Volunteers needed

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts has more than 3,000 volunteers but there is always more to do—and it doesn't involve blood. Administrative support is crucial, as is fundraising, disaster relief services, and food and nutrition services. Volunteers’ commitments can be shorter than three months, but you’ll need to go through an online orientation. 139 Main St, Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-274-5250, bostonredcross.org). Volunteer contact: 617-274-5325, MassBayVol@usa.redcross.org 

Animal Rescue League of Boston

Despite their natural insulation, our furry friends need help for the cold winter months ahead. The Animal Rescue League of Boston has been aiding animals in Boston since 1899—that’s almost 100 years longer than PETA’s been throwing paint on people. You can provide direct animal care (think food bowls and litter boxes) or animal socialization (walking and playing); staff support in the animal shelter is also needed. Volunteers are asked to fulfill a weekly commitment for up to six months. Another way to help is opening your home for foster placements. Keeping a kitty at your crib for a few weeks can help reduce overcrowding in the shelter. 10 Chandler St, Boston Ma 02116  (617-426-9170, arlboston.org). Volunteer contact: Debby Vogel: dvogel@arlboston.org or by phone at (617-426-9170, ext. 170) Foster contact: Melissa Tanguay: mtanguay@arlboston.org or by phone at (617-226-5634)

 

Bikes Not Bombs

Don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty and getting your grease monkey groove on? Bikes Not Bombs is more than just a shop; it's an organization that recycles bikes for social betterment. BNB’s bicycles provide transportation and community empowerment not only in lower income neighborhoods around Boston, but also nations in the Southern hemisphere. Bikes Not Bombs promotes bicycle technology as an alternative to war and environmental destruction.  Volunteers are needed Wednesday nights to prepare bikes for international shipment or to strip them for parts, or to assist with database updates and mailings. You can also volunteer to be a van or truck driver to pick up bikes from donors, set up a bike drive or lead youth programs on bike repair and safe riding. Bonus: Bikes Not Bombs also allows volunteers to earn credits for every hour of service, which can be used as cash for parts, frames, or whole bikes. 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (617-522-0222, bikesnotbombs.org). Volunteer contact: Jeremy Hanson: 617-522-0222; jeremy@bikesnotbombs.org

 

Ethos

Ethos promotes independence, dignity and well-being for seniors and the disabled by providing community based care services that allow them to remain in their homes. Volunteers are asked to provide companionship for these folks who may otherwise be completely isolated.  Ethos looks for people to visit an elder in their home, be a shopper, shopping escort, or a medical escort to take elders to appointments—or simply call seniors to see how they are doing. 555 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (617-522-6700, ethocare.org). Volunteer contact: hr@ethocare.org 

 

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Who wouldn’t want to help make a sick kid’s wish come true? You can do just that by lending a hand with administrative work, event management and fundraising, as well as the general pulling-off of really creative wishes. Volunteer opportunities are project oriented—so you get to see your hard work pay off. If volunteering your time is not possible, you can volunteer some of your bank account by a donation, sponsoring a specific child’s wish, or by attending local Make A Wish events. 1 Bulfinch Place, Downtown, Boston (617-367-9474, wish.org). Volunteer contact: Krista Bishop; 617-367-9474, kbishop@mass.wish.org

 

Rosie’s Place

Rosie’s Place has been assisting poor and homeless women since 1974, serving meals to them and their children on a daily basis. Among other things, the organization also provides women in need with 20-40lbs of nonperishable groceries a month. For individual volunteers, a three-month commitment of at least one regular shift per week is required. You can assist in the dining room, help hand out groceries in the pantry or work with women trying to learn skills to help them obtain jobs (ESL, GED, literacy classes). Or you can simply make a weekly visit to a woman in need of company—most likely someone in a nursing home or long-term care facility. 889 Harrison Ave, South End, Boston (617-442-9322 ext.226, rosiesplace.org).

 

St. Francis House

St. Francis House provides shelter, meals, clothing and medical care to Boston’s poor and homeless. It also offers classes on substance abuse, employment, housing and legal issues. Volunteers can provide assistance in areas such as the Moving Ahead Program, which helps clients with job and life skills, and a GED education. The Next Step Housing program organizes activities such as art exhibits and film screenings as well as meditation and spirituality groups. St. Francis House is also looking for volunteers to host fundraisers to raise awareness of St. Francis House, or to organize a food drive or clothing drive. 39 Boylston St, Back Bay, Boston (617-542-4211, stfrancishouse.org)

 

Salvation Army

We are all familiar with the Salvation Army’s bell ringers and their sweet thrift stores, but the organization does a whole lot more than ringing and thrifting. The Salvation Army puts on a host of events in the Boston area to raise money, clothing and toys—and counts on volunteers every step of the way. Get in touch to volunteer for projects such as Coats for Kids and Adopt-A-Family. And of course, there are plenty of opportunities for prospective bell ringers. 25 Shawmut Road, Canton (339-502-5900, salvationarmy.org). Volunteer contact: Kimberly Santos; 339-502-5853; kimberly.santos@use.salvationarmy.org

 

The Women’s Lunch Place

Poor and homeless women and their children have been relying on the Women’s Lunch Place for daytime shelter, meals and other services since 1982. Volunteers can assist in a variety of ways, ranging from serving lunch and reading to kids to teaching a knitting class. Other ways to help out include donating toiletries and personal care items, or hosting a WLP House Party to raise awareness and donations. 67 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston (617-267-1722, womenslunchplace.org). Volunteer contact: Lisa; 617-267-1722 x37; volunteers@womenslunchplace.org or by phone at: 617-267-1722 x 37