Needs From: Barrington Area Volunteer Connection

Let It Be Us is searching for 3 Co-Chairs and Committee Members for our Annual Toy Drive held on December 4 & 5 at Barrington's White House. Each year we collect almost 2,000 toys for children in foster care and distribute them to group homes in Chicago and the Northern Region. We need 3 Co-Chairs and Committee Members to lead the effort to include outreach to 5 different local merchants to help collect toys, manage our giant truck parked in the Barrington's White House parking lot complete with 2 volunteers dressed as elves, and coordinate volunteer drivers who will deliver the toys to designated group homes in Chicago and the Northern Region. This is a lot of fun and very rewarding. There is a lot of growth opportunity in this effort as we collect beautiful gifts for a most underserved population of children. Please call Jeri Bark at 847-764-LIBU and we will include you in our kick off meeting on Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00pm. 

The NeuroBalance Center is looking for class assistants for our boxing program! Rock Steady Boxing offers boxing-inspired fitness classes only to people with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s boxing classes are not appropriate for non-Parkinson’s persons who want to learn to box or intend to use the class time to work out for themselves. Classes are not designed to provide the volunteer a boxing workout, but for the volunteer to gain knowledge and experience assisting people with Parkinson’s disease.

Volunteers will be assigned to classes as needed. RSB has a maximum number of volunteers that can participate at the same time dependent upon the class level. Volunteers are asked to notify the Center when they are unable to participate during their assigned class. All long-term volunteers are required to attend Rock Steady Boxing Volunteer Orientation Training (approximately one hour).

NeuroBalance Center Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and provide a photocopy of a valid Driver’s License to participate

Volunteer Responsibilities

Highway clean up.  Volunteers must be in 8th grade or older and able to traverse uneven ground.  Please meet at MaKray Golf Course Parking Lot, 1010 S. Northwest Hwy.  Wear clothes suitable to the weather and gloves if possible. We will provide safety vests and bags.  If you have questions, please email jjlucas@gogreenbarrington.org.  

Quickbooks Online Experience and Expertise

Barrington Rotary club is looking for someone who has experience with QuickBooks online who might be able to help them with 5 to 10 hours a month in putting information and managing their QuickBooks online account. If you are that someone, or know of someone, please let us know.

This could lead to a paid position if we find the right person.

Contact

Lewis Parks

Lewparksbbrc@gmail.com

We’re excited to announce the return of one of the Barrington area’s most unique fall events. MID MOD BARRINGTON , a self-guided tour showcasing iconic mid-century modern homes designed by architectural legends like Frank Lloyd Wright, Edward Dart, Harry Weese, and Keck & Keck.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, and will feature beautifully preserved and rarely accessible homes.

Proceeds directly benefit Bacoa and its vital work supporting older adults and caregivers across our community. 

We invite you to become a Mid Mod event volunteer.  To thank you for your time, you will receive a complimentary ticket to see the homes on the tour either before or after your shift.  

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Volunteers will either be check-in at St. Michael's Church or at one of the homes on tour.  You will help direct guests as to where to enter the home and make sure they have an event wristband and provided shoe covers.  

**If you would like to sign up with a friend, please sign up as a team**

Help Bacoa's Program Manager in this weekly Bingo and Lunch activities on Mondays from 10AM-1PM. Fun and engaging for everyone. FREE LUNCH FOR VOLUNTEERS

Work with volunteer team to assist Memory Program Manager in providing fun and engaging activities at

“A Day Out” Adult Day Program in Barrington on Mondays and/or Thursdays 9:30-2:45. Personal

or professional experience working with individuals living with dementia preferred.

For more information, contact Bacoa's Memory Program Manager, Pam Pellizzari at 847-381-5030

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved: Please click the green “Respond” button on this page. Then, on the next page, add any additional comments and click the green “Submit Response” button. You can expect an email with additional instructions within 1-3 business days after responding.

Meets once a month at Lake Barrington Woods.  Volunteer needed to assist in serving food, pouring drinks, engaging in conversation.  At times drive them to and from the meeting. Fun and interactive group. 

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved: Please click the green “Respond” button on this page. Then, on the next page, add any additional comments and click the green “Submit Response” button. You can expect an email with additional instructions within 1-3 business days after responding.

Assist older adults in our community by driving them to and from appointments and errands. All rides are local to the greater Barrington Area in the day time hours, Monday-Friday.  Senior clients must be able to enter/exit car without assistance.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved: Please click the green “Respond” button on this page. Then, on the next page, add any additional comments and click the green “Submit Response” button. You can expect an email with additional instructions within 1-3 business days after responding.

Bacoa needs a monthly volunteer to assemble weekly engagement packets for our clients that participate in the Meals With Wheels Program.  These packets are information and activity packets that include games, puzzles and trivia to keep our participants engaged on a daily basis.  These packets will be printed and assembled in the Bacoa office. 

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

 Come join us!  No experience necessary.  Restoration Workdays occur in dozens of sites around the county, some on weekdays & some on weekends.  These are no-commitment - come to as many workdays as you can.  Children 10 years & up are welcome with an adult (and waiver signed by legal guardian).   Please be prompt; the group will often head off-trail and you may have a difficult time finding them.  Dress for the weather.  Closed-toe shoes are required & long pants are recommended all year-round.  Bring work gloves. 

SPRING: Brush clearing, garlic mustard control, planting
SUMMER: Garlic mustard control, wildlife monitoring, weed management, planting, seed collecting
FALL: Brush clearing, seed collection, tree & shrub planting
WINTER: Brush clearing, sowing seed

**Call Wes before showing up.  Activities happen most days of the week but check with him first  847/381-0160**

The Peter Wulff Center supports short term projects that engage youth to create social entrepreneurial methods to raise funds. One such cause is the growing problem of food insecurity among families locally and in the Chicagoland area. Students have come up with unique ideas to raise funds. For example a volunteer gifted cook, Zein Bertacchi makes 10 oz boxes of her Hummus and youth volunteers sell it locally. Already the funds raised from sales of the hummus allowed groceries to be purchased for 2 families. The students acquire marketing, public relations and tech skills while also raising funds. More about how children have raised almost $300,000 in the last 25 years is available in this short iBook: https://books.apple.com/us/book/raising-social-entrepreneurs/id1572892938

The Director of Financial Development focuses on the financial growth of the Choir by implementing a strategic approach to fundraising.  This may include smaller fundraisers (flower sales, in-kind partnerships) to larger-scale development opportunities (corporate donations, grants).

The Direct of Marketing plans and implements the marketing strategy for the Choir, and acts as liaison between the organization and the media.  

Do you like to do things that make others smile and feel good? Join us for an afternoon of card making at Elderwerks! Meet and socialize with other volunteers while crafting and writing cards to brighten the day of local seniors. All supplies are provided. Come once or as many times as you like. We will be making cards one Wednesday a month from May through September from 1pm-3pm.  Please note that we are not able to offer community service hours for this event.

BACOG would love help from a local photographer or resident with a camera phone to help us capture images that show off the amazing Barrington region.  Specifically, we're seeking photographs of resources across the Barrington area, including:

The volunteer must own the rights to the photographs and grant permission for them to be used in BACOG publications, and on its website, social media platforms, and other public forums.

We host adoption events every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM at PetSmart in Hoffman Estates. We need volunteers to help showcase our cats, engage with potential adopters, and support our trained Adoption Counselors. Over time, those interested can transition into the role of an Adoption Counselor.

Ensuring cats and kittens receive ample playtime and socialization is essential. They are provided with food, litter boxes are cleaned, dishes are washed, and their living spaces are swept and sanitized. This allows them valuable time outside their condos for enrichment and interaction.

Offering a temporary, loving home to our cats and kittens as they await adoption. You'll provide them with food, extra care and affection, while Fur Keeps covers all medical expenses.

Whether you want to learn more about animals, meet others like yourself, reduce stress with physical activity, or make a difference in the life of an animal, we, and the animals, really appreciate your interest.

To volunteer, you must be 16, or older or 12-15 with a parent or legal guardian alongside you.

We humbly request that volunteers to commit to four hours of service per month.

If you want to work with the animals, our Hooves and Hands program might be right for you! You must be 18 years of age or older and able to commit to three weekend days a month. If interested, please complete the application below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

We will provide on-site orientation when you begin volunteering. Orientation stresses the importance of safety around HAHS and the animals.

No open-toed shoes or loose jewelry allowed for your safety.

Below are examples of activities we typically need help with:

Mucking Stalls

Picking Pastures

Filling Hay Bags

Raking Leaves

Scrubbing Water Buckets

Picking Paddocks

Stuffing Envelopes

Weeding Flowerbeds

Working Events

Make a lasting impression, and put our patients and visitors at ease!

Assist us in the main lobby by greeting patients and taking them to their destination. 

All volunteers complete training to prepare them for safe volunteering. Volunteers are required to wear hospital-provided eyewear and masks for the duration of their shift. Volunteers are also screened for COVID symptoms prior to each shift. 

To learn more about our program and to apply, please visit our website.

We look forward to having you on our team! 

Support our clinical team by performing non-clinical tasks on our inpatient nursing units.

Duties include:

All volunteers complete training to prepare them for safe volunteering. Volunteers are required to wear hospital-provided eyewear and masks for the duration of their shift. Volunteers are also screened for COVID symptoms prior to each shift. 

To learn more about our program and to apply, please visit our website.

We look forward to having you on our team! 

Do you like attending to customers, helping them find treasures and want to be part of something amazing!? Then join Catchpenny! 

Our beautiful high-end boutique-style resale shop has been serving the community for close to 50 years! It is managed by our hospital auxiliary. Proceeds from the store support a number of auxiliary-sponsored programs such as healthcare scholarship, patient comfort items and more!

Volunteers at the store help at checkout, process donations and restock merchandise. And often spot great finds for themselves :) Check out the store website here: https://catchpennyresaleshoppe.com/ 

Our store follows all safety guidelines during COVID. Customers are required to wear masks and sanitize hands. We frequently disinfect high-touch areas throughout the day and all donations have to be quarantined for five days before processing. Store workers and volunteers are screened prior to reporting for their shift and also wear masks at all times. 

To learn more about our program and to apply, please visit our website.

We look forward to having you on our team! 

Our needs and available assignments change frequently. 

To learn more about our program and available position, and to apply, please visit our website.

We look forward to having you on our team! 

Come and join our Smart Farm located in Barrington at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital! The Smart Farm donates over 21,000 pounds of produce a year to local food pantries. The farm grows 40-50 crops and 100-150 varieties. There are no animals on the farm.

We are looking for volunteers to provide gardening support to the Smart Farm to help cultivate a healthy, eco-friendly community. 

It's a seasonal assignment from April through the end of October.

We have three different roles available:

Smart Farm field support - volunteers help with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting etc. Volunteers come once a week for a 2-4-hour shift Mon - Fri between 7am – 4pm during the months of mid-April through October (weather-dependent). It’s an activity that requires standing, walking and frequently kneeling on your knees. Volunteers don’t drive tractors or operate electrical/motorized equipment.

Smart Farm flower support - volunteers harvest flowers, learning how / when to cut different species; fill buckets with water, gathering supplies; create bouquets.

Smart Farm stands – we offer our produce for sale at a farm stand. The stand is open at the farm every Friday and at the hospital alternating Thursdays (mid-June through mid-October). Volunteers help with produce set-up and take-down, selecting and bagging produce, as well as processing credit card and cash payments.

We accept summer-only volunteers for this role.

Smart Farm volunteers are Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital volunteers and are required to complete our volunteer onboarding process. To learn more and apply, click here. 

This program offers neurotypical individuals the opportunity to gain leadership skills and disability inclusion education while working with student actors. Created by a certified disability mentoring professional, mentors receive disability inclusion training, coaching and support. Mentors develop skills in the areas of communication, socialization, compassion and patience while fostering lifelong relationships that celebrate and honor creative differences.

Our SGT Rolling Meadows program meets every Thursday from 4:30-6 p.m. at Conyers Learning Academy located at 2800 W. Central Road, Rolling Meadows. The season runs until April 17, 2025 with performances on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m.

For more info and to register, visit our website at specialgiftstheatre.org.

Special Gifts Theatre Board Purpose & Expectations

At Special Gifts Theatre (SGT), we believe in a world where all people with disabilities are valued, included, and accepted. Through the performing arts, we work collaboratively to create inclusive and transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities to fully engage in the world.  Members of our Board of Directors are based in Chicagoland’s north and northwest suburbs and support our purpose by using their talents and professional experience to further our mission.

The Purpose of the Board

-       Strategy: Give SGT direction; help establish and grow our vision, mission and values

-       Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight in relevant areas to ensure accountability

-       Participation: Ensure that SGT has the volunteer resources to work efficiently

-       Leadership: Bring credibility to SGT; foster a strong sense of SGT’s identity and culture

-       Guidance: Provide advice that facilitates alignment among the Board, leadership, staff, program participants, the community, etc.

-       Fundraising: Be a strong ambassador for development to ensure the organization has the financial resources necessary to operate and carry out its mission.

Desired Skills and Experience:

-       Show passion for SGT and its mission

-       Demonstrate traits of a respected leader

-       Have a unique skill set or an area of expertise to help SGT (examples: financial or accounting acumen, legal profession, marketing/advertising skills, human resources, etc.)

-       Have the necessary time to commit to SGT

-       Be willing to make an annual personal financial contribution

-       Provide access to different networks/relationships that can support SGT

Specific Commitments/ Responsibilities:

-       Two-year service term, renewable. 

-       Regular participation in Board meetings: Board members must attend at least 3 of the 4 quarterly scheduled Board meetings either in person or video conference.

-       Participation in at least two committees of the Board (e.g., governance, fundraising/ marketing, financial oversight/audit, programs/ services etc.) which meet monthly or quarterly.

-       Financial give-or-get: Board members are expected to either personally contribute (to the extent feasible), or raise from donations/contributions of others, at least $5,000 every two years (which includes company sponsorships, in-kind donations, etc.)

-       Volunteerism: Board Members must volunteer assistance at a minimum of 3 activities per year (e.g., set-up, ticket sales, concessions, or other forms of assistance at fundraising events, shows/programs, etc.)

-       Quarterly time commitment is approximately 10 hours.

About Special Gifts Theatre:

Special Gifts Theatre addresses the need for theatre arts activities and experiences for people with disabilities. Through the performing arts, we work collaboratively to create inclusive and transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities to fully engage in the world.

SGT programs provide student actors with disabilities enrichment experiences that foster confidence, creative self-expression, and self-advocacy. At SGT, the focus is on the student actor’s strengths and every aspect of the programming is adapted to fully engage each student and allow them to shine in the spotlight.

• We serve 350 participants in Chicagoland every year with four individualized programs:

1. Musical Theatre - educational and therapeutically based program that culminates in a fully adapted musical theatre performance for youth ages 10-22.

2. Creativity in Motion - therapeutic movement class for children 7 and up.

3. Creating Outside the Lines - theatre and improv for adults.

4. Peer mentor programming with disability inclusion training.

• We produce 13 live performances annually that have reached over 45,000 people since our founding in 2000.

• Our specialized staff consists of special education teachers, therapists and theatre arts professionals.

• Our peer mentors and volunteers support each student to achieve individualized success and develop the next generation of inclusive leaders.

Are you passionate about preserving history and supporting community arts? Join the Catlow 1927 Foundation team as we work to restore the iconic Catlow Theatre and create a vibrant community hub in downtown Barrington!

We’re inviting enthusiastic volunteers to help at Catlow East, our retail location where we sell exclusive merchandise and share updates about the restoration.

Your role will include:

Join us in this exciting venture!

Your efforts will directly contribute to reviving a cherished landmark, enriching our community, and creating unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Join Our Team: Make a Difference with Barrington Giving Day!

Barrington Giving Day is growing, and we need passionate, dedicated individuals to join our working board. We're looking for volunteers to fill key roles that are vital to the success of our events and initiatives. If you have a heart for service and a desire to give back to the community, consider stepping into one of the following positions:

1. Winter Accessories Manager

2. Clothing Manager

3. School Supply Manager

4. Personal Care Manager

5. Volunteer Hospitality Manager

Each of these roles is crucial to the success of Barrington Giving Day, and your involvement will make a significant impact on the lives of families in our community. We’re looking for individuals who are organized, reliable, and passionate about making a difference. If you’re ready to contribute your time and skills to a worthy cause, we would love to have you join our team.

How to Apply: Please contact Dori Hough at dori@barringtongivingday.org to express your interest or for more information about these opportunities. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in the Barrington community!

GiveNKind volunteers help sort and organize new products donated by major companies and pull orders placed by our nonprofit partners. Volunteers should be comfortable walking and picking up items less than 10 lbs. If you need accommodations, please let us know in advance.

GiveNKind has a strong volunteer culture and welcomes new volunteers into our community. Visit www.givenkind.org/volunteer for more information and to sign up for a shift (3 shifts daily).

Responsibilities

MUST HAVE GRANT WRITING EXPERIENCE AND BE ABLE TO PROVIDE RESUME AND REFERENCES

Barrington Children's Charities' P.O.P. (Packs of Plenty) Food Distribution Program

While the daily school lunch program feeds children during the school week, weekends are not covered. Our important P.O.P. (Packs of Plenty) program provides a pack full of nutritious food for children to consume over the weekend.

Each week, volunteers meet to pack more than 500 bags of food that get delivered to the children who participate in the program. We are regularly in need of volunteers; whether it's one time or ongoing, we appreciate all help! Packing occurs every Thursday (some schedule changes due to school calendar) of each month during the school year. We meet 9-10AM at District 220 school, Sunny Hill Elementary in Carpentersville. 

 In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved: 

BACOG is in need of someone with WordPress expertise to help update our website. Can meet in BACOG offices or off-site if convenient.

Looking for someone who is looking for who can help with administrative tasks including organizing tax receipts, cleaning up email lists, and general administrative tasks. Time commitment is flexible.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Looking for someone who enjoys finding grants, writing grants, and helping report on grants to help A Long Swim grow. Time commitment is flexible.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

The Bridge Youth and Family Services is in need of dedicated young professionals (in their 20s and 30s) who will aid in the success of The Bridge through community outreach, fundraising, and increase awareness about our programs. The Associate Board aims to be a multidisciplinary team of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and talents committed to developing the young professionals in our community.

Requirements:

Committee Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Benefits of Membership:

           Next step, or to learn more:

Be a friend, teacher, caring listener, coach and role model for a child between the ages of 11 and 15. The Bridge provides screening, training and all the support you'll need to help a child grow socially and emotionally.

Basic Requirements:

Goals of Mentor Program: 

           Next step, or to learn more:

Our organization would like to have help with our Facebook and Instagram posts. There is always something new and important happening in the animal world that needs to be put out to our audience. Pertinent matters as well as just fun pictures of our own pets.

Most of what we need posted will be given to the volunteer so it would just be a matter of posting on our social media. This could be once a week but could be up to a few times per week. We are looking for someone who is well versed in social media.

Please contact us if you can help. Thank you!

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Looking for caring people to bring love, joy, laughter and smiles as we provide animal assisted therapy visits with our magical mini horses.

Mane in Heaven is a all volunteer non profit with the mission of " Connecting people with miniature therapy horses to promote empathy, kindness and overall well being."

We have various programs that  our volunteers are involved in including our therapy visits with our mini horses, virtual visits, mini mail program and our Hope Packages program. 

If you love working with people and making a difference through animal therapy, volunteering with Mane in Heaven Miniature Therapy maybe a good fit for you.

We are looking for volunteers to help groom, train, attend visits with our mini horses and to help with our inclusion program, Hope Boxes, and Mini Mail  We also looking for people who can help with social media, picture taking, and marketing, grant writing. 

www.maneinheaven.org 

See our application below. 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vB7xLd96ijeGoGSBlVSbjxZKmkVFjE3qnUtzZgFlo6w/viewform?edit_requested=true

In addition, please 

Writing, photography, social media, etc

SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Group is looking for Graphics Artist to help design flyers, announcements, brochures, etc... for activities supporting our mission of enriching lives by promoting the unconditional love and healing of the human-animal bond while advocating for animal therapy standards of excellence.

Hours, need will vary but would like to recruit someone who understands our vision and mission. Sample work will be requested.

The Barrington's White House docent volunteer group provides support for our 3rd Thursday Art Night Out series, Fourth of July Open House, Holiday Open House, and the Historic Tea held in the spring.

Docents also educate the community on the history and importance of Barrington's White House. Many members of the docent volunteer group wear period costumes when attending select events. 

Looking for person who enjoys writing articles, posts, interviews, or grants to help us with ongoing projects.  

Timetable differs based on particular project.  

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Volunteers (15 years and older) work with our staff to build a team that helps care for our horses, prepare the horses for the lesson, and assist the instructor during the lesson (by leading the horse or sidewalking with the rider) as well as a variety of additional barn tasks. No experience is necessary...we will train.

Program volunteers commit to a specific shift for the duration of the 8 to 14 week session, which allows the same team of horse, rider, instructor, and volunteers to work together to achieve the rider’s goals.

Whether you are an enthusiast with many years of horse experience or come with no experience and would like to learn more, join us and share in the miracles that happen at Walk On.

Walk On needs regular volunteers between the hours of:

Monday and Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. -12 Noon
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The barn is closed on Sundays

All barn volunteers go through a new volunteer orientation to introduce our procedures and start your training. The rest of the training is on-the-job. This position does require a background check for all volunteers 18+.

We require a commitment of at least 2hrs/week for at least 1 quarter. All volunteers sign up for shifts, and we ask that our volunteers commit to coming every week if possible, as we have limited space and rely on volunteers to facilitate lessons.

Please contact our office with any questions about volunteering! When you sign up for this, you will get an additional email with more information about signing up for orientation.

The volunteer would help teachers accompany students to their piano lessons classroom at Sunny Hill Elementary from their Boys and Girls Club activity at Sunny Hill and return them to the Boys and Girls Club following their lesson.  No musical knowledge or training required but should have the patience and interest in working with young students at Sunny Hill Elementary.  

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

The Barrington's White House group of hospitality volunteers provide support at all cultural events throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer seasons.

For each cultural event, typically held on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, four to six individuals from our volunteer group are scheduled. Duties include greeting, ticket sales and check-in, directing patrons, answering questions, helping with refreshments, and light clean up at the end of the event.

Volunteers are asked to arrive one hour prior to the start of the event, and stay 30 minutes after it ends. Typically volunteers enjoy the performance once check-in duties are complete.

Volunteers are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis for each event. Volunteers are encouraged to volunteer as much as their schedule allows. 

Walk On is looking for several new board members to serve on our board of directors. Anyone interested will be contacted by Mary Rachel Taylor, our Executive Director, with details about board service. We welcome you to sit in on a board meeting and/or to speak with current members.

We have an advisory board as well, that are not voting members but serve in an advisory capacity, for those not interested in governance but wishing to support Walk On's board and mission.

Walk On's board of directors governs the organization, sets goals, and has a sub-committee on fundraising. We are especially interested in people with nonprofit legal and financial experience or interest.

Title:  Survivor Life Line Mentor

Staff Partner:  Survivor Life Line Coordinator

Location:  This program is located in an undisclosed location in the Chicago region.

Time:  Weekly time requirements will vary and will usually range from 2-5 hours per month based on a mutually convenient time with your schedule and those of the mentee. 

Commitment:  Requesting a commitment to volunteer weekly for at least six months.

Requirements: 

Description:

WINGS Survivor Life Line (SLL) program matches compassionate SLL Mentors with survivors of intimate partner violence who are leaving domestic violence shelters and moving into homes and apartments. SLL Mentors will provide empowering services including budgeting assistance, bridges to eligible community resources and compassionate encouragement.  

This may be a good fit for you if:

Are you a whiz at computers and technology? Little City Foundation is looking for an on site volunteer to assist our IT department in various tasks and operations. 

Looking for person who enjoys writing press releases, newsletter articles or grants to help us with ongoing communications projects.   Timetable differs based on particular project.  

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

We are looking for photographers presenters and/or social media-savvy volunteers that can help us strengthen our networks with our communities.

1.  Volunteers who enjoy area nature photography, or writing short articles of Watershed activities or clean water challenges or helpful hints for homeowners regarding how native plants contribute to clean water, flood control, butterflies and birds as well as emerging challenges to protecting the watersheds.

2.  Volunteers who enjoy learning about the watersheds and are interested in developing short presentations on topics for civic organizations or various village boards about strategies to protect our water quality and drinking water supplies.

Volunteers would work closely with the Flint Creek/Spring Creek watersheds Partnership coordinator for background and training.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Volunteer(s) who is interested in water quality issues of area creeks and the Fox River Watershed and is willing to attend their monthly meetings and advise the Flint Creek/Spring Creek (FC/SC WP) Coordinator of their plans and opportunities for collaboration.

Most of the meetings are once per month, and often during lunch hours, although there may be periodic field trips of interest.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Volunteer with a background in Environmental Science, specifically issues in water quality and stream biology.  Advisor would collaborate with the Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watershed Partnership (FC/SC WP) Coordinator on water quality testing strategies and analysis of results, and other water quality issues in the watersheds as needed. General familiarity with MS4 regulations a plus.

There is also the potential for the Volunteer or Volunteers to assist in the update of the Spring Creek Watersheds Plan, due in 2022 to the IEPA.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

The backbone of our efforts

Every organization needs people who keep the lights on, keep everyone organized, and gets the word out. We need people who turn our outward efforts into successful missions.

Raise awareness, raise money, raise hopes

Our events and fundraising activities fuel everything we do. The more people know, they more they give to the cause. The more they give, the more we can do for victims of human trafficking.

Becoming champions against human trafficking

Human trafficking happens everywhere around us, which is why we have to stop it wherever we are. Our advocacy teams work to prevent it at trafficking hotspots…and in our neighborhoods.

Helping trafficked people regain control of their lives

Bringing someone out of a dangerous situation. Building their trust. Understanding the best ways to help them. Walking with them on the first steps of the rest of their lives.

We also need volunteers in person to cover office shifts at our office located in Barrington IL, Monday - Friday 9 AM - 1 PM and 1 PM- 5PM

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Do you have experience with Instagram, Facebook and E-Marketing? We need your help to convey our story and mission digitally, run our social media accounts, and connect people with our cause!

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Barrington Area Conservation Trust needs your help on its nature preserves! We need volunteers at many outdoor work days.   We will maintain social distancing and safety.  More information is available on our website at www.bactrust.org.  To register to volunteer and learn more about dates and locations:

1. Please click “respond” on this page.

2. You may expect an email with additional instructions within 1-3 business days after responding.

Note that the volunteer should:

1. Be able to traverse uneven ground

2. Wear a mask

3. Dress for the weather.  Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

4. Wear work gloves

5. Bring your own reusable water bottle     

Title: Resale store volunteer

Staff Partner:  Resale Store Manager or Sales Associate

Locations:   

WINGS Arlington Heights Resale Store

1302 N. Rand Rd.

Arlington Heights, IL 

WINGS Schaumburg Resale Store

300 W. Golf Rd.

Schaumburg, IL

Age:  Volunteers must be 14 years or older to volunteer individually.  Volunteers age 12 to 13 must be accompanied with a parent or guardian.

Time:  Most volunteers come once a week for about four (4) hours at a time.  All volunteering schedules are made in advance, and schedule openings vary by location.

Commitment: Our volunteers are an important part of our team!  We provide volunteer orientation and training to equip volunteers with the information they need.  Because of this, we ask for a commitment of at least 40 hours (i.e. once a week for four (4) hours at a time for 10 weeks.)  And, most of our volunteers continue their involvement for much longer!

Description:  Each day we receive new and gently used items through the generosity of local merchants and community members.  We sell these items to the public with all proceeds going to support our houses, counseling, and other services.  These stores are a vital part of our organization because they provide the largest and most consistent source of funds for our program.  All merchandise is also available to our residents, at no cost, as they rebuild their lives after the devastating effects of domestic violence and homelessness.  To minimize the risk of injury, close-toed shoes are required.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Sorter:

Description: Sorters graciously accept boxes and bags full of donated items from members of the community.  Then, often working together, the sorter(s) will inspect the items for damage and put them into the appropriate categories for pricing and processing (i.e. women’s clothing, kid’s toys, books, etc.). 

This might be a good fit for you if:

Cashier:

Description:  The Cashier is welcoming and greets customers, answers basic questions about the stores and the program, and ensures that customers have a pleasant shopping and sales transaction experience with us.  Depending on how busy the store is, at times this may be more of a back-up position with other front of the store duties assigned.  Training for the cash register will be provided.

This might be a good fit for you if:

Merchandiser:

Description:  The Merchandiser usually begins as a Sorter and has learned how the backroom works.  They then take particular interest in a specific area of the store (usually clothing, housewares, or accessories).  They will learn more about tagging, pricing, displaying, and recovery in that section.  Usually working with the manager or a team of other volunteers, the Merchandiser will price items, replenish stock in their section, or make displays in their area.  Additional tasks will vary based on the volume of customers and can include: assisting the Cashier with bagging customer purchases, helping a customer find exactly what they are looking for by assisting as a personal shopper, and assisting with basic store upkeep such as returning unpurchased items to the correct place.

This might be a good fit for you if:

-     You love clothes, accessories, housewares, or shopping!

-     You are able to lift 10 lbs (a few hangers full of clothing or an empty crockpot in housewares)

-     You are good at design, decorating, or display and enjoy thinking of new ways to make your section visually appealing                 

-     You are able to work while standing

-     You have a friendly smile and would be happy to assist customers while you are working

-     You enjoy being a part of a great team of committed and diverse volunteers and staff members

-     You are looking for a volunteer opportunity that supports families in rebuilding their lives after the devastating effects of domestic violence and homelessness

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

TITLE:  Safe House Hostess                  

STAFF PARTNER:  House Advocate 

LOCATIONS: WINGS Domestic Violence Safe Houses, which are in undisclosed locations in the Northwest Suburban area and Midway Airport area.

TIME:  Most volunteers cover one or two meal shifts a week.  The lunch shift is Monday – Friday from 11:00 to 2pm and the dinner shift is Monday – Friday from 4:00-7:00pm. Occasionally, some other timeslots may be available based on the needs at the house. 

COMMITMENT: Requires willingness to commit to a weekly shift for at least one (1) year.  Advance notice is requested in the event of a cancellation so we can schedule a substitute.

REQUIREMENTS: 

DESCRIPTION: 

-  Assist in the daily meal times at the Safe House by: warming up, setting out and putting away a previously prepared lunch or dinner for clients and workers at the Safe House.

-  Interact with clients during meal times to promote constructive and friendly conversations with and between the clients.  

-  Promote a positive environment by lending a listening ear to someone who wants to talk, engaging more hesitant clients in conversation to help them feel welcomed and comfortable.

-  Help clients with daily living tasks, including: explaining kitchen and dining room chores, assisting clients with cleaning up after themselves and their children.

-  Organizing and sorting weekly food donations in both the Safe House walk-in fridge and pantry. Hostess volunteers also make sure that clients have enough food items (milk, butter, cereal, etc.) in the communal area and restock if needed.

-  Other duties are assigned to Hostess volunteers based on volunteer interest and current shelter need (Examples include: suggesting or facilitating simple activities (such as a card game or new toy) to adults or to parents trying to entertain children,).

THIS MAY BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF:

-  You are looking for a volunteer opportunity that provides direct service to clients.

-  You are able to lift about 30 lbs.

-  You are a good listener and able to give empathy and options without giving advice.

-  You are able to say calm, even when others become upset or emotional.

-  You have strong boundaries and are able to demonstrate those to others.

-  You are willing to support women in their choices; even choices you may not agree with.

-  You feel comfortable working with people in a diverse environment in regards to social-economic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or to get involved:

The SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program is seeking interested volunteers who have a well-mannered animal* to join our SOUL team. We will help connect you with a trainer if you don't have one, or if you have an animal who already has had obedience training, we would love to evaluate you to see if you both are ready to pass the Pet Partners therapy testing.

Once you and your animal pass the Pet Partners evaluation, you can join our SOUL team!

*Please note that Pet Partners allows 9 breeds of animals, not just dogs. Dogs, cats, equine (mini horses and donkeys), rabbits, birds, pigs, guinea pigs, rat, and llamas and alpacas are allowed to become registered PP therapy animals!

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

The SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program is looking for volunteers to commit to "Ranch Hand" chores that include cleaning the stalls and paddocks as well as the barn.

Would like volunteers to commit to specific days on a weekly basis.

Morning 8am and Evening 6pm times available, 2 hrs maximum each session (averages 1.5)

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Fosters/Foster Families are the lifeline of BAARK's Animal Rescue Program. Because our Organization does not have a shelter, all dogs reside in temporary foster homes....until they move along to their forever homes via adoption.

It is important that Fosters have dog experience and are able to work with the foster dog to ensure he/she is ready for adoption. Sometimes, this involved teaching basic manners, other times it is helping a frightened dog become more confident and trusting of people, and still other times, ensuring the dog receives the medical care needed by taking him/her to vet appointments and nursing back to health.

Once a family is approved to foster a BAARK dog, the family is contacted when a dog meeting their skills and preferences enters BAARK's Rescue Program.  The length of the commit varies with each dog and his/her need as well as the time to which the family can commit.

Fostering Saves Lives!!

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Do you have a passion or hobby that you would like to share with others? We are in need of virtual volunteers to teach classes to our participants with intellectual disabilities. This volunteer opportunity will allow you to change the lives of others, and share your interests and hobbies at the same time.

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

The Little City Associate Board works to support the programs and services offered to individuals with disabilities at Little City through fundraising and volunteering while offering its members invaluable networking and leadership opportunities.

The Little City Associate Board is a powerful engagement tool to cultivate the next generation of leaders and supporters of Little City. Together, in collaboration with the Governing Board, Little City will leverage the Associate Board as a gateway to engage talented volunteers, reconnect with alumni, ad raise awareness among a younger generation to ensure the longevity and support of our organization.

Benefits of joining Little City's Associate Board include:

Learn more at: https://www.littlecity.org/take-action/abboard/

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Do you like spending time outdoors? Learning about local plants and wildlife? Getting fresh air and exercise while meeting like-minded neighbors? Then this is the opportunity for you!

Join the Spring Creek Stewards to learn about the natural, native ecosystems of Barrington. Help protect bird species that migrate across the globe, endangered or threatened plant species, and precious natural communities - all in a forest preserve near you. 

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

Help the Spring Creek Stewards connect with the local community! We are looking for photographers, designers, or social-media savvy volunteers that can help us maintain our online community. 

This volunteer will be working with a Spring Creek Steward volunteer leader or partner-organization staff, and will be provided guidance for specific media needs. Get in touch for more details! 

In order to find out more about this opportunity, or simply to get involved:

At Let It Be Us, we recruit new foster parents residing in the State of Illinois. These may be viewed as committed volunteer roles within child welfare, although stipends are included to hopefully cover the costs of parenting children in foster care. We are in need for foster parents for children of all ages, and especially children with special needs, sibling groups, and teens. While this request refers to the 60010 zip code, this need is throughout the State of Illinois. Note that adoption is a possible outcome of foster parenting. 

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, you are invited to attend one of the Let It Be Us virtual Zoom webinars by registering here: www.letitbeus.org/events.  

Additionally, we offer the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Let It Be Us Foster Parent Licensing Coach, allowing you to learn more as well as reach your goals more fully and faster.  Please register here: https://family.binti.com/users/signup/let-it-be-us-initial

High school students are invited to visit the BHS Student Volunteer Opportunity Site for volunteer opportunities for BHS students