During the holiday season people are busy getting ready for the holidays. Everyone everywhere is buying gifts and buying the essentials for a fantastic celebration. But sometimes people need to take a step back from all the chaos and think about the less fortunate and how they can we can give back to the City of Chicago. Fortunately, Chicago has a plethora of volunteering opportunities available year-round and for people of all ages to take part in. Here are 8 volunteering opportunities you could sign up for this holiday season and beyond.
All Star
If you are passionate about performance and helping Chicago’s inner-city youth, then All Star may be a place you could volunteer. All Star is a non-profit that make a difference in the youth and poor communities through performance. All Star has various programs where people learn performances onstage and off. Inner- city young people between the ages of 5 and 25 get the opportunity to produce and perform in dance talent shows in their neighborhoods. All Star is currently looking for volunteers to help with community outreach and help with auditions and performances. Hours are ongoing, varied, and flexible.
Micro Mentor
If you have a career in the business industry or are currently in college looking to use your skills to help small businesses flourish, then giving a look into Micro Mentor might be a good start to volunteer. Micro Mentor is looking for volunteers to mentor and work closely with business owners. Working as a mentor is very flexible as you can set the schedule and expectations with the business owner you are assisting. Volunteers will not only develop new skills as a mentor, but will also give back so much. According to Micro Mentor, entrepreneurs who take part in this opportunity grow their revenue by approximately $47, 300 with the help of their mentors.
Hustle up the Hancock
Chicago Area Road to Recovery Volunteer Driver
The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for their Road to Recovery program in the Chicago area. The drivers provide people with transportation to and from their cancer-related medical appointments. Drivers volunteer their own time and will use their individual cars to guarantee that people with cancer get to their necessary appointments. Drivers must have a good driving record and must be between the ages of 18 and 84. All drivers must complete an American Cancer Society training course.
Mercy Housing Lakefront
Mercy Housing Lakefront would be a great place to volunteer if you are good at multiple school subjects and would like to help Chicago’s youth. Mercy Housing Lakefront, a nonprofit affordable housing organization, is currently looking for tutors to help kids and teenagers living in their residential family buildings. Tutors will be paired with a student to meet once or twice a week for 1 to 2 hours for approximately 3 months or more. The tutoring sessions will take place after school from Monday through Friday between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Stand Up For Kids
Stand Up For Kids, a nonprofit charity, works homeless youth across the country in hopes to help and rescue them. People who volunteer with this charity go to the streets to help improve kids’ lives. The programs available to homeless youth provide food, clothing, hygiene products and resources like housing and education. Stand Up For Kids is always looking for volunteers to help in their core programs which include Street Outreach, Outreach Centers, Mentoring, and Apartment Support.
Heartland Hospice
Heartland Hospice ManorCare is a provider of short and long-term care, hospice, and home care services. Heartland Hospice is currently looking for volunteers to help their hospice team. Volunteers will be spending time with patients and they will be able to socialize with them, read with them, and just provide a healthy and comforting environment. Heartland Hospice will work with your schedule and will match you with patients in your community.
