I’m sure many of you had “Covid projects,” or new hobbies that came up when we were doing a lot less going out. I tried to learn to sew, tried my hand at having a green thumb. Well, I still have a box of fabric sitting around and I killed rosemary, which is supposedly the easiest thing to grow. Daniel Arnold of Memphis Rox started a Covid project, a garden located at the back of the property—and, unlike my dreamed-up clothing line, it’s taken off.
What started as a small hobby, something to do while our normal tasks slowed, has become a learning tool for volunteers, community members, and staff alike. Daniel plans to have home-grown herbs and vegetables supplying the Juice Almighty cafe, which is inside Memphis Rox and serves the South Memphis community. He is well on his way to achieving this (as you can see from the pictures below). For now, they are offering Educational Classes in the Garden where attendees can learn about a topic and earn a free month of climb time- all because Daniel did something.
Giving back can start really small, without a final goal in mind. You don’t need a plan, you just need to start. The ripple effect of that action will likely be larger than you ever could have imagined. Just ask Daniel.
Deciding where to start is the hardest part, but we want to make it easy on you! Keep scrolling to find 8 ways to give back this month:
Memphis Tilth Garden Volunteer, August 5th from 8AM to 11AM
Contribute to Memphis Tilth’s mission of cultivating collective action for an economically sustainable, socially equitable, and environmentally sound local food system. They need volunteers throughout the week in their St. Paul and New Sardis Gardens. Volunteers are needed to plant, weed, harvest, water, and complete other tasks as needed! This is a great opportunity to experience hands-on learning for how fruits and vegetables are grown.
Memphis Rox, Hold Washing Volunteer, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10AM to 2PM
Do you love the creative and unique routes that are featured at Memphis Rox climbing gym? Do you want to learn more about rock climbing or simply want to get involved with Memphis Rox? If so, this is a great opportunity to help them out! One of the biggest and most time consuming parts of route-setting is the washing and cleaning of the holds themselves. Through the volunteer route-setting events, individuals can assist in the pressure washing and cleaning of all our amazing climbing holds. This activity does require the usage of machinery, and must be done cautiously.
Persevere Now, Coding Tutoring Session, Every Saturday from 10AM to 2PM
Persevere is looking for volunteers to facilitate weekend tutoring sessions for their Adult Students. The volunteer will help any student who attends during their allotted time slot, and will assist with the following topics: HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Whether the student needs help on classwork or enhancing skills, these tutoring sessions are great options for gaining assistance.
If you are familiar with those topics and want to help adults starting a new career, this opportunity is for you!
Memphis Botanic Garden, Herbal Work Study, August 14th from 8:30AM to 11:30AM
This volunteer opportunity is spent outside at the Memphis Botanic Garden weeding, grooming, thinning, planting, or whatever else needs doing in the Herb or Iris Garden. As you work, you will learn about herbal insect repellents, spend time outside, help maintain the grounds at the Garden, and learn about a new topic surrounding outdoor upkeep.
Catholic Charities of West TN, Various Opportunities Monday through Friday Food Box Packing, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1PM to 3PM
From packing and distributing food boxes, to organizing the clothing closet, or assisting clients with getting new clothing and a meal, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee needs your help every weekday!
- Food and Clothing Outreach Volunteer – Monday through Friday from 8AM to 10AM
- Clothing Closet Helper, Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 11:30 AM and 11:30AM to 2PM
Literacy Mid-South, English Language Tutor Training, August 14th from 9AM to 1PM
If you are looking for the opportunity to tutor and want a volunteer commitment where you get to build relationships with individuals that you see weekly, this is for you! Literacy Mid-South is looking for volunteers to meet with their groups twice a week for up to 10 weeks.
The first step is to attend this training. Sign up here!
Dorothy Day House Memphis Chicken and Beer Fest, Beverage Pourers, August 14 from. 5PM to 10PM
Join Dorothy Day House on August 14th for the 3rd Annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival to benefit the Dorothy Day House. Volunteer slots are filling up quickly, but more volunteers are needed to act as beverage pourers. These volunteers are responsible for emptying buckets, pouring beer, and other tasks to ensure there are enough drinks for everyone!
Memphis Animal Services (MAS), Animal Enrichment Volunteer, Daily Opportunities
You can volunteer to help ensure Memphis Animal Services cats and dogs get the TLC they need and deserve every day. Volunteers are needed to help with enrichment, general support, and matchmaking animals with new families. The more time a volunteer can spend with these animals, the more adoptable they are. Volunteers will need to attend orientation before volunteering.
