VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Thank you for your interest in volunteering!
Needs are organized by category. Please select one below or scroll down to see all current volunteer opportunities.
MOST URGENT
Animal Welfare
Supporting Cats and Dogs in Michiana
ONGOING NEED
Volunteers are needed at Pet Refuge to help with feeding, cleaning, fostering, socializing, and promoting our animals waiting for homes. Evening, morning, and weekend opportunities are available!
We are located directly off the US 20 bypass at the Michigan Street exit and invite you to come meet us and see how you can become part of our team. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Janet Graham at janet@petrefuge.com or call 574-231-1122
SOUTH BEND
Children & Family
Red Kettle Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army
ONGOING NEED
Volunteers are needed to help ring bells during the holiday season for the Salvation Army. For more information and to sign up to ring bells, click the volunteer button below.
ELKHART COUNTY
Distribution of Red Ribbon Baskets
Thursday, December 14th
Volunteers are needed a the Salvation Army of Elkhart (300 N. Main Street, Elkhart) to help distribute Red Ribbon Baskets to families.
The shift schedule begins at 7:30 am and goes to 5:30 pm. Shifts are a minimum of 2 hours. The shift around noon involves receiving a lunch. Snacks are also provided.
This work does involve some heavier jobs and some lighter jobs. Those interested in volunteering should contact Ron Sherck at The Salvation Army – Elkhart.
574-970-0088
ELKHART
Christmas Assistance Distribution
Wednesday, December 13th
Volunteers are needed a the Salvation Army of Elkhart (300 N. Main Street, Elkhart) to help distribute Christmas assistance items. The shift schedule begins at 7:30 am and goes to 5:30 pm. Shifts are a minimum of 2 hours. The shift around noon involves receiving a lunch. Snacks are also provided.
This work does involve some heavier jobs and some lighter jobs. Those interested in volunteering should contact Ron Sherck at The Salvation Army – Elkhart .
574-970-0088
ELKHART
Christmas Assistance Distribution
Monday, December 11th
Volunteers are needed at the Salvation Army of Elkhart (300 N. Main Street, Elkhart) to receive donated items being dropped off in preparation for the Christmas distribution. The shift schedule begins at 7:30 am and goes to 5:30 pm. Shifts are a minimum of 2 hours. The shift around noon involves receiving a lunch. Snacks are also provided.
This work does involve some heavier jobs and lighter jobs.
For those interested in volunteering, please contact Ron Sherck at 574-970-0088.
ELKHART
Elkhart Education Foundation – Ugly Sweater Run
Saturday, December 2nd
Elkhart Education Foundation is looking for Volunteers for the Ugly Sweater Run on December 2nd. There is also a shift available on December 1st for Registration. Any questions can be sent to Rose Goyette, Executive Assistant at info@elkhartedfoundation.org.
Elkhart Education Foundation is the Nonprofit arm of Elkhart Community Schools, and works to provide a school system that encourages learning, one that provides opportunities for all students to discover their “spark” while encouraging college and career readiness.
More info can be found at https://www.elkhartedfoundation.org/ugly-sweater-run/, and
ELKHART
Community Development
Board Member for Open Door Pantry
ONCE PER MONTH
Open Door Pantry seeking 2 dedicated board members. Our mission statement is to provide the greater Michiana community with food and resources to assist in times of need.
Board meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 6 pm and last 1.5-2 hours. Board members to be involved in helping with the following, if possible:
*Pantry give out day- 2nd Tuesday every month from 2:30-5pm
*Set up Radiant Life Sanctuary three times/year for special pantry give out (May, Sept & Dec)
*Procure donations & table sponsors for annual fundraiser & work the evening of the event
If you would like more information, please contact Pam Smith, Board President of Open Door Pantry at 574-370-6326.
ELKHART
Goshen First Fridays
Every first Friday of the month
Sign up to volunteer during Downtown Goshen First Fridays in 2023!
You must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by a responsible adult. Please be prepared to stay for the entirety of your shift as these events are well-attended and require full participation.
For more information or to sign up, please click the link below.
GOSHEN
Education & Literacy
Emergency & Safety Services
Environmental
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
ONGOING NEED
You can make a difference in your community! Volunteering at Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a great way to get outside, have fun, and meet new people. We have volunteer opportunities for everyone, in every part of the Gardens. Below are just a few ways you can get involved.
Visitors Cottage volunteers welcome guests with a smile and help make a visit to Wellfield memorable. They also help with greeting guests for our special events. Horticulture volunteers help with planting, pruning, weeding, and general garden maintenance. Digging in the soil is good for the soul! Education volunteers assist with school field trips or adult educational programs. Garden Ambassadors spend time out in the Gardens greeting our guests, answering questions, and assisting our Guest Services staff. Event volunteers lend a helping hand setting up for special events, such as weddings and concerts. Administrative volunteers assist in our office with clerical duties including mailings and organization. We always welcome groups and organizations looking for volunteer opportunities.
For more information please contact Jodie Papandrea at 574-266-2006 ext. 107 or email Wellfield.
ELKHART
Faith-Based
Rose Garden Recovery Community
ONGOING NEED
Rose Garden Recovery Community has 2 homes that have an ongoing need for mowing and yard work to be done during the 1st and 3rd week of every month.
Our locations are 72876 CR 29 Syracuse, IN and 11007 SR 13 Syracuse, IN 46567.
Our location on CR 29 takes about 5 hours to mow and the location on SR 13 takes about 2 hours to mow.
For more information or to volunteer, please email Kayly.
SYRACUSE
Health & Wellness
Heart to Heart Hospice
ONGOING NEED
At Heart to Heart Hospice we offer an extraordinary level of personal assistance to meet the needs of our patients and families. This would not be possible without the support of our dedicated and compassionate volunteers. By volunteering and giving your time, you can make a significate impact on the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and those that care for them.
Become a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers may :
- Provide companionship
- Read books/news
- Celebrate holidays
- Help with light housekeeping
- Make phone calls or write letters
- Provide emotional support/spiritual support
- Assist with a memory journal
- Sit with patients to relieve care caregivers
- Help with bereavement
For more information, contact Lori Baldwin, volunteer coordinator at 574.350.4977
ELKHART COUNTY
Homelessness & Food Insecurities
Serving Meals on Wheels of Goshen
ONGOING NEED
🌟🚗 Join Our Meals on Wheels Team and Make a Difference! 🚗🌟
Are you ready to spread love and make a tangible impact on the lives of our community’s seniors? We’ve got an incredible opportunity waiting for you! 🙌
Drivers: We have multiple immediate meal delivery volunteer opportunities for a dedicated weekly route (this is a one day per week commitment). Deliver meals to homebound seniors, leaving The Window at 11 am. Each route is approximately 5-15 miles. Time varies per route per driver, but some can be run in 15 minutes while other volunteers develop friendships with the clients and spend a bit more time.
Dispatcher: A dispatcher packages in meal containers prepared by the kitchen into the appropriate coolers and hot bags, takes the meal carts to the back door, and hands the coolers to each driver. Upon a drivers return the dispatcher will clean the cooler and hot/cold packs, place them on the rolling cart, and return the cart to the kitchen. This volunteer commitment is from 10 am – 12:30 pm.
There is always a need for substitutes who have flexible availability to fill in.
Contact Bridgette Chambers at 574-533-9680
GOSHEN