Lend a Hand – 7 Top Volunteer Opportunities in Twin Cities/ Rochester

You probably started the new year with plans to lose weight, save more money or quit smoking. Why not make 2016 the year you improve yourself by improving your community? 

There are dozens of worthwhile organizations near Springs Twin Cities and Springs Rochester that would welcome the gift of your time. Consider volunteering for one or more of these great causes.

Reading Partners

Most of us take the ability to read for granted, but for many students it's a struggle. Reading Partners matches volunteers with students from elementary schools in the Twin Cities for one-on-one tutoring sessions. It takes a minimum commitment of only one hour per week on a regular basis to participate. 

Twin Cities Pet Rescue

Does your heart ache when you see a stray dog? When you volunteer with Twin Cities Pet Rescue, you help deserving animals find a home. Assistance is needed for administrative duties and event staffing as well as transporting animals to vet appointments and adoption events.

Gilda's Club Twin Cities

Gilda's Club, named in memory of comedienne Gilda Radner, provides a support and education network for men, women and children living with cancer, along with their family and loved ones. Volunteers help with day-to-day "clubhouse" administration as well as classes and workshops, social events and other activities.

Twin Cities in Motion

Turn your love of fitness into a chance to give back as a member of Twin Cities in Motion. The organization stages an annual calendar of running events, capped off with the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend in October. These races serve to promote healthy lifestyles for kids and raise money for community outreach programs and charities. TCM provides approximately 6,000 volunteer opportunities each year.

Channel One Regional Food Bank

Rochester and Olmsted County are served by the Channel One Regional Food Bank, a member of the national organization Feeding America. They are in need of short- and long-term volunteers to staff the Food Shelf, their "store" that provides free emergency groceries to qualified residents, and assist with special events and gleaning at local farms.

Time Trader

Time Trader is a unique exchange system that operates on the spirit of old-time communities where neighbors banded together to help one another. Each hour you spend assisting others becomes a unit of currency you can use in trade for a service. For instance, if you provide two hours of childcare for a member, you can then "purchase" two hours of tax assistance from a participating accountant. 

Habitat for Humanity

This pioneering organization has been building affordable housing for individuals and families in need since 1990. Are you all thumbs when it comes to handling tools and building equipment? Work at the Habitat ReStore or Donation Center, serve as a Family Partner for prospective homeowners, or help to plan and conduct special events.

Our Springs Twin Cities and Springs Rochester residents are rich in community spirit. Let us know if you have a favorite organization to add to our list!