Opportunities From: United Way of Central Illinois

Help make a house feel like home for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.

Heartland HOUSED's Welcome Home Basket Initiative provides essential household items to people moving into permanent housing. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring these items are organized, ready for distribution, and available when someone receives the keys to their new home.

Volunteer activities may include

Whether you enjoy organizing, working behind the scenes, or connecting with the community, there's a place for you on our team. Every hour volunteered helps someone start the next chapter of their life with the essentials needed to turn housing into a home.

We are in need of volunteers who can assist with disaster relief after a tornado hit our site. This includes administrative duties to help with a high demand of emails and calls.

You do not have to be present for the whole 9am-5pm shift. We appreciate any help you are able to offer between these hours.

Food Not Bombs participates in Intricate Minds' Warm Meal Wednesday program on the third Wednesday of each month. We prepare the meal Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning at First Church of the Brethren and transport to and share the meal at the Intricate Minds community center at 619 N Grand Ave East at noon.

EPNG offers volunteer opportunities Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9-11, from April through October.  Tasks may include harvesting, planting, weeding, staffing our Free Farmers Market, and a variety of miscellaneous.

Sign up for the 2026 Fall Day of Action and sign your waiver here!

To sign up, select the blue "respond" button, fill out your registration information (under where it says "initiative questions") and then select "submit opportunity response."

Teams: all individuals must complete/"respond" to the sign-up, but will note their team and/or organization name, team leader name, and leader contact information on the sign-up. Please note that volunteers for this event must be at least 13-years-old.

Individuals and teams will then be assigned a volunteer opportunity the week prior to the event. Project assignments and details will then be emailed to participants at least one week prior to Day of Action. Examples of past volunteer assignments include painting, cleaning, outdoor spring cleanup, sorting files, making crafts/greeting card distribution to agency clients, stuffing folders for events, and other similar activities.

Every volunteer will receive a Day of Action t-shirt to wear while volunteering and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from taking action to help out our community! If you received a t-shirt in the Spring, you may decline a t-shirt for the Fall.

Please also join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon prior to the event at The Salvation Army from 11:30am-12:30pm.  Register for a boxed lunch here!

Questions? Contact Olivia Lohse at olohse@uwcil.org or by calling 217-726-7000 ext. 204

Motherland Community Project is organizing a workday to clean and prep the gardens, and we would love your help! Our main tasks will include:   - Cleaning overgrown areas and removing debris from dead plants  - Clearing growing areas that were left fallow  - Refilling garden beds with compost  - Harvesting flower seeds  - Prepping compost sites and collecting composting materials  - Digging holes for future fruit trees  - Trimming fruit trees and grape vines  - Clearing the alley behind the campus We will also enjoy a BBQ while we work! If you are able, please consider bringing donations for our food pantries. We are collecting clothes, food, canned goods, basic necessities, books, cleaning products, and any other items suitable for the pantry. We hope to see you there!

Daily Bread is a midday meal program for individuals 60 years of age and over, on a general diet. In addition to our seven congregate sites throughout Sangamon and Menard counties, volunteers are needed to deliver meals to our home-bound seniors. 

Daily Bread meal delivery volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to home-bound seniors. Meals are delivered Monday—Friday from 9:30—11:30.

Meal delivery volunteers are not expected to deliver meals daily, but once a week or even once a month would be a great help! Corporate Volunteer Programs are also invited to participate in meal delivery.

For more information, please contact Tessa French at t.french@ssoci.org or (217) 528-4035, ext. 299.

Springfield Specialty Meals on Wheels is a home-delivered meal program focused on physician prescribed specialty dietary needs. Meal delivery is currently only available in Springfield.

Springfield Specialty Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors on restrictive diets. Meals are delivered Monday—Friday from 11:15—1:00.

Meal delivery volunteers are not expected to deliver meals daily, but once a week or even once a month would be a great help! Corporate Volunteer Programs are also invited to participate in meal delivery.

For more information, please contact Tessa French at t.french@ssoci.org or (217) 528-4035, ext. 299.

Central has offices in Springfield, Decatur, and Quincy.

Southern has offices in Mt. Vernon and Belleville.

(all require background check)

Case Aide – Full and Part time
Requirements: High School diploma, valid Driver’s license, and vehicle.

Child Welfare Specialist – full time
Requirements: Bachelor Degree in any field. 

Program Supervisors – Full time
Requirements: Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.

View all our opportunities and apply at LCFS.org/about/careers/. 

If interested, please contact Sabrina Otken at sabrina_otken@lcfs.org.

The Springfield Senior Center offer individuals a wide array of programs and activities such as fellowship, dance classes, exercise classes, art classes, entertainment, crafts, health programs, volunteer opportunities and more!

The SSCI Gift Ship offers a variety of items handcrafted by seniors who come to the Senior Center.

Volunteer opportunities are available for:

BINGO: Assist with setting up BINGO, popping popcorn, and other BINGO duties that may arise. Wednesdays from 9 am – 10:30 am

GIFT SHOP: Price and display gift shop items, wait on customers and ring up sales. Tuesday and Thursday shifts are available:
Tuesday 9 am – 1 pm
Thursday 9 am – 12 pm
Thursday 10 am – 1 pm

The Autism Clinic at Hope needs volunteers to help our staff clean and sanitize lots of toys! We will work indoors in the kitchen or other area with a sink. We will supply all needed materials except your helpful, willing hands. Each volunteer will need to sign an Observer Confidentiality Agreement in case you recognize our children or their families.

The Autism Clinic at Hope needs volunteers to help our staff with a big file organization project. The Autism Clinic provides services to families and children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. If you love to organize and know the alphabet, we want you!

Hope will provide a comfortable space with a chair for each volunteer. The Hope Cafe is just across the hall if you want a snack, lunch or breakfast.

All files will be for past clients who achieved their individual goals and 'graduated' from the program. You will sign an Observer Confidentiality Agreement agreeing to not disclose any confidential information you may see about client(s) or families, including name(s).

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Volunteers are needed to visit with patients and engage them in activities such as playing music, singing, working on a craft project, sharing a special, or simply providing companionship through listening, talking or holding a hand. Volunteers can sometimes provide respite car, allowing family members to take a much-needed break.

There are also volunteer opportunities within the Elara Caring Hospice office, assisting staff with mailing, filing, data entry and other special projects.

Elara Caring is also looking for pet therapy volunteers. These volunteers, along with their trained pet companions, visit Hospice patients in facilities. Dogs must be certified in order to visit patients.

Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information, contact Christian at crundblad@elara.com

Make a difference when life matters most. 

If you are searching for a way to make a difference in the lives of others, you belong here. Hospice volunteers are a valuable part of our care team. Based on your interested and preferences, receive specific volunteer training to help improve the quality of life for others. 

Volunteer Opportunities

From providing companionship at a patient's bedside to running errands, and from assisting with administrative duties to creating gifts for patients and their families, one of our volunteer coordinators will help you discover the best fit for you. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please call 

Emily Robbins -  Volunteer Coordinator

618-210-1333

emily.robbins@heartlandhospice.com

Blood drives can be held in a conference room, gymnasium, classroom or similar location within your facility, or, if a suitable location can’t be found, we can bring a Donor Bus (a fully functioning donor-room-on-wheels) directly to you!

Our team of Account Managers will work with you to determine the logistics for your blood drive, and then we'll provide all the tools you need to help change the world one pint at a time!

Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays or tragic events.  Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis and you can help by volunteering to donate.  Less than 10% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Edwards Place interpreters must complete a short training session conducted by the Curator. In addition, they must shadow no fewer than three tours, then must be shadowed by the Curator on at least three of their training tours. Upon completion of this training, volunteers are expected to commit to giving tours in at least one 2-hour volunteer slot per month, or as many as one slot per week. This volunteer position is great for someone who has a love of history and is comfortable interacting with visitors from many different places.

We serve students from kindergarten through fifth grade at Club Compass and sixth grade through high school at the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP).

Weekly volunteers will meet one day a week on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 3:00-6:00pm. The volunteers help with snack, social and emotional lessons, academic time, assist during enrichment time and stay for a family style dinner each night. There will be occasional field trips as well! Must be at least 14 y/o and in high school to volunteer.

Contact Shelly at shelly@compassforkids.org or call (217) 414-7940 if interested!

Provide dinner for approximately 40 people!

Great for a group activity!

Contact Shelly for more information and available dates at (217) 414-7940 or shelly@compassforkids.org

Do you have a talent/skill that kids would have fun learning? We would love to hear from you!

This could be a one-time event or visit all five of our Club Compass sites throughout the year! In the past we have had dance teachers, art lessons, stem, policemen, firemen, chefs, service horses, and many more. 

Must be at least 14 y/o and in high school to volunteer.

Contact Shelly at shelly@compassforkids.org or call (217) 414-7940.

Childcare volunteers at the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery work hand in hand with Nursery staff. Together they provide a safe, nurturing and happy environment for children birth through age 6! When the Nursery has a volunteer on-site, our capacity can increase to accept two additional children!

Key responsibilities include:

-Engage in age appropriate activities with children during the shift (i.e. dress up, bubbles, blocks, art)

-Caring for the physical needs of children

-Feeding, dressing and preparing children for naps/bedtime

-Maintaining confidentiality

-Abide by mandated reporter status

*Multiple Background Checks Required*

Contact Rachel Wilkerson at rachel@miniobeirne.org if interested!

A large variety of donations are received daily at the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery. Items are examined for cleanliness, safety and necessity at the Nursery. If items cannot be used at the Nursery, they are processed to be passed along to clients who can put them to good use!

Key responsibilities include:

-Sort incoming donations and estimate value of donated items

-Document all incoming donations

-Evaluate needs at the Nursery and select items to retain

-Marking any packaged products with expiration date

-Reviewing recall lists for donated items

*As needed opportunity*

Please contact Rachel Wilkerson at rachel@miniobeirne.org or call (217)-525-6800 ext. 6 if interested!

We are looking for volunteers to shop at Walmart for our individuals on a weekly or biweekly bases. For our residents basic needs.. food, snacks, personal care, and pet care 

Needing a person or a group to come in and do different activities with the residents. For example, Bingo, Card games, reading, writing, dice games, trivia, music, garden club, etc....

If you are interested in improving our community by helping our children get a good scholastic start, we are seeking volunteers 55 and over for the SSCI Foster Grandparent Program. Income eligible volunteers earn a tax-free stipend to volunteer their time in local schools, preschools, after school programs, and special needs programs. If you can commit to at least 10 hours per week, please complete a Volunteer Application form. You can request a form from the front desk receptionist at the Springfield Senior Center, or by contacting Justin Yuroff, Foster Grandparent Director at (217) 528-4035, ext. 118, or Amy Shreve, Foster Grandparent Coordinator at (217) 528-4035, ext. 106.

The Illinois Senior Games is an annual competition that promotes physical activity and socialization for people 50 years of age and over. The Games include over 20 events, primarily held in Springfield, IL each September. Athletes have the opportunity to compete with themselves and their peers for an opportunity to qualify for the National Senior Games. In order for The Games to happen successfully, volunteers are needed. Volunteer opportunities for the Illinois Senior Games include serving on the Illinois Senior Games Advisory Committee, Chairing and ISG event, and/or providing assistance at individual events, such as registration, medal distribution, timing, counting, etc.

Become a Volunteer Tutor and Change Lives!

Help adult literacy and English learners improve their skills in reading, writing, math, and technology. Your support can lead them to high school diplomas, bridge programs, and entry-level jobs.

Why Volunteer?

For more information, contact Brittany Coggins, Adult Education Coordinator, at 217-786-3408 or brittany.coggins@llcc.edu. Your time and dedication can change lives!

Our residents love activities. We host Bingo, daily exercise, and worship services on a regular basis. However, our residents would love to have new people to meet and fun, unique activities to do. You're never too old to learn something new! Whether you would like to spend time one-on-one, or entertain a group, we have options for you! 

Lead a small 30-minute group 3 times per day with children aged 2-8 years old that includes art projects, science experiments, and gross motor activities.

Need a crew of 3 people to come on Sundays and clean the building. Vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and   dusting. Emptying the waste bins and tidying the restrooms.

We are looking for people to assist our facilitators with activities, interact and build rapport with the youth to support them during their time at group. Group times are Tuesdays 5:30p-7:30p and Fridays from 6:00p-8:00p.  (Must pass a CANTS background check.) To volunteer, email PCYG@PhoenixCenterSpringfield.org

 – We are in search of volunteers to keep an eye on the building, welcome people into the space, keep the lounge area looking tidy, and let staff know when things need restocked. Hours are Saturdays 10:00a-4:00p and Sundays 12:00p-4:00p. To volunteer, email OUTonSecond@PhoenixCenterSpringfield.org

We are looking for a volunteer that can do basic maintenance. Someone we can call and ask what is going on, is it a big deal, and what do we actually need to fix versus what is not a big deal. To volunteer, email info@PhoenixCenterSpringfield.org

 – We have a volunteer that cleans the OUT on Second building every Saturday at 3:00p. They do basic cleaning: dusting, mopping, trash, bathrooms, etc. We would like to have a small team that would help them out. To volunteer, email OUTonSecond@PhoenixCenterSpringfield.org

Needing a person or a group to come in and do different activities with the residents while the Activity staff is away, during evenings and/or weekends. Examples of some activities are Bingo, card games, dice games, reading, writing, trivia, bible study, music, garden club, etc....

Duty officer- dispatch - these volunteers take an on call shift of our disaster line, and then help to dispatch out our on call disaster volunteers . It’s a virtual role with time commitment of 4 four hr on call shifts a month. Comfortable with using technology and a casework and dispatch system. 

Disaster client recovery care- supporting those who’ve experienced a disaster - connecting them to additional resources, our financial assistance, etc About 8 hours per month , in person or virtual . 

Wish Celebration volunteers help spark hope, resilience, and joy for wish children and their families during the lead‑up to the wish. Working in pairs, they build meaningful connections through in‑person and virtual interactions, creating excitement for the upcoming wish. Wish Celebration volunteers collaborate closely with Make‑A‑Wish staff to ensure each child’s Wish Journey is as impactful and uplifting as possible.