Needs From: Greater Mankato Area United Way

SMILES is currently seeking dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. We are especially looking for an Employment Attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, but welcome applications from all community members who are passionate about our mission. Individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of every other month, with additional committee meetings held as needed. Our committees include:

Publicity/Fundraising
Executive
Personnel
Finance
Program
Nominating

Members can serve up to three 3-year terms

If you're interested in making a meaningful impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

Did you know 1 in 3 of all drivers arrested for impaired driving are repeat offenders? Stop the cycle today by educating offenders, sharing the experiences of victim survivors, and raising the funds needed to continue providing free services to those in need.

Victim Impact Panel Coordinator (Ages 18+):

Panels are offered in the evening quarterly. Travel reimbursement is available to all volunteers.

Click to start saving lives today! Apply online at https://madd.org/volunteer

We Need

Helping Hands!

PROJECT G.E.M. is a local outreach arts education nonprofit organization looking for board members to help shape the future of the program.

PROJECT G.E.M. provides youth and young adults with:

Art, music & creative writing education

After-school art programs

Low time commitment—Board members meet 1x/month ~7 months of each year for 1.5-2hrs

Impact Youth and Young Adults—help PROJECT G.E.M. provide experiences for youth

Get Involved in the Community—work with local community members to improve the program

Our website:  projectgemMN.org

Looking for dedicated volunteers to help in a variety of areas. 

Apartment cleaners needed - looking for hard working volunteers to help with deep cleaning  of apartments after tenants move out. Heavy lifting may be involved, but mainly a lot of bending and scrubbing with use of cleaning products. This is an as-needed request as we develop a team of people with kind hearts to help Partners prepare apartments and units after someone moves out. 

The Extraordinary Minister of Communion volunteer provides communion and support to patients and visitors who request services.

The Information & Emergency Department Concierge volunteer acts as a guide to help patients, visitors and guests find information, direction and assistance as they are waiting in the Emergency waiting area.  This includes evenings and weekends.

The Oncology volunteer provides courteous and efficient services to patients and nursing staff.

This person or team will be responsible for updating Facebook and the website with new information as needed. Must have familiarity using social media. We aim to have a Facebook post at least once a week. The time commitment is small and flexible.

A 79-year-old woman with ALS would love a volunteer to help her with cleaning and household chores. She would ideally like a volunteer who is able to visit her every other week for approximately 1 hour at a time: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday afternoons would work best with her schedule.

If you have an extra 2 hours each month to help a neighbor in need, we'd love to hear from you! This opportunity is part of the ALS Association's Family Assistance Program:

https://www.als.org/mn-nd-sd/mn-nd-sd/local-care-services/family-assistance-program

We would love and could use gift cards for our tenants to Kwik Trip, Hy-Vee Cub or Aldi. These Gift cards are given to our clients to help them with everyday needs!

The Well-bring Volunteer provides courteous and efficient service to patients. Volunteer will offer activities and visit with patients.

The Information Desk volunteer acts as a guide to help patients, visitors and guests find information and direction to services and departments on campus. 

The STEP Force volunteer provides courteous and efficient service to all patients, visitors, and guests.  This position includes transportation of patients and delivery of materials throughout the campus.

Aging Services for Communities is now hiring caring and responsible people to do general housekeeping and run errands for senior citizens in their homes.

Schedules are flexible based on your schedule!! Clients will live near you!

This is a great way to make extra money for the recently retired!

Call Aging Services at 507-364-5663 for more information on these great-paying positions! Or fill out an application at www.aging-services.org/employment or visit them at 212 First Street South in Montgomery.

Aging Services for Communities is looking for drivers to help seniors and people living with disabilities get to and from their medical, dental, and mental health appointments. Clients will be near you!

Drivers use their car and receive the federal mileage rate, plus stipends if available. Schedules are flexible.

This is a great way to give back to the community for recently retired people!

Call Aging Services at 507-364-5663 or check them out online at Aging-Services.org.

Construction volunteers needed for the current build at 160 Monks Avenue in Mankato.   Assistance needed with flooring installation, painting, and land scaping.  Shifts available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.   No experience required, and all tools and equipment will be provided.   

Mankato Area Crisis Nursery is in need of diapers (size 4 & larger), pull-ups any size & unscented wipes.  Please call to arrange a drop off time at our office located at 710 S 2nd St, door #6, Mankato, MN 56001. 

Mankato Area Crisis Nursery volunteers answer calls (from their homes) during non-business hours.  Hours are based on volunteers' schedules.  Our volunteers average 1 call per week.  Volunteers take incoming calls, listen non-judgmentally, gather data, share resource information &, when appropriate, arrange for placement with one of our foster / childcare providers or childcare centers.  All contact between families & volunteers is via technology - normally phone, but sometimes text & e-mail.

 Volunteers need:

Great River Greening is a non profit organization that engages volunteers in ecological restoration projects. We have many volunteer events coming up. Please see our event calendar to view and register. 

Events involve planting plants or seeds, removing invasive plants such as buckthorn and stacking brush.

Our events are family friendly and for everyone!

If you have questions or need help registering, contact Jessica at jdrummond@greatrivergreening.org

Hello college students~

If you are looking to gain some good creditable teaching skills, this may be the opportunity for you. Scholarship/stipends are available and will vary on how many classes you teach for the school term. Over 800 college students have been placed in the program offering teaching experiences the past 30 years. 

Check out our website:  http://www.projectgemMN.org

Project GEM is looking for reliable interested college students that can work well with kids and wants to use this as a reference on their resume`

Must have available transportation to the location in St. Peter

Classes are set up 1-2 hours a week, approximately 4-6 youth in each room and flexible hours to work around your busy schedule. 

Choose from one or more subjects: 

Elementary story telling

Creative writing

Basic music appreciation

Basic art forms/craft activities

Basic body movement physical exercises

If interested, a Q@A zoom meeting will be arranged for more details. 

Email: projectgem94@gmail.com

Seeking volunteers to play cards with residents. Specifically 500 (not rummy 500) and Pfeffer. 

Looking for assistance in the afternoon 1-2 times a week. Scheduling is flexible! 

You would be playing with the residents. 

*Must already know how to play* 

Welcome to call Emily Huttner, Volunteer Coordinator anytime at 507-385-4371

This is a wonderful opportunity to create hope, strength and joy for a child with a critical illness! Wish granters sign up to grant the wish of a child, meet the child and their family virtually, help the child brainstorm wishes that could bring them strength, hope, and joy, and then help make a wish come true! Wish granting volunteers work in teams of two or three to plan and help fulfill each wish and have the opportunity to make the wish as unique as each child. Wish granters also serve as a pen pal while staff work on the logistics of the wish, to keep the wish journey a joyful and anticipatory experience. We welcome all bilingual applicants, but have a particular need for Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Oromo, and Arabic speakers at any level of proficiency.

Training is provided, and is flexible with your schedule!

This is a wonderful opportunity to create hope, strength and joy for a child with a critical illness! Wish granters sign up to grant the wish of a child, meet the child and their family virtually or in-person (depending on the comfort level of the family), help the child brainstorm wishes that could bring them strength, hope, and joy, and then help make a wish come true! Wish granting volunteers work in teams of two or three to plan and help fulfill each wish and have the opportunity to make the wish as unique as each child. Wish granters also act as a pen pal to keep the child's spirits up while staff work on the logistics of the wish.

South Minnesota is one of our greatest areas of need for volunteer recruitment this year. Training is provided, and is flexible with your schedule!

The Y's Club meets twice per year and helps plan and execute two annual fundraisers, the Corn Roast in August and the Christmas Tree Lot in Nov/Dec. We are looking for volunteers to join our club! 

Seeking volunteers to assist residents to the campus beauty shop for their appointments. 

Volunteer would be pushing wheelchairs or walking with residents from their room to the beauty shop and then escorting them back after. 

Looking for assistance on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons between 1:00-4:30 pm. 

Flexible with schedule and would appreciate assistance as you would be available. 

Seeking volunteers to assist in escorting residents to the Sunday Worship Service at 11:00 am each week. 

Volunteers would invite residents to the service and assist in getting them to the chapel, attend the service with the residents and then help escort them to lunch once the service has ended. 

Volunteers would be asked to arrive at 10:30 to begin inviting, the service typically ends at 11:30.  

Seeking volunteers to assist with resident activities such as games, baking group, outings,  manicures, walks outside, bingo, crafts, reminiscing, escorting residents to worship, and more. 

Life Enrichment staff will be facilitating the activity and the volunteer would provide support and engage with residents.

Flexible scheduling. 

Opportunities are available Sunday - Friday. 

Welcome to contact Emily Huttner, Volunteer Coordinator at any time 507-385-4371

VIGIL VOLUNTEERS offer comfort and support tailored to a patient’s needs in the final days and hours. Vigil volunteers also offer respite to caregivers, giving them peace of mind that someone is present while they are unable to be by their loved one’s side. Vigil volunteers may be present at time of death. 

Vigil volunteers serve on an on-call, as-needed basis (agreeing to be on our call list when needs arise, but not required to agree to every vigil visit we ask about). Typically 2-6 hours per vigil visit.

*We often ask those interested in final days vigil to serve as a companion volunteer for 6 months before transitioning to this role. We can discuss your interest level and personal experience with death/dying during the interview process. 

LOCATION

Our hospice services are provided wherever one calls home, which could include a private home or care community, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

First, ask yourself:

If yes to all of the above, the following are steps to getting involved, typically taking 3-4 weeks to complete:

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

For more information: Please visit our website at www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

COMPANION VOLUNTEERS provide a personal interaction, comforting presence, and small moments of joy. Companions can also offer caregiver respite and/or practical help around the home.

LOCATION

Our hospice services are provided wherever one calls home, which could include a private home or care community, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

First, ask yourself:

If yes to all of the above, the following are steps to getting involved, typically taking 3-4 weeks to complete:

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

For more information: Please visit our website at www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

VET TO VET VOLUNTEERS offer a unique ability to relate and connect to fellow veteran patients, either as a companion or while conducting veteran pinning ceremonies.

LOCATION

Our hospice services are provided wherever one calls home, which could include a private home or care community, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

First, ask yourself:

If yes to all of the above, the following are steps to getting involved, typically taking 3-4 weeks to complete:

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

For more information: Please visit our website at www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

If you have a furry friend that brings joy everywhere you go, this is the position for you! If your pet is already registered through a pet therapy program, you can apply immediately to become an Ecumen Hospice Hounds team volunteer. While dogs are the most common animal to join our Hospice Hounds teams, we are open to all therapy pets!

LOCATION

Our hospice services are provided wherever one calls home, which could include a private home or care community, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

First, ask yourself:

If yes to all of the above, the following are steps to getting involved, typically taking 3-4 weeks to complete:

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

For more information: please visit our website at www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

*If you have a pet that you think would make a great therapy animal, but is not yet registered, below are a few organizations you can contact to get that process started. There are others in the area, so feel free to do your research and find one that fits your schedule, location, needs and budget. Make sure to tell them you’d like to become an Ecumen Hospice volunteer once you’re done!

Project GEM is looking for good, reliable, creative students.  Different types of activities and experiences interacting with youth, learning how to create platform presentations of your choosing, helping assist with the annual youth show, assisting in a small after school art program, helping out at the annual American Indian Powwow in Sept and much more. 

Perks: Hours are flexible.  Looks really good on a resume`

Start time:  Sept-Dec and Jan-May

If interested and wanting more information about this wonderful opportunity, contact the Program Director: projectgem94@gmail.com

The front desk receptionist volunteer assists the Administrative Assistant by greetings visitors, families and other guests to Pathstone, answering the phone and transferring calls as needed, assisting residents who come to the front desk to inquire for information and other activities as directed and supervised by the Administrative Assistant. 

VINE is seeking volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels two or three times a month.  Routes take one to two hours to complete and an orientation is required.

Contact Mary at (507) 387-1666 if interested.

Volunteers are needed for about 4 weeks for a meal prep project (kitchen experience preferred). A donation of a refrigerated trailer is needed to store frozen meals. Email Jodi for more information!

Jodi Zeitz

712-229-7743

Jodi.Zeitz@lssmn.org

Furniture for two new shelters for people in recovery including: Dressers (28), Night stands (28), Any and all kitchen items, Coffee tables (2), Lamps, misc household items

CONTACT:

Brandy Brink

507-779-1075

brandy@beyondbrink.com

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and only about 3% of the US population donates blood. Successful blood drives are critical to ensuring that blood is available when people need it. You can help save lives by becoming a Red Cross Donor Ambassador! As a Donor Ambassador you will help guests have a positive experience at the blood drive by greeting them, making them feel comfortable during their visit, and thanking them as they leave. All that is needed is a warm smile and the desire to serve.

In this position you will:

Click Here to learn more and register today!

Questions or need assistance email: MNDAKVolunteer@redcross.org

United Way has collaborated with the City of Mankato and other partners to coordinate and collect mask and PPE donations at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Donations of PPE may be brought to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Donated PPEs will be sanitized and re-packaged for distribution to long-term care facilities, front line volunteers, public safety, transportation personnel and other essential workers.

If your organization is in immediate needs of masks for staff, volunteers or clients, call 311 (use your current supplies vendor to order if possible).

Civic center drop off locations:
Community members are asked to place PPEs in green Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota dropboxes in front of the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center lobby doors

Businesses or individuals with large deliveries may bring Mondays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call 311 or 507-387-8600 to schedule an appointment. Please use Walnut Street to access the event center's loading dock area. Signage will help direct where to place. 

View map showing drop off locations. Direct donations to facilities accepting masks are also encouraged. Should a facility not need PPEs, please bring to the event center, and staff will provide to others. Those interested in donating N95 masks should contact health care facilities.

View guidelines for homemade mask coverings.

Contact Staff at 311 or 507-387-8600

Community Educators are volunteer speakers who help provide education and expand the reach of Alzheimer's Association programs. Community Educators deliver Alzheimer's Association programs on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias using prepared materials.

These volunteers provide programs scheduled by Association staff and help identify potential community partners and education venues using their established community networks. Community educators assure that the general public, caregivers and people living with Alzheimer's or dementia are linked to Alzheimer's Association programs and our free 24/7 Helpline. They are true partners with our staff and extend the reach of our programs to all communities.

Most gift cards are accepted and appreciated.  Those most useful to LEEP are:

Do you have new small items that you're not going to use, but someone may enjoy winning as a BINGO prize?  LEEP participants love BINGO and a variety of prizes are needed on a regular basis for both males and females.  Gender neutral prizes are also appreciated!

CADA is currently looking to grow our Board of Directors. Joining the Board is a great opportunity for volunteerism and leadership. 

We are especially looking for candidates who have experience or skills in: 

Our board meets monthly. Enthusiasm and time to devote to the organization are essential! You can help us achieve our mission - providing safety and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and shelter! 

For more information, please contact the Executive Director, Jason at: jasonm@cadamn.org 

Do you want to help local families and get involved in your community?? CADA is looking for fun, dedicated, kind, and compassionate volunteers to provide childcare from 5:15 - 7:15 on Tuesday evenings so parents can attend domestic violence support group. Volunteers should be willing to commit to an entire 10 week cycle of support groups.

We are looking for volunteers who can volunteer from Tuesday, July 23rd until Tuesday, September, July 24th. 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) needs volunteers to be trained to lead an exercise class that meets two times per week and goes year round. The classes focus on strength, balance, flexibility and basic aerobics.

Volunteering through RSVP offers you mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance coverage.

Volunteers needed to lead a class in Mankato starting in 2020.

Health & wellness programs are offered in many areas throughout the year.  We offer training to those that wish to give back to their community by being trained in any of our classes and leading the class in the community.

Volunteering through RSVP offers mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance coverage.

Leaders needed in:

Living Well With Chronic Conditions

Living Well With Chronic Pain

Fit & Strong!

Powerful Tools For Caregivers

Stay Active & Independent For Life (SAIL)

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers people 55+ years of age the opportunity to connect with children in the area schools offering them a connection to another generation's perspective. These include intellectual simulation, development of self-esteem, enjoyment of relationships, feelings of purposefulness and maintaining a link between the past and the future.

An age integrated community leads to a healthy community as the strengths of one generation strengthens another. Volunteering through RSVP offers mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance coverage.

Volunteers needed at:

Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Elementary School - Lake Crystal

North Intermediate School -  St Peter

St Mary's School - Waseca

St Clair Elementary - St Clair

Reasons To Write Pen Pal Program - Bridges Elementary School

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers volunteer opportunities to people 55+ years of age that love to work outdoors and have some construction skills to share with families in need of housing.

Volunteering through RSVP offers mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance coverage.

Volunteers needed at:

Habitat For Humanity, Mankato

Habitat For Humanity, Waseca

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers people 55+ years of age an opportunity to give back to their community while helping non-profits sustain their food programs aimed at access to affordable food.

Volunteering through RSVP offers mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance coverage.

Volunteer needed at:

Echo Food Shelf

Echo Delivers

Fare For All

Food 4 All

Meals On Wheels

St Peter  Area Food Shelf

RECYCLE. RECLAIM. EMPOWER.

Key City Bike aims to:

¨ Educate community members about cycling and bike mechanics.

¨ Provide a safe and positive workspace for anyone to fix their bicycle.

¨ Reduce environmental impact by up-cycling and recycling donated bicycles and parts.

¨ Expand bike culture.

Volunteers needed for general volunteer work. Tasks a general volunteer may preform are:

We can always find something for a person to do. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

No experience necessary, we will train you if needed. 

Please wear close toe shoes.

Current Hours are as follows:

Tuesday 3-8pm

Wednesday 3-8pm

Thursday 12-5pm

5 minutes or 5 hours we appreciate any time folks can afford to volunteer.

Volunteers needed to provide short, 10 -15 minute hand massages. Orientation and training provided! Massage therapy has shown to aid in addressing pain, distress, fatigue, anxiety, stress and muscular discomfort in patients with various types of disease. Hand massage is simple, comforting and less time consuming that a standard massage session. Because of its shorter duration, hand massage is an ideal intervention in busy hospital and clinical settings.

Our volunteers must fill out a Volunteer Application, attend an orientation and annual trainings, background check, and immunization screening.

If interested, please fill out our online Volunteer Application or call Volunteer Coordinator at 507-594-7298.

Volunteers are an important part of our team at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota!  We welcome volunteers age 16 and older who appreciate the power of play and enjoy interacting with children and families. There are ongoing and special volunteer opportunities, with scheduling options to fit your personal lifestyle.  Prefer to serve behind the scenes?  Join our sewing team!  Help us maintain our beautiful gardens! Work side by side with our fabrication staff as we build and repair exhibits. The possibilities are endless!

Contact Heather at heather.ungerer@cmsouthernmn.org to schedule a tour and learn more about volunteer opportunities!

Are you one of those people who enjoy cleaning and organizing?? CADA is seeking volunteers to help us sort and organize donations, as well as help keep our shelter and office spaces clean and tidy. Volunteers help our organization run more efficiently and ensure that advocates have more time to spend assisting victims and survivors. 

If you have a passion for serving those in need throughout our community, please contact us.  There are several ways to support our mission of helping those who are experiencing housing instability.

Please reach out to Trisha, our Executive Director, who will share more about the important work of our Board of Directors as Partners' governing body, who is on our Board, and then discuss your interests and gifts. You can reach her at (507) 304-7130 or trisha@partnersforhousing.org or fill out the online application at https://partnersforhousing.org/about/bod/#app. 

Whether you decide to join the Board or have an interest in supporting us through joining a committee or another way, let's talk!  We are always in need of helpful, passionate, and engaged people!

Please consider joining this great group of people!

We host a variety of events and programs throughout the year, and are in need of several creative people to support various tasks for each event.  If you are interested, please call us and we'll discuss your availability and interests and match you to the right event!

Annual events:

Other programs we offer (facilitators/support):

Volunteer to play! Volunteers on the museum floor initiate playful interactions with visitors! They interact with both adults and children and they provide customer service to ensure all visitors have a positive and memorable experience. 

Behind the Scenes volunteers can help with a variety of opportunities throughout the Museum, including administrative roles, special events or special projects. These opportunities are dependent on project availability.

Flexible schedule!

Make a big difference in the lives of Minnesota State University Mankato international students by joining the Friendship Family Program. Friendship families and students usually meet a couple of times per semester depending on the family and student’s schedule. Share a meal, have coffee, take a walk. This program is a great opportunity to learn about cultures from around the world, expand your horizons, and make new friends.

Administrative volunteers work alongside CADA staff to help with various administrative duties in an office setting. Volunteers help with answering phones, greeting and welcoming individuals who come to CADA, and accepting and sorting donations. 

Administrative volunteers are needed for various shifts during regular business hours (M-F, 8-5). 

Shelter volunteers work alongside shelter advocates and help with a variety of tasks such as answering the 24-hour crisis line, organizing and sorting donations, and helping shelter residents access services and achieve their goals. Shelter volunteers need to complete CADA's 40-hour sexual assault advocacy certification training in order to provide direct client services and answer the crisis line.  

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children?? CADA is seeking dedicated and reliable volunteers to engage children of all ages in interactive play activities while parents attend support groups, meetings with advocates, or other appointments. Daytime and evening opportunities available within the shelter environment! 

Deliver hot, nutritionally-balanced meals to home bound seniors/disabled individuals (homes) in the Mankato/North Mankato area. Receive a route of approx. 10 stops in a concentrated area. Pick up meals between 10:30AM-11:00AM Monday-Friday, at our Mankato Central Kitchen near Old Town. Meal delivery takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Volunteers can choose to deliver any number of times they wish, e.g. Once/twice per week, once/twice per month, temporarily/seasonally. Please leave a message for Shawn @ 507-625-8970, or email Shawn.Hermanson@lssmn.org.

*Use your own vehicle

*Work alone or with a friend

*Option: Train with a current volunteer

*Route instructions are provided

Helping hands are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels to the homes of seniors/disabled individuals in Montgomery; ~10:30AM-11:30AM, Monday-Friday. You choose the dates/frequency you wish to volunteer. Our meal site is located at Park Manor apartments in Montgomery.

Delivery takes approximately 1 hour, but if completed in a pair (someone to drive, the other to deliver) takes less time. A valid driver's license is the only requirement. We ask volunteers to use their own vehicles. This is a very rewarding and meaningful volunteer experience to consider.

LSS Senior Nutrition enables older adults to live healthier, more active and independent lives. We strive to provide senior citizens the nutrition they need to live healthy, independently, and in their own homes; thus reducing the likelihood of hospital visits and nursing home stays. We target frail, elderly, homebound individuals of low-income--no eligible participant is denied service due to their inability to afford our services.

Helping hands are needed to assist our site manager with table setting, packaging of Meals on Wheels and serving of the congregate (in-house) meal; ~10:15AM-11:00AM, Monday-Friday. You choose the dates/frequency you wish to volunteer. Our meal site is located at Park Manor apartments in Montgomery.

LSS Senior Nutrition enables older adults to live healthier, more active and independent lives. We strive to provide senior citizens the nutrition they need to live healthy, independently, and in their own homes. We target frail, elderly, homebound individuals of low-income--no eligible participant is denied service due to their inability to afford our services.

Description of the activity:

If you are looking to gain experience assisting youth with making cool, fun art projects, this may be the placement for you. 
Project GEM is looking for a responsible, engaging, motivated college student that loves art and wants to help assist our team leader teach youth a variety of basic art projects.  Youth that register for this class love art and want to learn and have fun doing artistic activities.  Classes are held once a week starting the mid September.  Time is set from 3:15-4:45 pm.. Location is St. Clair.. about 10 minutes from Mankato. 

Our program is starting recruitment for volunteer assistants now.

For more details, email:  projectgem94@gmail.com

The Mankato Newspaper Reading Project is accepting new members to read the Mankato Free Press one evening a month. Volunteers can read alone or read together with a family member or friend. Volunteering with a family member or a friend is a great way to see a friend once a month or have a date night. Volunteering alone or with someone is a great way to strengthen the tie with your community.

All volunteers must pass a recorded reading test. Training is provided. This is a great first step to reading books on tape!

Deliver hot, nutritionally-balanced meals to home bound seniors/disabled individuals (homes) in the Mankato/North Mankato area. Receive a route of approx. 10 stops in a concentrated area. Pick up meals between 10:30AM-11:00AM Monday-Friday, at our Mankato Central Kitchen near Old Town. Meal delivery takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Volunteers can choose to deliver any number of times they wish, e.g. Once/twice per week, once/twice per month, temporarily/seasonally. Please leave a message for Shawn @ 507-625-8970, or email Shawn.Hermanson@lssmn.org.

*Use your own vehicle

*Work alone or with a friend

*Option: Train with a current volunteer

*Route instructions are provided

At St. Croix Hospice, care and comfort are tailored to the unique preferences of our patients, families and primary caregivers. We individualize care to ensure it is provided in a way that brings dignity, respect and compassion. We believe that moments of joy can be found through meaningful experiences; even in challenging times.

As a pet therapy companion volunteer, you will visit patients and offer emotional support with conversations, listening, or even a quiet calm presence. The visits may involve reading, walking or helping patients attend activities in their assisted living facility.

At St. Croix Hospice, care and comfort are tailored to the unique preferences of our patients, families and primary caregivers. We individualize care to ensure it is provided in a way that brings dignity, respect and compassion. We believe that moments of joy can be found through meaningful experiences; even in challenging times.

As a companion volunteer, you will visit patients and offer emotional support with conversations, listening, or even a quiet calm presence. The visits may involve reading, walking or helping patients attend activities in their assisted living facility.

SERVICE AREA: Disaster Services         

POSITION SUMMARY: Assist the Red Cross in carrying out its mission by using professional expertise to provide for the psychosocial needs of disaster victims and disaster responders within the context of American Red Cross procedures.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

BENEFITS:

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Training must be completed within first year of volunteering, including the following courses:

RESPONSIBLE TO: Disaster Mental Health Lead under direction of the Client Services Manager

LOCATION: Provide consultation from home or office or on-site at disaster locations 

TIME COMMITMENT:      Varies depending on Regional projects and priorities

                                    Attend regular meetings and training sessions.

                                    Minimum of 1 year commitment expected.

CONTACT: Apply online at www.redcross.org/mn/volunteer

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Volunteer Services at mnrecruit@redcross.org or call 612-871-7676.

Use your medical expertise to help people affected by disasters.

The American Red Cross is looking for licensed health professionals to join our Disaster Health Services team. In this volunteer role, you’ll provide compassionate care to individuals impacted by emergencies. Whether it’s replacing lost medications, offering first aid, or helping clients manage health needs during a crisis.

What You’ll Do:

Who We’re Looking For:

Help coordinate disaster response efforts from the comfort of your home!

The Duty Officer plays a critical role in ensuring timely and effective disaster response. As a virtual volunteer, you’ll be the first point of contact for disaster notifications and will help dispatch teams to assist those in need.

What You'll Do:

What You’ll Need:

100% Virtual | Flexible Shifts | Make a Real Impact

If you're organized, calm under pressure, and want to make a difference from wherever you are — we’d love to have you on the team!

Interested? Reach out to learn more or sign up today!

Click Here to learn more and sign up!

Questions or need assistance email: MNDAKVolunteer@redcross.org

Every day people are forced from their homes due to disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of disaster responses. YOU can help us respond to disasters in your community. YOU can be there for the family in need. As a member of the Disaster Action Team you respond to emergencies, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing.

To learn more Click Here.

Questions or assistance email: MNDAKVolunteer@redcross.org

Southwest Chapter Board of Directors
The American Red Cross is a vibrant and vital organization in Southwest Minnesota that seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Our vision is to turn compassion into action so that…
…all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
…our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
…everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
…all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and
…in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

We are seeking individuals who may be interested in volunteer service as a member of the Southwest Chapter Board of Directors. Interested individuals should have a passion for the Red Cross mission and a willingness to share that passion with others in the community to help develop new partnerships, increase visibility and recruit volunteers and blood donors.

Qualifications
The American Red Cross serving Southwest Minnesota includes the 19 counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine. Board members should be leaders who are willing to make the most of their connections, skills, expertise and experience as ambassadors and advocates for the Red Cross. The skills and abilities we are most interested in finding/developing are:
• Relationship Builder: Can connect the organization to their personal network.
• Community Connector: Can connect the organization to community leaders.
• Story Teller: Can help tell the organization’s story at events and one-on-one.
• Door Opener/Asker: Can help ask for funds or open doors to potential funders.
• Visibility Builder: Can help reach the community through media, blogs and/or other information sharing forums.
• Motivator: Can help encourage and mentor fellow volunteers.

Additional Information 
The board holds six regular meetings each year and an Annual Meeting in June. Regular meetings last 60-75 minutes and take place every other month on the fourth Wednesday beginning at 12:15 p.m. Board members are asked to serve on at least one committee and participate in visibility enhancement activities. Board members are also asked to make a personal financial contribution of $1,000 annually, which may include an employer matching gift, may be a Red Cross event sponsorship and is payable over the entire fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Terms are three years and may be renewed twice, for a total of nine consecutive years on the board.

If you would like more information, please contact Executive Director Leah Pockrandt at leah.pockrandt@redcross.org or 507-360-2052.

Volunteer drivers are needed for the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program in the Mankato, MN and surrounding area. Drivers donate their time and vehicle to take cancer patients to treatment and back home again. They also provide encouragement and support.

Drivers are needed throughout the year. Volunteers must have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, a serviceable car with seatbelts and adequate insurance coverage. Volunteer drivers need to be friendly and compassionate. Drivers must respond to all patient ride requests in a timely fashion and follow through on all commitments.

The American Cancer Society provides online orientation and training, support materials and other assistance to volunteer drivers. For information on how to volunteer please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

STRIDE is an interactive program that provides lessons on leadership, character development, healthy choices, goal-setting and cooperation, all within the framework of a fun fitness & running plan.  Participants (boys in 3rd-5th grades and 6th-8th grade)will have lessons twice per week for 10 weeks, and complete the program by running in a 5K event. 

The volunteer coaches will commit to one or two days per week, either Mon/Wed or Tues/Thursday  from approximately 3-5pm.

Volunteers serve as a role model and mentor. Volunteers assist program staff in organizing and leading weekly lessons, interacting and communicating with participants and attending the end of season 5K.

The ReStore relies on volunteers for successful store operation, from helping pick-up donations to pricing and displaying of merchandise. Volunteers are an integral part of our organization.

When people think of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, many think of working out on a construction site and being involved with the actual building of a house. It is important to know that you do not need a hammer to help Habitat! The ReStore relies on volunteers to operate the store and make building the houses possible. It is only the time and effort of volunteers like you that Habitat can continue to fulfill its mission.

Hours: 
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday shifts- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday shifts- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Responsibilities:

Skills Needed: 

We are in need of donated lawn mowers for our summer mowing season.  Our chore program mows for about 30 frail elderly and disabled individuals each season.  If you have a spare lawn mower in working order than you could give to us, we would greatly appreciate it.  

Call us at VINE at 387-1666 for more information.

Thank you!

Whether you’re available for a weekly or monthly shift or can volunteer only occasionally, as your schedule permits, we will gratefully accept the gift of your time!

Come join our wonderful community of kindred spirits who are working to promote the spirit of the Betsy-Tacy books and celebrate the life of Maud Hart Lovelace. To learn more, please call (507) 345-9777 or email info@betsy-tacysociety.org.

Note: We have many additional volunteer opportunities for folks who are looking for a one-time experience (help in our gardens! paint a fence!) or for more of a big-picture role (join a BTS committee or working group!). Please let us know what you're interested in doing, and we'll find a task for you.

Our Information Desk volunteers provide courteous and efficient service in various locations throughout the hospital at MCHS in Mankato.

This position encompasses one primary function: Provide customer service and assist visitors and patients during their time in our facility.  They are responsible for being attentive to the needs of patients/visitors/staff, offering assistance when needed.  They must provide a caring enviornment and exhibit volunteer professionalism.

These volunteers must have the ability to problem solve and learn how to navigate through the hospital.  They must be able to work well with the public and have some general computer skills.

Our volunteers must fill out a Volunteer Application, attend an orientation and annual trainings, background check, and immunization screening.

We have openings available seven days a week with 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12-4 p.m. and 4-7p.m. shifts.

If interested, please fill out our online Volunteer Application or call Volunteer Coordinator at 507-594-7298.

Does providing peer-to-peer support to those in recovery; while strengthening your own recovery (or understanding of recovery) sound like a good opportunity to you?  If so, consider becoming a Recovery Coach today! 

A Recovery Coach is anyone interested in promoting recovery by sharing their experience strength and hope.  Recovery Coaches remove barriers and obstacles to recovery by connecting recoverees with recovery support services, building recovery capital, assisting with individualized recovery options and serving as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking recovery. Recovery Coaching effectively helps maintain recovery beyond early recovery while transitioning into the everyday environment through the use of peer support services. Peer to peer support strengthens the recovery of both the coach and the recoveree.

Peer-Based Recovery Support Services

Peer Support is designed to fill the needs of people in or seeking recovery. The services are called Peer-Based Recovery Support Services (P-BRSS) and, as the word peer implies, they are designed and delivered by people who have experienced both substance use disorder and recovery. The Peer-Based Recovery Support Services help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Because they are designed and delivered by peers who have been successful in the recovery process, they embody a powerful message of hope, as well as a wealth of experiential knowledge. The services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking to achieve or sustain recovery.

Peer Support Guiding Principles

All individuals are unique and have special needs, goals, health attitudes and behaviors and expectations for recovery.  Management of their own lives and mastery of their own futures will require different pathways at times. Peer Support is self-directed—what the person in recovery wants, desires and can accomplish; not what the peer imparts to that person. It is strengths based Recovery Orientated System of Care (R.O.S.C.) Peer-Based Recovery Support Services are intended to enhance NOT duplicate, replace, or compete with valuable services already available in a community.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN RECOVERY COACH VOLUNTEERS

Kids Against Hunger Mankato is in need of any of the following:

Brooms, Cleaning Supplies, Foam Cups, Kleenex, Toilet Paper, Dish Soap, Laundry Soap, Paper Plates, Plastic Utensils, a working Vacuum Cleaner & Garbage Bags at this time!

We are in need of a PA sound system that is portable and lightweight. Our current system is out of date and in need of repair. Since we are such a small organization with limited funds, we have not been able to upgrade to a more user friendly model. 

A lot of the places we visit, the residents are hard or hearing and some of the members of the chapter feel uncomfortable shouting. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you, 

Respectfully, 

Therapy Dogs International - Chapter 24

 This program is designed to introduce girls who range in ages 4 - 9 to the FUNdamentals of softball. Girls will learn the proper way to throw, hit and field the ball. Teams are based on grade attending at time of sign-up, school they attend, home address, and volunteer coaches that are available. Girls will participate in games 2 days per week June through July.  Everyone participates regardless of skill or ability.

VOLUNTEER COACHES ARE NEEDED.

 Pre-K & K: Girls hit off of a tee.  Games are played against other Lil' Peppers teams. Game days: Tuesdays/Thursdays

1st gr: 'Live' coach pitching.  Games are played against other Lil' Peppers teams. Game days: Mondays/Wednesdays

 2nd gr/3rd gr: Player pitching, with coach pitch as back-up. Games are played against other Lil' Peppers teams. Game days: Mondays/Wednesdays

This is a competitive, limited travel, fast-pitch league. Games will be played against other teams within MAGFA and from area communities through the Southern Star league. Doubleheaders are played once a week and practices may be schedule one other night per week. Evaluations are conducted to place players on teams, no cuts. Teams will be formed by evaluation results, strength of position and coaching volunteers available. There is the opportunity for weekend tournaments in Mankato and other communities as the coach recommends.  M.A.G.F.A. pays for Rec teams to play in all 3 Mankato tournaments as well as one out of town and one state tournament (if qualify). Practices may start in April. League play will start mid May and end in July. Teams will only be formed if there is enough interest in that age group and we can locate a coach.

VOLUNTEER COACHES ARE NEEDED.

8U*, 10U, 14U = games will be played on Mondays/Wednesdays

12U = will either play Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday games.

16U, 18U = games will be played on Tuesdays/Thursdays