How you can help

The American Bear Association is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of black bears and all wildlife through education, observation and experience. The association operates a center in Orr, Minn., with a wide range of tasks — guest service, office, maintenance, event management, fundraising and more. americanbear.org

Help the Redemption Project mentor men in prison. The program helps to reduce recidivism by offering mentoring opportunities and employment upon release. Communicate by email until release and then continue relationship in person. Training provided. redemptionproject.org

Help at Your Door transports seniors to appointments or errands; volunteers use their own vehicles. Drive as little as two times a month or as often as you’d like, on a weekday schedule that you determine. helpatyourdoor.org

Help the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation deliver Meals on Wheels in St. Paul. Work solo, with a friend or family member, or with a work or community group. A 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. shift weekly. Many openings are for downtown St. Paul routes. Ages 18 and older. On-call weekdays are open. wilder.org

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute works to promote reading and increase diversity in books through education, training and community outreach. Consider hosting a book drive with family, friends, co-workers or faith communities. ppgjli.org

The lunch program at the Salvation Army in St. Paul serves families and individuals in East St. Paul and the surrounding area. Prepare and cook meals as well as serve cafeteria style. Shifts are available from 10-2 p.m. or noon-3 p.m. Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri. salvationarmynorth.org

Help Friendship Community Services in the Foodhub. Assist with distribution and provide friendly service. Restock items as needed. friendshipcommunityservices.org

The American Sewing Guild seeks to advance sewing as a life skill, including educating youth about sewing. They hold sewing events that benefit veterans, cancer and Alzheimer’s patients, homeless, preemies and more. asg-mpls-stpaul.org

Help Ruff Start Rescue save lives of at-risk animals. Filing, recording and storing donations, cleaning and organizing ad-hoc projects. One- to four-hour shifts, Mon., Wed., Fri. in Princeton, Minn. ruffstartrescue.orgon.,

Unpack, sort, organize and tag donated merchandise at Arc’s Value Village thrift stores. Bring your group from work, faith community, family, etc. Bloomington, Richfield, New Hope. As young as 8 are welcome with adult supervision. arcsvaluevillage.org

Blood donors needed at Memorial Blood Center’s donor centers; 1½ hours each time. Must meet eligibility requirements. Call 651-332-7000 to determine eligibility. Minimum age is 16. mbc.org

Help FamilyWise Services at its St. Paul location. Assist with outdoor areas at the facility, yard work, playground cleaning. Weekdays. familywiseservices.org

Help Literacy Minnesota by teaching adults who are learning English, computer skills, preparing for citizenship or the GED. No experience or diploma needed; training provided. Must be 18 or older. Mornings, two to three hours a week for at least three months.

Living Well Disability Services provides residential and customized services to people impacted by disabilities. Assist in group homes in the metro area for fall yard work. Raking, trimming, sweeping. livingwell.org

Thousands of volunteer opportunities are available in the Twin Cities for adults and youth, groups and families. Visit the HandsOn Twin Cities website at handsontwincities.org.