After nearly three years of pandemic strain and disconnection, the holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with neighbors, community leaders and overall Nice People. We've put together a rundown of some of Denver's most popular nonprofits and community aid organizations that are looking for extra volunteers.
Most of these opportunities require no prerequisites and are open to everyone. However, because volunteers are often in contact with vulnerable people, vaccinations or recent COVID-19 testing is mandatory for nearly every event.
P.S. We'd like to grow this list. If there are any other nonprofits you'd like to see here, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
A Little Help
What they do: Founded in Wash Park in 2005, A Little Help connects older residents to neighbors who help them remain independent and age well. The nonprofit organizes help with transportation, yard work, handiwork, home organization and overall social engagement.
What you do: While many indoor activities were suspended during the pandemic, tasks like providing rides to appointments, yard work, grocery runs and outdoor chores like snow removal are still open for volunteers. Here's the form to get started.
Denver Food Rescue
What they do: The Denver Food Rescue gathers and redistributes fresh produce and perishable foods that would otherwise be thrown away by grocery stores, farmers' markets and produce distributors. They deliver the rescued foods via bike or vehicle to Denver neighborhoods for direct distribution at their No Cost Grocery Programs.
What you do: Every week around 20 volunteers deliver food to Denver Food Rescue community partners, either on a bike or in a vehicle. The organization has shifts available seven days a week from morning to afternoon. Fill out a volunteer form here.
Denver Rescue Mission
What they do: The Denver Rescue Mission is a Christian organization that provides emergency services, rehabilitation and transitional programs for people experiencing homelessness and addiction. They have Denver locations open for volunteers at 2222 Lawrence St., 6090 Smith Road, 5725 E. 39th Ave. and 4600 E. 48th Ave.
What you do: Short-term volunteer opportunities include preparing or serving meals at day shelters or sorting donated materials at their distribution center. Click on "Serve a Meal" or "Ministry Outreach Center" to get started. Find long-term opportunities through the "Intern" or "Change Maker" links.
Food Bank of the Rockies
What they do: The Food Bank of the Rockies provides food and necessities to people in need in communities across Colorado and Wyoming.
What you do: Most volunteer shifts are open Monday through Saturday, 8:45 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. at their warehouse located at 10700 E. 45th Ave. Volunteers complete a variety of warehouse tasks during the shift. Here's where to create an account and sign up.
JEWISHColorado's Christmas Mitzvah Project
What the project does: The Christmas Mitzvah Project mobilizes volunteers from Dec. 19-25 to provide employee relief at local hospitals, assisted living facilities, shelters, and nonprofit organizations, so that staff can enjoy Christmas with family and friends.
What you do: Volunteers choose between a variety of tasks that include preparing meals, sorting donations, or caring for animals. Sign up at this link.
Project Angel Heart
What they do: Project Angel Heart is a nonprofit serving medically-tailored meals to people living with severe illnesses across Colorado. They serve more than half a million meals to participants each year.
What you do: They have a variety of volunteer opportunities at their Denver location at 4950 Washington St. Tasks include decorating bags, packing and organizing meals and delivery driving. Sign up here.
We Don't Waste
What they do: We Don't Waste reduces food waste by recovering quality, unused food from the food industry and delivering it to nonprofit partners like food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools and daycare programs.
What you do: We Don't Waste offers a variety of volunteer opportunities around Denver. Tasks include distributing food at mobile markets, pre-packing groceries or recovering leftovers after every Broncos game. Check out the opportunities here.
