February gave us a lot of great things. We showered those we love in chocolate and roses, heard beautiful performances from local artists, and were stunned by performances on a national scale (we’re looking at you, Stax Music Academy and Jazmine Sullivan!). We’ve celebrated our city in a panoply of ways.
While February was good for our souls in some ways, it was hard on our mentality and our city after seemingly-endless grey days followed by a seemingly-historic snowstorm. If you struggled with the February blues and need a pick-me-up that impacts the Memphis community this March, we have a list of volunteer projects that might do the trick.
Engage your kids, your roommates, or your pod of friends in service this month with these 7 volunteer opportunities brought to you by Volunteer Odyssey.
Make a difference from a distance with these remote volunteer opportunities:
Housewarming Baskets with Community Alliance for the Homeless, open opportunity
Build baskets for newly housed individuals and families to welcome them into their new home. This is a great way to support someone who has previously experienced homelessness. Click here for details on what to include and where to drop the baskets off.
Care Kits for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Mission, open opportunity
Build care kits for neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness served daily by the St. Vincent de Paul food mission. For a list of products to donate and drop-off information, email dannon@volunteerodyssey.com.
Personal Hygiene Kits for Community Alliance For The Homeless, open opportunity
CAFTH is collecting assembled care bags containing new or unopened sample or travel size hygiene items to give to those experiencing homelessness. The care bags will be put into backpacks along with survival items such as socks, hats, and blankets; depending on the season. Backpacks are given to housing insecure individuals at shelters and during outreach visits. For a complete list of what to include and where to drop them off, click here.
Get out and give back with these in-person volunteer opportunities:
Andrew Chiego Day of Service at the Levitt Shell, March 20th from 10:00am to 2:00pm
In memory of the Shell’s dear friend, Andrew Chiego, join the Levitt Shell for the Andrew Chiego Day of Service, focusing on spring spruce up projects around the Shell! Projects such as painting, planting, and other outdoor opportunities will be featured. All volunteers will need to wear a mask and bring a water bottle. Stay up to date on when registration opens on their page here.
Community COVID-19 Testing with Cherokee Health Systems at their Frayser location, weekly opportunities from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. You can support Cherokee Health Systems as they offer COVID testing to anyone who needs it. They have two locations, but need extra support at their Frayser office. See details and register here.
Want more volunteer opportunities? Make sure you’re signed up here!
Past opportunities:
- Warehouse Volunteer with the Mid-South Food Bank, March 5th from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Join the Mid-South Food Bank (and the Volunteer Odyssey staff if you choose the morning shift) as they combat hunger in the Mid-South. With opportunities to pack food boxes on an assembly line, you are able to space out in their large warehouse to safely serve your community. Sign up here! - Monthly Weed Wrangle with Memphis Botanic Garden, March 5th from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Join the Memphis Botanic Garden to help remove invasive and exotic plants in the wildflower woodland! This area of the garden boasts over 50 different species of native trees and dozens of other species of native shrubs, vines, and perennials. The presence of exotic and invasive plants limits the growth potential of native plants, who compete for the same resources. The goal is to begin removing invasive plants to revert the area back to a native woodland. Sign up for your spot here!
