Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Kansas City to support with your time.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a health care enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 25+ ways to get involved in Kansas City.
If you want to help your neighbors in need
reStart | Collecting donations through a supply drive or making sack lunches for its clients are flexible ways for you to contribute to the non-profit’s mission to end homelessness.
Save Inc. | For 35 years, Save has provided permanent, transitional, and emergency housing — including Pride Haven, a shelter for transition-aged youth (18-24) experiencing homelessness.
Uplift | Be one of the Sprinter van drivers delivering food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.
Veterans Community Project’s | Walk-in services include food and hygiene kits, RideKC passes, and a free commissary. It also operates VCP Village, a community of 49 tiny houses for veterans experiencing homelessness.
If you want to feed your community
Harvesters | This metro food service aids 387,000 people in its 26-county service area by providing meals. Volunteer in-person or from the comfort of your own home with programs like Cards for Seniors, Birthday in a Box, or Bag it Forward.
Nourish KC | Ensure your community has access to fresh food through its free/low-cost meal program, Daily Pantry, or food redistribution network, which redirects surplus goods from local food providers to community pantries.
Shelter KC | Spend time sorting donations, providing administrative support, or serve meals to its guests to support this nonprofit’s mission of helping people experiencing homelessness.
If you want to be there for abuse victims
Hope House | Operating six domestic violence shelters in the metro, Hope House relies on volunteers for special events, collection drives, and on-campus service roles.
Amethyst Place | This nonprofit serves as recovery housing + an education program for women and their children after traumatic experiences. Volunteer opportunities include working with kids, moving furniture, and tutoring.
Natural-born teachers and mentors
Boys and Girls Club | Make an impact on a young person’s life by job shadowing with teens, reading with students, coaching sports, and supporting fundraising events for at-risk kids.
Operation Breakthrough | Join community members like Travis Kelce by providing emergency aid and educational opportunities to kids and families experiencing poverty.
Big Brothers Big Sisters KC | Volunteers can become a “big” to a “little” in need, or opt to donate clothes and give financially.
No, Girl Scout sashes are not required to participate. | Picture by @dellalambcs
If you’re passionate about supporting local community groups
Della Lamb | This nonprofit provides food for Thanksgiving + gifts for Christmas with Operation Holidays, serving thousands of Kansas Citians.
Flourish Furniture Bank | From electrical testing and woodworking to helping guests pick their new decor, you can help empower families overcoming housing insecurity at its free furniture showroom.
Johnson County Christmas Bureau | This county-wide agency helps families experiencing poverty by providing basic needs + holiday toys.
Kaw Valley Center Kansas | KVC provides family support, foster care, preventative services, and family reunification — you can support these families by providing meals, sorting clothes, and planning events.
For the animal lovers
KC Pet Project | Share the love with these furry friends by purchasing from the shelter wish list or get involved by fundraising, fostering, and volunteering.
Wayside Waifs | This no-kill shelter has its very own “Bark Park,” walking trail, and on-site clinic, so in-person volunteers have a plethora of ways to help the animals.
Great Plains SPCA | One of the easiest ways to help is by shopping the on-site retail store that directly funds its services or by sponsoring its fundraising events, like the upcoming Pickleball for Pets tournament.
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City | Keep the shelter’s cats and dogs happy by offering to walk or socialize the animals, or opt to help around the facility with various administrative projects.
Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary | Donate from its wishlist or volunteer on-site at the beautiful barn sanctuary saving unwanted pets from a life spent in kennels.
If you’re interested in health care
Heart to Heart International | This Lenexa-based nonprofit seeks to improve health care by distributing resources, conducting training, and responding to disasters.
Benilde Hall | This emergency housing provider offers services for treating substance use and mental health issues. Volunteers help with yardwork, housekeeping, and group classes.
Care Beyond the Boulevard | Kansas Citians of all skill levels are needed to help operate free medical clinics for uninsured community members.
Arts + outdoors
ScrapsKC | Keep usable materials out of landfills and accessible to any creative by helping at the nonprofit’s donated craft, art, and home goods store.
Kauffman Center | Don a blue vest to become the doormen, ticket masters, ushers, and servers that make each show an unforgettable experience.
Willa’s Books and Vinyl | The longest-standing Black-owned bookstore in Missouri, this KC gem is seeking volunteers to help with inventory management to help keep its doors open.
KCMO Parks Department | The parks department has the Parks Ambassadors program, which provides special training, exclusive events, and a free T-shirt.
Bonus
Nonprofit Connect | It’s like a chamber of commerce for nonprofits, just search its Membership Directory to find one you resonate with most.
Uncover KC | Similarly, loop up your desired category + location for volunteer opportunities in the Kansas City metro.
