacher Resource Center in Little Canada, MN. We rely heavily on help from volunteers like you, and would be honored if you would consider joining us to achieve our mission.

We have a number of upcoming volunteer shifts. Interested volunteers can view and register for upcoming volunteer events here! If you are interested in scheduling a time for your group to volunteer, KINF can accommodate up to 80 participants at a time. Please email volunteering@kinf.org if you are interested in setting up a private volunteer group session or if you have any additional questions.  We can’t wait to have you join us!

Organize a Group Volunteer Event at Bridging!

Looking for a great volunteer project for your group of friends or coworkers? Volunteering as a group in a Bridging warehouse will make a huge difference to families pursuing housing stability. 

Group size: 5-25 volunteers

Shifts: 2-3 hours in length

Weekdays: Most weekdays any time after 1pm. (1-4pm, 2-5pm or 4-6pm) 

We require all volunteers to be 14 years of age or older in our warehouses.

TYPICAL PROJECTS INCLUDE: Sorting through donated goods, loading and unloading trucks, general warehouse organization, rolling linens, and/or stocking shelves for client shopping. Specific projects will be determined on the day you arrive based on the inventory, our needs that day, and the final size of your group.

WHEN CAN I BOOK A GROUP PROJECT? Book year-round. Pick a date, time and location (Bloomington or Roseville) for your event. All groups must be scheduled in advance.

Bridging, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Twin Cities, is the largest furniture bank in North America. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability. Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 120,000 homes since 1987.

Additional information can be found at bridging.org.

Bloomington Warehouse: 201 West 87th St. Bloomington, MN 55420 

Bloomington Contact: 

Ilon Preston, Community Engagement Coordinator

ilon.preston@bridging.org

952.460.1037

Organize a Group Volunteer Event at Bridging!

Looking for a great volunteer project for your group of friends or coworkers? Volunteering as a group in a Bridging warehouse will make a huge difference to families pursuing housing stability. 

Group size: 5-25 volunteers

Shifts: 2-3 hours in length

Weekdays: Most weekdays any time after 1pm. (1-4pm, 2-5pm or 4-6pm) 

We require all volunteers to be 14 years of age or older in our warehouses.

TYPICAL PROJECTS INCLUDE: Sorting through donated goods, loading and unloading trucks, general warehouse organization, rolling linens, and/or stocking shelves for client shopping. Specific projects will be determined on the day you arrive based on the inventory, our needs that day, and the final size of your group.

WHEN CAN I BOOK A GROUP PROJECT? Book year-round. Pick a date, time and location (Bloomington or Roseville) for your event. All groups must be scheduled in advance.

Bridging, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Twin Cities, is the largest furniture bank in North America. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability. 

Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 120,000 homes since 1987.

Additional information can be found at bridging.org.

Roseville Warehouse: 1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville, MN 55113

Roseville Contact:

Joel Bisser, Community Engagement Coordinator 
Direct Phone: 651.403.6872
Email: joel.bisser@bridging.org

AccentCare Fairview Hospice is seeking volunteers to assist our team with essential administrative work at our office. AccentCare Fairview serves patients and families in your area. We are currently seeking new volunteers to provide administrative support to our team. This might include assisting with mailings, organizing supplies, boxing up files, preparing binders, and so much more. These are just a few of the ways administrative volunteers in our organization support our team.

Even if you only have a few hours a month to give, we would be honored to have you join our team and support our mission of offering compassionate, personalized hospice care. Training is free and flexible to fit your schedule. Students age 13 and up are encouraged to join us as administrative volunteers.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find ways to support our team as we serve our patients and their loved ones!

We collect gently used and new shoes through our Shoe Away Hunger program and sell them for a suggested donation on our mobile shoe bus and trailer and at various static sites.

We sort these shoes into three categories (great, good, and grind) at our warehouse in Plymouth on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12 to 3:00 p.m. We would love for you or your group to join us in sorting shoes! Please visit our website at goodinthehood.org to register as a volunteer. We look forward to serving with you soon.

Friends and groups love to do this. We help a lot of people, laugh, and have a lot of fun doing this very important job!

We serve a week's worth of groceries to those facing hunger in our community. Volunteers help set up the site for the day's distribution. Children are welcome with adult supervision. 

At our 5 Minnesota locations, we keep families close to the care they need.

Volunteers are the Heart of the House - register for orientation here.

Housewarmers are essential towards creating a warm home-like atmosphere for RMH families. They help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment in our community spaces, pantries, and kitchens. Housewarmers care for the daily tasks that keep the House clean and functional, allowing families to focus on their child. Daily tasks may include the following:

Housewarming shifts are offered seven days a week between the hours of 10am-7pm. Volunteers select a 2-3 hour weekly or bi-weekly shift. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of one full semester, or 50 hours.

Housewarmers are on their feet and moving about the House during their shifts. They assist with a wide variety of tasks and take pride in making the House a home for families. This role is great for individuals with:

An overview of your position will be provided during your orientation and House tour. On the day of your first shift, you will meet some of the RMH staff members who will be providing you guidance throughout your time in the House. More detailed training and guidelines will be provided at the start of each shift. A criminal background check and health screening are required prior to starting this role.

Reach out to the volunteer team at volunteer@rmhc-uppermidwest.org for more information or to get started. 

Support Agate program participants. That's people facing or experiencing homelessness. Help them by providing them with essential personal care items they need and struggle to afford. 

Gather your friends, family, neighbors, book club, faith community, or other group to make a big gesture with a small project!

More details and apply here!

Collect and donate the supplies your neighbors need to be successful in stable living!

We have a variety of housing teams that help our unhoused neighbors get into a place they can call home. Welcome Baskets support people transitioning from homelessness into their own apartments and homes. These baskets provide those individuals with the things they need to get started in a home like cleaning products and other necessities.

This is a great activity for scout troops, family gatherings, faith groups, book clubs, and corporate team building!

More details and apply here!

If you’d like to donate items, we are accepting the following popular items:

Items can be dropped off during the following open hours:

St. Paul: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, 12 PM – 4 PM (461 Maria Ave., St. Paul, MN 55106)

For any specific questions about in-kind donations, please connect with communitydonations@clues.org,  (612) 778-4959, and for cash donations at donation@clues.org.

The Salvation Army of Rochester, MN operates The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Red Wing, MN—and we’re currently seeking volunteers to help support this important community resource.

We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available within the Thrift Store. Duties may include sorting donated items, tagging merchandise, moving tagged items to the sales floor, organizing and refreshing displays, and assisting with other daily operations as needed. Some tasks may involve moderate to heavier lifting, but this is not required—there are plenty of ways to help based on your comfort level and abilities.

Whether you’re able to volunteer occasionally or on a more regular basis, your time and effort make a meaningful impact.

Help keep our food shelf running smoothly by stocking shelves, organizing inventory, and maintaining a clean, organized space to ensure food is properly stored. Volunteering usually takes just 1–2 hours. There’s no long-term commitment unless you’d like to be more involved—whether it’s just once or every now and then, it’s completely up to you. Any help is truly appreciated!

Sign up directly here: NCA Volunteer Link
or
https://www.nca-mn.org/get-involved-volunteer

Bridging, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Twin Cities, is the largest furniture bank in North America. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability. 

Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 110,000 homes since 1987.

NOW more than ever, we need your help to serve the mission as we empower people to THRIVE in their homes.

We need help with our warehouse inventory!

Meet donors/donations at the dock door, taking in household goods and furniture. Load trucks for our delivery team. Unload trucks as they return from residential and corporate pickups. Help us restock the shelves after shopping has been completed. Be prepared for a workout, get your steps in, and lift stuff (both light and heavy)!

Shifts are in 3 hour increments available Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to Noon, 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm and Friday through Saturday from 9:00am to Noon and 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

We are especially in need of volunteers for the 3-6pm weekday and 9am-3pm Saturday shifts.

We ask that you first come in for a tour of our warehouse so that you can get a scope of what we do. Tours last 20 to 30 minutes.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. 

To learn more and get involved, please visit bridging.org

Roseville Location: 1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville, MN 55113

Wendy Erickson, Volunteer Coordinator

direct phone: 651-319-9295  

email: wendy.erickson@bridging.org

For information on group volunteering, contact

Joel Bisser, Community Engagement Coordinator 

direct phone: 651-403-6872

email: joel.bisser@bridging.org

Bridging, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Twin Cities, is the largest furniture bank in North America. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability. 

Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 120,000 homes since 1987.

NOW more than ever, we need your help to serve the mission as we empower people to THRIVE in their homes.

We need help with our warehouse inventory!

Meet donors/donations at the dock door, taking in household goods and furniture. Load trucks for our delivery team. Unload trucks as they return from residential and corporate pickups. Help us restock the shelves after shopping has been completed. Be prepared for a workout, get your steps in, and lift stuff (both light and heavy)!

Shifts are in 3 hour increments available Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to Noon, 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm and Friday through Saturday from 9:00am to Noon and 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

We are especially in need of volunteers for the 3-6pm weekday and 9am-3pm Saturday shifts.

We ask that you first come in for a tour of our warehouse so that you can get a scope of what we do. Tours last 20 to 30 minutes.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. 

To learn more and get involved, please visit bridging.org

Bloomington Location: 201 W. 87th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420

Erin Colburn, Volunteer Coordinator 

direct phone: 952-460-3750

email: erin.colburn@bridging.org

For information on group volunteering, contact

Ilon Preston, Community Engagement Coordinator 

952.460.1037

ilon.preston@bridging.org

NOW more than ever, we need your help to serve the mission as we empower people to THRIVE in their homes.

OFFSITE OPPORTUNITY!!! Help Bridging Stock the Shelves! Imagine how you could cook a meal without basic kitchen utensils or sleep without a pillow or blanket?

Thousands of local families and individuals face this situation every day.

By hosting an Essentials Drive at your workplace, faith-based organization, or in your community, you can help provide essential items to households in need while raising awareness. Bridging serves an average of 120 households each week.

Location: Off-site at your work, school, faith-based organization, and in your community.

Organize a drive today! Help us stock the shelves so we can serve over 300 people (120 households) every week. Essential Drives allow us to fill the gaps in donations and make sure families have what they need to fully function in their new home.

Types of Essentials Drives:

Blankets: All sizes (twin, full, queen, and king) wanted. We need blankets for over 300 people each week!

Towels: All sizes and types wanted. Our goal is to provide one bath towel per person. That's over 13,000 towels each year!

Kitchen Packs: Include a can opener, mixing spoon, spatula, utility scissors, pizza cutter, and a container to hold items. We need over 120 packs per week to give each home a pack.

Cleaning Kits: Include dish scrubber, rubber gloves, sponges, hard surface scrub brush, dust cloths, and a container to hold items (bucket or shoebox size bin). (No cleansers/chemicals please). We need over 120 packs per week to give each home a kit.

Bridging, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Twin Cities, is the largest furniture bank in North America. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability. 

Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 120,000 homes since 1987.

NOW more than ever, we need your help to serve the mission as we empower people to THRIVE in their homes.

To learn more and get involved, please visit bridging.org.

Roseville Location 1730 Terrace Dr. Roseville, MN 55113

Joel Bisser, Community Engagement Coordinator, Roseville
651-403-6872
joel.bissser@bridging.org

NOW more than ever, we need your help to serve the mission as we empower people to THRIVE in their homes.

OFFSITE OPPORTUNITY!!! Help Bridging Stock the Shelves! Imagine how you could cook a meal without basic kitchen utensils or sleep without a pillow or blanket?

Thousands of local families and individuals face this situation every day.

By hosting an Essentials Drive at your workplace, faith-based organization, or in your community, you can help provide essential items to households in need while raising awareness. Bridging serves an average of 120 households each week.

Location: Off-site at your work, school, faith-based organization, and in your community.

Organize a drive today! Help us stock the shelves so we can serve over 300 people (120 households) every week. Essential Drives allow us to fill the gaps in donations and make sure families have what they need to fully function in their new home.

Types of Essentials Drives:

Blankets: All sizes (twin, full, queen, and king) wanted. We need blankets for over 300 people each week!

Towels: All sizes and types wanted. Our goal is to provide one bath towel per person. That's over 13,000 towels each year!

Kitchen Packs: Include a can opener, mixing spoon, spatula, utility scissors, pizza cutter, and a container to hold items. We need over 120 packs per week to give each home a pack.

Cleaning Kits: Include dish scrubber, rubber gloves, sponges, hard surface scrub brush, dust cloths, and a container to hold items (bucket or shoebox size bin). (No cleansers/chemicals please). We need over 120 packs per week to give each home a kit.

Bridging, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Twin Cities, is the largest furniture bank in North America. Through the effective reuse of donated items, Bridging improves lives by providing quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability. 

Driven by volunteers and donations of furniture and household goods from the community, Bridging has furnished over 120,000 homes since 1987.

NOW more than ever, we need your help to serve the mission as we empower people to THRIVE in their homes.

To learn more and get involved, please visit bridging.org.

Bloomington Location: 201 W. 87th St. Bloomington, MN 55420

Ilon Preston, Community Engagement Coordinator

ilon.preston@bridging.org

952.460.1037

Assist with projects such as bulk repack of staples for food shelves, Fare for All, and pack boxes for Twin Cities Mobile Market free distributions at our warehouse in New Hope. IMPORTANT: After registration, please fill out the electronic waiver sent with your confirmation email. All participants must sign waiver before reporting for their volunteer shift. 

IMPORTANT: Please register on our VolunteerHub page so we can keep group sizes at the CDC-recommended size and ensure participants have access to electronic waiver. After registration, the electronic waiver will be sent with your confirmation email. All participants must sign waiver before reporting for their volunteer shift.

https://thefoodgroupmn.volunteerhub.com/

CAPI is an immigrant-led, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping Minnesota’s newest refugees and immigrants gain access to jobs, housing, food, health education, and youth and senior social services in order to promote economic independence, self-determination and social equality.

CAPI has the first and only Asian-specific food shelf in the state. Since 1982, CAPI’s food shelf has been supporting the cultural and nutritional needs of approximately 2,000 individuals each month with more than 450,000 pounds of food each year. The food shelf continues to serve immigrants, refugees, and individuals of all backgrounds.

We are looking to build our community of volunteers to improve the sustainability of our food shelf to better serve community members who are food insecure and utilize our services. Volunteers are crucial in supporting our community members to achieve our mission of "guiding refugees and immigrants toward self-determination and social equality."

As a food shelf volunteer, you will be involved in multiple aspects of operating CAPI’s food shelf.  

Tasks include:

Desirable skills (but not required):

Available Shifts:

Mondays and Tuesdays: 10:30am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:00pm

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9:00am to 10:30am, 1:00pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:00pm

High school/college students, groups, families, and seniors are a great fit for the volunteer position!

Position: Mail Delivery Volunteer

Description: Join our team of compassionate volunteers and spread joy while delivering mail to the residents of the Lyngblomsten Care Center! As a mail delivery volunteer, you’ll not only bring letters and packages but also brighten their day with a warm smile. Your presence matters!

Schedule:

Location: Our Lyngblomsten campus is nestled in a cozy St. Paul neighborhood, surrounded by the MN State Fairgrounds on one side and Como Park on the other.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Contact: For any questions or to express your interest, please reach out to David at dmaeda@lyngblomsten.org.

Ready to Make a Difference? Fill out our volunteer application form here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/23212736. The final step involves completing a Dept of Human Services background screen with fingerprinting (required for working with vulnerable adults).

Thank you for considering volunteering with us!

We are pre boxing food to provide a week's worth of groceries to those facing hunger in our communities. We need volunteers to help us get set up for the food distribution event (12-2 pm). This will include receiving food from the local food banks and organizing the food for the distribution that evening.

We can host up to 15 volunteers per shift. Click here to register: CLICK HERE  or contact jamie@goodinthehood.org (please wear work-appropriate clothes and NO open-toed shoes please). We always serve with a spirit of joy and look forward to having you join us!

We are practicing social distancing and wearing masks/gloves at all times while serving on-site.

Contact: jamie@goodinthehood.org if you have any questions. 

ENTER DOOR #1 

The Salvation Army's Food Shelves serves families and individuals in need of food and basic necessities year round. Volunteers are needed to assist in packing boxes with food, helping unload food deliveries and stocking the pantry. 

Locations in need of volunteer support: 

NE Central Ave Minneapolis - M-F 8-noon and 1-4 pm
Lyndale Ave North Minneapolis – M-F 9-11 am or 1-3 pm
E Lake St. South Minneapolis - M-F 9-12 pm or 1-3 pm
Payne Ave East St. Paul – T, Th, F food shelf/distributions Am and Pm; M-F meal serving from 10-2 pm or 12-3 pm
Brooklyn Park – Mondays 11-2:30 pm; Tuesdays (drive thru distribution) 10:00 - 12:30 pm; Thursdays 9:30-12:00 pm; and Fridays 9:00-12:00 pm. Food Shelf Shopper shifts M, Th afternoons
West 7th St. Paul –M-Th: 9:00-11:00 am, 10:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:00-2:00 pm; Fridays drive thru distribution event 9:30 am-11:30 am (prep), 11:30 am-1:30 pm (main event) and 1:30 pm-3:30 pm (wrap up and clean up.)
Maplewood – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00-12:00 or 12:00-3 pm
Minneapolis – Yale Place – 4th Tuesday of the month 11:30-2 pm (delivering food boxes within senior apartment complex)

Are you interested in creating meaningful gifts for unhoused or housing insecure individuals in our community? Build hygiene kits!

Did you know Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts have 5+% of their students who are experiencing housing insecurity? Additionally, health clinics are finding patients express a need for hygiene items during health screenings.

Let's help address this need by making hygiene kits for struggling individuals and families.

We are looking for businesses, community groups and neighbors to purchase travel/personal size hygiene products and build hygiene kits for students, individuals and families struggling to afford hygiene items. 

We ask that all kit items be placed in Ziploc bags and each kit be filled with:

Additional Items to include (but please note that these should be provided in bulk, NOT inside the kits as these items are distributed with personal consideration of the recipient):

You can see the full list here 

Please contact us at hello@bridgetobasics.org to get your full toolkit and register your volunteer activity.  Thank you!!!

Please note: This is a remote opportunity that occurs at your preferred location. Your group will be responsible for the purchasing and assembling of the hygiene kits. We can provide you with suggestions of items based on needs and pricing. We can pick up the kits or you may drop them off at our St. Paul location (280/94).

Volunteer Job Description - Driver

PRISM seeks to be a leader in creating meaningful and impactful volunteer experiences for community members. Our ability to best serve the community is hinged on our capacity to physically do the work, as well as having the trust and involvement of community stakeholders.

Volunteers are key components in PRISM’s mission of providing social services and connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable lives, and our vision to lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community.

Volunteer Duties and Requirements

We have a big need for ongoing Food Rescue Drivers! Using PRISM’s vehicle, the Driver drives to specific retail stores in the west metropolitan area to pick up donated food. This role is critical in assuring our participants receive high-quality food when visiting our Marketplace Food Shelf, and that food being discarded by local supermarket chains is distributed to our households. Volunteer drivers supporting the Marketplace Food Shelf will perform a variety of duties including:

Knowledge, Skills, Education, Experience:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Liam Boris, Volunteer Manager, at 763-432-4230 or lboris@prismmpls.org

Volunteer Job Description - Shop for Change Thrift Store

Volunteers are key components in PRISM’s mission of providing social services and connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable lives, and our vision to lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community. Funds from our Shop for Change Thrift Store help fund our basic needs programs, including our Marketplace Food Shelf and Housing Assistance programs. If you're a personal thrifter, we would love to have you as an addition to our team!

Location: 1220 Zane Ave N, Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422

Volunteer Job Responsibilities:

Volunteer Duties

The Shop for Change Thrift Store offers quality, affordable clothing and household items to the general public. Volunteers working in the Shop for Change Thrift Store will perform a variety of duties including:

Experienced Volunteer Duties

With additional experience and training, volunteers may be considered Experienced Volunteers. Experienced volunteers will fulfill all of the above opportunities and the following:

Knowledge, Skills, Education, Experience:

Reporting Relationship:

The Shop for Change Thrift Shop volunteers report to the Thrift Shop Director, who arranges the schedule for volunteer shifts and staffing. Volunteers may also report to our Volunteer Manager, Nolan Isaacson, with other questions regarding their participation.

To Apply:

Please reach out to colette@prismmpls.org with "Volunteer Opportunity" somewhere in the subject line. We will then instruct you on our application process and schedule a time to meet with you!

Pre-COVID, the Marketplace Food Shelf utilized a “choice” model, meaning the participants were free to shop just as they do in a traditional grocery store by choosing exactly the food they need from the shelves within Food Shelf guidelines. Our current service delivery system is to ensure the safety and comfort of staff, volunteers, and participants, while serving participants at a larger volume and more frequently. Volunteers working in the Marketplace Food Shelf will perform a variety of duties including:

- Accept donations from the public, offer and provide the donor with a receipt if requested.

- Serve our participants with check-in/out (currently put on hold because of our current model due to COVID-19)

- Review and sort food donations for packaging issues and expiration dates compared to PRISM guidelines

- Review and sort through perishable items to ensure they are of good quality for our participants

- Assemble and prepare nonperishable boxes, ranging from 35-40 lbs.

- Stock assembly-line shelves with purchased and donated products

- Break down unneeded packaging and expired food for trash, recycling, and compost. Disposing of items as needed.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment.

- Notify Marketplace Food Shelf staff, or a tenured volunteer, of any questions or any identified needs in the food shelf.

- Other duties as assigned

Communities are hungry for books! Help Little Free Library fulfill its mission of book access for everyone by coordinating a local book drive. You can lead a book drive and distributed the collected books to local Little Free Libraries. Little Free Library staff can answer your questions along the way. 

This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. You can coordinate your book drive during the times that work best for you and your community. Volunteers over 18 anywhere in the U.S. where there are Little Free Libraries can register for this opportunity.

How to get started: Sign up on our website. If it's your first time volunteering with Team LFL, you will be asked to create an account in our volunteer hub. After you register, we will send you a guide about how to coordinate a book drive. Then, staff will check in with you by email to offer support for your book drive planning.

Purpose: By keeping Little Free Libraries filled with books, you are helping to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. 

Responsibilities:

Time Required: A typical book drive lasts about two weeks to one month, plus time beforehand to plan and promote the drive. 

Training & Resources Available: We will help you get to know our organization and share our tips for planning a successful book drive. 

Qualifications:

Benefits: Experience the satisfaction of getting more books into the hands of readers while connecting with your community. Volunteers in the US will get a free Little Free Library t-shirt after you record your impact in the Team LFL online hub. 

Supervision & Support: You can connect with the Community Engagement Manager to ask questions. 

Options for Women East is blessed with many donations of diapers, wipes, new clothing and essential items for mom and baby.  If you are organized and want to help sort, pick and keep things tidy, this is the volunteer role for you.  We are looking for volunteers to come and help in the donation room on a weekly basis or every other week basis.

You can fill out an application for Options for Women East at this link:  https://welcome.civicchamps.com/apply/options-for-women-east/14732

Help provide fresh and healthy food to your neighbors! Help us create a positive shopping experience for all by:

Our opportunities do not require experience, include training, and are of course fun!

Shifts occur:

Mondays-Thursdays: 8:15am-11:30am, 11:15am-2:30pm, or 2:15pm-5:15pm

Fridays: 8:15am-11:30am

All volunteers ages 18 or older must complete a volunteer orientation as well as a criminal background check prior to volunteering. Youth ages 10 – 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Biggest Needs:

Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 2:15pm-5:15pm shift

Thursdays: ALL shifts (8:15am, 11:15am, & 2:15pm)

Get started today! Both Youth and Adult applications can be found at https://volunteer.veap.org/user/register/.

Community Emergency Service (CES) provides food and hope to our neighbors in need. Our food locker program is the first of it's kind in the midwest and gives families the flexibility to pick up groceries at a time that works best for them—and volunteers make it all possible by packing the grocery bags with care. Your time and effort help hundreds of households access healthy meals with dignity and convenience.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am-11am. 

Location: At CES in Minneapolis

Who: Perfect for individuals, couples, families, or small groups.

Requirements:

- Able to stand and lift up to 20 lbs.

- Attention to detail - following an order list

- Friendly attitude and willingness to work as a team.

- Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Impact:

Every locker you help pack means another Minneapolis neighbor has access to nutritious food—and the dignity of choosing when to receive it.

Ready to help? Sign up online at www.cesmn.org/volunteer or contact Nicole Smalley nsmalley@cesmn.org to get started! 

Brrrr, it's cold outside!  

Interested in hosting a group gear drive? 

The Native American Community Clinic needs hats, scarves, gloves, snowpants, boots and coats - all ages and genders to provide to patients and our unsheltered relatives.  Also able to accept blankets, sweatshirts and sweaters.

Our street outreach team will distribute items to folks living outside while our nursing and patient advocate teams will provide items to folks visiting our medical clinic.  Often, this provides our teams with a chance to engage folks further around housing, treatment, healthcare and social services.

We serve a diverse population living in the Ventura Village and Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis.

Volunteer at Arc's Value Village in Bloomington and help unpack, sort and price great donations.  Volunteers are also need to stock the sales floor and to help colorize/organize wonderful items.

Shifts available 7 days a week and are only 2 hours.  Individuals and groups are welcome! No minimum commitment required--volunteer once or for multiple shifts!  Youth aged 8-15 can also volunteer but must do so with an adult.

Arc's Value Village offers direct volunteer sign-up through our Online Volunteer Calendar! Interested volunteers can visit our website at arcsvaluevillage.org/volunteer. Click the "Volunteer" tab to browse and scroll down to the Click Here to Volunteer Blue Button.  If you need assistance with signing up or have questions contact Michelle T at volunteernow@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3670.

Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.

We are looking for individuals to help stock, organize, and prepare hygiene donations and purchases for distribution to our nonprofit partners serving communities in need. Activities vary depending upon date selected. Visit https://bridgetobasics.org/volunteer-with-us/ to learn more and explore current volunteer needs.

What will volunteers do?  

Hygiene insecurity affects thousands of individuals and families—impacting dignity, health, and opportunity. Many go without basic items like soap, shampoo, or period products simply because they can't afford them. Bridge to Basics is Minnesota’s first nonprofit dedicated to closing that gap. Thank you for your interest in supporting our mission.

We invite you to host a Hygiene Drive to collect personal care products and help ensure everyone in our community has access to daily essentials for a healthy life.

This is a great way to create a fun service project for your organization, business or community. Timing and goals are determined by you; however, needed products and criteria are listed below (note: you do not need to collect all but could focus on Oral or Body Care for instance). We will provide you with a toolkit on how to execute a successful drive.

If you'd like, a representative from Bridge to Basics can come speak to your group about hygiene insecurity, research and our mission. We can also bring a branded barrel to host your donations.

All products can be dropped off at our warehouse or picked up by a Bridge to Basics' volunteer. These items are then added to the hygiene bank inventory and donated to local nonprofits serving hygiene insecure neighbors. 

Contact hello@bridgetobasics.org to request your toolkit. 

Needed Products*:

*Noting all products should be full-size, new, unopened, and not expired. Please remember that hygiene care is personal and endeavor to build a robust and diverse product inventory that is ethnically and culturally inclusive, as well as addresses health sensitivities.

We are looking for individuals, groups and organizations to fund & build specialized packs of select hygiene items to easily share with struggling neighbors. These items will be provided to school social workers, nurses, food shelves and more to distribute with dignity to the students, individuals and families they serve.

Specifically, we need the following:

You choose the items you'd like to focus on, set a goal to build a certain number of packs, purchase enough products, and then start packing!

We appreciate your support to help our community members who are struggling to access these items.

By partnering with teachers and students in under-resourced schools, the Kids In Need Foundation provides the support needed for teachers to teach and learners to learn. The fulfillment of our national programs occurs at our Teacher Resource Center in Roseville, MN. We rely heavily on help from volunteers like you, and would be honored if you would consider joining us to achieve our mission.

We have a number of upcoming volunteer shifts. Interested volunteers can view and register for upcoming volunteer events here! If you are interested in scheduling a time for your group to volunteer, KINF can accommodate up to 60 participants at a time. Please email volunteering@kinf.org if you are interested in setting up a private volunteer group session or if you have any additional questions. 

We can’t wait to have you join us!

Kids In Need Foundation is grateful to accept donations of any size from your family or community. You can easily host a supply drive in person or online to support our mission and work together in the process. Learn more about our DIY supply drives.

With proper resources at their disposal, students find the confidence to return to school day in and day out. Teachers, too, are empowered to do their best work when they are supported by the resources they need to maintain effective, equitable learning environments.

By hosting a supply drive, you can level the playing field in underserved schools.

New Day Thrift Store is looking for people to sort, price and put clothing out on the sales floor.  This person would separate out any stained or unsalable clothes to be donated to other organizations that take them for rags, etc.  Clothes would then be placed on hangers and tagged. Children under 14 are able to volunteer, but an adult needs to come with them to supervise them. Come join us! Our volunteers have fun while helping a great cause! Your help would really be appreciated!!!

Small groups (up to 5) welcome, but we don't have enough space for large groups.

Welcome to Breaking Free! We're excited to have you join us in our mission to end all forms of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. As a valued member of our volunteer team, you play a crucial role in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Below, you'll find an overview of ongoing volunteer opportunities that are available to you:

1. Ongoing Opportunities:

2. Seasonal Opportunities:

3. Individualized Volunteer Opportunities:

4. Housekeeping Needs:

5. Meal Services:

6. Supervised Play:

7. Event Planning and Coordination:

8. Virtual Opportunities (Coming Soon):

Please refer to this list regularly, as new opportunities will be posted. We appreciate your dedication to our cause and look forward to working together to create a safer and brighter future for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Thank you for being part of our team!

Warm regards,

Breaking Free

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Thank you for your contribution to this community effort! Lending events wouldn't be possible without your help! 

Volunteers help members check toys in-and-out, with our user-friendly, custom-built computer program, as well as keep track of toys in the inventory (counting pieces etc.).

Volunteers also help to re-shelve returned toys and keep the space looking presentable. 

Events can be fast-paced and fun! Take some time away from the kids and feel good about helping the community!

We especially need help on the Wednesday evening shift.  This one is difficult for us to fill.  Even an hour or two can really help us out to keep our doors open for lending hours.

Great opportunity for students who need to full fill volunteer hours for school!

Looking for a group volunteer opportunity for your company.  We can have around 20 people in a group. 

Things you group could help us with would include, labeling, cleaning, checking batteries, taping up boxes or replacing bags.

We are a small (4 moms) volunteer run non profit organization.  Not sure what a toy library is?  Think of a book library but with toys.  We have nearly 5000 toys that our members can check out for up to a month at a time.  We work hard to reduce waste and recycle many other items at the library.

Contact us today for a great opportunity for your company!

Looking for a group volunteer opportunity for your company?  We can have up to 20 people in a group. 

Things you group could help us with would include: labeling toys, cleaning, checking batteries on toys, taping up boxes or replacing bags.

We are a small (4 moms) volunteer run non profit organization.  Not sure what a toy library is?  Think of a book library but with toys.  We have nearly 5000 toys that our members can check out for up to a month at a time.  We work hard to reduce waste and recycle many other items at the library.

Contact us today for a great opportunity for your company!

Thank you for your contribution to this community effort! Lending events wouldn't be possible without your help! 

Volunteers help members check toys in-and-out, with our user-friendly, custom-built computer program, as well as keep track of toys in the inventory (counting pieces etc.).

Volunteers also help to re-shelve returned toys and keep the space looking presentable. 

Events can be fast-paced and fun! Take some time away from the kids and feel good about helping the community!

We especially need help on the Wednesday evening shift.  This one is difficult for us to fill.  Even an hour or two can really help us out to keep our doors open for lending hours.

Great opportunity for students who need to full fill volunteer hours for school!

Thank you for your contribution to this community effort! Lending events wouldn't be possible without your help! 

Volunteers help members check toys in-and-out, with our user-friendly, custom-built computer program, as well as keep track of toys in the inventory (counting pieces etc.).

Volunteers also help to re-shelve returned toys and keep the space looking presentable. 

Events can be fast-paced and fun! Take some time away from the kids and feel good about helping the community!

Great opportunity for students who need to full fill volunteer hours for school!

Food Shelf Aide

Come help our neighbors with their food needs! We are looking for 4-6 volunteers per weekly shift, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am-12:30pm and 12:30pm-4:30pm to work with our food shelf staff. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older. We ask volunteers to commit to a 4-hour-a-week shift for a minimum of two months.

All volunteers must be pre-registered with a volunteer application https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=335122860&OR=1 and be scheduled through Sally Newbury at snewbury@npimn.org. People of color and/or bilingual language talents are strongly encouraged to apply.

Youth who are 14, 15, 16 and 17 years old can volunteer with us with some of our public events and with our food shelf. We require prior parental written permission that applicant will receive after completing the volunteer application. The 14 and 15 year old youth can volunteer when accompanied by their parent or guardian. The 16 and 17 year old youth can volunteer by themselves with our Food Shelf.

Forms to review/sign prior to volunteering at NorthPoint will be sent to you once your application is received and include: 1) Volunteer Requirements and 2) Civil Rights Checklist

Please take all necessary precautions if you are health compromised or caring for someone with compromised health. We ask you NOT to volunteer if you or anyone in your household ill or has tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Volunteers must consider this self-assessment:

Please do not volunteer if you are sick or experiencing any of the following symptoms:

* Fever

* Cough

* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

* Chills

* Headache

* Muscle pain

* Sore throat

* New loss of taste or smell

This list is subject to change to reflect the current public health recommendations. For more information, see the Minnesota Department of Health website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

Face coverings

All staff and volunteers are encouraged to wear face coverings that cover both mouth and nose and are secure with ear loops. NorthPoint will provide disposable masks and gloves during yours shift.

Assignments

Volunteers will be assigned to packing boxes of dry food, bagging produce, receiving and stocking donations and purchased food deliveries. NorthPoint staff will have direct contact with customers (not volunteers) to register and receive food.

When you arrive for your shift, please use the back door of the Food Shelf to enter and wash your hands in the breakroom or bathroom. Please sign in to utilizing the kiosk in the hydration room to record your time in and please remember to sign out at the end of your shift too. Report to the Food Shelf staff for your assignment.

How to Dress and What to Bring

Please wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from boxes and pallets. No sandals please. Please dress modestly with shorts that come to the knee or long pants and short or long sleeves. We ask volunteers to come with their own cloth-mask on their face and you may swap it for a NorthPoint disposable mask once you arrive. There will be bottled drinking water on site but you are also encouraged to bring your own reusable water bottle. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the site.

Directions and Parking

The NorthPoint Health Food Shelf is located at 1835 Penn Avenue North in Minneapolis on the corner of Penn and Golden Valley Road. Please use on-street parking for your vehicle. We save the parking lot on the south side of the building for customers.

Any questions, please contact Jamiela Taylor at jtaylor@npimn.org or 612-767-0324 text/call.

Please apply to be a NorthPoint Volunteer:

https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/web-admin/app/#/join-party?k=2ts8d7sai99bqu&e=27654&fromOrg

 Assignments: 
Volunteers will be assigned to packing boxes of dry food, bagging produce, receiving and stocking donations and purchased food deliveries.  NorthPoint staff will have direct contact with guests (not volunteers) to register and receive food. When you arrive for your shift, please use the entry door of the Food Shelf, enter, to record your time sign in, check in with designated supervisor and wash your hands in the breakroom or hand washing sink.  Please remember to sign out at the end of your shift.  Our Food Shelf Supervisor will provide you with training at your first shift as well. 
 

Health and Safety around COVID-19: 

Please take all necessary precautions if you are health compromised or caring for someone with compromised health.  Please do not volunteer if you or anyone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19. 

 
Please do not volunteer if you are sick or anyone in your household is sick or experiencing any of the following symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Chills, Headache, Muscle pain, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell 

This list is subject to change to reflect the current public health recommendations.  For more information, see the Minnesota Department of Health website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html 
 

Required face coverings:  

All staff and volunteers are encouraged to wear face coverings that cover both mouth and nose and are secure with ear loops.  NorthPoint will provide disposable masks and gloves during yours shift.  
 

How to Dress and What to Bring: 
Please wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from boxes and pallets.  No sandals please.  Please dress modestly with shorts that come to the knee or long pants and short or long sleeves.  There will be bottled drinking water on site but you are also encouraged to bring your own reusable water bottle.  Hand sanitizer and disposable masks will be available throughout the building.  
 
Directions and Parking: 

Free ramp parking is suggested and available across the street from the main campus at:

1256 Penn Avenue North.  Parking entrance is located via Oliver Avenue North.

Jamiela Taylor | Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

jtaylor@npimn.org; 612-767-0324 phone/text 

You can make a difference in the lives of those Avivo serves by donating urgent donation needs items or kits, which are listed below. Items can range from welcome baskets to move-in kits to basic hygiene items, and all make a tremendous difference in someone’s life. If you’re interested in making a difference, please look carefully over the following options to select a donation or kit that matches your interests.

Learn more about items needed and drop-off information.

Join YouthLink’s team and help keep our food shelf running smoothly! In this role, you’ll take in weekly orders, stock items, organize shelves, and maintain a tidy, welcoming space for youth. The food shelf is a high-traffic, well-used, and well-loved resource at YouthLink, and this independent role makes a big impact on our daily operations.

Volunteers are needed Thursdays around 10:30 a.m., but the schedule is flexible. This position includes some moderate lifting of boxes

Gifts for Seniors accepts in-kind donations by appointment or via mail only (no unscheduled drop-ins). Schedule your appointment today by emailing info@giftsforseniors.org! 

We need your help to provide winter scarves to older adults! With these simple tutorials, you can make no-sew scarves at home and donate them to those in need.

YouTube Tutorial

Step by Step Tutorial

This opportunity is available throughout the year! Visit us online at www.giftsforseniors.org - Thank you!

Often our patient's are experiencing food insecurity and waiting at the clinic to see a provider can be a challenge on the best of days.  Please consider creating a little shelf stable snack pack for our youngest patients!  

Nice items to include would be applesauce packets, cheese and crackers, goldfish, fruit strips, pirate booty, veggie straws, fruit snacks, etc...

For babies 3+ months old, consider a container or travel size puff snack!

This opportunity would need to be fulfilled at your home or business/church/group space then either dropped off at our clinic or a staff member could arrange to have items picked up.

Gifts for Seniors accepts in-kind donations by appointment or via mail only (no unscheduled drop-ins). Schedule your appointment today by emailing info@giftsforseniors.org! 

We need your help to provide handmade blankets for isolated older adults. Please sort by season when shipping. 

Open our Tie Blanket Making Flyer to learn more!

This opportunity is available throughout the year! Visit us online at www.giftsforseniors.org - Thank you!

Learn about volunteering with Gifts for Seniors.

Share your skills-based talents in technology, fundraising and resource development, event planning, marketing, communications, photo/video/written journalism, inventory management, data and statistics, monthly accounting, research projects, teamwork, or your great new idea!

This opportunity is available throughout the year! Thank you!

Learn about becoming a Gifts for Seniors partner.

Tech for Seniors - Using Tech to Help Alleviate Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Learn more about volunteering with Tech for Seniors

Gifts for Seniors

2300 Kennedy Street NE, Suite 40
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Contact Us

We are seeing an increased demand for books and invite you to gather your friends, family, and community and join us in promoting literacy and diversity in books by hosting a book drive.

No matter whether you host one in-person or virtually, you will be planting seeds of social change as literacy is a key determinant of academic, social, and economic success.

Visit https://www.ppgjli.org/host-a-book-drive for all the tools and resources needed to host a book drive!

Create Good Night kits to help FamilyWise families with bedtime preparedness.

We're looking for bundles containing the following items:

Bundles can be packaged in a tote bag for convenience.
Great opportunity for large volunteer groups or families!

Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday 9AM to 4PM at 3036 University Ave SE Minneapolis MN 55414

Please contact the volunteer coordinator with any questions and to notify for drop off mrosheim@familywiseservices.org

Description

Powered by Open Cupboard, Today’s Harvest depends on the dedication of volunteers like you to serve families in need. This role is perfect if you’re looking for a hands-on, active, and fun way to give back to your community!

Today’s Harvest offers a fresh approach to food access. By rescuing food that might otherwise go to waste, we provide neighbors with a changing selection of fresh produce, bread, meat, and other staples. Each visit gives households a 1–2 day supply of nutritious food, helping families stretch their budgets. Shopper's are welcome to visit everyday.

Open six days a week, Today’s Harvest is a bustling market that simply wouldn’t run without the support of our amazing volunteers. From stocking shelves to greeting guests, there’s always meaningful work to do—and every shift makes a real difference.

Market Shopping Assistant

Market Restocking

Requirements

Schedule

Location
Today's Harvest Maplewood - 1740 Van Dyke St , Maplewood MN 55109
Today's Harvest Oakdale - 8264 4th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128

To get started, complete our volunteer application form, or contact us at volunteer@opencupboard.org or (651) 300-0662. You can also visit our website at www.todaysharvestmn.org for more information.

Help keep the Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP) Food Shelf stocked with items that are often requested but are difficult or expensive for us to purchase. Pack kits that our volunteers will put directly on our shelves for shoppers. Once packed completed kits can be dropped off at the IOCP donation door during regular hours. Each type of kit includes specific items, please contact our Community Engagement Team for details (getinvolved@iocp.org).

Type of Kits Available - visit iocp.org/kits for specific details on what is included in each kit

*IOCP is unable to purchase or provide materials for a service project. Please purchase or source items on your own.

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment and more.

Support our food shelf by serving as a Shopper Assistants to help program participants while they are shopping in the food shelf and help staff when needed during the shift. This could involve greeting shoppers, gathering items for shoppers, bagging items, restocking shelves, and answering questions. This role requires following all safety guidelines required by Interfaith Outreach, be able to stand/move/bend on cement for length of shift, be able to lift 20lbs, be over 18, and be able to respectfully work with diverse populations.

Weekly Shift Schedule:

Monday: 12:45 - 3 p.m. & 2:45 - 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:30 - 11:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Thursday: 2:45 - 5 p.m. & 4:45 - 7:15 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Sign up and learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at iocp.volunteerhub.com.

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more.

Support our food shelf by helping to sort through incoming donations and stocking the shelves in preparation for guests to shop. This could involve checking expiration dates, stocking shelves, repacking items, packing orders for home delivery, and helping staff when needed. This role requires following all safety guidelines required by Interfaith Outreach, be able to lift 20lbs, be able to stand/move/bend on cement for length of shift, be over 16, and be able to respectfully work with diverse populations.

Weekly Shift Schedule:

Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sign up and learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at iocp.volunteerhub.com

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more.

The leaves are falling and winter is on the way...  Would your team or group like to help our unhoused relatives stay healthy and cozy this winter?  This opportunity would see your team purchasing the items to donate to the Native American Community Clinic and assembling them off-site in the location of your choice and dropping them off at our clinic.

Pack some kits that NACC's harm reduction team can distribute to folks in need. 

Possible items to include:  Hand warmers, beanie, gloves, wool socks, tissues, chapstick.

At our Brooklyn Park Volunteer Center, volunteers assist with sorting, labeling, weighing and packing various food items to meet immediate needs and help feed our hungry neighbors. The projects vary from day to day and volunteers regularly work with fresh produce, dry goods, bread, and other food donations. This volunteer position requires volunteers to be able to twist and bend down, stand for the duration of their shift, and lift up to 5 pounds. Some positions require the ability to lift 40 pounds. We do have a limited number of seated positions available; please let us know if you need accommodations.

Learn More & Sign Up on our website: volunteer.2harvest.org

We are distributing pre-boxed food that will provide a week's worth of groceries to those facing hunger in our communities. We need volunteers to help distribute the food from 4:30-8 pm. Jobs include placing pre-boxed items in shopping carts and placing groceries to client's cars, and event clean up. We can host up to 15 volunteers for this shift. Click Here to register. (please wear work-appropriate clothes and no open-toed shoes please). We always serve with a spirit of joy and look forward to having you join us!

We practice social distancing and wear face masks and gloves while serving.  Assure you are feeling well with no cough/fever/ or upper respiratory issues

Contact: jamie@goodinthehood.org if you have any questions or have difficulty getting registered. 

ENTER DOOR #1 

We serve a week's worth of groceries to those facing hunger in our community.  Volunteers help set up the site for the day's distribution. Children are welcome with an adult supervision.

The Tech for Seniors initiative is dedicated to getting tablets into the hands of isolated older adults who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford one themselves. During the pandemic older adults who were already experiencing isolation suddenly became further challenged to remain connected when they were cut off from the outside world. In best efforts to alleviate the devastating loneliness, Tech for Seniors was launched. Volunteers pre-load donated tablets with video conferencing software, networking opportunities, several mind-occupying apps, and other entertainment options. The in-store purchasing function may also be disabled so less tech savvy seniors are not exploited by scammers.

Tech for Seniors, a program of Gifts for Seniors, offers two programs in pursuit of our mission to alleviate social isolation and loneliness.

 This opportunity is available throughout the year! Thank you!!!

Tech for Seniors - Using Tech to Help Alleviate Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Learn more about volunteering with Tech for Seniors

We accept in-kind donations by appointment or via mail only (no unscheduled drop-ins). Schedule your appointment today by emailing info@giftsforseniors.org! 

Learn more about Cards for Seniors.

This opportunity is available throughout the year! Thank you!

Does your group love to put together care packages to share with those who need extra support? You are invited to coordinate a gift kit project like one of these:

Thank you!

Gifts for Seniors

2300 Kennedy Street NE, Suite 40
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Contact Us

Description

Powered by Open Cupboard, Today’s Harvest depends on the dedication of volunteers like you to serve families in need. This role is perfect if you’re looking for a hands-on, active, and fun way to give back to your community!

Today’s Harvest offers a fresh approach to food access. By rescuing food that might otherwise go to waste, we provide neighbors with a changing selection of fresh produce, bread, meat, and other staples. Each visit gives households a 1–2 day supply of nutritious food, helping families stretch their budgets. Guests are welcome to visit as often as needed.

Open six days a week, Today’s Harvest is a bustling market that simply wouldn’t run without the support of our amazing volunteers. From stocking shelves to greeting guests, there’s always meaningful work to do—and every shift makes a real difference.

Food Sorting Overview

Food sorting plays a vital role in ensuring that families who visit Today’s Harvest receive healthy, safe, and high-quality food—all while helping reduce food waste in our community.

Food sorting is the process of organizing and preparing rescued food so it’s safe, fresh, and ready to share with our community. When food donations arrive—often from grocery stores, food rescue partners, or community drives—volunteers help sort through the items to check for quality and safety.

This includes:

Separating food into categories such as produce, bread, meat, dairy, and dry goods.

Removing items that are spoiled, damaged, or unsafe to distribute.

Organizing market-ready food so it can be stocked quickly and efficiently.

Composting, garbage or recycling items when appropriate.

Requirements

Schedule

Locations

Today's Harvest Maplewood - 1740 Van Dyke St, Maplewood MN 55109

Today's Harvest Oakdale, 8264 4th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128

To get started, complete our volunteer application form, or contact us at volunteer@opencupboard.org or (651) 300-0662. You can also visit our website at www.todaysharvestmn.org for more information.

Retail Rescue Drivers play a crucial role in providing healthy, non-perishable food to our clients. Drivers pick up large food shelf donations from local grocery stores. The food is no longer able to be sold at the grocery store for various reasons but still safe to consume. This role saves thousands of pounds of food from being in a landfill each day!

Position Summary

The Retail Rescue Drivers help gather and load up donations then transport them back to IOCP. Due to the size of these donations often, drivers use IOCP vans and trucks for pick-ups. This role requires heavy lifting. Volunteers should be able to lift 50+lbs. Sign up for a New Volunteer Meeting to learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at iocp.volunteerhub.com

Key Responsibilities:

Skills and Qualifications

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more.

Help support all of IOCP's client centered programs by volunteering in Resale Select. Resale volunteers:

Sign up and learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at iocp.volunteerhub.com

Treasure Hunters work as a team to help sort through and process donations or assist with projects in our Resale store. We strive to have a welcome environment and we ask all volunteers come with a pleasant and cheerful rapport, respect, attentiveness, responsiveness, courtesy and willingness/ability to work as part of a collaborative team.

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more.

Help support all of IOCP's client centered programs by volunteering in Resale Select. Resale volunteers:

Sign up and learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at iocp.volunteerhub.com

Store Support volunteers help to keep our store staffed, open, stocked, and organized. They serve in a variety of areas depending on the needs of the store on any given day. We strive to have a welcome environment and we ask all volunteers come with a pleasant and cheerful rapport, respect, attentiveness, responsiveness, courtesy and willingness/ability to work as part of a collaborative team.

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more. 

Help support both IOCP's Food Shelf and Resale Store by:

Volunteers will be working in and outside so please make sure to dress for the weather. Volunteers must be 16 or older and be comfortable lifting about 50 lbs.

Weekly Shift Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays: 9:30am - 1:30pm & 1:15 - 5:15pm

Sign up and learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at iocp.volunteerhub.com

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more.

Volunteer as a Sunshine Caller!

Volunteer with Family Pathways to connect with neighbors in your community and make an immediate impact by engaging in a wonderful act of kindness!

Our volunteers offer “sunshine calls” to isolated older persons to ensure continued well-being of the individual and social contact. You’ll be trained in empathy and communication and provide phone calls over four weeks to program participants. You’ll find moments to laugh – these are simply conversations that should feel natural, with no profanity, and no inappropriate, religious or political topics.

By volunteering with FAMILY PATHWAYS as a Sunshine Caller, your time will make an important impact by:

  o  Providing a source of meaningful connection for both the older adults and the Sunshine Caller
  o  Working with each participant to better understand their individual needs
  o  Customizing the number of calls made per week, typically between 2 and 4. During these calls, the Sunshine Caller lets the client guide the conversation with topics (like gardening or new recipes, that they want to talk about).
  o  Providing the option to continue receiving one check-in call per week after four weeks.
  o  Volunteering as a Family Pathways i Sunshine Caller includes making notes after each call to be included in a monthly report you’ll make about the calls made. You’ll share information about the wellbeing and concerns of the person receiving the call and will report any immediate concerns as soon as possible.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete an application form at www.familypathways.org/volunteer. If you have questions, email us at volunteer@familypathways.org.

Did you know?
  o  Family Pathways works alongside people to enhance lives through a continuum of essential services and—together with the community—champions positive social change.
  o  Since 1978, Family Pathways has steadfastly supported our neighbors, collaborating with partners, individuals, businesses, organizations, and faith communities passionate about their local areas. Serving the City of Forest Lake; Cloquet, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties in Minnesota, and Polk County in Wisconsin.
  o  We provide Food Access Services, Aging Services, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services and provide Food Shelves in these locations:
  o  In MN at Cambridge, Chisago City, Forest Lake, North Branch, Onamia, Pine City, and Sandstone; in WI at Frederic and St. Croix Falls.
  o  Family Pathways is the fastest growing non-profit thrift store in East Central MN and Polk County, WI in these locations: Cambridge, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hinckley, Lindstrom, North Branch, Onamia, Pine City, Princeton, Wyoming, MN and St. Croix Falls, WI.

Our Family Pathways Thrift Stores are more than a place to find a bargain!  By volunteering with us, you'll be helping neighbors from your community.

Family Pathways Thrift Stores transform donated goods into opportunity, investment, and good environmental stewardship.  By volunteering at a Family Pathways Thrift Store, your time will provide an important impact by:

We are looking for you!

Volunteers do a variety of tasks within the stores. If interested, please fill out an application at www.familypathways.org/volunteer or email us at volunteer@familypathways.org.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Did you know? 

Family Pathways is the fastest growing non-profit thrift store in East Central MN and Polk County, WI.  You can find Family Pathways Thrift Stores in Cambridge, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hinckley, Lindstrom, North Branch, Onamia, Pine City, Princeton, and Wyoming, MN; and in St. Croix Falls, WI.

Merrick Community Service seeks Food Shelf Volunteers

We are seeking individuals or small groups that can help out in our Food Shelf. Shifts are available Mondays 3pm 5pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 am-12 pm. Stock shelves as needed. Unload and organize boxed and packaged food. Some lifting up to 20 pounds may be necessary but not required to volunteer. Additional shifts may be available. Contact Joshua Bau for more information at 651-219-5535 or jbau@merrickcs.org

For 40+ years, Loaves & Fishes has gone where the hunger is. Today, we are the largest free restaurant in Minnesota. Most of our volunteer opportunities involve cooking & serving our Loaves & Fishes guests. We remain committed to the health and safety of our guests. One benefit we like to offer during meal site throughout the year includes hygiene or self care kits. If your organization would like to do something without leaving the office these self care kits are ideal. Organizations can fund and put together kits on their own time to be delivered to the Loaves & Fishes warehouse at 721 Kasota Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN. Notify the Director of Volunteers when planning to donate at volunteer@loavesandfishesmn.org. 

Recommended Kit Items:

Items are usually packaged in a ziploc bag.

To view additional volunteer opportunities check out: https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/volunteer/

We also love when companies do supply drives for food items such as bulk spices and beans!

Reachout to the Director of Volunteers with questions: volunteer@loavesandfishesmn.org

The Open Door is a hunger relief organization dedicated to ending local hunger through access to healthy food. Through its collective programs, The Open Door serves more than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributes over 5 million pounds of food annually-70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients are able to access healthy food choices through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, multiple Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box, and the Garden To Table program.

Position Summary:

Warehouse Assistants ensure dry goods and perishable items in the pantry are well stocked. They will also help pull items for offsite distributions, accept and sort incoming donations, and assist with the general upkeep of the warehouse area.

Primary Duties and Essential Responsibilities:

• Ensure store is well stocked with perishable and nonperishable foods prior to the start of client appointments .

• Accept and sort incoming donations.

• During store hours, pull dry goods from the warehouse for Pantry Assistants to stock shelves

• Ensure warehouse is clean and organized.

• Restock refrigerated perishable items during store hours

• Unload dry good pallets

• Accept and repackage incoming Garden to Table produce

• Mop and sweep floors 15 minutes prior to store open

Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be 16+ years of age unless accompanied by an adult

• Ability to stand on feet for up to 3 hours

• Must be ok working in varying temperatures since this role will require working inside a walk-in cooler

• Strong desire to eradicate hunger in Dakota County

• Must be able to lift 20+ pounds

• Closed-toed shoes required

Commitment:

Volunteer shifts are 2.5 hours long. Weekday morning, afternoon and evening opportunities are available

There is no requirement of volunteer shifts each month.

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Warehouse Assistant as the role interested in.

The Open Door is a hunger relief organization dedicated to ending local hunger through access to healthy food. Through its collective programs, The Open Door serves more than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributes over 5 million pounds of food annually-70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients are able to access healthy food choices through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, multiple Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box, and the Garden To Table program.

Food Sorters play a crucial role in providing healthy, perishable food to our clients by receiving, weighing, and inspecting food from our food rescue grocery store partners. This role ensures all food meets our quality standards by following USDA food safety guidelines. The food donated is no longer able to be sold at the grocery store for various reasons, but is still safe to consume. This role saves thousands of pounds of food from being sent to a landfill each day! After food is sorted, this volunteer will ensure it is properly staged until it’s ready to be stocked in the store or loaded for an offsite distribution.

Position Summary

Food Sorters are responsible for unloading the truck and sorting food donations from our food rescue grocery retail stores. These volunteers will also load the mobile pantry vehicles for our offsite distributions.

Primary Duties and Essential Responsibilities

* Sort through food donations

* Unload and weigh food from delivery

* Stage food as required

Skills and Qualifications

* Must be 16+ years of age.

* Ability to lift 20+ pounds.

* Strong desire to eradicate hunger in Dakota County

* Closed-toed shoes required

* Ability to stand on feet for the duration of shift

Training and Support

Sorters will be properly trained prior to their first shift and staff will be available for questions throughout the shift.

Commitment (time, duration and location)

Food Sorters are located at the Open Door, 3000 Ames Crossing Road. Monday through Friday shifts available with many shift options. There is no requirement of volunteer shifts each month.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

* Help your neighbors

* Help in the fight to end hunger in Dakota County

* Help the environment by keeping food out of landfills

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Food Sorter as the role interested in.

The Open Door is a hunger relief organization dedicated to ending local hunger through access to healthy food. Through its collective programs, The Open Door serves more than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributes over 5 million pounds of food annually, 70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients are able to access healthy food choices through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, multiple Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box, and the Garden To Table program. Take a quick tour of our programs below.

Food Rescue Drivers play a crucial role in providing healthy, non-perishable food to our clients. Food Rescue Drivers pick up donated food at grocery stores near the Eagan Pantry location. The food is no longer able to be sold at the grocery store for various reasons but still safe to consume. This role saves thousands of pounds of food from being in a landfill each day! 

Position Summary

The Retail Rescue Driver is responsible for receiving, storage and stocking food. This role requires heavy lifting. Volunteers should be able to lift 40+lbs.  

Primary Duties and Essential Responsibilities

• Using The Open Door Van, pick up food donations at local grocery stores.

• Bring food donations to the Open Door (3000 Ames Crossing Road)

• Unload and weigh food from delivery

Skills and Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years of age.

• Ability to lift 40+ pounds.

• Background Check Required

• Strong desire to eradicate hunger in Dakota County

• Closed-toed shoes required

• Valid Minnesota driver’s license and complete a driver's background check

Training and Support

Food Rescue Drivers will be properly trained prior to their first route. Volunteers will be paired with an experienced volunteer who will help guide them through their first shift. 

Commitment (time, duration and location)

Food Rescue Drivers are located at the Open Door, 3000 Ames Crossing Road. Monday through Friday shifts available, anytime between 7am and 9:30am. There is no minimum requirement of volunteer shifts each month.

Benefits to the Volunteer: 

• Help your neighbors

• Help in the fight to end hunger in Dakota County

• Help the environment by keeping food out of landfills

If interested, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer@theopendoorpantry.org or fill out our Volunteer Application and mark Food Rescue as the role interested in.

Do you have a passion for sustainable fashion? Neighbors' Thrift Store is the place for you!

Our Thrift Store is an integral part of the work we do here at Neighbors, Inc. Besides being a way for the public and the community to interact with Neighbors’ mission, the Thrift Store also provides clothing to clients who cannot afford to shop in a dignified manner by allowing them to shop from the same selection as the general public. Without our volunteers receiving donations, processing and pricing the items and working the cash register, this mission would not be possible.

Key Activities

Qualifications

Times: