The holidays can be a time to give, but there are plenty of opportunities year-round on the West Side to donate your time and talents.
For just a few hours per week, you can help out others in your community while building skills to add to your resume’ and meet new people, too.
Here’s a handful of local groups looking for volunteers right now:
The Lawndale Neighborhood Housing Services, 3555 W Ogden Ave., is seeking individuals to help with free tax and financial services. Volunteers are needed as tax preparers and tax site assistants. No prior experience is necessary. Free, flexible training is available to volunteers willing to spend just a few hours per week providing vital services to low-income families while building their skills and networking, according to a Center for Economic Progress press release. Visit www.economicprogress.org for more information.
The Chicago Public Schools are always looking for help. Members of the community can assist inside the classroom, coach a sports team, mentor or tutor, and more. Visit the CPS volunteer page to learn how to apply.
There are a handful of ways you can help out at Circle Urban Ministries, 118 N. Central Ave. For just one hour per week you can mentor a child through their One-to-One Mentoring Initiative. Circle Urban also has a need for volunteers in their afterschool enrichment program, administrative assistance, help with buildings and grounds, as well as help at the Greater Chicago Food Depository on the nonprofit’s behalf. Go to Circle Urban’s volunteer page to learn more.
Austin Area Girl Scouts is looking for troop helpers to assist with Thursday night meetings at the Austin Town Hall 5610 W. Lake St. Visit the group’s post on VolunteerMatch.org for more information. There is also a need for help with Girl Scouts at Prince of Peace Church, 5450 W. Van Buren St. Visit that VolunteerMatch page for information about that location.
You can go directly to the VolunteerMatch website to search for more opportunities in and near Austin.
Know about something we missed? Feel free to leave a comment about other local groups looking for help.
You can also help out by volunteering with St Joseph Services. We offer an After School Program at St Angela, an elementary school near North Ave. and Austin Blvd. Our program provides homework help and mentoring to pre-k through 8th grades. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website: stjosephservices.org