Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

Assist seniors to get where they need to go inside of Douglas County!  The Senior Resource Center (SRC) provides door-to-door transportation service Monday-Friday 7am-4pm in SRC's wheelchair accessible vehicles.

SRC seeks volunteer drivers for our Senior Wheels transportation programs in Eudora and Baldwin City.  Must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and be able to pass a background check. No specialized driving experience or CDL is required!

We seek friendly, engaged individuals who love to work and communicate with the public, staff, and other volunteers. You will enjoy a flexible, fun environment where your work is greatly appreciated. Familiar with smart phone applications or willingness to learn is required. Must be able to stand-by assist seniors who have mobility challenges, as well as secure mobility devices in the vehicles. Knowledge of Lawrence and Douglas County streets and highways is very helpful.

Training is provided. We ask for a minimum of a 6-month commitment.Contact Heidi Briery for additional information.

Volunteer applications can be submitted from our website at www.dgcoks.gov/src

So many tasks require computer skills and internet access these days. Many of our older friends and neighbors simply haven't had the digital experience they find they now need!

Tech Help Tuesday is SRC's weekly in-person, drop-in tech support to help seniors troubleshoot and get the most out of their technology and devices.  Seniors drop-in for assistance (no appointments), and SRC volunteers help them with their phones, tablets, and laptops as needed. 

No special training is needed, but you should be able to help with setting up accounts and passwords, multi-factor log-ins, installing apps and other general troubleshooting and digital problem solving.  Many of our Tech Help volunteers are college students and others digital natives. 

Tuesdays, 2pm - 3:30pm.  Sign up to help just once or for many sessions!

For more information including how to sign-up, contact Kim Luce.

Volunteer applications can be submitted from our website at www.dgcoks.gov/src

Are you looking for a volunteer position that is responsible and rewarding? Do you like learning new things?

Provide free, unbiased and confidential Medicare counseling for Medicare beneficiaries. The goal is to educate and assist the public in making informed decisions about their health care options. Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) counselors are trained to assist with Medicare coverage explanation, enrollment assistance and questions.

Our volunteers work as little as 2 hours a week up to 6 hours. You can join our other SHICK Medicare counseling volunteers and we'll provide your training and always provide support!

Volunteer applications can be submitted from our website at www.dgcoks.gov/src

Seniors, especially those who don't have family nearby, can struggle to complete odds and ends around their home. Sometimes those odds and ends are significant needs, such as moving furniture or boxes, packing to move into a nursing facility, or discarding old items. Sometimes it's something smaller, such as organizing and de-cluttering.

If you are interested in being on an on-call list (but no obligation) as someone we can contact when a need arises, please join this group of volunteers!  If you have a friend, partner, or team you like to work with, please let us know. Many hands make light work!

An SRC employee will contact you via email when a senior requests assistance. You will be provided a description of the specific assistance required. If you are available and interested, you can respond to the specific request. If you decline that specific request, you could be contacted for future requests. Occasionally, there is need for a pick-up truck! Keep this in mind if you have access to one and may be able to fill a special need.

Note: if you volunteer for a project that involves entering a senior's home without a SRC staff member present, we will ask you to complete a simple criminal background check first.

For more information, contact Doug Wendel.

Volunteer applications can be submitted from our website at www.dgcoks.gov/src 

Occasionally the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County receives requests from seniors who needs assistance with work in their yard. These requests are most common in the spring (to clean up after the winter) and in the fall (to help with leaves). 

If you are interested in being on an on-call list (but no obligation) as someone -- or a group -- who could be contacted when a need arises, please join this group of volunteers!  Volunteers will be contacted via email by an SRC employee when a senior requests assistance. You will be provided a description of the specific assistance required. If you are available and interested, you will be given a chance to respond to the specific request. If you decline that specific request, you could be contacted for future requests.

For more information, contact Doug Wendel.

Volunteer applications can be submitted from our website at www.dgcoks.gov/src

Preparing snow routes for pedestrian traffic

Safe Winter Walkways is a partnership program that supports the City's Strategic Plan Outcome of Strong, Welcoming Neighborhoods

1) Reader will pick up books at United Way of Kaw Valley ,1527 SW Fairlawn Rd, prior to reading time. If other arrangements need to be made, please notify Jenna Gorton prior to reading time at jgorton@uwkawvalley.org or 785-250-2070. 

2) Readers will check in at the main office of the school then be directed to the classrooms they are assigned to. Each reader will be given 15 minutes to read per classroom.

3) After reading, the reader will distribute books to students and give other materials to the teacher to send home with the kids.

Christmas Bureau is a program that provides food and gifts to families in need over the holiday season. For those who have been involved in the past, the Christmas Bureau database is the same as 2024. Data entry will require prior training.

Attention to Detail and Accuracy is vital to the volunteer position.

The Data Entry Volunteer Opportunity is a virtual or remote volunteer opportunity. Individuals can complete the volunteer opportunity from their own home or office. Volunteers would also have access to use the volunteer room at United Way of Kaw Valley Topeka office, if you need access to a computer and internet.

For this volunteer opportunity, individuals are responsible for reading and entering individual or family information from intake forms into a secure database system. Individuals must be organized and able to read handwritten responses, as well as work with computer programs to enter information into the computer-based system.

Applications will be ready for pick-up beginning 10/30 and will run through 11/12, or until complete.

Individuals must complete the confidentiality waiver before they can participate in this volunteer opportunity.

All volunteers will be required to participate in a virtual training to volunteer for this position, scheduled for Monday, 10/27 at 10-11 am.

Christmas Bureau is a program that provides food and gifts to families in need over the holiday season.

The Intake Volunteer Opportunity is an in-person volunteer opportunity.

This volunteer must be able to speak Spanish. Volunteers will report to Johnston Community Center to complete their volunteer shift. 

For this volunteer opportunity, individuals are responsible for meeting with individual clients to help process the Intake Form for Christmas Bureau. You will need to be able to verify all required documentation of every client and make sure that every Intake Form is legible and complete. You will also need to make sure clients are eligible by income verification to ensure we are serving those who need the help the most. Sometimes this means you will need to turn people away should their income exceed the 200% Federal Poverty level limit.

Individuals must complete the confidentiality waiver before they can participate in this volunteer opportunity.

All Intake Volunteers will be required to complete a training to review the intake process. This training will be hybrid at the United Way Topeka office and via Zoom on Friday, 10/24 from 10-11:30 am.

The Food Pantry Assistant supports the daily operations of the food pantry by assisting with inventory management, food distribution, client service, and maintaining a clean and organized environment. This role is essential to ensuring clients receive food assistance in a respectful, efficient, and compassionate manner.

Responsibilities:

Assist with receiving, inspecting, and organizing food donations and deliveries

Stock and rotate pantry shelves to ensure product freshness and accessibility

Prepare food boxes or bags for distribution based on client needs and guidelines

Greet and assist clients, providing courteous and respectful service

Maintain cleanliness and organization of pantry areas, including storage and public spaces

Follow food safety guidelines and organizational procedures

Volunteer bell ringers are crucial to the Salvation Army's holiday fund raising efforts. When you ring bells at the iconic Red Kettles, you help provide food, shelter, and other essentials to your neighbors in need.

You can help us make a difference by volunteering to RING BELLS this Christmas season...

www.registertoring.com

God Bless You and Merry Christmas

Brought your bike to fix it or work on it? This is your place to check in!

Don't have a bike you need to fix right now, but you'd like to help others work on their bikes or you are coming down to learn and better yourself and the community by building some bike knowledge! Sign up today!

Looking for a valuable asset for your resume? Many Biology and Zoology students have interned with us and gone on to great careers (vet school, zookeeping, marine biology/aviculture, etc.)! Under supervision, interns work directly with the wild animals that we rehabilitate. Interns are deeply involved in every aspect of our wildlife clinic, from providing information to callers to performing field and lab work, the experience is invaluable and unforgettable. Internship positions are unpaid, however college credit is an option if you find a an advisor or professor to sponsor you. For a full listing of our requirements call or email Diane Johnson to receive an intern program package. 1. Fill out an application 2. A willingness to learn 3. The ability to follow directions 4. A minimum of 480 hours for college credit. You must find an advisor or professor to sponsor you. 5. Flexibility (our patients don't make appointments) 6. An article for our fall newsletter depicting your experiences and what you learned Minimum Time Requirement: 480 hours over several months Visit our website for more information and to fill out an online application: www.owl-online.org

Minimum time requirement: 3 hours/week/same day includes holidays

Age Requirement: 12 – 15 years old with parent  16 + years old can work independently

Help care for the mice and rats that feed our wildlife!  As a part of our Rat Pack, you’ll get hands-on experience caring for the “live” animals that are vital to rehabilitating foxes, coyotes, birds of prey, and more.   This task can be done in the morning, afternoon or after school.

Duties will include:  refilling food & water, cleaning cages, tracking key data like new births, reporting any injuries or illness.

Training provided – no prior experience required!

As a rodent helper, you’ll gain animal husbandry skills while playing a key role in our rehabilitation work.

Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Be responsible for set up of the program including tables, merchandise, information, perches, sandbags, kennels & program tubs. Follow protocol for safety, handling and care of our public education birds. Learn the programs & educate people about OWL during those programs. Clean up and restocking after the program. Be available for a variety of times both on weekdays and weekends - times vary depending on programs booked. Prerequisites for this position include volunteering as a public education assistant & working at the facility for 1 year and completing our bird handling course. Special consideration may be given to applicants that have experience at other facilities.

Maintenance/Groundskeeper.

We're looking for volunteers that like the outdoors, are handy and want to contribute to the upkeep of our pens, trails and grounds. The position will be ongoing and weekly. May include mowing, weed eating, trimming, repairing pens, clearing trails, etc

Please go to www.owl-online.org Click on Get Involved and go to volunteer to fill out an application. We're looking forward to meeting you!

Animal lovers needed!!! Provide rehab assistance in your home in KANSAS. Volunteers are responsible for rearing orphaned wild babies utilizing OWL principals and manuals. Babies are returned to the main facility when they are weaned for hack out and further training (hunting, foraging skills, etc.). Work is busiest April through September. Training is provided. Per state regulations: 2 year apprenticeship at our main facility in Linwood KS. Minimum Time Requirement: Daily in your home Fnd out more and fill out an application at: http://www.owl-online.org/volunteerapp.html

Responsibilities include answering phones and helping callers make the best possible choices with the animals that they’ve found. Requires studying and learning different species as well as the legalities involving wildlife in Kansas. Pleasant demeanor, patience & a willingness to help people are plusses for this position. Computer input, asking for donations & providing information about OWL to patrons, charting, filing, photocopying, shredding and triage involved at intake as well as housekeeping duties for the front office. The peak months are April through October. Training is provided.
Minimum Time Requirement: 8 hours/week/same day unless we can find someone to time share with you. We are open Monday through Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM , Saturday 8:30 AM - 3 PM Closed on Sundays.

Animals lovers needed!!! Provide rehab assistance at the Main Facility, located at 23375 Guthrie Road in Linwood. Volunteers are responsible for most of the hands-on care the animals receive after they are triaged, and care instructions written. Responsible for cage cleaning, diet preparation, physical therapy, medication administration, habitat setup and general housekeeping duties. This position is also responsible for re-homing and retrieval of specific species. The peak months are April through October. Training is provided. We currently have 3 shifts available. The most demanding is the dayshift 8 AM - 4 PM except during baby season when the shift may be longer because of animal feedings. Swing shift 1 PM - 9 PM, Night shift 4 PM - Close (depends on number of animals currently in our system).
Minimum Time Requirement: 8 hours/week/same day includes holidays…

This is a perfect position for those that want to help but can’t commit to an 8 hour shift. Animal support assistants will be paired with a Facility Animal Care volunteer and assist with set up of habitat, caging, laundry, dishes, food prep, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, etc. The goal is to work as a team to complete animal care in a timely manner and provide support for the myriad of animals we serve. Work is busiest April-October. We currently have 2 shifts available. Dayshift 9 AM- 2 PM Night shift 5 PM - 10 PM Minimum Time Requirement: 4-5 hours/week

Become a Legal Self-Help Volunteer and make a significant impact in our community by supporting residents in accessing legal information and resources. This role is designed to be both rewarding and enriching, offering a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your well-being is prioritized. 

What You’ll Do

Assist Residents: Guide clients in finding the correct legal forms and understanding court procedures, helping them navigate the self-help process effectively. 

Manage Data: Accurately record and track client interactions and requests, contributing to the enhancement of our services and resource management. 

Collaborate and Learn: Participate in training sessions and collaborate with a dedicated team, gaining valuable experience and developing your skills. 

Please Note:  Volunteers cannot provide legal advice or representation. Your role focuses on helping clients access the right resources and understand the self-help process. 

What We Offer

Valued Experience: Engage in meaningful work that provides hands-on experience in client support and office operations. 

Skill Development: Build essential skills in communication, organization, and data management in a practical setting. 

Supportive Environment: Work in a trauma-informed, supportive space where your well-being is important to us. We are committed to ensuring a fulfilling and balanced volunteer experience. 

Mutual Benefit: Enjoy a rewarding experience where your contributions make a real difference, and where both you and the community benefit from your involvement. 

Join Fleet Feet this Thanksgiving morning for the inaugural Topeka Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 27th with races beginning at 8AM. This will be the perfect event to start off the holiday! You could be chasing a PR, walking with friends and family, or just want to soak up the festive vibes, the Topeka Turkey Trot is the event for you. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just trotting for the pie, the Topeka Turkey Trot is all about community, gratitude, and movement before the meal.

Assist with data entry

Client assistance applications

Organizing client folders

Client follow-up calls

Client eligibility 

Christmas Bureau is a program that provides food and gifts to families in need over the holiday season.

The Intake Volunteer Opportunity is an in-person volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will report to Johnston Community Center at 2021 SE Market St, Topeka KS to complete their volunteer shift. 

For this volunteer opportunity individuals are responsible for meeting with individual clients to help process the Intake Form for Christmas Bureau. You will need to be able to verify all required documentation of every client and make sure that every Intake Form is legible and complete. You will also need to make sure clients are eligible by income verification to ensure we are serving those who need the help the most. Sometimes this means you will need to turn people away should their income exceed the 200% Federal Poverty level limit.

Individuals must complete the confidentiality waiver before they can participate in this volunteer opportunity.

All Intake Volunteers will be required to complete a training to review the intake process, this training will be hybrid at the United Way Topeka office and via Zoom on Friday, 10/24 from 10-11:30 am.

Christmas Bureau is a program that provides food and gifts to families in need over the holiday season.

The Intake Volunteer Opportunity is an in-person volunteer opportunity. This volunteer will help greet and direct individuals and families that enter the site.  Volunteers will report to Johnston Community Center to complete their volunteer shift.

For this volunteer opportunity, individuals are responsible for greeting clients as they enter the building. You will ensure they have all required documentation and the form is completely filled out. You will then assign them a number to be processed by an intake volunteer.

Individuals must complete the confidentiality waiver before they can participate in this volunteer opportunity.

All Intake Volunteers will be required to complete a training to review the intake process, this training will be hybrid at the United Way Topeka office and via Zoom on Friday, 10/24 from 10-11:30 am.

Christmas Bureau is a program that provides food and gifts to families in need over the holiday season. For those who have been involved in the past, the Christmas Bureau database is the same as 2024. Data Entry will require prior training. This position will be on-site at the intake location, Johnston Community Center, 2021 SE Market St, Topeka KS.

Attention to Detail and Accuracy is vital to the volunteer position.

For this volunteer opportunity individuals are responsible for reading and entering individual or family information from intake forms into a secure digital database system. Individuals must be organized and able to read handwritten responses as well as work with computer programs to enter information into the computer-based system. Individuals must complete the confidentiality waiver before they can participate in this volunteer opportunity. 

All volunteers will be required to complete an online training to volunteer for this position, scheduled for Monday, 10/27 at 10-11 am. 

At Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL), we believe that every family deserves a safe, welcoming space to land while working toward housing stability. That’s why we’re inviting volunteers to join our Repair and Renew team—a hands-on opportunity to make a lasting impact on the spaces where families heal, grow, and rebuild.

Goal: To help staff provide a safe, organized, and welcoming environment to all who visit our offices.

Outcome: By supporting the upkeep and organization of shared spaces—both indoors and outdoors—volunteers will directly reduce the time staff spend on logistical tasks, allowing them to focus more fully on serving families in crisis. This support is especially impactful for the case management team, whose work is often emotionally and administratively demanding. A well-maintained environment not only improves efficiency but also communicates dignity and care to every family who walks through our doors.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Qualifications/Education/Skills:

Required:

Preferred but not required:

Physical and Emotional Demands:

Purpose:
Help ensure donated items reach the families who need them most. Volunteers in this role assist with picking up donations from community members and delivering them to Family Promise of Lawrence families, creating safe, welcoming spaces for those in transition.

Responsibilities:

Role Flexibility:

This role can be split into two parts—Mover or Driver—or combined depending on the volunteer’s availability and vehicle access. Volunteers may work solo, in pairs, or as part of a team.

Time Commitment:

Location:

Join United Way of Kaw Valley's Young Leaders Society and Forge as we team up to host the annual Trick-or-Treat on the Trail at Pine Ridge!  This event takes place on the Born Learning Trail located at Pine Ridge Prep Preschool. Each year, YLS and Forge transform the trail into a Halloween celebration for children in the Pine Ridge public housing neighborhood. Kids will have the chance to trick-or-treat for candy and books, as well as participate in fun activities, and even hay-rack rides!  You can join our Halloween celebration by helping to pass out candy at one of our tables. Volunteers will need to arrive at Pine Ridge Prep by 5:00 pm. Candy will be provided. Wearing a family friendly costume is encouraged!

Whatever gifts you have to offer, there is a senior in need of you. Patient Care volunteers mobilize their compassion through companion visits, respite for caregivers, check-in phone calls, and Sacred Vigil. Time spent playing cards, watching a sporting event together, chatting about the birds at the feeder outside their window, or just being there, our patient care volunteers are an integral part of the outstanding care our patients expect from Midland Care. Training is provided. 

Looking our best makes us feel better, even at our most vulnerable times. We are looking for a few hair stylists and barbers to help our hospice patients feel their best. Whether your specialty is simple cuts, men's cuts, full service, or braids, your talents will be greatly appreciated. Patient care training will be provided. This is a service that has an incredibly powerful impact for our patients. Volunteer to brighten someone's day! 

A compassionate ear can make such a difference to a grieving family or individual. Our Center for Hope and Healing offers support for those who've experienced a recent loss, and volunteers are vital part of that team. Deliver a white rose to services, check in with the grieving through phone calls, write condolence cards, or work at our Healing Hearts Camp for Children-there are many ways to support those who've suffered a loss. Training provided. 

Connect with your neighbors and make a visible difference in the lives of homebound seniors. If you can just give (1) one hour a month or a week during the lunch hour, you will support the safety and independence of the elderly by delivering a hot, nutritious meal and a friendly smile! 

This is a great activity for families teaching children respect and the joy of service, for your employees to return to work recharged and inspired, or a fun project with your friends before lunch. 

For more information, call our office at (785) 430-2186, email Amanda at adouglas@midlandcc.org or visit our website at www.midlandcc.org. 

Midland Care Meals on Wheels serves seniors and homebound in Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties.

Pick up meals at the location nearest you and deliver in the neighborhood you prefer. 

Meal delivery bags are picked up between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Routes take up to an hour to deliver to an average of 12-15 clients per route. We'll work with your schedule and interests to find the best schedule and area for you. 

Substitute Drivers
Even the most dedicated delivery volunteers need a day off now and then. Substitutes keep the wheels turning. Substitutes can view a sign up weekly for open routes and sign up for those that fit your schedule and preferred part of the city. This is- a great option if you travel frequently or if your work schedule has busier seasons and you don't feel like you can make a regular commitment. Fill in when you can-you've no idea how helpful substitutes are! 

Training is provided before you hit the road with your first meal delivery. 

The team in our kitchen in Topeka make meals fresh daily for over 1000 people in Shawnee, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. This is a fast-paced task working with a fun team, filling food trays quickly, sending them through the sealer machine, and loading them into the coolers for delivery. You'll be on your feet for 2 hours. Closed toed shoes, limited rings and bracelets, and hair nets are required. 

It's so much more than only a meal! Connect with neighbors in your community when you deliver a hot, nutritious meal, daily safety check, and warm smile to homebound seniors every weekday, Monday-Friday between 10:30-12:00. Routes are available in Shawnee, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Choose your schedule-deliver every week or once or twice a month-whatever works for you. Hundreds of homebound neighbors are eager to get to know you, call today! 

Opportunities available for corporate, club, or faith groups to deliver as a team. 

Call 785-232-2044x1487 or email Amy at abarter@midlandcc.org or visit our website at www.midlandcareconnection.org for an application. 

Our Tuck in Call team members reach out to our hospice patients mid-week over the phone to check in, ensuring they have all the supplies, meds, and items they need to get through the weekend. Our patients enjoy hearing kind voices, and our care team appreciates the help to avoid running out of anything or needing to make extra trips to provide supplies. These volunteers have good phone skills, great listening skills, and wise and compassionate hearts. Team members can work a weekly schedule or fill in as needed. When you set your account/log in, someone will contact you to discuss your interests. Training provided

Support the Midland Care staff behind the scenes by taking care of some administrative tasks so staff can focus on providing outstanding compassionate care to our patients. Fill in at our front desk reception, care for plants in our buildings, maintain orderly files, build educational binders, support the Volunteer Services team as we support the organization. It takes a lot of admin to keep things running smoothly-your talents will be put to work!

We organize monthly Caregiver Nights Out on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5:30-8:30 PM. This event includes childcare. Our childcare team needs many dedicated hands to maintain a low volunteer-to-child ratio.

You can volunteer for one day or multiple, whichever works for you!

We organize monthly Support Groups on the 2nd Monday of every month from 6:00-8:00 PM in Lawrence. These Support Groups include childcare. Our childcare team needs many dedicated hands to maintain a low volunteer-to-child ratio.

You can volunteer for one day or multiple, whichever works for you!

Care in Action: Volunteer to Help Maintain Landscaping

At Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL), we believe that every family deserves a safe, welcoming space to land while working toward housing stability. That’s why we’re inviting volunteers to join our Maintenance Team—a hands-on opportunity to make a lasting impact on the spaces where families heal, grow, and rebuild.

Volunteer role directly supports the mission by enhancing the physical environments where families are served and staff operate. Volunteers will assist with property upkeep, weeding, leaf raking and other outdoor landscaping needs, ensuring that transitional spaces are safe, welcoming, and functional. By maintaining walkways, refreshing garden beds, preparing homes between families, and caring for outdoor areas like Mount Hope, volunteers help create a dignified and supportive atmosphere. Their efforts allow staff to focus more fully on family stabilization, while also fostering a sense of pride and community stewardship throughout the organization.

Each Thursday we serve a free vegan meal from 11:30 - 1:30. We need volunteers between 9:30am and 2:00pm to help get the food ready, serve the food, and help with clean up after. Volunteers do not need to stay the whole time and can come in whenever it fits their schedule. Volunteers should plan to stay for at least 2 hours. They are also welcome to eat with us before or after their volunteer time is done.

After signing up on this site, a volunteer manager will reach out with a follow-up email. Be sure to indicate which date(s) you are available to volunteer for. 

ECM offers a number of programs and opportunities for students and community members, including our popular weekly Veggie Lunch; Tai Chi, Capoeira, and Kickboxing classes; and our International Movie Nights;

Help us reach more people by spreading the word about our services and events! Grab some friends and get some exercise as you help distribute ECM flyers on the KU campus or Downtown Lawrence. 

ECM is always looking for compassionate volunteers to help promote and maintain our facility and programs.

Every Wednesday while KU is in session, we need volunteers to come help prepare a free vegan lunch, which we serve the following Thursday. Veggie Lunch prep begins every Wednesday at 4:00 pm and usually takes about 3 hours. Volunteers are not required to stay the entire time - they can come in for however long they would like. 

Volunteers will help with food prep - mostly cutting vegetables - and with storage and cleanup afterwards. All you need to do is show up! We will have someone onsite with a meal planned out and everything you will need is onsite.

When we reach out with follow-up, please be sure to indicate which date(s) you are available to volunteer as this is a reoccurring event. 

Each Sunday, the ECM hosts Food Not Bombs' meal prep. Food Not Bombs provides free meals to the community each Monday. Food prep consists of cutting and preparing foods as well as some clean up after. This typically takes about 3 hours and begins around 1:30 pm. Volunteers do not need to stay the entire time.

Volunteers just need to show up to the ECM. All equipment will be provided on site. No previous food prep experience necessary, we can show you all you need to know!

 This is a reoccurring event for every Monday. After receiving a follow-up email from the ECM, please indicate which date you are looking to register for. 

As a Heart & Cart Pantry Volunteer, you are part of the frontline hospitality team: the welcoming face and helping hands of our pantry experience. You’ll interact directly with guests, assist them through the shopping process, and help make their visit respectful, efficient, and caring. Your presence helps shape not just what guests take home, but how they feel as they leave.

Greet guests warmly as they arrive and check them in

Guide guests through the shopping process, answer questions, and help them locate items

Bag groceries, load or carry items to guests’ vehicles (as needed)

Maintain shopping area: tidy shelves, restock as needed, check for dated/expired items

Assist with crowd flow or line management during busy periods

Clean up stations, clear debris or stray packaging, and help keep the space orderly

Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to ensure guest needs are met efficiently

Report low stock or maintenance issues to staff

Uphold a welcoming, dignified, and nonjudgmental environment

Friendly, compassionate, and guest‑oriented attitude

Comfortable interacting with diverse individuals and demonstrating respect

Ability to lift moderate weight (boxes or grocery bags) safely

Willingness to stand, walk, bend, and assist throughout shift

Good communicator and active listener

Flexibility, teamwork, and adaptability in a dynamic environment

Reliable and punctual

SIGN UP DIRECTLY ON OUR WEBSITE!

https://senttopeka.churchcenter.com/people/forms/763140

Join our Truck to Shelf Team and be part of the essential crew that keeps our pantry shelves stocked and our operations running smoothly!

As a member of this team, you’ll help with:

Unloading deliveries from the truck

Opening and sorting boxes of goods

Stocking shelves with care and accuracy

Organizing and storing excess inventory in our backroom or storage areas

This is a hands-on, active role that’s perfect for volunteers who enjoy working behind the scenes and don’t mind a bit of lifting, sorting, and teamwork. You’ll play a crucial role in making sure everything is ready and accessible for the people we serve.

Join our Truck to Shelf Team and be part of the essential crew that keeps our pantry shelves stocked and our operations running smoothly!

As a member of this team, you’ll help with:

Unloading deliveries from the truck

Opening and sorting boxes of goods

Stocking shelves with care and accuracy

Organizing and storing excess inventory in our backroom or storage areas

This is a hands-on, active role that’s perfect for volunteers who enjoy working behind the scenes and don’t mind a bit of lifting, sorting, and teamwork. You’ll play a crucial role in making sure everything is ready and accessible for the people we serve.

Help families feel welcomed—and keep shared spaces shining.
Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL) is looking for Clean and Prep Volunteers to help maintain safe, dignified environments for families in shelter. This hands-on role includes two key areas of impact:

Whether you're wiping down surfaces, restocking essentials, or deep cleaning, your care helps families feel seen and supported—and allows staff to focus on stabilization efforts.

Time Commitment:
Flexible! Volunteers can sign up for regular cleaning shifts or be contacted when turnover support is needed. Great for individuals or small groups who enjoy short-term, hands-on service.

Impact:
Your work helps create a sense of dignity and calm for families in crisis. Clean, organized spaces communicate care—and make a real difference in how families experience shelter.

Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL) empowers families in housing crisis to achieve stabilization through community connections. Our Operations Volunteers play a vital behind-the-scenes role in making that mission possible—by keeping our spaces safe, functional, and welcoming.

We need your help to keep great books accessible to communities 24/7. As a volunteer, you will visit this Little Free Library in Topeka to distribute books once a month. This book-sharing box needs diverse books.

We're looking for a volunteer who can commit to distributing books to this Little Free Library for 3 months. We can suggest free or low-cost sources of books - or, if you're a bookworm yourself, you can distribute your own.  Approximately 20 books are needed each month, so whatever amount you can contribute would be appreciated! 

Register on our website to get started. After you register, we will send tips and resources. Little Free Library staff and the Little Free Library caretaker (the steward) can answer your questions along the way. 

The flexibility can't be beat: visit the Little Free Library whenever it fits in your schedule, as long as it’s being restocked monthly. 

Purpose: By keeping Little Free Libraries filled with books, you are helping to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. 

Responsibilities:

Time Required: You set your own schedule. We're asking you to commit to just a few hours of collecting and distributing books each month. 

Resources Available: We will help you get started with some tips for book sources and using our Little Free Library app. 

Qualifications:

Benefits: Experience the satisfaction of getting books into the hands of more readers. You’ll get a free Little Free Library t-shirt after you record your impact in the Team LFL online hub!

Supervision & Support: You can connect with the Little Free Library steward or Brianna, the Community Engagement Manager, to ask questions. 

Seeking volunteers to help out in the sensory garden.  We have regular garden shared work times on Thursdays (March to October) from 9:30 to 11:30.  Once a volunteer completes the application https://reader.ku.edu/volunteer-application as well as out orientation, volunteers can select hours that work for them to weed, water, sweep, trim and enjoying.  Hours are flexible, folks with some gardening background helpful; tasks include physical labor and exposure to the outdoors while weeding, planting, sweeping, trimming and enjoying the garden.  Complete a volunteer application at reader.ku.edu and you will get an email regarding volunteer orientation.

The concept of a sensory garden is unique: to provide an outdoor environment that stimulates a variety of senses, making the garden particularly accessible to individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities.

Plantings include those that are very fragrant or have interesting textures. Plants are labeled with special markers that identify the plant in Braille and in print.

When you stroll through the Audio-Reader Sensory Garden, you are encouraged to explore the garden with your fingers, your nose, and your ears — to touch, feel, smell and listen. This is a hands-on garden and visitors are encouraged to use several of their senses in order to enjoy all of the delights that the garden has to offer.

Children, adults, and seniors — sighted and sight-impaired — revel in the opportunity to experience this unique garden. In order to activate the fragrance of a plant, you may need to gently rub the leaf between your fingers. This also allows you to experience the unique texture of each plant. Wind chimes, a bubbling rock fountain, song birds, the chiming of the nearby Campanile, and even the sound of the KU marching band wafting from the nearby football stadium provide wonderful sounds to enjoy. Take a moment to sit on one of the garden benches and enjoy the distinctive sounds of the garden.

Volunteer Advocates work closely with the Victim Advocate and staff advocates to provide after-hours direct service to primary and secondary victim-survivors of sexual trauma & abuse. Volunteer Advocates provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy and support to victim-survivors of all ages and genders within Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.

Training is 40 hours (usually over the course of 5-6 weeks) and is full of valuable information on sexual assault, counseling skills, and crisis support.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrbosKeefLjfK1_HH--kfcWjn9DOEAN_8Ti1fVKu0vEog7Uw/viewform?c=0&w=1

*The CARE Center is committed to making sure our Advocates are diverse and representative of the community. We encourage men, Spanish language speakers, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples & people of color, LGBTQIA+ people & survivors of sexual trauma to apply.

SparkWheel at Prairie Park Elementary is looking for volunteers to serve as lunch buddy/mentors.

Volunteers must pass a background check and commit to coming in each week during the semester outside of KU breaks.

This is a WEEKLY commitment - ONE day each week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. 

Time periods are:

For more information and to apply for this volunteer opportunity please contact Stacie Jackson at stacie.jackson@sparkwheel.org.

Schedule:  Daily M-F 9-2

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

We are looking for Volunteers to assist students in learning life budgeting skills.  The volunteers will work a table that provides options for students to learn how a monthly budget works.  We will have several tables/booth for communications, shopping, mortgage, health insurance, child care,  etc.  We the host provide feedback and guidance to the students as they make their financial decisions.  This is an in-person only event

We are looking for Volunteers to assist students in learning life budgeting skills.  The volunteers will work a table that provides options for students to learn how a monthly budget works.  We will have several tables/booth for communications, shopping, mortgage, health insurance, child care,  etc.  We the host provide feedback and guidance to the students as they make their financial decisions.  This is an in-person only event

Road To Recovery is an American Cancer Society program designed to help improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to care for cancer patients undergoing active treatment by transporting them to and from cancer-related treatment appointments.

The Road To Recovery Volunteer driver can help provide people with transportation to and from their cancer-related treatment appointments. Drivers donate their time and the use of their personal vehicles to help ensure that people with cancer get the treatments they need. Volunteer drivers are also there to show support and provide information and resource referrals coordinated through the American Cancer Society.

Responsibilities include:

Volunteer Driver Qualifications:

Volunteers are  needed to share their interests and talents with our guests or children. Do you like to play an instrument, make bead bracelets or crafts or put puzzles together? Do you have a hobby or interest that you enjoy speaking to others about.  We are looking for volunteers willing to come share their hobby or  teach a skill to our guests. This could be a one time share of information or once a month. Volunteers would be required to have a background check completed. This opportunity would be on a Friday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm starting in September. 

This could be a fun option for student groups to interact with our guests and children. Any minor under 18 must have adult(s) with the person/group.

Do you have a group that would like to assist us with refreshing Winter Wonderland displays?  We are currently working with businesses/organizations to do just that.  Contact us to discuss & schedule this opportunity.  Time and group sizes may vary based on availability. 

Duties include removing old lights and cord from displays, rewrapping displays with new cord, and adding new lightbulbs.

This opportunity will take place outside in the shade. Weather permitting, will be moved inside.

Recommended dress is casual as clothing may get dirty due to dust on displays. Wear closed-toed shoes. 

Volunteers will refresh Winter Wonderland displays.

Duties include removing old lights and cord from displays, rewrapping displays with new cord, and adding new lightbulbs.

This opportunity will take place outside in the shade. Weather permitting, will be moved inside.

Recommended dress is casual as clothing may get dirty due to dust on displays. Wear closed-toed shoes.