The 10 Best Places to Volunteer in Chicago this Giving Season
By Kate Perschke
September 28, 2019
Map of best places to volunteer in Chicago, provided by Google.
It is officially autumn in Chicago, and dreams of pumpkin spice lattes and leaves changing color are now reality. While Halloween is still a few weeks away, chatter about the winter holidays is already beginning. With the holiday season quickly approaching, many people are feeling the desire to give back to their community. Spanning 77 neighborhoods, the city of Chicago has thousands of volunteer opportunities for its residents to take part in. From working with shelter animals to providing meals for homebound senior citizens, every Chicagoan will be able to find an opportunity to spread joy this giving season. These are the 10 Best Places to Volunteer in Chicago:
10 Best Places to Volunteer in Chicago:
Just Roots Chicago: Located in the Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard neighborhood, Just Roots is a community garden that supports education about locally grown and community supported agriculture. Learn more about volunteering here.
Sarah’s Circle: Located in Uptown, Sarah’s Circle provides support and a safe space for women who are struggling with homelessness and other issues. Learn more about volunteering here.
PAWS Chicago: Located in Lincoln Park, PAWS Chicago is a no-kill shelter with the mission of ending overpopulation of homeless animals through education and humane methods. Learn more about volunteering here.
Working Bikes: Located on the Lower West Side, Working Bikes is an organization that recycles, refurbishes, and donates bikes to communities in Latin America and Africa. Learn more about volunteering here.
Open Books: Located on the Near West Side near Greektown, Open Books works to improve the literacy rates of Chicago students through the recycling of books and provision of mentors and tutors. Learn more about volunteering here.
Cradles to Crayons: Located in Avondale, Cradles to Crayons provides resources and support to children who are facing poverty. Learn more about volunteering here.
Project VISION: Located in Chinatown, Project VISION provides youth with the tools to become community leaders and be successful in their transition to adulthood. Learn more about volunteering here.
Meals on Wheels Chicago: Located on the Near North Side between River North and Cabrini-Green, Meals on Wheels Chicago provides meals for homebound senior citizens and those with disabilities. Learn more about volunteering here.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago: Located in North Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago provides support and education to the community about mental illness. Learn more about volunteering here.
In Her Shoes Foundation Chicago: Located in the Loop, the In Her Shoes Foundation Chicago empowers women and girls by giving them the skills needed to be successful in both their career and their life. Learn more about volunteering here.