Local Volunteer Opportunities
The types of volunteers an organization accepts will be below their description. They will be listed as:
A - Adult, T - Teen, CS - Community Service.
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Anderson Humane For more than fifty years, Anderson Humane has been the leading animal welfare organization in our community. We have been dedicated to creating positive connections between people and animals from day one because animals make us better! Today, we place more than 4,000 pets into loving homes each year. Our innovative programs make the healing presence of animals available to seniors, veterans, and those in crisis. A - 16+ - CS |
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Autism Hero Project The Autism Hero Project empowers autistic individuals and fosters acceptance through advocacy, education, and access to resources. Our vision is a world where autism is celebrated and everyone thrives. |
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Boys and Girls Club of Elgin We are an after-school program that serves youth (grades 1st-12th) in Elgin, South Elgin, Schaumburg, Streamwood, and Aurora. Our after school programs evolve around our 3 key areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character & citizenship.
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CASA Kane County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Kane County is a Guardian ad Litem, nonprofit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases within the Juvenile Court System. CASA Kane County serves 100% of children aged 0-21 who have been victims of abuse and neglect originating in the county but who are located across northern Illinois. We served another record-breaking 650+ children in 2023. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we are making an effort to spread awareness of our organization throughout Kane County, as well as sharing our consistent need for adult volunteers. We accept volunteers who are age 21 and older who have 5-15 hours to commit a month! Community members can also join our CASA Crew for one-time or less frequent volunteer opportunities to help with a variety of program and event support.
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Centro de Información Located on Ascension St. Joseph Hospital's campus, Centro serves thousands of clients each year with Department of Justice accredited immigration counseling, translation, an emergency food pantry, advocacy and education on health, employment, parenting, and more. Volunteers at Centro can assist with the food pantry, citizenship workshops (training required), data entry, hosting educational events or other tasks at any of our three locations: Elgin, Carpentersville and Hanover Park. A |
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Clean Up Give Back Creating a Cleaner Environment Through Community Engagement and Inclusion. A - T - CS |
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City of Elgin Parks and Recreation We provide programs and events which enhance the quality of life for residents of every Elgin neighborhood. |
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City of Elgin Sustainability
Established in 2011 by City Council, we are a citizen advisory commission working on a wide variety of sustainability projects aligning with the Elgin Sustainability Action Plan. We are always seeking volunteers who are eager to give back to their community and get involved with bettering our shared environment. A - T - CS |
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Community Crisis Center The Community Crisis Center’s skilled, caring individuals provide 24/7 crisis intervention, resources and shelter. A - T(18+) |
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Downtown Neighborhood Association The DNA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization representing Downtown Elgin. Our mission is to revitalize, enhance and sustain Elgin’s historic city center. The DNA team works on behalf of every Downtown Elgin business owner, property owner, stakeholder and resident, in partnership with City leaders and community volunteers. DNA helps strengthen the economic vitality of the downtown by providing strategic business support services available to all downtown businesses and property owners, cultivating a network of entrepreneurs interested in considering a downtown location, and driving foot-traffic and visibility through positive community building events such as the Elgin Farmers Market and seasonal promotional campaigns. A - T - CS |
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Elgin History Museum Explore Elgin’s rich heritage through two floors of interactive exhibits. You can almost hear the watch ticking at the Elgin National Watch Company, get behind the wheel of an Elgin Road Race car, and feel the beat of the Hiawatha Pageant. Kids will have fun tending shop at Kretchmer’s grocery store, and packing James Gifford’s wagon at his log cabin. Volunteers assist the Museum by being greeters, docents, program assistants and helping with special events.
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Elgin Public Museum Built in 1907, the Elgin Public Museum is the only natural history museum in the Fox Valley area. The Museum offers exhibits and educational programs with natural history and cultural themes for families, school groups, Scouts, clubs, organizations, homeschoolers and anyone who wants to have fun while learning! |
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Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce (EAC) is the largest business network in the Elgin Area. We provide services, resources, and tools for businesses in Elgin, South Elgin, and throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs. Our work supports successful businesses, promotes opportunities, facilitates community connections, and strengthens our business community. We connect communities and businesses through engagement, advocacy for business, collaboration, and leadership. We are in business for business! EAC enhances economic vitality, advocates for business, and creates opportunities for business by *strengthening the local economy *offering a space for leaders to connect through networking opportunities *advocating for the interest of businesses of all shapes and sizes *encouraging the community through leadership and development programs and *championing business growth in Elgin, South Elgin, and our surrounding communities |
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Fox Valley Court Watch The mission of Fox Valley Court Watch is to provide and impartial assessment of the effectiveness with which domestic violence cases are handled in court, thereby promoting victim safety and abuser accountability . Our organization is a 100% volunteer group. We monitor domestic violence in the Kane County and Kendall County courts. Per the State of Illinois Sheriff Association the domestic violence increased by 2000% during the pandemic. This is why we are need of many more volunteers . We've been told by the Judicial organization that our activity helps Judges do a " better job ". |
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Gail Borden Public Library District Library volunteers strive to meet the growing needs of our innovative library and support our staff’s efforts to be vital to the five communities we serve. With over 35 volunteer opportunities, that go beyond just shelving, there is something for every interest, availability, and schedule. A - T |
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Gentiva Hospice When someone is facing a life-limiting illness, our place is by their side, providing comfort and compassionate support for patients and their loved ones so they may experience the best possible quality of life. Many think hospice is only about end-of-life care, but it's so much more than that. We help people with a life-limiting illness, and their loved ones, make the most of the time they have together. We provide a unique plan of care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of patients and their families during this challenging time. This is a special opportunity to help others in their greatest time of need, and not only make an impact in their life, but yours as well. Gentiva Hospice serves Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties. Patient visiting volunteers must be 18 years and older. |
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GiGi's Playhouse With over 60+ brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, GiGi’s Playhouse is the ONLY network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, we provide FREE, life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for 30,000+ individuals of all ages. GiGi’s Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization, and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our programs vibrant, educational, purposeful, fun, and free. We have opportunities for adults, teens, groups, and court-compelled community service. |
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Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Girl Scouts of the USA is the largest leadership organization for girls in the world building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts have the chance to explore the world around them, have a blast, and most importantly, find the space to truly, totally be themselves. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois has a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from episodic/short term to long term, volunteering with girls or adults, sharing one’s skills or talents, and behind the scenes options. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois is committed to creating an environment where all members have the opportunity to participate in a movement that encourages them to overcome barriers and become leaders in their community and world. Upcoming volunteer opportunities can be found at: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois volunteer opportunities | VolunteerMatch A - CS |
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore Elgin Habitat for Humanity builds homes, community, and hope within our community. Habitat ReStore is a resale store of appliances, furniture and building materials with proceeds going to build Habitat homes. A - T - CS |
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The Literacy Connection The Literacy Connection trains volunteer tutors to provide basic literacy and English as a second language tutoring to adults at low levels of proficiency.
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Marklund Marklund's mission is to make everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. To do this, we need community partners to make this happen! We also host community groups such as schools, scouts and clubs ages 7+ Ages 14+ - A - CS |
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Northern Illinois Food Bank At Northern Illinois Food Bank our mission is to provide nutricious food and resources for our neighbors with dignity, equity and convenience through partnerships and innovation. As part of the national Feeding America network, we serve our neighbors in 13 counties by providing 250,000 meals per day.
We have opportunities for adults, teens, court-compelled community service, and skills-based volunteering. |
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PADS Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) of Elgin, Inc. provides safe shelter, support services and advocacy to homeless individuals in Dundee, Elgin and Hanover Townships.
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Salvation Army The Salvation Army of Elgin is seeking volunteers who want to engage, empower and evaluate local programs and services. The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet basic human needs in the name of Jesus Christ. Our vision is that everyone who comes to us for assistance will be helped through our resources or those available in the community. |
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Advocate Sherman Hospital If you are compassionate, caring and looking for a way to give back, Sherman Hospital would love to have you as part of our team. A - T |
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Senior Services Associates, Inc Serving older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families since 1973, our agency has a variety of programs that offer meaningful volunteer opportunities to individuals of all ages, in Kane, Kendall and McHenry Counties. If you have time available to help, there are always more needs than available volunteers. A
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Side Street Studio Arts Since 2013 Side Street Studio Arts has provided educational and creative resources to artists in an inclusive space, run by artists. Side Street’s mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration. Side Street is seeking volunteers for open work hours, classes, and events. We offer opportunities for adults, teens, and community service hour needs. A - T - CS |
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Wayside Cross Ministries For 95 years, Wayside Cross Ministries has provided restoration, recovery and transitional housing for the impoverished, addicted, and abused. Men, women, and children are discovering new life and new hope. Aurora used to be the end of the line for people leaving Chicago. Today, Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora is a place of transformation and fresh starts. Our mission is To honor God by loving and serving the afflicted and powerless through sharing the Gospel of forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ and by empowering them to be disciples of Christ in all areas of life. A - T |
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Forest Preserve District of Kane County & Greater Kane Wild Ones The Forest Preserve District of Kane County (FPDKC) is excited to partner with our friends at the Greater Kane Wild Ones for VolunteerPalooza 2023! The FPDKC is always looking for volunteers to help us restore, restock, preserve and protect the natural areas in Kane County while the Wild Ones focus on native plants, native landscaping and service makes for great collaboration! Stop by to learn about ways to improve the habitat in your yard and learn about ways to get involved in your local preserves making a difference through service. A - T - CS |
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