Where to Volunteer with Kids in Louisville
Louisville has several non-profits that are always looking for volunteers, and not just around the holidays when so many people think of giving back. Giving back with your family is a great way to help build a better Louisville all year long.
Volunteering together as a family not only teaches valuable life lessons, it can help to bring your family closer together and start important discussions with your kids about cultural issues and how each of us can make an impact.
If you can’t volunteer now, you can talk with your kids about the options and select a place to contact to learn more. Then, when volunteer opportunities expand, you can step into action.
Here are some places in Louisville to consider, volunteer with kids and make a positive impact!
Educational Justice – This is an organization where teens can volunteer to mentor students through academics and leadership. If your child is in grades 9-12 and wants to help other students, Educational Justice would like to know. They can apply to be an activist. Also, kids in grades 5-8 that would like support can apply to be an scholar.
Kentucky Humane Society – The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), located in Louisville, KY, is a private, nonprofit organization that is Kentucky’s largest pet adoption agency and largest no-kill animal shelter. All new adult, student, and junior volunteers must attend an orientation and training session at either their Main or East Campus before they begin. Please note that their biggest need for volunteers are dog and cat socialization/walking at our Sam Swope Pet TLC (Main Campus) location.
Ronald McDonald House – The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana is to provide a “home away from home” for families of children receiving healthcare at area medical facilities while also lending support to other organizations who aid children. You can collect items for their wish list! They have several different opportunities for ages 10+.
Americana World Community Center – Support the people they serve and the community we all share by getting involved today! You can make a difference in the lives of refugees, immigrants, and underserved individuals in Louisville. You must complete a volunteer orientation before volunteering.
United Crescent Hill Ministries – This organization has many ways to volunteer and you can connect with them regarding age-appropriate ways to help with your kids. They are in need of food pantry workers!
Kosair Charities – Volunteers have been making a difference at Kosair for Kids for over 99 years! Share your time, talent, and enthusiasm by helping support the Kosair Kids of Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
The Table – This is a non-profit restaurant in Portland. The Table is a non-profit, social entrepreneurship that serves locally grown, fresh food and operates under a pay-what-you-can model. They value a place where everyone is welcome, and provide creative payment solutions for all. The Table is nothing without volunteers who give of their time and talent. This is the heart behind their mission. Contact them to see what help they could use now and in the future and how your family can contribute.
Dare to Care – Dare to Care partners with over 300 local social service agencies, such as food pantries, shelters and emergency kitchens to distribute food to our community. Dare to Care also fights hunger through programs targeting the most vulnerable in our community. These programs include Kids Cafe, Mobile Pantry, Cooking Matters, and a variety of targeted initiatives to reach senior citizens.
Hope Scarves – Host a scarf drive so that Hope Scarves can fill more requests. We are sure your kids will come up with creative ways to do this! Hope Scarves is not only providing scarves for those fighting cancer, they are supplying hope and supporting research.
Paws with a Purpose – This organization provides Assistance Dogs as partners to children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs. You can help in so many ways, even simply baking dog treats, which is a great way for young kids to help.
RAK Louisville – This organization was started by a Louisville youth that wanted to spread kindness. They do just that! They stay current with opportunities on their Facebook page and they have opportunities for volunteers on their website. For example, your family can make snack bags together and then RAK Louisville can make sure they get where they are needed.
Louisville Outreach for the Unsheltered– Their mission is to provide food, supplies and necessary support services to those experiencing homelessness in the Louisville Metro and surrounding areas.
Norton Children’s Hospital – Become a champion for kids and plan a fundraising event with your family. Challenge your children to come up with ideas, make marketing materials, budget for what is needed, invite people and more. Then, have fun together through your event and know the money is going to help kids and families. Note – you have to submit an application first!
Louisville Grows – Whether it’s through tree planting events, canvassing door-to-door or planting vegetables, we invite you to become a part of the #mightyLGteam. As a small volunteer-based, grassroots organization, we do a tree-mendous amount of community work! Their volunteers help them get the work done, create more just and sustainable neighborhoods and make a huge impact on the environment in our communities. WE could not do this without YOU!
Feed Louisville – Volunteers are the life blood of a
non-profit organization like theirs. They depend on countless people everyday from the community who give their time to help cook and package hundreds of meals and snacks, pick up donations, distribute supplies and more.
In addition to all these great opportunities for families, you can also host a collection party! There are several ministries and causes that are in desperate need for donations. Check with local food pantries, schools, churches and charities for “wish list” items and hold a collection party with your family and friends.
Do you have items from your home that you would like to donate to a local charity? Click here for options