Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

We are planning to spruce up our Jackson Towers property. This will involve landscaping work, trimming bushes, plantings, mulch, power washing and window cleaning and many more opportunities. 

Here at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, we have 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor activities available for our guests! Join us to help spot clean, deep clean, and paint during Nancy Perry Day of Caring. Additional indoor tasks may be included.

Also, our 4.5 acre outdoor classroom is a major attraction and educational resource for our guests! Join us to help clean and maintain our outdoor space during Nancy Perry Day of Caring. Tasks may include trimming overgrowth, pulling weeds, working on our pond, and more!

*Accommodations can be made for light duty tasks, please let us know before your group arrives*

Volunteers should wear paint clothes or clothes they don't mind getting dirty. Volunteers may choose to bring work gloves, garden shears, hedge trimmers, battery-powered drills, loose clothing, headwear, and/or safety glasses. These are not required. Kansas Children's Discovery Center will provide indoor and outdoor tools, cleaning wipes and supplies, nitrile gloves, and trash bags. Water and snacks will be provided.

It’s a fun, festive Friday as teams help wrap tunnels in lights as we prepare for the sixth year of Zoo Lights! Join us at the Topeka Zoo for 2026 Nancy Perry Day of Caring through the United Way of Kaw Valley. This project takes place on Friday, September 18 from 9:30 am-3:30 pm. 

Help us by support the set-up for this great event! Volunteers will be wrapping tunnels and frames, as well as working on rope lights and the interior of Camp Cowabunga. 

Dress appropriately for a day at the Zoo. This is a full-day project. Lunch will be provided. Volunteers should consider bringing: gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, wire cutters for zip ties, step stools and short ladders. The Zoo will provide some wire cutters, step stools, and ladders, but additional supplies will be appreciated for a large group. 

Contact Fawn Moser at fmoser@topekazoo.org with any questions about this project. 

The Lawrence SERTOMA Club (established in 1929) is a philanthropic organization that has served Lawrence and Douglas County for nearly 100 years.  While SERTOMA International focuses on hearing loss and hearing health, our local Lawrence club also focuses on children with communication disorders, national heritage, and supporting other Lawrence not-for-profit organizations. 

Lawrence Lights, Lawrence SERTOMA Club’s annual fundraiser, is a drive-thru holiday light display at Lawrence’s Youth Sports Complex (4911 West 27th Street) that runs from late November to late December.  All proceeds go back to Lawrence/local organizations in the form of Lawrence SERTOMA Club Community Grants.  Past recipients of the Lawrence SERTOMA Club Community Grants include the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at KU, Just Food, The Ballard Center, Heartland Community Health Center, Douglas County Children’s Advocacy Center, to name a few.

The Lawrence Lights Setup event will take place at the Youth Sports Complex.  Volunteers will help install holiday lighting along fences, poles, trees, and shrubbery throughout the Lawrence Youth Sports Complex. Work will also include securing lights and cords with zip ties and attaching lighting to display structures. Ground-level assignments will be available, and ladder work will be optional and restricted to adults. While not required, we encourage volunteers to bring work gloves, as well as wear closed-toe shoes and attire that is suitable for outside work on the day(s) of the event. We will provide water and snacks.

In remembrance of September 11 and in honor of the firefighters and law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to protecting Shawnee County, volunteers are invited to participate in the Thank Our Service Heroes Card Project.

Help assemble hygiene kits that will be distributed by the Christmas Bureau during client intake. Volunteers will sort, organize, and pack essential personal care items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.

This hands-on project supports local individuals and families by providing everyday necessities and helping create a positive, welcoming experience for those receiving assistance during the holiday season.

Volunteer teams and individuals are encouraged to collect hygiene items prior to 9/18 and bring the items to this project to be packed into kits. This is optional but helps us provide hygiene kits for even more people!

Activities:

No experience is necessary. Volunteers should be comfortable standing for portions of the shift and performing light packing activities. Your time and effort will directly support families in our community through the Nancy Perry Day of Caring.

Kit supplies can be provided to your team to pack at your location, or a team can come to the UWKV Topeka office conference room to pack hygiene supply kits.

Eudora GROW The Giving Garden's Nancy Perry Day of Caring project will take place on Thursday, 9/17 at 9 am-12:30 pm. Our project involves mulching, weeding, moving equipment, and more! We strongly recommend wearing clothes suitable for gardening and outdoor activities. You can bring your own garden gloves & sun hat. Other tools will be provided. 

Water bottles will be provided. Bring sunscreen. 

Help prepare the community garden for a productive growing season by tackling a variety of outdoor projects. Volunteers will work together to pull weeds in and around the garden, clean out raised garden beds, move compost into the compost bin, and assist with building a new compost bin using 2" x 12" lumber. This is a great opportunity for individuals or families who enjoy working outdoors and don't mind getting their hands dirty.

Time Commitment: Approximately 3 hours (individual tasks range from 1–3 hours)

Volunteers Needed: Up to 10 volunteers

Tasks Include:

Skills Needed: No experience necessary. Volunteers should be comfortable with light to moderate physical activity, including bending, lifting, and working outdoors.

Help prepare the community garden for a productive growing season by tackling a variety of outdoor projects. Volunteers will work together to pull weeds in and around the garden, clean out raised garden beds, move compost into the compost bin, and assist with building a new compost bin using 2" x 12" lumber. This is a great opportunity for individuals or families who enjoy working outdoors and don't mind getting their hands dirty.

Time Commitment: Approximately 4 hours (individual tasks range from 1–3 hours)

Volunteers Needed: Up to 20 volunteers

Tasks Include:

Skills Needed: No experience necessary. Volunteers should be comfortable with light to moderate physical activity, including bending, lifting, and working outdoors.

Help improve the neighborhood by clearing brush, hauling tree debris, and removing trash from two cleanup sites. Volunteers will work together to gather and load brush, limbs, and litter into trailers or trucks for disposal. This project will make a visible impact by creating cleaner, safer community spaces.

Time Commitment: 4 hours

Volunteers Needed: Up to 25 volunteers

Skills Needed: No experience is required. Volunteers should be comfortable performing moderate to strenuous outdoor work, including lifting, carrying, bending, and using basic yard tools. Work gloves and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Harvesters mobilizes the power of our community to create equitable access to nutritious food and address the root causes and impact of hunger.

This Behind the Barrels volunteer opportunity takes place at Harvesters’ Kansas Distribution Center. Volunteers will begin with a facility tour to learn about the behind-the-scenes processes that help get food to those who need it most. Following the tour, volunteers will help sort and repackage food, supporting Harvesters and its network of pantry partners in serving more than 250,000 people each month.

Volunteer projects vary based on product availability, operational priorities, and the number of volunteers participating. Projects in the Volunteer Engagement Center may include:

Every project plays a vital role in helping Harvesters provide nutritious food to individuals and families throughout the region.

Help families in our community by donating food and time to prepare Healthy Family Meal Kits! These easy-to-make, nutritious meal kits are distributed through Harvesters’ network of pantries, providing neighbors facing food insecurity with the ingredients and a simple recipe card needed to prepare a quick, healthy family meal.

How This Project Works

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Step 2: Get Packing

Step 3: Deliver and Distribute

This fun, hands-on volunteer project is a simple way to nourish families, support food security, and make a meaningful impact in our community. Let's get packing!

Help families in our community by donating food and time to prepare Holiday Boxes. These boxes are distributed through Harvesters’ network of pantry partners, providing neighbors facing food insecurity with traditional holiday meal staples to help complete their holiday celebrations.

How This Project Works

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Step 2: Get Packing

Step 3: Deliver and Distribute

This fun, hands-on volunteer project is a simple way to help families enjoy a holiday meal, support food security, and make a meaningful difference in our community. Let's get packing!

Assemble homemade activities to be used by the Parent Educators at home visits. The purpose of the activities is to increase developmental skills of infants and toddlers ages 0-5 years. 

Specific Skills Required: Scissors, paper, laminating, paper cutting, die cutting machine- All materials provided 

Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an Adult

Assemble homemade activities to be used by the Parent Educators at home visits. The purpose of the activities is to increase developmental skills of infants and toddlers ages 0-5 years. 

Specific Skills Required: Scissors, paper, laminating, paper cutting, die cutting machine- All materials provided 

Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an Adult

Assemble homemade activities to be used by the Parent Educators at home visits. The purpose of the activities is to increase developmental skills of infants and toddlers ages 0-5 years.  Specific Skills Required: Scissors, paper, laminating, paper cutting, die cutting machine- All materials provided 

Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an Adult

The Lawrence SERTOMA Club (established in 1929) is a philanthropic organization that has served Lawrence and Douglas County for nearly 100 years.  While SERTOMA International focuses on hearing loss and hearing health, our local Lawrence club also focuses on children with communication disorders, national heritage, and supporting other Lawrence not-for-profit organizations.  Lawrence Lights, Lawrence SERTOMA Club’s annual fundraiser, is a drive-thru holiday light display at Lawrence’s Youth Sports Complex (4911 West 27th Street) that runs from late November to late December.  All proceeds go back to Lawrence/local organizations in the form of Lawrence SERTOMA Club Community Grants.  Past recipients of the Lawrence SERTOMA Club Community Grants include the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at KU, Just Food, The Ballard Center, Heartland Community Health Center, Douglas County Children’s Advocacy Center, to name a few. 

The Lawrence Lights Setup event will take place at the Youth Sports Complex.  Volunteers will help install holiday lighting along fences, poles, trees, and shrubbery throughout the Lawrence Youth Sports Complex. Work will also include securing lights and cords with zip ties and attaching lighting to display structures. Ground-level assignments will be available, and ladder work will be optional and restricted to adults. While not required, we encourage volunteers to bring work gloves, as well as wear closed-toe shoes and attire that is suitable for outside work on the day(s) of the event. We will provide water and snacks.

Making a kit, which includes coloring books, crowns, word, search, book, all helps, stimulate recovery, and wellness

Volunteers will work alongside SLI staff to complete two outdoor improvement projects at one of SLI's community living homes located at 1235 SW 31st Street, Topeka KS.  The Nancy Perry Day of Caring project will include staining a privacy fence and repainting the parking lot striping. These improvements will enhance the safety, appearance, and functionality of the property, helping create a welcoming well-maintained home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live there.

Need a minimum of 10 volunteers to meet 9-11 Day of Service grant requirements.

Help us celebrate our guests when they have completed the Life skills and Trauma Education classes offered at TRM. Volunteers will create certificates for the guests that complete each 8 week session of classes.

Help keep our Trucks and Vans clean! Our Vehicles are out and about  with food and furniture pick up. Volunteers are needed to sweep the inside of our box trucks, wipe down interiors of our vans and spray wash the outside of the vehicles.  

A fresh coat of paint on the shelves is needed in our dry goods area of the kitchen. If you like to paint and organize this would be a great spot for you to volunteer. 

Help get our Hope Center playground and outside areas looking good for the Fall! Volunteers will wipe down the outside play area, toys and tables, sweep sidewalks and wipe down windows and doors. Fall is a great time to freshen up the outside so kiddos, families and women have a safe place to hang out and move forward in their lives. 

Volunteers will clear and organize the designated area, spreading mulch throughout the outdoor classroom space, and assist with basic construction tasks, such as seating and building an outdoor cabinet. They will also plant a tree and set a plaque in honor of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Villages will provide a snack, lunch and water. Volunteers can bring their water bottle to be refilled if they would like to. We will have water available. We encourage volunteers to bring gardening/work gloves, wear closed toed shoes, and long pants. There will also be a portable bathroom. 

If a blank wall calls your name to create, we have a need for some artwork on our walls. Inspirational quotes, paintings of flowers or nature all bring a calm feel to a space.

TRM can provide watercolor paint sets.

All other art materials, including paper, canvas, frame, or other mediums, must be provided by volunteers. Volunteers are welcome to create as many pieces of art as they like. 

The location of this opportunity will be at the Rescue Mission. Room location will be forthcoming. 

Help clear out the attic in our distribution center and organize the items for better access and use. Volunteers will carry down tools and hardware from our distribution center attic. Then organize like items so they can be stored and ready to use in our warehouse. 

KVC is needing help taking old cubical parts to the dumpster so we can have more room to organize children and youth belongings that may need to be stored at the office for short periods of transition for the youth to be able to move their stuff with them when possible. Some work will be located near the boiler room. Volunteers should be 18+. 

KVC needs help organizing our donations for our clothing closet. We will be going through donations, and organizing our space as needed. Volunteers should be 13+. 

We will also be folding green bags that are needed for our holiday hero season for wish list for children. 

As part of our Day of Service project, we're looking for a team of volunteers to help us brighten up our Early Learning Center and promote civic engagement with our students. We'll paint American Flag banners with the children, and complete some facility projects including pressure washing our playground structures, planting a tree, replacing a sandbox, installing an outdoor art station, and similar projects. We'll hear from First Responders to learn about their service and remember those lost on 9/11. There will also be opportunities to share with the children why you volunteer, and help them think of ways they can be involved in their community. 

Community Children's Center is seeking Day of Caring volunteers interested in helping us give the walls in our office area a new coat of paint! We will tape the edges to prepare the walls. We could use 4-6 people to help paint. A minimum of 4 volunteers are required for the project; 6 would make it go pretty fast! Volunteers should have experience painting with rollers and paint brushes. This project is scheduled for Thursday 9/17 from 12-4 pm. 

Volunteers under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. 

New Hope Pantry is seeking volunteers to help with several general maintenance needs at our facility. These projects will help us keep our space safe, welcoming, and functional for the families we serve.

Current Needs:

1. *Mailbox Installation* – We need a new mailbox installed at our location to ensure reliable mail service for pantry operations.

2. *Vine & Brush Removal* – Thick vines are overrunning the perimeter of the building and trash area. We need help cutting back and clearing the overgrowth to maintain a clean and safe exterior.

3. *Power Washing* – The exterior of the building is in need of power washing to remove dirt, mildew, and buildup.

*Details:*

These are one-time projects that can be completed by a small group of skilled individuals. We’ll provide access to water/electricity as needed. Volunteers should be comfortable with outdoor work and bring basic tools if possible. Gloves, trash bags, and disposal can be arranged. Required tools will be provided. Water, lunch, and snacks will be provided for this full day project on Friday, September 18, 9:30 am-4 pm, as part of Nancy Perry Day of Caring 2026. 

Your help will directly support our mission to serve families in need by keeping our pantry safe and presentable.

Housing Beautification Volunteer: Painting Project

Help us create safe, welcoming homes for families working toward housing stability! Join Family Promise of Lawrence for a hands-on painting project at one of our housing units.

Volunteers will primarily be painting an exterior porch/deck to help protect the structure from the elements while improving the home's appearance. This project takes place outdoors, so volunteers should dress for the weather and wear clothing that can get paint on it.

If weather conditions prevent outdoor painting or if the porch/deck project is completed ahead of schedule, volunteers may have the opportunity to assist with interior painting at a nearby Family Promise housing unit.

No painting experience is required. We will provide paint, brushes, rollers, and other necessary supplies. Staff will be on-site to provide instructions and answer questions throughout the project.

Why it matters: A well-maintained home helps create a sense of pride, dignity, and stability for families rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness. Your time and effort will directly improve the spaces where children and parents live, making them feel more welcoming, comfortable, and cared for.

What to wear:

Thank you for helping us maintain safe, welcoming homes for the families we serve. Every brushstroke makes a difference!

Come be creative with the participants in our Adult Day Services Program! We will spend the morning working on fun art projects that will help participants express creativity and build confidence. Join the fun!

Join us for a morning of making Capper Foundation beautiful! We will be working on both indoor and outdoor areas. Jobs to be done may include light landscaping and general clean up.

Volunteers will help with general cleaning, basic maintenance, assembling furniture/items, and touch-up painting at the Homeless Resource Center (HRC).

HRC will supply all cleaning, maintenance, and painting supplies needed for the project. Wear closed-toed shoes and clothes you can work and paint in. No skills required, but volunteers with handyman or painting experience are welcome.

Homeless Resource Center offers rest and resources to those experiencing homelessness in Lawrence, Kansas. Our mission is to provide immediate critical needs and foster long-term community-wide solutions for people experiencing homelessness.

Join us, Friday, September 18th, 2026 at Topeka Civic Theatre as we tackle some great indoor and outdoor tasks! Depending on the task, there will be light lifting/moving, stairs, and potentially use of a ladder.  

BEAUTIFICATION - Work with us to ensure all of our volunteer, patron and employee spaces are pleasant with painting and cleaning projects.  We may also have some projects located at our sister theatre, Helen Hocker that day.  We will have more information day-of!  The Topeka Civic Theatre staff member on-site during the project will Jason Smith, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Events, (785) 478-5015.

Join us, Thursday, September 18th, 2026 at Topeka Civic Theatre as we tackle some great indoor and outdoor tasks! Depending on the task, there will be light lifting/moving, stairs, and potentially use of a ladder.  

BEAUTIFICATION - Work with us to ensure all of our volunteer, patron and employee spaces are pleasant with painting and cleaning projects.  We may also have some projects located at our sister theatre, Helen Hocker that day.  We will have more information day-of!  The Topeka Civic Theatre staff member on-site during the project will Jason Smith, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Events, (785) 478-5015.

Volunteers will help with general cleaning, basic maintenance, assembling furniture/items, and touch-up painting at LINK. LINK will supply all cleaning, maintenance, and painting supplies needed for the project.

Wear closed-toed shoes and clothes you can work and paint in. No skills required, but volunteers with handyman or painting experience are welcome.

Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK) is now part of the Homeless Resource Center (HRC). LINK has been serving community meals since 1985. Together with our network of volunteers and community, L.I.N.K provides healthy and nutritious meals to all who come through our doors.  We are committed to improving the quality of life and honoring the dignity of those we serve when serving a hot meal to any member of our community who wants one.

Cleanup the grounds around the Jayhawk Area Council office. This project is outdoors and includes raking, trimming, gardening, exterior painting of building and parking bumpers, and some patching of parking lot.

Some tools will be provided but bringing own tools is permissible, such as gardening/work gloves, hedge trimmers, rakes, garden equipment, paint brushes/sprayers, and ladders.

This project will be Friday, September 18 from 9:30 am-1 pm at 1020 SE Monroe Street, Topeka, KS. Water and snacks will be provided. Dress appropriately for working outdoors. A minimum of 5 volunteers are required for this project to be viable. 

Help get Falley Scout Reservation ready for our fall programming by doing some beautification projects around the camp! Falley Scout Reservation is located at 8602 S Kingman Road in Oskaloosa, Kansas. 

Projects will include brush clearing, trail clearing, painting projects, general landscaping/gardening work and tree trimming.  Lots of opportunities for many different skill levels. If a volunteer has chainsaw skills, they must be level 1 sawyer-trained to operate a chainsaw on camp property. Indicate if this applies to you in the Response Notes. 

All materials and equipment will be provided but if a volunteer has outdoor equipment, (tree trimmers, loppers, paint sprayers, etc.) they want to bring out, feel free!

Shifts include full and half day options on Friday, September 18. A minimum of 8 volunteers for a shift are required for this project to be viable. 

Water and snacks will be provided for the half day shifts. Lunch, water, and snacks will be provided for the full-day shift. Dress appropriately for working outdoors at a campsite. Bring a water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. 

Join us in crafting unique thank you gifts for our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers using repurposed Winter Wonderland light bulbs! This creative project aims to show appreciation while giving new life to old decorations.

Job Description
Crafting: Use Winter Wonderland light bulbs to create personalized thank you gifts. Specific art project details will be provided on the day of volunteering.
Decorating:  Assemble the bulbs into attractive gift items.
What to Wear:
Please wear casual clothing suitable for an art project, including attire that may get glue on it.

Water and light snacks will be provided.  Minimum age for volunteers is 16.

Join us in crafting unique thank you gifts for our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers using repurposed Winter Wonderland light bulbs! This creative project aims to show appreciation while giving new life to old decorations.

Job Description
Crafting: Use Winter Wonderland light bulbs to create personalized thank you gifts. Specific art project details will be provided on the day of volunteering.
Decorating:  Assemble the bulbs into attractive gift items.
What to Wear:
Please wear casual clothing suitable for an art project, including attire that may get glue on it.

Water and light snacks will be provided.  Minimum age for volunteers is 16.

Ecumenical Campus Ministries will be participating in both days of Nancy Perry Day of Caring with half-days focusing on a variety of tasks to revitalize our historic building. In order to complete these tasks, we are interested in hosting volunteers to work on three main areas –

·       Cleaning & Clearing

o   One of our main areas of focus will involve cleaning some of our most used rental spaces (i.e., Kitchen, Main Floor, Upstairs Floor, and Basement)

o   We will also be asking for help in decluttering and reorganizing some of our storage space such as our garage and tool rooms as well as our archival materials

o   These tasks will involve the more familiar asks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, throwing out trash, sorting, etc.

o   We will also have some beautification projects that may include painting certain areas in the building as well

·       Solidarity Library

o   We are also in the process of reorganizing our library and books/media collection and will be asking for help in this process through assistance in cataloging

o   We will also be shifting categories and moving books, board games, movies to more easily used and accessible spaces

o   We will also be doing a deep clean of the bookshelves and marking books for donation/repurposing to make room for new items

·       Monarch Garden

o   We will also be requesting help from volunteers to work on our landscaping

o   We have a patio garden on the side of our building called the Monarch Garden that needs maintenance and preparation for the fall semester

o   Tasks here will include weeding, planting, mowing, etc.

o   We will also be clearing out the surrounding landscape around our building of trash and weeds to clear pathways and provide more accessibility to visitors

·       Food Access

o   Working with our Veggie Lunch Coordinator to help prepare a community meal on Thursday (9/17) morning

o   Preparing food distribution kits to pass out to people experiencing food insecurity

Ecumenical Campus Ministries will be participating in both days of Nancy Perry Day of Caring with half-days focusing on a variety of tasks to revitalize our historic building. In order to complete these tasks, we are interested in hosting volunteers to work on three main areas –

·       Cleaning & Clearing

o   One of our main areas of focus will involve cleaning some of our most used rental spaces (i.e., Kitchen, Main Floor, Upstairs Floor, and Basement)

o   We will also be asking for help in decluttering and reorganizing some of our storage space such as our garage and tool rooms as well as our archival materials

o   These tasks will involve the more familiar asks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, throwing out trash, sorting, etc.

o   We will also have some beautification projects that may include painting certain areas in the building as well

·       Solidarity Library

o   We are also in the process of reorganizing our library and books/media collection and will be asking for help in this process through assistance in cataloging

o   We will also be shifting categories and moving books, board games, movies to more easily used and accessible spaces

o   We will also be doing a deep clean of the bookshelves and marking books for donation/repurposing to make room for new items

·       Monarch Garden

o   We will also be requesting help from volunteers to work on our landscaping

o   We have a patio garden on the side of our building called the Monarch Garden that needs maintenance and preparation for the fall semester

o   Tasks here will include weeding, planting, mowing, etc.

o   We will also be clearing out the surrounding landscape around our building of trash and weeds to clear pathways and provide more accessibility to visitors

·       Food Access

o   Preparing food distribution kits to pass out to people experiencing food insecurity

We will be clearing the garden beds to get them ready for the winter, pulling weeds, and laying mulch around the beds for walk ways.