Thanks to our readers for sending us great ideas for volunteering in and around the South Loop! Here are some opportunities near you that fit a wide range of interests and schedules:
The Anti-Cruelty Society - Located in River North, The Anti-Cruelty Society adoption center is just a short walk from the South Loop. They offer both on-site and off-site volunteer options. The shelter is open 365 days a year with volunteer hours from 8:00am-8:00pm. For more information, contact volunteer@anticruelty.org. (50 N. La Salle Drive)
Clarke and Glessner House Museums - Train to become a volunteer docent or volunteer your time completing curatorial tasks. Click here to download a volunteer application. (1800 S. Prairie Ave)
Hostelling International - This unique, nonprofit organization offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities such as being a tour guide for hostel residents, working in the cultural kitchen, and serving as a community liaison. Click here to fill out a volunteer application. (24 East Congress Parkway)
Minds Matter of Chicago - Become a mentor and help low-income high school students in Chicago prepare for college. Mentoring sessions are held on Saturdays just north of the South Loop at Plymouth and Jackson. Click here to fill out a volunteer application online. For more information, contact mindsmatterofchicago@gmail.com. *This is a great volunteer option for working professionals*
St. James Food Pantry - The St. James Food Pantry is the largest pantry serving the 60616 zip code and the only pantry within the 60605 zip code. Volunteer hours are typically in the early to mid morning although there are opportunities available on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, contact the St. James Food Pantry volunteer coordinator at cswanson@stjameswabash.org, 312-842-1919 ext.214. (2907 S. Wabash)
Another great volunteer opportunity is to become a "Big" with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. They are always looking for people - especially men to mentor young men. I have been a "Big" for three-plus years and it is very rewarding!www.bbbschgo.org
ReplyDeleteANON @ 10:33
ReplyDeleteCOULD YOU ELABORATE A LITTLE PLEASE? HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU DEDICATE AND WHERE DO THE ACTIVITIES/TIME TAKE PLACE?
THANKS-- SORRY FOR CAPS MY KEYBOARD IS BROKE
Regarding Big Brothers Big Sisters - they ask that you meet with your "Little" 2 - 4 times a month for 2 - 4 hours each visit. It can be during the week, on weekends, etc. For my Little - she is always at home on the weekends - just watching TV. Weekends are most convenient for me so that is when we get together. I am responsible for the cost of all outings - meals, transportation, movies, etc. The focus is not on how much money you spend (in fact they encourage and provide lots of free event suggestions) - it is just consistent, reliable, adult one-on-one time. We go bike riding, play alot of board games/Uno, go to the museums, swim in my condo pool. BBBS tries to match you with a Little who lives near you. I live in the South Loop and my Little lives near Cellular Field. Volunteers of any age are welcome -recent college grads, middle-age folks (like me) and seniors. They do a full background check on Bigs plus provide good training as to their expectations.
ReplyDeleteAnother opportunity nearby is volunteering at a school in Pilsen for tutoring, recess, and so on.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Lincoln Perry Apartments, a building for low-income seniors, serves breakfast once a month with the help of volunteers.
I found both of those on chicagocares.org, so search the names on there!~