We are proud to work with Doing Good Together to bring you these Twin Cities volunteer opportunities.
Twin Cities Volunteer Opportunities: May 2026
Deliver Beds and Dream Kits
My Very Own Bed
Date/Time: Deliveries are made from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Location: 34 13th Ave NE, Suite 106, Minneapolis.
Ages: Families with children five years old and older are welcome to help us deliver beds and dream kits to kids in our community. This is a great hands-on outreach opportunity for families with kids.
Time Commitment: Three hours.
My Very Own Bed’s mission is to provide new beds and linens to children of families that have recently secured stable housing. The beds provide a comfortable space for each child to sleep well and dream big. Join My Very Own Bed staff at our warehouse as we pack Dream Kits based on each child’s individual preferences. Volunteers will meet at our office for a short orientation and to pack Dream Kits, and then head out on bed deliveries.
Contact: cole@myveryownbed.org. Click here to learn more and to register.
Valley Park Creek Cleanup
9 Mile Creek Watershed District
Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 1–3 p.m.
Location: Meet by the playground in Valley Park (700 8th St S, Hopkins)
Ages: Families with children aged seven and older are welcome to participate
Time Commitment: Up to two hours
Volunteers are needed to help pick up trash along Nine Mile Creek in Valley Park, Hopkins. Gloves, high visibility vests, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided. Volunteers will be asked to fill out a waiver in order to participate. The waiver will be emailed to volunteers before the event.
Contact: Gael Zembal, gzembal@ninemilecreek.org. Registration is available online. Please fill out the online registration form so we know how much of the equipment to bring.
Tree Planting at Lilydale Regional Park
Great River Greening
Date/Time: Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.-noon.
Location: Lilydale Regional Park, 1700 Lilydale Rd, St Paul. Parking will be at the Lilydale Regional Park Off Leash Dog Park area. Please arrive promptly, allowing time for parking and a short walk
Ages: This is a family-friendly event. Families with children of all ages are welcome.
Time Commitment: Three hours.
The City of St Paul is partnering with Great River Greening to reforest portions of Lilydale Regional Park, expanding our urban canopy alongside the Mississippi River. Volunteers will plant bare root stock trees as a part of a reforestation effort at Lilydale Regional Park. Protective tree tubes will also be installed on many of the trees.
There will be light snacks and extra water available during the event. Please bring your own reusable water bottle. If you have work or gardening gloves, please bring them. If not, gloves will be provided. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and long sleeves to protect against the elements. We recommend dressing for the weather; layers are key.
Contact: volunteer@greatrivergreening.org, 651.665.9500. Registration is available online.
Capture and Release Bumblebee Monitoring
Great River Greening
Date/Time: Friday, July 10, July 17, and August 7; 10 a.m.-noon.
Location: Ritter Farm Park, 11300 Ritter Park Trl., Lakeville. Participants will receive a detailed map to the exact location.
Ages: This is a family-friendly event. Families with children of all ages are welcome.
Time Commitment: Two hours.
Join Great River Greening and U of M Extension Bee Lab for a hands-on pollinator capture and release sampling field day. Participants will be trained on capture and release monitoring practices, as well as pollinator identification. Bumblebees Galore! This is a family-friendly event. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training required. There will also be light snacks and extra water available, however, please bring your own reusable water bottle and any additional snacks or lunch items you may need.
Contact: Jessica at jdrummond@greatrivergreening.org. Separate registration required for each date. Click on the dates below to register.
Help Seniors in Your Community with Spring Yard Cleanup
HOME Program of Senior Community Services (SCS)
Date/Time: Spring cleanups can be scheduled on either weekdays or weekends. Yard clean-up begins in mid to late May and continues through the summer.
Location: Locations are in Minneapolis or suburban Hennepin County, depending upon where the senior lives.
Ages: Families with children seven years old and older are welcome to volunteer. Come once or come throughout the season!
Time Commitment: Two to three hours.
Volunteers are needed to help with spring cleanup for low-income seniors in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. This is a fun volunteer opportunity to get outdoors while helping seniors stay in their homes by helping with outdoor home care that they are unable to do themselves. Hours are flexible; you choose the date and time that works for you!
Contact: For more information please contact Mindy Anderson, scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.org or 952.767.7894. You can sign up for a volunteer group by going to the Senior Community Services website and under the HOME program click on the Group Volunteer Application and fill it out.
Care Kits for Patients
University of Minnesota Medical Center East Bank
Location: 500 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Date/Time: Contact fumcvols@Fairview.org to schedule your drop-off. Drop off times are available Monday–Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Looking for a fun and easy way to give back? Help brighten a patient’s hospital stay by donating Care Kits to M Health Fairview East Bank Hospital! These kits are filled with comfort items that bring a little extra kindness and care to patients during their stay. It’s a perfect opportunity for companies, teams, clubs or families who want to come together and make a difference in the community. Please pack items in Ziploc bags. Kits can include any mix of the following items:
- Chapstick
- Women’s deodorant
- Men’s deodorant
- Lotion
- Hairbrushes
- Dry shampoo
- Detangler
- Toothbrushes
- Travel size toothpaste, including the sensitive kind
Items should be purchased new from a store of your choice — such as Amazon, Target, or the Dollar Store. You do not need to include every item — mix and match as you’re able! We can accept up to 60 kits at a time due to limited storage space
Contact: fumcvols@Fairview.org.
Write Letters to Support Our Troops
A Million Thanks ®
Date/Time: Ongoing, at your convenience.
Location: Anywhere – letters are mailed to our national headquarters. You will receive the mailing address after you have registered.
Ages: All ages are welcome.
Time Commitment: Flexible – write one letter or host a letter-writing event.
A Million Thanks is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every active-duty service member and veteran feels appreciated through handwritten letters of support and gratitude. Volunteers can write letters individually, as families, or in groups, then mail them with $1 per letter to our headquarters where they are screened, sorted, and shipped directly to troops and veterans across the globe.
Contact: Visit www.AMillionThanks.org/send for full guidelines and to register to receive our mailing address.
Farm Chore Volunteers Needed
Gibbs Farm
Date/Time(s):
- Tuesday evenings, May 12 and 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- Friday mornings, May 8 and 22, 10 a.m.–noon.
Location: 2097 Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights. Volunteers should park in the Gibbs Farm public parking lot on Cleveland Ave and enter the site through the wooden gates, Clare, the Gibbs Farm contact, will meet you there.
Ages: Projects are great for families with children 6 years old and older. Children 12 years old and younger should sign up with an adult.
Time Commitment: Two-hour shifts.
Help us tackle our to-do list! Volunteers are needed at the Gibbs Farm on select Friday mornings and Tuesday evenings. The outdoor projects change weekly and usually involve planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, light landscape, and orchard projects. No experience necessary! Projects will be led by Gibbs Farm staff and all supplies, materials, and instructions are provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you can work in. There are bathrooms and a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler on site.
Contact: Clare Holte, Clare@rchs.com. Volunteers need to register online here so we know how many participants to expect.
Make a Jared Box
Jared Box
Date/Time: Ongoing project.
Location: Deliver your boxes to your local hospital. Use the Jared Box Hospital Directory to locate a hospital or deliver the boxes to your local hospital. If you would like to deliver your boxes to a new hospital not on the list, contact that hospital directly. The Child Life or Volunteer Services Departments usually handle donations.
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate.
Time Commitment: Varies.
The mission of The Jared Box Project is to put smiles on the faces of children in the hospital. A Jared Box is a plastic shoebox filled with small gifts, toys, cards, and games. Jared Boxes are inexpensive and easy to make; a great service project idea for all ages! The boxes provide a fun, special distraction for young patients. The boxes symbolize the importance of play and are filled with well wishes, hope, and love. Over one million Jared Boxes have been delivered across the United States. A Jared Box is a plastic storage box filled with small gifts, toys, games, and fun activities. Each box contains items selected for a specific age and gender. The boxes are delivered to hospitals. Jared Boxes provide a special diversion for young patients in emergency rooms, patient rooms, surgical centers, and clinics as they receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. Jared Boxes bring smiles and laughter and lift the spirits of children in the hospital. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to make a Jared Box.
Contact: smiles@thejaredbox.org, 814.883.8615.
Art In The Hollow Festival Volunteers
Art In The Hollow
Date/Time: Saturday, June 6. The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer opportunities begin at 8 a.m. and go through 6 p.m.
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate.
Location: Swede Hollow Park, East Side Saint Paul, MN
Time Commitment: Two-hour shifts. All volunteers will receive a free volunteer t-shirt for their time.
Art In The Hollow is where summer starts on the East Side. We’re a grassroots art festival run by artist organizers that transforms the idyllic Swede Hollow Park into a full-blown arts and culture festival every first Saturday in June. As a true East Side St Paul festival, we care about our neighbors and represent our diverse neighborhood with art, music, food, culture, nature and history. We make things affordable and accessible to artists at all levels of experience and walks of life, providing a truly unique festival experience for anyone making the annual pilgrimage to Swede Hollow each year.
Expect live music and performances, kids activities, food trucks, air painting, and over 100 local artists. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Family-friendly volunteer opportunities include:
- Welcome booth
- Artist check-in
- Water runner
- Welcome booth
Families with older children can also help artists set up and tear down their booths, which is a more physical volunteer position.
Contact: Christina Kelter, Volunteer Coordinator at aithvolunteer@gmail.com. Click here for volunteer registration.
LifeHaven Make-A-Meal
Lutheran Social Service, Metro Homeless Youth Programs (LSS)
Date/Time: Meals should be dropped off by 4:30 p.m. if ready to eat OR by 2:30 p.m. if reheating is needed. Please call us on the drop-off day to let us know you’re on your way. When you arrive, ring the doorbell, and an employee will let you in.
Location: LifeHaven, 325 Jenks Avenue, Saint Paul.
Ages: Everyone can participate.
Time Commitment: Varies.
LifeHaven Transitional Living provides short-term transitional housing for young women, 16 and 17 years old, and their children, who are experiencing homelessness. We offer a safe place where the mothers can work on life skills and develop a plan that will lead them toward stability for themselves and their children. Make a positive impact on mothers and their children by donating your time and skills to make a meal for them! Click on our flyer for more information.
Contact: If you have any questions, please call 651.776.9805 or email MetroHomelessYouth@lssmn.org.
Letters of Encouragement for Kids with Cancer
Pinky Swear Foundation
Date/Time: This is an ongoing project.
Location: Mail your cards to:
Pinky Swear Foundation
5555 West 78th Street, Suite E.
Edina, MN 55439
Ages: Everyone can help.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Thank you for your interest in making letters of encouragement to send to kids who are battling cancer (All-Stars). Your family can help put a smile on a kid’s face during their cancer journey by creating a meaningful and encouraging card. Use coloring pages, cardstock, or art supplies to create cards for kids with cancer. Please click here for our card writing guidelines.
- Suggested supplies: Construction paper, washable markers, colored pencils, and tape.
- Please avoid: Glitter, felt, and beads.
Please contact jessica.hansen@pinkyswear.org for a list of phrases to consider and phrases to avoid when creating your letters of encouragement. Learn more here.
Contact: Jessica Hansen, jessica.hansen@pinkyswear.org.
Host a Food Drive
IOCP
Date/Time: Donations can be dropped off at the IOCP donation door during regular hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth.
Ages: Everyone can help.
Time Commitment: Varies
Help keep the Interfaith Outreach Food Shelf stocked with our most needed items by hosting a neighborhood food drive. You can find an updated list of our most needed items online: https://iocp.org/donations/food-shelf-donations/
Instructions:
- Decide when you will host your food drive – when neighbors should shop for items and when you will pick donations up. Contact the IOCP Community Engagement Team with questions and/or the date of your planned drive.
- Visit the IOCP website to collect the list of our most needed items (https://iocp.org/donations/food-shelf-donations/) and create a flyer for your Food Drive.
On your flyer make sure to include:
- Food Drive Dates (when households should shop for items and when you will pick donations up).
- Where to leave donations on the pickup date (doorstep, end of driveway, etc.)
- List of most needed items.
- Gather paper grocery bags and staple a flyer to each bag.
- Distribute bags and flyers to neighbors and collect full bags on your collection date.
- Drop all donations off at the IOCP Donation Door.
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) is a human services nonprofit that strengthens our community by meeting basic needs and equipping individuals and families for ongoing stability. IOCP delivers integrated services that address the basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing, while also providing strengthening services that connect households to affordable housing, quality childcare, employment, and more.
Contact: getinvolved@iocp.org. Contact the Community Engagement Team for specific kit details.
You’ve Got the Power to Fight Hunger
AmpleHarvest.org
Date/Time: Ongoing.
Location: Your own garden or find a community garden near you.
Ages: All ages can participate.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Got a Garden? You’ve Got the Power to Fight Hunger. With food banks facing supply disruptions and economic uncertainty looming, families across America are bracing for harder times. One in six children already lives in a food-insecure home—and that number could rise. But if you’ve got a garden, you’ve got a solution growing right in your backyard.
Every season, billions of pounds of fresh fruits and veggies go to waste in home and community gardens. Meanwhile, food pantries—especially in underserved communities—struggle to offer fresh, nutritious food. That’s where you come in.
By planting a little more than you need—or donating the surplus from your already bountiful harvest—you can help bridge the gap between abundance and need. Even a few tomatoes, a zucchini explosion, or a basket of greens can make a big difference in someone’s life.
This isn’t just about feeding people. It’s about fighting obesity, malnutrition, and hunger at the same time. It’s about building a stronger, healthier community—one garden at a time.
Take action today: AmpleHarvest.org helps connect gardeners with one of over 8,300 local food pantries across 5,600 communities in all 50 states—yes, even in Native American reservations—so your harvest gets to those who need it most. It’s easy. It’s local. And it works.
- Ready to grow good? Check out the Bonnie Plants “Grow More Feed More” initiative—Bonnie Plants will donate 5% of online sales to AmpleHarvest.org.
- Need supplies? Home Depot’s “Donate Your Harvest” initiative supports AmpleHarvest.org and encourages all of its gardening customers to nourish their community.
Contact: Find your local pantry or learn more: www.AmpleHarvest.org.
Conway Food Distribution
The Sanneh Foundation
Date/Time: Tuesdays, 1:45–5 p.m.
Location: Conway Recreational Center, 2090 Conway Street, St. Paul.
Ages: Families with children eight years old and older are welcome to participate. Children younger than 13 years old need a parent/guardian onsite with them during their volunteer shift. Please note that the suggested ratio for parent to child volunteers under 10 years old is 1:1. Teens 14 years old and older need a signed liability waiver from a parent or guardian, but they are more than welcome to bring their parent/guardian with them to volunteer!
Time Commitment: Three-and-a-quarter-hour shifts.
The Conway Community Center is a thriving public space that offers diverse and free youth programming and a safe place for local youth to spend out-of-school time. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays to serve families fresh food! Come join us as we help set up, sort, and distribute food in partnership with our amazing nutritional services team and the local East Side St. Paul community! This is an outdoor activity, so please remember to dress for the weather.
Contact: volunteer@thesannehfoundation.org. Registration is available online. To volunteer, visit our volunteer site and create a profile. This helps us keep track of our volunteers and ensures everyone has their volunteer waiver signed.
Volunteer with The Diaper Bank
Diaper Bank of Minnesota
Date/Time: Dates vary, generally one Saturday event each month. Events are held in the mornings.
Location: Diaper Bank, 2327 Wycliff Street, #310, St. Paul.
Ages: All ages are welcome, but we ask that children younger than 15 years old be accompanied by an adult.
Time Commitment: Events last two hours.
The Diaper Bank of Minnesota works with agencies throughout Minnesota to provide diapers to families in need, increase awareness about diaper need in Minnesota, and advocate for changes to improve conditions for babies who need diapers. Did you know that 47% of families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infants and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy? That means that more than 125,000 Minnesota children ages 0-3 experience diaper need.
As part of our distribution system, volunteers help us prepare and assemble monthly diaper orders to be picked up by local non-profit organizations. Additionally, volunteers will help count and organize diaper donations to get those diapers added to our inventory.
All volunteer events take place in our warehouse in St. Paul. Some lifting of large boxes of diapers can be required, but we have materials in place to assist volunteers of all ages and abilities at our events.
Contact: Amanda Charles, Volunteer Coordinator at amanda@moxiewealth.com or info@diaperbank.org. Learn more and sign up for our scheduled volunteer dates at https://www.diaperbankmn.org/how-can-i-help/volunteer-opportunities/
Donate Craft and Activity Kits
FamilyWise
Date/Time: Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 3036 University Ave SE, Minneapolis.
Ages: Everyone can help.
Time Commitment: Varies.
As our families grow together, so do our organization’s needs! Many families come to our spaces to meet with family and play, however, we don’t always have creative projects that we wish to supply them. Help us facilitate an inclusive space by providing kits for our program!
Please note this is an independent project: you are responsible for purchasing/securing items, packaging them, and delivering them.
You can use your own creativity and choose a collection of supplies that will improve our families’ experience. Ideally, these will be for different children’s age ranges (we can take more than one kind of activity). If you need any ideas for what to buy for the families who utilize our services, please reach out and we can help you brainstorm! You can package all the materials in individual kits.
Contact: volunteer@familywiseservices.org.
Volunteer Meal Packing Events
Serve Dinner–Change a Life
Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities
Date/Time: Dinner volunteer shifts run from 5–7 p.m. Check the online volunteer calendar for available shifts.
Location: 435 University Ave. East, St. Paul. You can park anywhere in our lot, even in spots designated for staff.
Ages: Families with children 12 years old and older are welcome to volunteer
Time Commitment: Two–hour shifts.
The Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities is looking for volunteers to help serve meals every day of the week. This is a great opportunity to meet the basic needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Enter through the “Food Services” entrance, left of the patio by the dumpsters. When you arrive at the kitchen, please put your belongings in the storage room. Then check in at the kiosk and wait for instructions from the kitchen staff.
Food Service volunteers must wear:
- Closed-toe shoes.
- Loose-fitting clothing that covers the chest, shoulders, underarms, torso, and knees.
- Hairnets (provided by UGMTC) or hats (brought by the volunteer).
- Gloves and aprons (provided by UGMTC).
- Clothing must not portray themes related to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, sex, or violence.
Contact: Drake Scruggs, volunteers@ugmtc.org or 651.789.7570. Registration is available online.
Families Volunteering Together
FamilyMeans
Date/Time: We work with volunteers to find a time that works for them and their families.
Location: 1875 Northwestern Avenue South, Stillwater.
Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to volunteer.
Time Commitment: We ask for a two-hour per week and three-month commitment.
Are you and your family looking for something you can all do together? How about providing respite to caregivers of older adults, or caregivers to those with disabilities? By doing this you are giving these caregivers, who often put their wellbeing on hold, a break. Your family would be providing companionship to the care receiver by exploring mutual interests whether that’s building puzzles, playing games, watching movies, etc. During this time the caregiver can do what they need to do. Volunteers are not expected to, nor should they be asked to help the clients in the bathroom, with medications, or other personal tasks. Our current volunteers really like the bond they build with the families and how much of an impact they make on our clients’ lives. It would be a great family bonding experience to spend time together helping others. We have no set time for volunteers and clients to meet so you can volunteer on your schedule. This opportunity is open to everyone but the clients we serve all live in Washington Country. Volunteers will have to travel within or be willing to drive to Washington County. There are clients needing matches in all parts of Washington County so if you have only a certain area in the county that works for you we can work with you on that.
Contact: Dan Bohnker, dbohnker@familymeans.org or 651.439.4840.
Help Serve Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner to our Families!
People Serving People
Date/Time(s): Daily, 7:30–9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 4:45–7 p.m.
Location: 614 3rd St. South, Minneapolis.
Ages: Families with teens 13 years old and older are welcome to volunteer. Please note that we cannot accept volunteers who are younger than 13 years old. Teens must participate with a parent or guardian.
Time Commitment: Two-hour shifts.
People Serving People is in large need and in search of dedicated volunteers to support our culinary team on an ongoing basis! For every shift, People Serving People serves an average of 150–200 meals to guests residing in our shelter. We depend on the support of our volunteers to support our staff, meet the need, and to provide quality service to the families we serve.
Volunteers work with People Serving People’s culinary staff to serve freshly made breakfast, lunch, or dinner to our families. In addition, volunteers are expected to help clean our dining hall as families depart to maintain a clean, dignified space. Meal Service shifts have space for up to six people, and are a great opportunity to bring a few friends or family members to participate.
Contact: Nolan Isaacson, nisaacson@peopleservingpeople.org. If you are interested in committing to a regular schedule, please contact us at volunteering@peopleservingpeople.org, or by phone at 612-277-0246, or check out our volunteer page at Meal Service at People Serving People.
Mentor a Local Youth
Kids ‘n Kinship
Date/Time: Ongoing opportunity.
Location: School-based or community-based mentoring in Dakota County, MN.
Ages: Mentors are families, couples, or individuals over 21 years old.
Time Commitment: Four hours a month, on average. Scheduling is very flexible; weekends, evenings, or after-school times are available.
Our mentors consistently tell us how mentoring isn’t just about offering guidance-it’s about making a real, lasting difference. Imagine being part of someone’s growth and helping them discover what’s possible.”It’s not just about guidance; it’s about building a connection that lasts.” We have 44+ kids who are waiting for a mentor. These kids are looking for an extra adult, couple, or family to walk alongside them and provide the community they need. Do you have a few hours a month to be there for a local youth? Kids ‘n Kinship provides the training and support you need to be an amazing mentor for a youth near you. Take the next step – it could be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Learn more at https://www.kidsnkinship.org/volunteer-information-sessions/.
Contact: Silas Means, Jr., volunteer@kidsnkinship.org, 612.424.1142.
Valentines for Veterans
Soldiers’ Angels
Date/Time: Cards should be delivered by February 14.
Location: Mail your cards and $1 per card to:
Soldiers’ Angels Valentines for Veterans
2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107
San Antonio, Texas 78218
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate
Time Commitment: Varies
Holidays like Valentine’s Day are fun to celebrate when you can share the day with your friends or loved ones. Unfortunately, our military heroes often find themselves alone or feeling homesick during holidays. The mission of Soldiers’ Angels is to make sure no one who serves this country feels unloved – and that’s especially true on Valentine’s Day! You and your family can help by making or purchasing Valentines cards for our military and veteran heroes. Why do we ask for the $1 per card? The $1 helps cover the cost to distribute the thousands of cards we receive. Have questions? Check out our FAQs here.
- Feel free to purchase or make your Valentines.
- Our heroes love hearing from children. Making Valentines is a good activity to do with the kids one afternoon.
- Be sure to write a note of encouragement or thanks on your cards.
- Individually wrapped candy can be included if it is attached to the card.
- You can include the envelope if you want, but it is not necessary. If you include an envelope, do not seal it.
- Include $1 per card, cash or check.
- Don’t be afraid to sign your name! You are welcome to include your return address in the event the recipient may write back to you. However, it is also okay if you do not include any personal information.
- If you would like a donation receipt mailed to you, make sure to include your name and mailing address somewhere on or in the box, otherwise we will not know where it came from!
Learn more here.
Contact: info@soldiersangels.org
The Open Door Pantry
Date/Time: Please reach out to Nicole Tyrrell, nicole@theopendoorpantry.org, to schedule a drop-off day and time.
Location: 3000 Ames Crossing Road, Suite 100, Eagan.
Ages: Everyone can help.
Time Commitment: Varies.
The Open Door provides food support for low-income individuals and families across Dakota County. Gather your family and hold an off-site packing project for The Open Door. We are currently in need of pre-packed snack packs for children during the school year. Kid-friendly snack pack items include:
- Fruit cups with apple sauce or cut fruit.
- Granola or fruit bars.
- Juice boxes.
- Microwaveable mac and cheese.
- Snack-sized goldfish crackers or pretzels.
- Instant oatmeal.
- Protein snacks like beef jerky or other meat snacks.
Pack five–seven snacks into each plastic or reusable bag. (Please do not include notes inside bags.)
Contact: Nicole Tyrrell, nicole@theopendoorpantry.org.
Recycle Used and Unwanted Crayons
The Crayon Initiative
Date/Time: Ongoing.
Location: Ship crayons to:
155 Railroad Avenue, Suite E
Danville, CA 94526
Click here for detailed shipping instructions.
Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate.
Time Commitment: Varies.
The Crayon Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the environment and enriching the lives of hospitalized children through art and imagination. You can help by recycling your used and unwanted crayons. Do you have stray crayons lying around your house? We bet you do. And whether they’re still unopened, used, or broken, we’re happy to take them off your hands. Crayons can turn up just about anywhere, especially after a good house cleaning. Take a peek in your junk drawers, storage bins, closets, couch cushions, your child’s old backpack… you get the idea! Take heart, knowing that your crayon donation will soon brighten the day of a child in need of a pick-me-up. Start a collection box in your own home, box them up, and ship them to the Crayon Initiative. You can also drop the crayons off at any Staples location in the U.S., and Staples will handle the shipping.
Contact: thecrayoninitiative.org/contact
Volunteer to Play!
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Date/Time: Ongoing need.
Location: Minnesota Children’s Museum, 10 7th St W, St Paul.
Ages: Volunteers need to be 14 years old or older.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Volunteer to Play! Our Play Guide volunteers can choose their shifts online whenever they are available. Volunteer shifts are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. or 1–4 p.m. Play Guide volunteers rotate through a few different assignments throughout the museum during their shift.
These assignments include activities like:
- Monitoring fun exhibit components in high-traffic places like the Scramble and Laser Maze!
- Welcoming groups and field trips into the museum.
- Greeting visitors and explaining daily activities.
- Introduce arts and craft activities, help maintain supplies and workspaces and join in the creative activities!
- Assist program facilitators in running special programs like painting, stamp making, story times and other fun workshops.
Contact: Nicholas Rahming at nrahming@mcm.org, or Volunteer Services at volunteers@mcm.org, 651.225.6048. Registration is available online.
Arc’s Value Village thrift stores welcome family volunteers.
Kids can volunteer as young as 8.
Location: We have locations in Bloomington, New Hope and Richfield.
Date/Time: Volunteer shifts are available daily 10am – 12pm, 1pm – 3pm & 4pm – 6pm. You sign up to volunteer as often or as infrequent as you like…it’s all up to you.
These assignments include activities like:
Typical volunteer tasks include:
Stocking clothing/household items
Organizing/sizing/colorizing clothing
Unpacking/hanging clothing in back room
Assisting with donation retrieval
Arc’s Value Village welcomes youth volunteers ages 8 years and older. Youth aged 8 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult at a ratio of 6 youths to 1 adult. This is for the safety of all.
Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are a revenue generating & public awareness vehicle for The Arc Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc helps people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity and belonging in community.
Sign up online at www.volunteerforarc.org
Visiting Companions
Friends & Co
Date/Time: Your family and new older adult friend will determine what day and time works best for your visits.
Location: Throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to volunteer.
Time Commitment: Volunteer families meet with their older adult friends 1-2 times per month.
Friends & Co celebrates aging through community-led service that fosters meaningful connections for everyone. Does your family appreciate and respect people of all ages and recognize the need to build intergenerational relationships? Your family can help older adults who feel isolated and lonely and bring the joy of companionship back into their lives by volunteering as Visiting Companions with Friends & Co. Visiting Companion matches are based on common interests and location.
Contact: 612.746.0737 or friendsco.org/volunteer. Click here to complete the volunteer application. When you answer the question “What inspires you to connect with older adults?” please include the age(s) of your children who will be joining you on your visits.
Host a Hygiene Product Drive
Bridge to Basics
Date/Time: Ongoing opportunity. Contact hello@bridgetobasics.org to arrange to drop off your donations at our warehouse or we can arrange to pick up your items.
Location: 801 Transfer Road, St. Paul.
Ages: Everyone can participate.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Bridge to Basics is a new nonprofit launched in 2024 to uniquely address hygiene poverty and support the nonprofit community. Bridge to Basics exists to supply a network of local nonprofits – from schools to food shelves – with the hygiene products requested by neighbors in need. By providing hygiene products, our hygiene bank empowers nonprofits to focus on their core missions, ultimately amplifying their impact and meeting the essential personal care needs of the people they serve, promoting dignity and well-being. We invite you to host a Hygiene Drive to collect a large inventory of personal care products and help ensure everyone in our community has access to daily essentials for a healthy life.
This is a great way to create a fun service project for your family, school, or community group. You determine the timing and goals; needed products and criteria are listed below. We will provide you with a toolkit on how to execute a successful drive.
All products can be picked up from your location, added to the hygiene bank inventory, and donated to local nonprofits serving hygiene–insecure neighbors.
Needed hygiene products:
- Soap and body wash.
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair milks, and oils.
- Deodorant.
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes.
- Lotions (body, sunscreen, shaving).
- Razors.
- Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons).
- Diapers (infant to adult).
- Laundry detergent.
- Toilet paper.
All products should be full-size, new, unopened, and not expired. Please remember that hygiene care is personal and endeavor to build a robust and diverse product inventory that is ethnically and culturally inclusive, and addresses health sensitivities.
Contact: hello@bridgetobasics.org to request your toolkit.
Volunteer Meal Packing Events
Love dogs? Raise a future service dog puppy!
Canine Companions
Date/Time: Ongoing opportunity.
Location: Nationwide. Remote volunteering is an option.
Ages: Please note: If you are under 18 years old, you must have a parent or legal guardian fill out the application and you can sign on as a co-applicant.
Time Commitment: 14-18 months (flexible).
Volunteer to raise a puppy and be a part of something truly life-changing! Canine Companions Puppy Raising Program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers from all over the country to assist with our very important mission of providing service dogs to people with disabilities.
As a puppy raiser, you’ll play a vital role in preparing our future service dogs.
- No dog experience is necessary- option for a mentor for first-time raisers.
- Most commit to raising a puppy for its full journey, but options for co-raising or shorter-term assistance are also available.
- Opportunity to join an extraordinary community of other puppy raisers, volunteers, and graduates.
- Excellent service project opportunity for homeschool, FFA, 4-H, and other community organizations.
Here’s what’s required for the 14-18 month journey:
- Provide a safe and loving environment for a puppy (the only dog under 12 months old in your home).
- Teach the puppy manners and basic skills- we’ll show you how to do this! You’ll join a supportive network of experienced volunteers.
- Work closely with Canine Companions to monitor the puppy’s progress.
- Be responsible for food and feeding a recommended diet, veterinary expenses, and attend an average of two puppy classes per month (either run by Canine Companions or pre-approved classes)
- Transport the dog to the regional training center at the projected turn-in time.
- Provide the puppy with age-appropriate socialization opportunities, such as public outings and veterinary appointments.
- Keep the puppy on a leash at all times, unless supervised in a securely fenced area. Use a kennel or crate for sleeping indoors.
- Supervise the puppy throughout the day (some volunteers are able to obtain permission to bring their puppy to work).
Contact: ncrpuppy@canine.org. To explore more, visit canine.org for our puppy-raising FAQ, fill out an application interest form, or join an upcoming virtual volunteer information session. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian fill out the application and you can sign on as a co-applicant.
Fleece Tie Blankets
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Welcome Baskets
Saturday Freezer Meal Support
Assemble and Donate Needed Kits
- Street outreach.
- Temporary and permanent housing.
- Free public meals.
- Free public showers.
- Representative payee services.
- Birth certificate and ID support.
Host a Donation Drive
Meal Service Volunteers
- Volunteers 15 years old and younger may handle cold food and cold beverages.
- Youth ages 13 to 15 years old must have one adult for every five youths for supervision purposes.
- Youth ages 12 years old and under need to have direct one-on-one supervision. It is suggested that children under 8 years old do not attend unless prior arrangements are made with the dining site’s coordinator.
Welcome Basket Donations
- A laundry basket that can also be used to hold all of the items.
- Bath towel and washcloth.
- Body wash.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Deodorant.
- Tampons and/or pads.
- Shampoo and conditioner (culturally specific products).
- Hair styling product.
- Brush and comb.
- Twin sheet sets and pillows.
- Lotion.
- Razor and shaving cream.
- House socks or slippers.
- Bath robe.
- Pajama set.
- Diapers in a variety of sizes.
- Wet wipes.
- Baby bathtub.
- Baby shampoo.
- Baby lotion.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Bath towel and washcloth.
- Pacifier.
- Sippy cup or bottle.
- Baby clothing.
- Crib sheet set.
- Baby towels.
- Baby bibs.
- Baby nail clipper set.
- Books.
- Stuffed animal.
Make and Donate Snack Packs for School Kids!
- Fruit cups with apple sauce or cut fruit.
- Granola or fruit bars.
- Juice boxes.
- Microwaveable mac and cheese.
- Snack-sized goldfish crackers or pretzels.
- Instant oatmeal.
- Protein snacks like beef jerky or other meat snacks.
Organize A Towel Drive
- Bath towels.
- Kitchen towels.
- Beach towels.
- Hand towels.
- Washcloths.
- Dishcloths.
Learn and Deliver Meals with Your Family!
Be a Sitter for Future Assistance Dogs!
Meals on Wheels Drivers
Host a Donation Drive for CES
Donate Children’s Clothing and Coats!
Meal Delivery
- Monday–Wednesday deliveries serve the greater West Metro area and are labeled MPLS. These routes pick up meals at our Minneapolis location.
- Thursday and Friday deliveries serve the greater East Metro area and are labeled STP. These routes pick up meals at our St. Paul location.
- MPLS: 2500 Bloomington Ave S, Minneapolis.
- STP: 380 E Lafayette Frontage Rd, St. Paul.
Meal Preparation, Packaging, or Packout for Deliveries and Shipping Volunteers Needed
- 2500 Bloomington Ave. S, Minneapolis.
- 380 E. Lafayette Frontage Rd., St. Paul.
Bedtime Bundles
- Toothbrushes (kids and adults).
- Toothpaste (kids and adults).
- Night lights.
- Alarm clocks.
- Bedtime stories.
- Blankets.
- Bundles can be packaged in a tote bag for convenience.
Make a Meal
Food Pantry Volunteer
- Ensure that only the finest and freshest items are placed on our pantry’s shelves by carefully sorting through food donations.
- Contribute to our indoor shopping model (Monday to Thursday) by warmly welcoming participants, providing them with a clear understanding of our process, addressing any questions they might have, and ultimately fostering a positive shopping experience.
- Play a vital role in our drive-through operations (Fridays only) by efficiently checking in visitors, assisting them in placing their food orders, and facilitating the loading of their groceries into their vehicles.
Year Round Meal Service
Family Care Packages
- Select a project that best fits your group size, availability, and interest.
- Gather materials to supply at least three of the suggested items per package.
- Assemble packages as a group, labeling the contents on each package.
- Arrange for delivery to Solid Ground at 3521 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
- Personal Care Pack: suggested items include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
- Healthy Snack Pack: suggested items include granola bars, applesauce, Goldfish crackers, a juice box, and fruit snacks.
- Cleaning Supply Starter Kit: suggested items include a small waste basket, an all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, trash bags, and a spray bottle.
Mentor a Child
Provide Needed Supply Kits
- Snack bags.
- Child hygiene kits.
- Cleaning supplies kits.
- First Aid kits.
- Street Outreach winter kits.
Donate a Meal
- Cook a meal off-site in a licensed community kitchen (church, event center).
- Cook purchased retail foods on site, but they must be unopened and labeled (Take and Bake Lasagna, Costco, Simek’s).
- Bring food from a restaurant. (Pizza Ranch in Andover offers a discount if you mention us.)
- Sandwiches can be prepared at the shelter if you bring the fixings.
Meal Delivery
- Monday–Wednesday deliveries serve the greater West Metro area and are labeled MPLS. These routes pick up meals at our Minneapolis location.
- Thursday and Friday deliveries serve the greater East Metro area and are labeled STP. These routes pick up meals at our St. Paul location.
- MPLS: 2500 Bloomington Ave S, Minneapolis.
- STP: 380 E Lafayette Frontage Rd, St. Paul.
Meal Prep and Packaging (Kitchen and Bakery)
- 2500 Bloomington Ave. S, Minneapolis.
- 380 E. Lafayette Frontage Rd., St. Paul.
Packout for Delivery/Packout for Shipping
- 2500 Bloomington Ave. S, Minneapolis.
- 380 E. Lafayette Frontage Rd., St. Paul.
Grow and Give from your Garden
- Broccoli.
- Cabbage.
- Carrots.
- Cucumbers.
- Eggplant.
- Herbs (mint, cilantro, parsley, basil, etc.).
- Green beans.
- Leafy greens (kale, chard, lettuce, etc.).
- Peppers (spicy and sweet varieties).
- Potatoes.
- Radishes.
- Tomatoes (large and small varieties).
- Squash.
- Zucchini.
Donate a Meal
- Prepare a meal off-site in a licensed community kitchen (church, school, etc).
- Purchase retail foods and then prepare them on-site. Must be unopened and labeled (ex: take and bake lasagna; retail meal items like Costco or Simek’s; Cub foods deli items). Sandwiches can be prepared and put together on-site if you bring in the ingredients needed.
- Bring in food from a restaurant.
Even More Twin Cities Volunteer Opportunities for Families!
Get Involved with The Family Partnership!
Volunteer for Family Pathways Thrift Stores/Food Shelves
- Our volunteers help at our food shelves with stocking, cleaning, shopping with clients, and checking food safety. We also have a mobile food truck in Cambridge where volunteers help pack boxes.
- Thrift Store volunteers help with stocking, organizing, putting away clothes, or cleaning. No cashiering or pricing is needed.
- Doorstep Delivery and Sunshine Calls volunteers help pick up food at the food shelves and deliver it to our clients. Sunshine Calls volunteers also call our clients and check in on them.
- Shelter volunteers help with lawn care service or baking cookies/donations for the clients.
- Remote Opportunities include making birthday bags, kindness cards, or running a food and fund drive.
Hygiene Kits Needed!
- Bar soap.
- Shampoo (all accepted but shampoo options for textured/curly hair is our highest need).
- Conditioner (all accepted but shampoo options for textured/curly hair is our highest need).
- Toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Deodorant.
- Razor and shaving cream.
- Lotion.
- Body wash.
- Shower shoes.
- Non-alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Washcloth.
- Comb or brush.
Making Fleece Blankets for Kids
Donate Children’s Clothing by Mail
- Sizes 0–24 months: 2-4 tops/onesies, 2-4 bottoms, 1 pair of pajamas, 1 sweater/sweatshirt.
- Sizes 2T–18/20: 2-4 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 sweater/sweatshirt.
Food Packing
Cook for Kids
- Lunch: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Served at noon.
- Dinner: 4–6 p.m. Served at 5 p.m.
Volunteering in the Twin Cities with your kids can be a great way to spend quality time together while instilling important values such as empathy and giving back to your local community. It can also help your children develop essential teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Additionally, volunteering can provide opportunities for your family to learn about different cultures and lifestyles, and can help to broaden your children’s perspectives.
This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org).
