Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

Random Acts of Kindness Week in February encourages everyone to make kindness the norm in their everyday actions. One way to spread kindness during this week is to write a thank you note to a local Little Free Library steward! (A steward is an individual or group of people who care for a Little Free Library book-sharing box.) These notes help stewards see how their Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are making an impact in their communities.

Purpose: Strengthen community connections and spread kindness by showing your gratitude for a community resource. 

How to Participate:

Time Required: This is a flexible opportunity that can happen whenever you are available during the week of Feb. 15-21. It only requires the time it takes to write and deliver a thoughtful note to a Little Free Library.

Support: Contact the Community Engagement Manager with any questions.

Big news, Topeka! We’re once again hosting the NJCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at Washburn’s world-class indoor facility.

Top collegiate athletes from across the country will compete right here in the Capital City—and we’re calling on our incredible volunteers to help us make it unforgettable. From high-speed sprints to high-flying jumps, it’s all happening in Topeka!

We need assistance with field events, clerking, and general hospitality, while also helping keep the track secure. Clerking will assist with runner check-in, and general hospitality will monitor the track to ensure a safe boundary.

Assisting with fields events includes raking sand pits and replacing poles on High Jump, Pole Vault, and with triple and long jumps. These roles require:

Volunteers must be 18 years old and older. There are volunteer opportunities available for all abilities. 

Let’s show the nation our hometown pride and help to ensure the smooth operation of this Championship.

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

Join our board and help us achieve our mission of serving expectant families through prenatal education, continuous labor support, and sustained postpartum community connection. Our goals are to provide pregnancy and childbirth education that entrusts mothers to make informed decisions about their care, to empower moms to make healthy decisions for the well-being of themselves and their children, and to improve the mother’s birth experience by providing strategic oversight and guidance.

As a board member, you will play a vital role in shaping the direction of the Topeka Doula Project and supporting our commitment to strategically underserved communities.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning: Participate and contribute to developing and implementing the organization's strategic plan on long-term goals and organizational priorities.

Financial Oversight: Review and approve annual budgets and financial reports. Ensuring responsible financial management and fundraising efforts.

Fundraising and Development: Assist in fundraising initiatives and donor cultivation and actively participate in identifying and securing new funding sources.

Governance and Compliance: Review and update organizational policies and procedures.

Program Oversight: Provide feedback and guidance on program development.

Attendance and Participation: Attend every other month board meetings. Serve on at least one board committee and actively participate in board discussions and decision-making.

Community Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the organization within the community and promote to potential supporters.

Essential Skills:

*Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

*Ability to think strategically and critically.

*Commitment to the organization's mission and values.

*Experience in Maternal health, finance, fundraising, program management, etc.

Preferred Skills:

*Knowledge of Maternal and infant health.

*Fundraising experience

*Legal or financial expertise.

Personal Attributes:

*Passionate about making a difference.

*Team player with a collaborative spirit.

*Integrity and ethical conduct.

Time Commitment: Approximately 3-6 hours per meeting per month, including board meetings and committee work. 6 regular board meetings a year.

Board meetings are held every other month from Jan.-Dec.

The City of Lawrence/Lawrence Community Shelter is seeking compassionate individuals to volunteer at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St, in direct response to the Weather Advisory/Winter Storm Watch impacting eastern Kansas. This effort aims to provide a safe and warm environment for those in need of shelter from snow, wind, and extreme cold temperatures.

Volunteers will receive support from the City of Lawrence/Lawrence Community Shelter. This role involves interacting with community members who may be experiencing significant physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

What We’re Looking For in Volunteers    

We’re seeking individuals who demonstrate:

For questions, please contact:

Join us in making a difference during this critical time!

Behavior Health Mentor

Center for Supportive Communities

August 2026 – May 2027

Are you a college student seeking real-world experience for academic credit or a retired professional looking to stay active and give back to your community?

Considering a career change into education, social work, mental health, or advocacy?

Join the SupportEd program at the Center for Supportive Communities (CSC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to using behavior science to create meaningful change for youth, families, and the community.

This opportunity is ideal for:

✔ Undergraduate or graduate students completing course credit, practicums, or internships

✔ Retired individuals who want to remain engaged and make a difference

✔ Career changers seeking meaningful experience in the human services field experience

CSC’s Behavioral Health Mentor position offers you an innovative and comprehensive learning customized to meet your interests or educational requirements. CSC encourages students from all backgrounds to apply. Ask a faculty member to sponsor your hours with CSC for course credit

Position Contact

info@supportivecommunities.org

Position Title

Behavior Health Mentor

Position Dates

August 2026 – May 2027

Time Requirements

You must dedicate 5, 10, 15, or 20 hours each week. Many of your weekly responsibilities (other
than meetings with students) can be completed remotely and on your own time.

Position Location

Douglas County, KS (Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Perry)

Position Responsibilities

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Benefits & Perks

Application Process

Help direct patients and family members to the correct location they need to go.  This includes helping look up patient room numbers for family members

Requirements

* Minimal walking 1 out of 5 shoes

* Some computer/phone knowledge

* Must complete application found on website Volunteer | The University of Kansas St. Francis Campus (kutopeka.com)

Assists the priest in administering the elements of Holy Communion, the consecrated bread and wine. 

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

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.

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…

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

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

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

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.

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.

The Top City Half Marathon and 5K is happening on May 2nd, 2026! We are in need of volunteers, as we have a lot of road closures and intersections that need volunteers. This event is extremely important to Topeka; it is the only half marathon in the area and really highlights the importance of Topeka/Topeka's downtown area. This event is not possible without the help from the community; sign up today to keep this half marathon alive!

FutureNow Finance is an exercise that helps students understand some of the “realities” involved in preparing for an employable future and adulthood. Students will have an invaluable experience of managing finances for a month as a 26-year-old adult. At FutureNow: Finance, students receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event. The scenario includes marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income (based on choice of career field and current GPA). The students will use that information to determine their monthly payments and balance their budgets. Students will visit a variety of booths to “purchase” housing, transportation, communication services, child care, food, utilities, insurance, etc. They will also have the opportunity to save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life (e.g. accidents, unexpected visitors, flat tires).

FutureNow Finance is an exercise that helps students understand some of the “realities” involved in preparing for an employable future and adulthood. Students will have an invaluable experience of managing finances for a month as a 26-year-old adult. At FutureNow: Finance, students receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event. The scenario includes marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income (based on choice of career field and current GPA). The students will use that information to determine their monthly payments and balance their budgets. Students will visit a variety of booths to “purchase” housing, transportation, communication services, child care, food, utilities, insurance, etc. They will also have the opportunity to save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life (e.g. accidents, unexpected visitors, flat tires).

The Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee runs Lawrence's largest and most fun parade. But the committee is about so much more than just the parade. We hold 10+/- events each year, crown an annual queen or king, and work with businesses from across the area to raise money for annually chosen beneficiaries.

The 2026 Beneficiaries are: Lawrence Farmer's Market and Lawrence Youth Football.

Of course, all of that is true, but no committee has more fun working hard to raise nearly than $100,000 yearly. Our events, everything from Irish Road Bowling to our 5K/10K race, are well attended and surrounded with the energy of Lawrence.

We need people with so many skill sets and abilities. We need those who can volunteer a little or a lot. We love help from those who both want to help broadly and those who see that they can help us fulfill a singular need. Join us and make some new friends knowing that your fun will also be supporting one of Lawrence's amazing children's charities. 

We have so many volunteer opportunities from donation acquisitions and tracking, live and silent item webpage development, party planning, registration at the event, to setup and breakdown! This is our biggest and funnest fundraiser of the year! And we do it all for the kids!

This year's Charity Auction is the evening of Friday, February 20, at Maceli's Banquet Hall in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. The 3 months leading up to the auction is a busy time of gathering, organizing, and prepping for the big night! It takes a large group to make it a magical night and raise much needed funds for local children's charities. We need you!

For more info on how you can get involved, email info@lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com or visit our website: https://lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com/

All proceeds go to our 2026 Beneficiaries: Lawrence Farmer's Market and Lawrence Youth Football.

Volunteer Advocates support staff advocates in providing direct support to survivors of sexual trauma.

Volunteer Advocates provide free, confidential, and trauma-informed services to hotline callers under supervision of staff advocates, connecting survivors to resources within our organization such as therapy referrals, peer support groups, court advocacy, Title IX support, and general counseling, as well as outside community resources which best suit their needs. 

Training consists of 40 hours spread over the course of 5-6 weeks with weekly in-person sessions to provide valuable information about sexual trauma, counseling skills, and crisis intervention.

The STA Care Center is proud to support survivors of all backgrounds through a volunteer base critical to our history operating in Lawrence. Our services extend past Douglas County and into Franklin and Jefferson Counties with offices in Ottawa and Oskaloosa to meet the needs of survivors located in each of these communities.

In an effort to more closely represent our community in our advocacy team, we encourage men, Spanish language speakers, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples & people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and survivors of sexual trauma to apply.

Please submit your interest through the Google Form found here: https://forms.gle/gFZwds3i8NkGxQ3P8

Or on our website: https://www.stacarecenter.org/volunteer

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Cade Dennis at volunteercoordinator@stacarecenter.org.

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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! 

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!

Emergency Management Volunteers help people prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Douglas County Emergency Management (DCEM) offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. So whether you love the weather, are an amateur radio operator, or just want to be better prepared and help before, during and after disasters DCEM has four distinct ways to serve your community.

If you are interested in volunteering with Emergency Management, please visit our website to download an application. https://dgcoks.gov/em/volunteer

Harvesters mobilizes the power of our community to create equitable access to nutritious food and address the root causes and impact of hunger. Volunteers serving in Harvesters’ Volunteer Engagement Center (VEC) sort and repack food, which assists Harvesters and its pantry partners in feeding more than 250,000 people each month.  

Volunteer tasks are assigned based on product availability and project prioritization. Volunteer Engagement Center opportunities include: 

Harvesters weekly volunteer schedule: 

Advance registration is required, click here to register and sign the volunteer waiver.

Each month, Harvesters distributes nearly 5,000 CSFP food boxes to food-insecure seniors. These boxes include shelf-stable items like cereal, pasta, canned vegetables, and juice.

We need your help to make these deliveries extra special! Create a cheerful, handmade card with an upbeat message to include in each box. This is an all-ages activity, and handwriting from kids is absolutely welcome—just make sure it’s legible and take time to make each card unique.

Your Mission

Getting Started

Quantity & Service Hours

Any number of cards is welcome! Great for individuals or groups—office teams, schools, service organizations, and more. Service Credit: 1 hour for every 10 handmade cards completed, limited to 4 hours (40 cards) per month. Please note:

Where to Send Completed Cards

Mail or drop off Monday–Friday, 8 AM–3:30 PM:

Harvesters Kansas Distribution Center

Attn: Community Engagement Team

1220 Timberedge Road

Lawrence, KS 66049

Include your first & last name, email, and phone number so we can log your service hours.

Seeking Volunteers interested in helping prepare the Clothing Closet for daily clients. This may include bring clean/ready donated items up for display and or prepping/hanging made outfits in the Clothing Closet.  

Additionally, if interested, Clothing Closet volunteers will be able to volunteer in the Clothing Closet with clients as they shop for needed items. The Closet is small and communication/connection is easy. Children may also be visiting with their parent so any help with the little ones appreciated while parents' shop.  

Clients schedule their Closet appointments on our website. Each appointment is approximately 30 minutes.  We can have anywhere from 2-5 appointments a day.  Appointments typically scheduled early afternoon.

If a volunteer is interested in serving client directly in the Clothing Closet there will be an orientation, short training and staff available to help.  Once you've helped in Closet preparation for a while, just let Sarah or staff know if you'd like to also try working with clients directly in the Clothing Closet. We'll work with you.  

Prefer regular once a week, 2 hr commitment if working in the Clothing Closet. 

Seeking volunteers who would enjoy sorting K-5 Clothing donations and making 'outfits' to be hung for clients who use our community Clothing Closet.  There are several ways to be of support to the Donation Center from laundry, sorting, organizing, as well as making 'outfits' from our clothing donations. (Usually everyone's favorite role!).

Donations never end so volunteer support is ALWAYS needed!

We would prefer a regular commitment once a week, twice a month or once a month.1.5 hours is a good volunteer time commitment. You can come solo but also encourage groups of 2-4 volunteers. 

Small groups VERY much welcome! You can get more done in 1.5 hours than one person in 3! 

However, if you enjoy working solo in a pretty quiet Donation Center area this may be a perfect fit.

There is also an option to take clean, sorted by size clothes home to fold and make into outfits. You can return these outfits to the Donation Center ready for the Clothing Closet. Instructions and bins/bags will be provided for you.

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. 

Front Desk: Volunteers at the front desk will be tasked with answering phone calls, assisting with check in, and entering guest information into the Apricot database. Training will be provided.

Volunteers in the Family Support Centers help with daily operations such as keeping
the pantry clean and shelves well stocked. Volunteers also walk guests through the pantry
ensuring that they select the designated amount of food or to help them make healthy food
choices.

Front Desk: Volunteers at the front desk will be tasked with answering phone calls, assisting with check in, and entering guest information into the Apricot database. Training will be provided.

Volunteers in the Family Support Centers help with daily operations such as keepingthe pantry clean and shelves well stocked. Volunteers also walk guests through the pantryensuring that they select the designated amount of food or to help them make healthy foodchoices.

Being a Block Talk Host means helping create a stronger, safer, and more connected neighborhood. Hosts serve as the friendly point of contact on their block—welcoming new neighbors, sharing resources, and helping people stay informed about what’s happening in their area. They don’t run the neighborhood; they simply help bring people together, making it easier for everyone to look out for one another.

Hosts help organize simple meet-ups, check in with neighbors who might need support, and connect people to resources, opportunities, and each other. Most importantly, they help grow a culture of care, communication, and community where everyone has a place and everyone belongs.

Duties include supporting our facilities tech with property and building maintenance. Must be able to lift 25+ pounds, stand for long periods at a time, and understand general maintenance. 

Every 3 years Community Action conducts a needs assessment to assist with program development and to determine the underlying causes and conditions of poverty within the community we serve to identify the available resources and address the unmet needs of the community’s most vulnerable residents. 

Seeking individuals to

- host focus groups

- compile/analyze focus group responses

- assist with writing narratives for needs assessment

- promote and recruit focus group participants

Host a food & fund drive in your neighborhood, place of business, school or community organization. Food & fund drives are great fun, especially when friendly competition between participants is encouraged! Contact us at fighthunger@harvesters.org.

Don’t have room for a food drive barrel or have time to make a special trip to the grocery store? Host a virtual food drive for your workplace or organization! It’s a convenient, hassle-free, 24/7 way to help Harvesters with the click of a mouse! Go to www.harvesters.org and click on "Give Food" to download our step-by-step guides and "how to" kits. 

Healthy Family Meal Kits provide all the necessary ingredients for an easy, complete nutritious meal for children and families in need in our community. Each box includes enough ingredients to make 8 servings, as well as a recipe card.  

How It Works: 
The Family Meal Box program has two components:  a food or fund drive followed by a volunteer activity. 

Food/Fund Drive: 
Each box needs to include all of the items for one recipe listed below for the box to be complete. Collecting items in bulk or asking several volunteers to purchase food in bulk after collecting monetary donations works very well for this drive.    

Volunteer Activity: 
At the end of your food drive, coordinate with Harvesters to receive boxes, recipe cards, stickers.   Then, your volunteers will spend a few hours packing the individual boxes so they can be easily transported back to our facility for distribution.  

Need community service hours?
For every complete meal kit donated, you will receive 1 volunteer hour!*

Connect with your neighbors and make a visible difference in the lives of local families! By giving just  a few hours a week, you’ll help provide nutritious food, household staples, and a welcoming smile to those who visit the our community pantry.

For more information call our office at (785) 842-0729, email Isaac at isaac@ballardcenter.org, or visit our website at https://ballardcenter.org/volunteer/

Pantry volunteer responsibilities include:

Our pantry operates from 9:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday. We would be happy to work around your work/school schedule to find the perfect fit!

708 Elm St, Lawrence, KS 66044

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.

SparkWheel at Prairie Park Elementary is looking for volunteers to tutor elementary-aged students weekly.

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 on Tuesday or Wednesday. Tuesday sessions are from 3:00-4:00 and Wednesday sessions are from 1:30-2:30. Spaces are limited and new inquiries will be accepted until February 23rd, 2026.

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

Join us in making a difference in our community.

You can help by :

Your support can bring joy and nourishment to those in need. Contact us today to get involved!

Volunteer will be helping distribute food/clothing to patrons during our regular distribution. Tasks can include building food boxes, loading food into cars, folding/sorting clothes, and assisting shoppers in our clothing closet.

If you are looking for a fun and easy volunteer opportunity look no further!

Arts Connect is seeking a special individual or small team to assist around the gallery during the First Friday Art Walk and other open hours.

This role would include greeting visitors to the gallery, overseeing the gallery when open to the public, do some set up and clean up when needed and answer general questions. For the "regular" hours of Noon-3p on Fridays & Saturdays, you would be holding the gallery open so that visitors can see the artwork on display. On First Friday, we are usually quite busy and so on those nights, you'd serve as an extra set of hands.

This same volunteer(s) may be called upon when needed to assist in hanging and arranging for exhibits being installed into the gallery space. Ability to lift, reach and climb a step ladder is often needed for this task. However, please do not hesitate to inquire if you have physical limitations, we encourage all to participate and will be accepting multiple inquiries for all opportunities.

Volunteer(s) for this position must be:

Reliable

Friendly

Trustworthy

Flexible

Able to work independently and as part of a team

Interested in the Arts

Ability to sit/stand/move around the gallery for extended period.

This is a fun and helpful way to help support the arts in Topeka and Shawnee Co.! If you think this sounds like a good fit for you we invite you to contact us for more information.

Seeking volunteers for 2-3 hours on Mondays between 8:30 am-12 pm (noon). Must have a driver's license, vehicle, and auto insurance. 

Position Overview:

Do you believe that everyone deserves to get their groceries in a dignified way? Just Food is looking for a warm, helpful and efficient individual to regularly serve as a weekly Delivery Driver to our homebound population. This position is responsible for picking up grocery orders at Just Food and delivering them to a predetermined route. Delivery Drivers ensure access to quality food if transportation is found to be a major barrier for households.

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through shared experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Pickup pre-assembled delivery kits and route sheet from Just Food

General knowledge of navigating Lawrence and Douglas County

Responsible for delivering to specified location 

Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Community Access Manager or Volunteer Manager

Requirements:

Availability Mondays sometime between 8:30 - Noon

Must possess valid driver's license, personal vehicle & auto insurance 

Dependability, service attitude, and strong organizational skills

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation, and complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete on-the-job training

Training/supervision conducted by Sourcing & Production Manager, Impact Director and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

2-3 hour time commitment on Mondays between 8:30-Noon.

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org or production@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for minimum 2-3 hours per week between Tuesday 9 am-6 pm, Wednesday 9 am-3 pm, and Thursday 9 am-6 pm. 

Position Overview:

Are you an organized and efficient cook, ready to give back to your community? Just Food is looking for an adaptable, organized team player to help perform a variety of cooking and food repackaging tasks in our commercial kitchen. This position works under the direct supervision of the Sourcing & Production Manager and is responsible for helping create ready-to-eat and deli item selections, packaging and organizing the finished product, ensuring proper food handling practices and ultimately preparing these items to be distributed within the Just Food Pantry.

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through shared experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Help maintain a clean, well-organized, and safe kitchen environment

Basic produce prep and knife skills

Create a menu of ready-to-eat meals and sandwiches and pack in to-go containers

Perform portion control and minimize waste to keep cost within forecasted range

Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Sourcing & Production Manager

Requirements:

Ability to work in both team and solo environments

Ability to lift and/or move heavy items; frequent lifting and bending, and use of back; long periods of standing (exceptions for ADA-compliance)

Dependability, service attitude, and strong organizational skills

Wear closed-toed shoes

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation, and complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete on-the-job training

Training/supervision conducted by Sourcing & Production Manager, Impact Director and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

Minimum 2-3 hour time commitment; open hours Tuesday - Thursday.

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org or production@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for regular, recurring 3 hour shifts for warehouse work during Just Food operating hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am-6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 am-3 pm.

Position Overview:

Are you an organized and efficient worker, ready to give back to your community? Just Food is looking for an efficient, adaptable, organized team player to help perform a variety of manual tasks in our warehouse and shopping market. This position is responsible for sorting and organizing food items, keeping the pantry stocked, ensuring proper food handling practices and facilitating a safe, comfortable grocery shopping experience. This position will interact with clients and must be able to multitask while remaining helpful and calm under pressure. 

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through shared experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Help maintain a clean, well-organized, and safe arrangement and storage of food items in the food bank warehouse

Store products in appropriate areas

Receive donated food; weigh and record receipt of food, sort and eliminate food items unfit for distribution to clients 

Regularly stock pantry shelves to ensure quality selection of food for clients

Requirements:

Ability to work in team environment

Ability to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds consistently; frequent lifting and bending and use of back; long periods of standing

Dependability, service attitude, and strong organizational skills

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation, and complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete on-the-job training

Training/supervision conducted by warehouse staff and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

3-hour shifts available 9am-6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-3pm Wednesdays & Fridays

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for regular, recurring 3 hour shifts for check out during Just Food operating hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am-6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 am-3 pm.

Position Overview: 

Do you believe that everyone deserves to get their groceries in a dignified way? Just Food is looking for a warm, helpful and efficient individual to regularly serve as Checkout Attendant in our shopping market. This frontline position is responsible for helping shoppers finish up their shopping trip, counting up food points used, ensuring appropriate distribution of food based on household size, and facilitating a safe, comfortable grocery shopping experience. This position will interact with all shoppers and must be able to multitask while remaining calm under pressure. 

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through collective experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Welcome and assist all shoppers coming into the pantry

Help shoppers understand how to navigate and operate within the market

Count up points and bag/box per client's preference; help carryout as needed

Requirements:

Have a professional appearance and friendly attitude

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to lift 20-30 pounds and stand on your feet for extended periods

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation & complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Training/supervision conducted by Pantry Manager, Volunteer Manager or Warehouse staff

Time Commitment:

3-hour shifts: 9am-6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-3pm Wednesdays & Fridays. Must be able to commit to the same regular shift each week. 

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for regular, recurring 3 hour shifts for check in during Just Food operating hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am-6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 am-3 pm.

Position Overview: 

Do you have the gift of gab and want to use it to help others? Just Food is looking for a warm, welcoming, organized individual to regularly serve as Check-in Attendant in our pantry. This frontline position is responsible for registering and screening shoppers, ensuring accuracy of computer records, and facilitating a safe, comfortable grocery shopping experience. This frontline position will interact with all shoppers and must be able to multitask while remaining calm under pressure. 

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through collective experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Welcome and assist all folks coming into the pantry

Help shoppers understand how to navigate and operate within shopping area

Register any new shoppers, ensure complete and accurate information

Light data entry and computer usage as well as photocopying

Requirements:

Must be punctual and dependable; ability to commit to minimum 3-hour shift

Must present a semi-professional appearance and friendly attitude

Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills

Comfortable on the computer & data entry

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation & complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete Link2Feed (software) training

Training/supervision conducted by Pantry Manager and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

3-hour shifts: 9am-6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-3pm Wednesdays & Fridays. Must be able to commit to the same regular shift each week. 

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org.

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.

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

Volunteers are needed.  Please give us a call if you can help! 

We need volunteers all year but we are very flexible and can work around seasonal schedules when possible.

Types of drivers are needed:
 

What happens when I decide to volunteer?

Each day, Lawrence Meals On Wheels delivers approximately 150+ meals. This enormous task would not be possible without our number one resource – Volunteers. Over 125 volunteers each week are utilized to serve our clients.
 

Volunteers pick up meals between 10:30 – 11:30 at MOW, 2121 Kasold, and then deliver to between 4 -8 clients. The delivery bags are then returned to MOW. The entire process takes an hour or less and can easily be done over your lunch hour.  We can be very flexible if you need to run errands afterwards or return the bags the next morning - just let us know and we will work it out.
 

Volunteers initially train with a staff member and then ride along on a route prior to driving their own. We provide route sheets, with detailed maps and written directions. Staff is always available to answer any questions and assist as needed.  All of our routes take an hour or less.  We do our best to make sure that the delivery routes are as direct and concise as possible.
 

A valid driver’s license and proof of current insurance are required.
 

Our volunteers range in age from 5 to 90. We have parents who drive with their children, executives who drive on their lunch hour, as well as KU students and retired individuals who drive. We are flexible and can work with your schedule, i.e. if you are going to be out of town, can only help over the holidays and/or during the summer, etc.

We can not accept anyone under 18 as a volunteer driver unless they are accompanied by a parent.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:
 

Schedule:  Daily M-F 9-2

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Thank you for donating a meal for our guests at the Lawrence Community Shelter! All meal donations must be scheduled and approved in advance. Meal donations must be prepared in a safe-certified or similarly regulated kitchen for quality assurance. Homemade donations are NOT accepted. However, you can volunteer to cook in the shelter kitchen instead.

Please reach out to schedule your meal donation. You will receive instructions for preparing meals, the number of servings, and noting common allergens.

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. 

Types of drivers are needed:
 

What happens when I decide to volunteer?

Each day, Lawrence Meals On Wheels delivers approximately 150+ meals. This enormous task would not be possible without our number one resource – Volunteers. Over 125 volunteers each week are utilized to serve our clients.
 

Volunteers pick up meals between 10:30 – 11:30 at MOW, 2121 Kasold, and then deliver to between 4 -8 clients. The delivery bags are then returned to MOW. The entire process takes an hour or less and can easily be done over your lunch hour.  We can be very flexible if you need to run errands afterwards or return the bags the next morning - just let us know and we will work it out.
 

Volunteers initially train with a staff member and then ride along on a route prior to driving their own. We provide route sheets, with detailed maps and written directions. Staff is always available to answer any questions and assist as needed.  All of our routes take an hour or less.  We do our best to make sure that the delivery routes are as direct and concise as possible.
 

A valid driver’s license and proof of current insurance are required.
 

Our volunteers range in age from 5 to 90. We have parents who drive with their children, executives who drive on their lunch hour, as well as KU students and retired individuals who drive. We are flexible and can work with your schedule, i.e. if you are going to be out of town, can only help over the holidays and/or during the summer, etc.

We can not accept anyone under 18 as a volunteer driver unless they are accompanied by a parent.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:
 

Care Cupboard Volunteers will provide excellent and compassionate customer service for shoppers in our food pantry located on the north side of Heartland Community Health Center.  Service duties include: greeting shoppers, data entry, assisting shoppers, sacking groceries; as well as some light cleaning and stocking of the pantry. 

Volunteers will serve independently in support of our mission to help those in need of care. Comfort with computer entry is important and experience serving a diverse population (some with potentially special needs) is crucial. 

The Care Cupboard at Heartland Community Health Center is a satellite of Just Food.

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

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

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!

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. 

Assist with data entry

Client assistance applications

Organizing client folders

Client follow-up calls

Client eligibility 

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:

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!

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. 

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.

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.

Responsibilities:

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:

Pull weeds and do other basic yard work around our transitional housing facility!

This position is Fill in as needed when volunteers are off. Normal hours would be 9:00am - 2pm.  This area can be worked in half days as well.  You would assist clients in finding items, fold and sack their items, pull requested items from the back room, ie: sheets, towels, dishes.  When not assisting clients you can straighten up, and put away new donations in the room.  Mondays do not have clients, just straightening and replenishing the room with donations.

Braided Haven Mentor Program recruits and trains  a diverse group of individuals who are open and affirming, patient, kind, willing to give of themselves, and their time. Mentors engage with mentees to strengthen the relationship, but more importantly help build confidence and offer motivation.  We desire people who are open to fostering an environment for creativity, peace, hope, growth, and sense of family and ongoing support.

All mentoring provided is curated based on the needs of the mentee. One on One mentoring is offered for those who are interested and will participate in the Mentor/Mentee Matching process to assure the needs of the mentee for the greatest outcome, Youth entering the Braided Haven mentoring program will have access to a team of individuals to create a continuum of care for the mentee. 

Mentor/Mentee time should consist of the following but not limited to career development, academic support, and socialization. Whether it is a team or one on one session Mentors are encouraged to set goals within relationships to measure progress and to measure outcomes.

Mentees should expect to learn how to have healthy interactions and relationships. Participants should anticipate weekly visits, engage in goal setting and planning on how Mentor/Mentee time is spent. 

Mentors are expected to prepare youth for adulthood and young adults acclimatize into society with as much support as possible by providing practical tools and guidance to help achieve their individual dreams and goals.

Mentors are expected to support youth and young adults to cognitively process what it is to be LGBTQIA+ and how they're viewed in the society in which they live and empower them to engage their communities in a healthy and responsible way. 

Mentors will also be on-call for emergencies such as suicide prevention, or in response to a police call as a result of a violent incident.

Judges appoint CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and other settings. Responsibilities may include:

*Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members, and professionals in their lives.

* Document findings and appear in court: Provide written reports at court hearings. Advocate for the child’s best interests and provide testimony when
necessary.

* Help the child understand the court proceedings.

* Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children’s lives.

* Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate services and advocate for those that are not immediately available.

* Bring concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals.

Requirements:

The Growing Together Community Garden located on the south end of our building at 200 Maine street needs periodic care. Watering, weeding, and plant identification are all necessary. If you're interested in helping out, let us know, and we'll put you in contact with our garden overseer to get you set up to become a part of Growing Together.

Currently we have a check-in desk for clothing room appts with one
opening as Fill In As Needed. You would answer the phones, greet
clients, fill out client intakes for services or clothing slips. You will work directly with the staff
with the hours being 9:00am - 2:00pm. Some previous office experience, and an ease in
working with clients helpful in this position.

Due to our high levels of certification, it is important for us to keep certain communal areas tidy. Kitchens, breakrooms, and other spaces need to be cleaned regularly. Recycling needs to be taken out, counters need to be wiped down, and floors need to be swept. None of the spaces get very dirty, but the cleaning needs to be frequent, so this is a volunteer opportunity that would involve doing a quick tidying throughout our spaces on a weekly basis.

Because we provide confidential services a volunteer would need to take a virtual HIPAA training and fill out some paperwork.

Volunteers needed to help at our well-loved community book sales!

What you'll do:

When we need help:

Why this helps:

This ISN'T the right volunteer spot for you if:

This IS the right spot for you if:

Volunteers are needed to research and price new donations.

What you'll do:

When we need help:

Why this helps:

This ISN'T the volunteer spot for you if:

This IS the spot for you if:

Welcome new donations to the library!

What you'll do:

When we need help:

Why this helps:

This ISN'T the right volunteer spot for you if:

This IS the right spot for you if:

Assist in the Booktique along with staff and volunteers regarding sales and merchandising.  Position requires customer service and cash register experience and a background check.