The days might be getting shorter, and the temperatures are dropping, but so many organizations still need volunteers to get them through the coming winter. Check out these opportunities below to help your Minnesota community continue to thrive!
OUTDOORS
Minnesota DNR
Prepare Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) sites for the winter via seed collection, brush cutting, and brush burning. Several upcoming volunteer events are available at Lost Prairie Valley SNA and Wolsfeld Woods SNA. Check the DNR’s SNA calendar for more information on these upcoming opportunities.
Become a rainfall monitor, a network of over 20,000 volunteers nationwide that collect data right in their backyards. The program—done in collaboration of Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)—also collects snowfall.
The Adopt-a-WMA Program offers both individuals and groups the chance to “adopt” Wildlife Management Areas and help maintain these public lands in cooperation with wildlife managers. The program features several levels of management, from hand tasks like garbage pick-up to technical equipment usage like mowing trails—making it perfect for people of varying availability and skills.
Courtesy of Minnesota DNR
Superior Hiking Trail Association
Boasting more than 300 miles of trails, the Superior Hiking Trail offers runners, hikers, and bikers beautiful views of Minnesota’s North Shore, made possible through the Superior Hiking Trail Association and its many volunteers. Check online for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
HUMAN SERVICES
Simpson Housing Services
Help Simpson Housing Services serve those impacted by homelessness across the Minneapolis region. This nonprofit offers a plethora of options including meal serving, prep cooking, shelter support, tutoring, and more. Right now, Simpson Housing is looking for volunteers to serve 60 lunches and 45 dinners at Simpson Shelter this holiday season. Click here for more information how how to donate supplies.
Courtesy of Simpson Housing Services/Erica Loeks
Arrive Ministries
Refugee resettlement agency Arrive Ministries has been aiding immigrants and refugees across the Twin Cities and beyond since the 1980s. Arrive offers volunteer opportunities year-round, including practical support for its staff like multimedia capturing and warehouse organization, as well as direct support for immigrants and refugees. Many opportunities are available at Arrive’s regional locations including St. Cloud, Willmar, and Rochester.
The Arc Minnesota
Get involved in public policy efforts through The Arc Minnesota—a statewide organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participate in events like Tuesdays at the Capitol, Get Out the Vote, and more to ensure your local and state representatives understand the issues impacting the disabled community.
Arc also runs Arc’s Value Village, a chain of thrift stores that fund the organization via selling clothing, household goods, books and more to the disabled community. Arc is always looking for volunteers to help sort goods and tag donations and offers flexible hours for any schedule. More info on volunteer opportunities as well as upcoming events can be found online.
Angel Foundation
Angel Foundation, a Minnesota nonprofit supporting adults with cancer and their families, helps ease one of the toughest conversations through its Angel Packs™—therapeutic toolkits designed with child life experts to help parents talk to their kids about cancer. Each age-specific kit includes comforting, educational tools like storybooks, stuffed animals, and journals. Volunteer groups are invited monthly to help assemble these meaningful kits, which are distributed free to families across Minnesota. View the online calendar to learn more about upcoming events.
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Doing Good Together
Teaching and implementing acts of kindness begins at a young age, which is why Doing Good Together (DGT) is focused on helping families raise service-focused children through programs, tools, and activities that give back to myriad communities in need. In partnership with other local, state, and national organizations, DGT is a convenient, family-oriented platform with opportunities that will fit any family like hosting donation drives, food packing, senior assistance, and more.
In addition, DGT helps families host Family Service Fairs, a festival-style community event bringing families to one location to learn more about organizations, schools, and even businesses looking to have their next gathering focused on giving.
Gay For Good
Gay For Good (G4G) boasts several volunteer opportunities year-round that service multiple communities, all while creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to volunteer and foster diversity, inclusion, and community giving. View volunteer opportunities online.
Courtesy of Gay For Good
Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC)—a community-based arts organization in Minneapolis—helps develop and manage several public art projects and hosts events throughout the year, both of which are always in need of volunteers. Find out more here.
ANIMAL SERVICES
North Star Therapy Animals
Are you a handler looking to bring your animal partner to schools, hospitals, hospice centers, and libraries? For almost two decades, North Star Therapy Animals has improved lives throughout the Twin Cites metro community by providing high-quality therapy animal teams and services. Start by signing up for a therapy animal training session and get your furry friend—from cats and dogs to rabbits and rats—ready to bring smiles to faces.
North Star’s therapy animals regularly volunteer at special and seasonal events, too. Rosedale Center’s Therapy Dog Meet & Greet on Dec. 5 will include several North Star therapy dogs, and The Giving Tree event at Mall of America on Dec. 20-21 will feature some North Star friends. Many North Star therapy animals regularly volunteer at Salvation Army donation sites during the holiday season, too.
Ruff Start Rescue
Shelter and care for stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered animals with Ruff Start Rescue. With both remote and in-person opportunities available, Ruff Start has options for several skillsets. Volunteer in the office and become a cat snuggler or cat caretaker. Lead educational programing or become a transport volunteer and help give dogs potty breaks, fresh food and water, and general love. Ruff Start is also consistently looking for event volunteers, as the nonprofit hosts multiple events throughout the year; check out Ruff Start’s calendar to see upcoming events.
