Local visionary leader and organizer Angela Schnaubelt believes that people want to volunteer but aren't sure how, which is why she organized a recent Volunteers Rock! Expo at East Community Center in Littleton, with plans to make it an annual event.
While people might drag their feet when it comes to volunteering because of the time commitment on top of their jobs, Schnaubelt says it doesn't have to be that difficult. "They'll say, 'I can’t do three hours a week,'" Schnaubelt says. "No one’s asking you to do three hours a week. What if you did three hours a year?"
Schnaubelt recommends that potential volunteers determine their time commitment and then pick a cause that resonates with them, whether it's homelessness, pet rescue, food insecurity, veterans, environment or more. Those looking for volunteer opportunities can also use websites like volunteermatch.org.
Or they can keep reading. Here are ten local organizations in need of volunteers:
Animal Rescue of the Rockies
Animal Rescue of the Rockies is a nonprofit Colorado corporation that was organized in 2003 by a group of friends who wanted to provide an alternative to shelter environments. It works with foster homes to give homeless pets the chance to socialize in a home environment, giving the animals the advantage of transitioning to their new forever homes much more easily and quickly. ARR is looking for volunteers to help with administrative tasks, foster dogs or cats, help out at adoption events or just give a pet a ride to the vet or a new home. Apply online.
Outdoor Colorado
Get outdoors and do good while you're there. The Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado season runs April through October, and registration is now open for April, May and June volunteering. Opportunities exist for groups, families and individuals, including trail construction, park improvements, tree planting and more. Outdoor Colorado is the state's oldest outdoor stewardship nonprofit organization; its mission is to motivate and enable people to become active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.
ReCreative
765 Santa Fe Drive
ReCreative, a secondhand arts supply store in the Arts District on Santa Fe, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creativity, community and environmental stewardship through creative reuse and arts education. The store is looking for volunteers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month to help sort through donations. Snacks, refreshments and a 10 percent off token will be provided; sign up and find other volunteer opportunities with ReCreative online.
Denver Audubon
Help protect wildlife and inspire conservation action with Denver Audubon, an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society that works to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats through education, conservation and research. The group is looking for volunteers to garden, represent it at community events, assist with school programs and more. Fill out a volunteer application online.
The Underground Music Showcase is one of Denver's premiere music festivals.
Jordan Altergott (@jordanaltergott)
The Underground Music Showcase is one of Denver's biggest music festivals, and it highlights local artists. This year's UMS is July 25-27, and the showcase is in need of volunteers to work the bars, box offices, hospitality and more. Volunteers who complete a five-to-six hour shift will receive a weekend wristband for the festival. Applications will open soon online.
Bicycle Colorado is looking for volunteers to work at events or complete office work and for its Bike School programs.
Evan Anderman
Bicycle Colorado is a Denver nonprofit that champions the interests of everyone who rides a bike in the state through advocacy, education and events on bike safety and conditions. The organization is looking for volunteers to work at events or complete office work and for its Bike School programs; fill out a volunteer application online.
Volunteers helped plant the 14,000 tulip bulbs now blooming at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Kristen Fiore
1007 York Street
Chatfield Farms, 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
The mission of Denver Botanic Gardens is to connect people with plants, and volunteers are essential for that goal; they help with planting and garden operations, special events, education opportunities and more. Volunteers helped plant the 14,000 tulip bulbs that are now blooming at the gardens on York Street. Contact the DBG's Volunteer Services at 720-865-3609 or [email protected].
Food Bank of the Rockies
Food Bank of the Rockies is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, and volunteers help the food bank continue to feed people in need. The organization has individual and group opportunities, and is looking for volunteers to help clean and sort donations, put together orders, assemble food boxes, create meals in the kitchen and more. Sign up online.
Special Olympics Colorado offers more than 400 events throughout the year in four different regions
Miles Chrisinger
Special Olympics Colorado offers more than 400 events throughout the year in four different regions, and volunteers keep those events running smoothly. The organization currently has April, May and June volunteer opportunities; sign up online.
Nourish Meals on Wheels
Every day, Nourish Meals on Wheels packs and delivers fresh, healthy meals to more than 750 homebound seniors across south metro Denver. Volunteers can help pack or deliver meals once a day, once a week or once a month — whatever works for them. Apply to volunteer online.
