Lend A Hand In Stillwater: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Near You

The holiday season is about more than lights and celebrations — it’s also a meaningful time to give back and make a difference right here at home. We’ve rounded up a few organizations in and around Stillwater that could use a helping hand this season. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but a starting point — be sure to contact each group directly to learn about their current needs, requirements and how you can best support their efforts.

Beyond Hospice

With offices in Oakdale and Little Canada, Beyond Hospice provides compassionate in-home and residential end-of-life care while supporting the families who walk alongside their loved ones. Volunteers can prepare meals at the Pillars hospice residence, offer caregiver respite in private homes or spend time with patients in care facilities. A background check, health screening and role-specific training are required before getting started.
Learn more: beyondhospicemn.org/volunteer

The Connect Center

The Connect Center supports low-income families and homeless youth in and around Stillwater through meals, mentorship and community-based programs. Volunteers can lead classes, tutor K–12 students, help with job-readiness support, mentor families or assist with community events and projects.
Learn more: theconnectcenter.org/volunteer

FamilyMeans

FamilyMeans, a longtime Stillwater nonprofit, helps individuals and families manage life’s challenges through counseling, financial guidance, caregiving support and youth programs. Volunteers can provide weekly in-home respite for caregivers, support group respite programs or help lead activities for local youth.
Learn more: familymeans.org/volunteer

Pet Haven

Pet Haven, Minnesota’s oldest foster-based rescue, creates safe futures for dogs and cats by pairing them with loving foster homes until adoption. Volunteers can help with animal care and intake, write bios, assist with training programs, support front desk operations, clean cat rooms or foster pets who need a temporary home.
Learn more: pethavenmn.org/volunteer

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity relies on thousands of volunteers each year to expand access to affordable homeownership for local families. Whether you join a construction or home repair crew, help out at the ReStore or take on a behind-the-scenes role, most positions require no experience—just a willingness to learn.
Learn more: tchabitat.org/volunteer

Valley Friendship Club

Valley Friendship Club builds a vibrant, inclusive community for people of all ages living with disabilities, offering more than 50 social events every month. Volunteers help members participate in activities like arts and crafts, games, karaoke, sports and more, all designed to foster connection and belonging. Once approved as an official VFC volunteer, you can browse upcoming events and choose the activities that fit your interests and schedule.
Learn more: valleyfriendshipclub.org/volunteer

Valley Outreach

Stillwater’s Valley Outreach provides food, clothing and personalized support to help individuals and families in need move forward with stability and dignity. Volunteers play a central role by sorting donations, assisting clients at the StyleXChange clothing store, supporting the food shelf or helping with warehouse and delivery tasks.
Learn more: valleyoutreachmn.org

Whether you volunteer for an hour or all season long, your time can make a real difference right here in Stillwater.

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