Looking to give back to the Chattanooga community? Need community service hours? Want to add to your resumé? You’ve come to the right place. Volunteering is a great idea, but sometimes it’s hard to find places that need volunteers. You’d be surprised at some of the places in the Chattanooga area that are looking for help.

1. The Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium loves its volunteers. Not only do you get backstage access to the awesome exhibits, but you also get to teach others about aquatic life! Tourists from all over the world come to visit. Volunteers also get family membership passes and a gift shop discount!

2. McKamey Animal Center

McKamey is a great place to volunteer. Most volunteers choose to work with either cats or dogs. The center has a small amount of hours required to be a volunteer and the training is simple!

3. Cherokee Area Council: Boy Scouts of America

What’s cooler than being a Boy Scout? Volunteering as a Boy Scout troop leader! Impacting young boys’ lives will not only give you community service hours, but it will also positively change the future for Boy Scouts. This position is available to men 21 years of age and older.

4. American Red Cross

ARC is looking for volunteers in the Southeast! From answering phones at a desk to being a part of the Disaster Action Team, Red Cross has a place for you! The satisfaction of helping people in need pairs perfectly with earning community service hours.

5. Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer

Organized to educate people and support victims of pediatric cancer, the Austin Hatcher Foundation is a great place to spend your time. Whether you’re looking to volunteer once at an event or long term, this non-profit needs your help!

6. Blood Assurance

Most people don’t think of giving blood when they think about community service, but truthfully, Chattanooga needs blood donors more than ever. Just taking a few minutes out of your day to give blood could save someone’s life.

7. Chattanooga Area Foodbank

Chattanooga is full of needy people. There are hundreds who don’t know where their next meal will come from. You can help through the Chattanooga Area Food Bank! Whether it’s individually or in a group, the Food Bank feeds many mouths a day and could use your help.