Serve Your City as a Volunteer in Memphis

Memphis is full of opportunities to give back! Check out these volunteer openings, grab some friends, and make a difference.

A man wearing a face mask serving food in Memphis as a volunteer.
Photo: Memphis Rox Volunteer packages lunches for Neighborhood Distribution Program

Each opportunity below is a fantastic way to serve your community. Whether you’re a skilled professional looking to give back or an entry-level volunteer wanting to get involved, there’s something for everyone. 

Your Memphis Volunteer Calendar

February 2025

Volunteer Odyssey Opportunities

    • Carpenter Art Garden
      • Volunteers are needed at the Carpenter Art Garden to help bring their Memorial Park to life at Tillman Sculpture Park! Volunteers will assist with landscaping tasks, including planting, mulching, and tidying up the grounds as they prepare for the park’s grand opening. All skill levels are welcome—just bring your enthusiasm! If you are interested in volunteering, learn more and sign up here.
    • Dorothy Day House
      • Dorothy Day House helps homeless families stay together as they work to rebuild their lives. They are in need of volunteer receptionist and donated items to help keep their living quarters clean and tidy.  Sign up here.
    • Germantown Community Library
      • Germantown Community Library is looking for volunteers to join Black Votes Matter. Their mission is to build progressive power in Black communities. From phone banking and texting campaigns to hosting postcard parties, every effort helps support critical issues like voter engagement, education, and healthcare. Volunteer orientation takes place every Tuesday at 5 PM. Sign up here.
    • Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
      • Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital needs volunteers to help make a difference in their patients and family’s lives. Le Bonheur has a wide variety of opportunities ranging from reading, crafting, and socializing with the kids to rocking and soothing infants, and cleaning toys. Learn more and sign up here.
    • Memphis Athletic Ministries
      • Memphis Athletic Ministries mission is to coach, grow, and lead the youth of Memphis by helping them discover their identity in Christ and their purpose in the community. Volunteers are needed with Homework Help, Assistant Coaching, and more. Learn more and sign up here.
    • Memphis Botanic Garden
      • Memphis Botanic Garden has multiple opportunities to volunteer including assisting with crafts during Adventure Summer Camp, directing guests at Locals Live concerts, tending to the Japanese, Asian, and Nursery gardens, and more. To volunteer, sign up here.
    • Memphis Rox Climbing Gym
      • Memphis Rox is a local family institution that uses rock climbing as a means to foster community. From cleaning climb holds, to distributing lunch to the neighborhood residents, to sorting donations and maintaining the Community Closet, there are plenty of opportunities for you to make an impact. Sign up here.
    • MIFA
      • From helping folks get their food vouchers to spending time with, and delivering meals to, our local senior citizens, there are a number of way for you to support the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis with MIFA. Sign up here.
    • Room in the Inn
      • Room in the Inn hosts homeless guests at congregations throughout Memphis during their emergency shelter seasons (Nov-Mar, May-Sept). Right now, volunteers are needed to for their Serving with a Smile Brunch. Sign up here.
    • Shelby Farms Park
      • Shelby Farms Park has a need for volunteers in many different roles at the Park. Volunteers are currently needed to repair and rethread fishing poles, mulch the grounds, and help reduce litter. Sign up here.
    • Theatre Memphis
      • The show must go on at all costs, and you could help Theatre Memphis make magic happen on stage. They need Backstage Crew, Costume Stitchers, Lighting Assistants, Ushers, Scenery and Prop Designers, and even Performers! Learn more and sign up here.
    • The Memphis Grizzlies Foundation
      • The TEAM UP Youth Mentoring Partnership is an affiliate of the National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR), the unifying champion for expanding quality mentoring relationships in the United States. The Partnership serves as a clearinghouse for training, resources, awareness, and advocacy, providing the critical link between MENTOR’s national efforts and local organizations and programs that foster and support quality mentoring relationships. Learn more, and see who’s looking for mentors here.
In the gym, a coach from Volunteer Memphis addresses a group of children seated on bleachers. Some enthusiastic kids eagerly raise their hands.
Photo: Volunteering with Memphis Athletic Ministries after school program

VOLUNTEER MEMPHIS OPPORTUNITIES 

        • Methodist Hospice
          • Make a meaningful impact with Methodist Hospice! Volunteers are needed to provide companionship for patients, help with administrative tasks, run errands, and assist with bereavement services, among other opportunities. This is a uniquely rewarding way to support those in need. Sign up now.
        • St. Jude’s Children Hospital (Gift Shop)
          • Make someone’s shopping experience extra special! St. Jude is seeking volunteers for their gift shop—here’s your chance to give back in a meaningful way. Ready to sign up? Click the link below to get started! Sign up here. 
        • World Relief
          • Help make Memphis a welcoming home for refugee families. World Relief Memphis is looking for volunteers to provide warm, culturally appropriate meals to families arriving in the 901. You can cook a meal with their recipes or pick one up from a local restaurant! A small act of kindness can mean the world. Sign up here. 

See Volunteer Memphis’s calendar here for more opportunities.

Other opportunities:

  • Volunteer with Memphis Public Libraries! 

    Looking to make new friends while giving back? Memphis Public Libraries offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages (14+), interests, and skills! Whether you’re a student building your resume or an adult looking to connect with others, there’s something for everyone. Volunteers are asked to commit to 2-3 hours a week, and once you’re screened, you’ll be ready to dive in!

    Here are some of the available roles:

    • Sorting Room: Organize donated books for sales while staying active.
    • Second Editions Bookstore: Assist customers and handle book sales.
    • Computer Assistant: Help patrons navigate technology and library tools.
    • Radio Reader: Read for WYPL FM 89.3 broadcasts.
    • CLOUD901 (Teen Lab): Mentor and train youth using tech tools.
    • Genealogy Assistant: Support research and microfilm use.
    • Shelving Assistant: Help organize books and resources at branches.
    • Summer Reading: Engage with kids in an 8-week program.
    • Docent: Lead library tours and work the Welcome Desk.

    Find the perfect opportunity for you and start making a difference! Click here to learn more and apply today.

Got a volunteer opportunity that we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

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