How you can help
The Inspired volunteer calendar offers many opportunities to make a difference.
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
MENTOR
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 the relationship in person. Training provided. redemptionproject.org
DRIVER
Help at Your Door transports seniors to appointments or errands, with volunteers using their own cars. Drive as little as two times a month or as often as you’d like, on a weekday schedule that you determine. helpatyourdoor.org
MEAL DELIVERY
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. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. shifts weekly. Many openings are for downtown St. Paul routes. Ages 18 and older. On-call weekday shifts are open. wilder.org
ANIMAL CARE
The American Bear Association is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of black bears and all wildlife through education, observation and experience. It operates a center in Orr, Minn., with a wide range of tasks — guest service, office, maintenance, event management, fundraising and more. americanbear.org
BOOK DRIVE
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, coworkers or faith communities. ppgjli.org
LUNCH ASSISTANT
The lunch program of the Salvation Army serves families and individuals in St. Paul. Prepare and cook meals as well as serve cafeteria-style. Shifts available from 10-2 p.m. or noon-3 p.m. Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri. salvationarmynorth.org
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Help Friendship Community Services assist in the Foodhub. Assist with distribution and provide friendly service. Restock items as needed. friendshipcommunityservices.org
MAIL DELIVERY
Help deliver mail to Care Center residents at Lyngblomsten in St. Paul. Tuesday through Saturday mornings. lyngblomsten.org
OFFICE ASSISTANT
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, MWF in Princeton, Minn. ruffstartrescue.org
GROUNDS CARE
Help FamilyWise Services at its St. Paul location. Assist with outdoor areas at the facility, yard work, playground cleaning. Weekdays. familywiseservices.org
ELS ASSISTANT
Help Literacy Minnesota to assist with 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.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Help River Valley Riders provide therapeutic horseback riding opportunities for people with special needs. Horse leader and side walker needed. You don’t need horse experience to assist at these sessions, just a willingness to learn. Must be comfortable around horses. Training provided. rivervalleyriders.org
FALL CLEANUP
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
Find more
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.
Wigs are now free to cancer patients, thanks to a Minnesota law that changed for the better on Jan. 1.