There’s something special about harvesting the first vegetables of the season, guiding someone through their first time on a horse, or sitting by someone’s side as they recover. There’s something fulfilling about encouraging people to utilize our mobile food pantries, and helping a child acquire new skills. There’s also something captivating about being able to do all of these things interchangeably.
Volunteers play such a unique role in the lives of our nonprofits, with opportunities to do so much, to work with so many, and to try new new things each day. As a volunteer, you get to give your time and your talents to those who need you the most—and in return, you not only gain insight into how our city operates, but get to leave a lasting impact that’s built upon day after day.
Every time you sign up to volunteer, you’re choosing to show up for Memphis. There’s truly nothing else like it, and this month we encourage you to give it a go:
Take a look at these upcoming opportunities:
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy, Program Volunteer Training, July 8th from 5PM – 7PM
Before telling you the information for this opportunity, I want to tell you a little about Southern Reins—what it’s like to be out there, and who this opportunity would be perfect for.
Southern Reins is an exquisitely beautiful haven nestled in rural surroundings, which really means it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s peaceful, yet exciting. Southern Reins works with individuals who have physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities by providing equine-assisted activities and therapies to empower, inspire, nurture and succeed. Volunteers who love being outside, enjoy spending time with animals, have a heart for children or persons with disabilities, who are interested in a career with animals, therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, would benefit greatly from this volunteer opportunity. If you check any of these boxes, or know of anyone who would be interested in this opportunity, please register or spread the word.
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy is hosting a New Volunteer Training for individuals interested in volunteering with their program.
The hands-on training serves as an introduction to their program, facility, horses, and more. All volunteers must attend training before volunteering in their programs.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, Restore Volunteer, Tuesday through Saturday
The Memphis ReStore serves as a daily fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, housewares, and more at discount prices! Volunteers are needed to help run the ReStore, which allows Habitat to continue to provide decent housing for all.
Get started today. Sign up here!
Catholic Charities of West TN, Food Box Packing, Mobile Food Pantry, & Urgent Need for Donations
CCWTN distributes food boxes to neighbors in need every week, but the boxes gotta be packed first! Play a part in the packing process by volunteering to work on their food box assembly line. Working out of their Community Support Center, this opportunity is a fun and fast-paced way to give back.
*Catholic Charities is also in urgent need of donations for their daily homeless outreach. They desperately need men’s and women’s underwear and new bottles of sunscreen and bug spray. If you are able, please consider donating some of these basic need, summer items to CCWTN. See more on those donation opportunities (listed as open opportunities) here.
Memphis Animal Services, Animal Enrichment Volunteer, Daily Opportunities
Volunteer to help ensure MAS 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. Not only do animals need this kind of attention to get better acclimated to human interaction, the more MAS knows about each animal, the better they can match them with families. Your support truly saves animals’ lives.
Memphis Botanic Garden, Various opportunities throughout the month of July
The Memphis Botanic Garden hosts a variety of opportunities to support their mission of connecting people with nature, and increasing appreciation and awareness of our
environment. From volunteering with their summer camps for kids to getting to know their summer interns, and offering support for their live music events, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone.
See a full list of opportunities and sign up here!
Memphis Rox Climbing and Community, Community Lunch Program, Daily from 11AM – 2PM
Memphis Rox has implemented a free bag lunch program to help distribute food options to local communities. Volunteers are needed to work the cafe and divvy out lunches to individuals that walk or drive up for their bag. Since this opportunity involves a lot of idle time as you wait for people to arrive, you are welcome to bring other things to work on during your shift. **Hint hint, wink wink, local students**
Youth Villages, Volunteer Info Session, July 30th from 12PM to 1PM
Take a break from your busy day to eat your lunch and learn about all the ways you can get involved with Youth Villages in the Memphis area. This virtual session will highlight everything from opportunities with their youth, to lending a hand with special events, and explaining how to host your own donation drive. This is also perfect for group leaders that are looking for a way to get their peers, employees, friends, or members involved in volunteering. Sign up here!
*YV just posted several new opportunities to volunteer, including a Runner’s Club, Teach a Skill Opportunity, and Arts and Recreation Volunteer. See more here.
