If you are anything like me, you live by your calendar. You might be the classic “let me check my calendar”-er when making plans, or the “I have to cross this off my list”-er. I love marking off time. Every hour is so valuable that I need to name what I choose to do with it.
Nonprofits, and the work they do for our city, is irreplaceable. There are simply not enough hours in the day to do all the work. And that’s where you come in. Volunteers are critical and often the crux of successful nonprofits. We need our nonprofits to continue to serve our city, and because of that, we need you.
Our time may be priceless, but every hour we volunteer is like giving $23.50 back to that community, to that area of work, and to our city. Our time is invaluable, our time spent volunteering is impactful.
With just a few hours of your time, you can truly make a difference.
Here are a few volunteer opportunities in Memphis where you can show your support and make a big impact:
Habitat for Humanity Restore: Warehouse Volunteer, Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am or 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
The Memphis ReStore is owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. All proceeds from the ReStore benefit the programs of Memphis Habitat. Volunteers are needed to assist with running the floor, customer service, sorting houseware, helping in the donation center, answering phones, and other tasks as assigned. Volunteers need to attend virtual orientation before volunteering.
Register here!
Catholic Charities of West TN (CCWTN): Homeless Outreach Volunteer, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Please note that because of the pandemic, Catholic Charities cannot allow individuals to come shop for clothing and hygiene items themselves, though they still need these vital supplies. To help with this, Catholic Charities needs volunteers who can help distribute food, clothing, and supplies to our most vulnerable neighbors. Clients will provide their needs and sizing information allowing the volunteer to put together a bag for them.
Sign up here!
Memphis Botanic Garden: Nature’s Explorer Summer Camp Volunteer, June 14th through 18th from 8:45 am to 4:15 pm
Become a living tree, find out who lives under that log, and learn how you are connected to it all! Pack your lunch and prepare for a fun-filled day of games, crafts, and discovery. From the food chain to tracks and traces, this camp is sure to rock! This camp is for children ages 6-10 and volunteers will assist with crafts, monitoring participants, and other tasks given by the Camp Leader. This is a great way to spend a summer day.
Register here!
Memphis Animal Services (MAS): Cat and Dog Enrichment: Daily opportunities from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
As an Enrichment and Support Volunteer, you can help ensure that MAS cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies get the TLC they need, and deserve, every day. Volunteers are needed to help with enrichment, general support, and matchmaking animals with new families. Volunteers need to attend orientation beforehand.
Sign up here!
Youth Villages: Volunteer Interest Session: June 25th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Want to get involved with Youth Villages but not sure where to start? Take a break from your busy day to eat your lunch and learn about all the ways you can get involved at Youth Villages in the Memphis metro area. They will discuss everything from volunteering directly with the youth on our residential campuses to special events volunteering and how to host your own donation drive. Whether you have volunteered with us before or you are just learning about YV, you are bound to learn something!
Sign up here!
Memphis Rox Climbing + Community, Volunteer Hold Washing, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Do you love the creative and unique routes that our setters are constantly putting up on our walls? 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.
Register here!
Room in the Inn: General Hospitality Volunteer: Shifts from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Though other duties might arise, the main focus for volunteers is to visit with our guests to help them feel welcome. Volunteers will be with guests while staff handle administrative duties. Your help is central to RITI’s mission of “holy hospitality” – having people present to listen to and talk with our guests during their time here helps them know this is a place where they are safe, welcome, and treated with respect.
Catholic Charities of West TN: Food Box Packing: June 8th, 10th, 17th, and 22nd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Assist Catholic Charities of West Tennessee in serving neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness. You can visit their new Community Support Center and pack food boxes in their large warehouse.
St. Vincent de Paul: Food Mission Volunteer: Daily Opportunities from 8:30 am to 11:00 am
Join the St. Vincent de Paul Food Mission as they serve neighbors experiencing hunger every day of the week. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and plate the hot food served. Other tasks, such as unpacking and sorting food products, may be needed to ensure that each visitor receives a quality meal.
Sign up here!
