Looking to give back this summer? Organizations in our area can use your help! Volunteering is a great way to find a sense of purpose, take joy in helping others, and meet new people. Lending a hand and knowing that your efforts will support others in need is a great feeling. Why not give it a try? Volunteering can be a new adventure that gives back while putting more happiness and satisfaction in your life as well.
We have a few ideas here to get you started, but there are many worthy organizations in the area that can use your help. Volunteering can be fun and rewarding for the whole family, but make sure to check the organization’s policies on age before including younger children. One final idea--if you are planning to have a garage sale this summer, consider giving back by donating some of the proceeds to your favorite local charity!
West Bloomfield Parks
Opportunities for adult and teen volunteers at West Bloomfield Parks include greeters, game and craft assistants, registration assistants, program assistants, prep work, nature hikes, and more. Help your local parks and contribute to the success of the programs that provide recreation and benefit your local community! Meals are provided for volunteers when available. Visit wbparks.org/volunteer.html for a volunteer application or email volunteer@wbparks.org for more information.
Oakland County Pet Adoption Center
Do you love animals? The Oakland County Pet Adoption Center has opportunities to volunteer as a dog walker, cat comforter, photographer, and more. Greeters give tours and show adoptable animals to visitors, and community representatives and education ambassadors promote the mission of the shelter and animals available for adoption. Visit oakgov.com/petadoption for a volunteer application or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 248.858.1847 for more information.
Orchards Children’s Services
Orchards Children’s Services, which provides support for foster care, adoption, family preservation, and education, has a number of volunteer opportunities this summer and beyond. In addition to the Orchards Youth Board for teens in grades 9-12 to make a difference in their community, there is Back to School backpack stuffing and distribution in August, as well as food and toy drives into the fall months. Visit orchards.org/volunteering-at-orchards for details or call the Community Relations manager at 248.530.5410.
Forgotten Harvest
Forgotten Harvest fights hunger and food insecurity by delivering 144,000 pounds of surplus food per day to local charities. Volunteers ages 12 and up can help by packing emergency food boxes, cleaning, and more in the Oak Park warehouse, or planting, weeding, and harvesting at the Forgotten Harvest Farm in Fenton. Available shifts and more information are available at forgottenharvest.org/volunteer-3.