5 Ways to Volunteer this Weekend

Want to give back to the Portland community, but not sure where to start? Check out these 5 volunteer opportunities and start your weekend the right way.

1. The Community Music Center is an all-volunteer organization that raises money year-round to increase access to music education through scholarships and tuition subsidy, instrument rentals to students, free or low-cost concerts, and more. CMC Inc. was founded in 1960 by a group of parents and interested citizens to help maintain the Center as a City facility, providing scholarship assistance and tuition subsidy through year-round fundraising. Interested? Apply to Volunteer today.

2. The Produce for People Program, hosted by the Portland Parks & Recreation Department, connects community gardens with local food banks to give individuals in need healthy, local produce. The PFP Coordinator conducts outreach to gardeners, builds relationships with other community organizations, gathers gardening supplies, and keeps track of all donations. Does that sound like the job for you? Learn more about becoming a Produce For People Coordinator, and if you're interested, contact Devin Dinihanian at devin.dinihanian@portlandoregon.gov.

3. Would you prefer to spend your volunteer time outside? Then the Volunteer Garden Manager Position through the Portland Parks and Recreation department is for you. Managers act as the liaison between gardeners and program staff. They help communicate program policies to gardeners, encourage community involvement, and support the garden as an attractive, productive community asset. They play a critical role in fostering a sense of community in the garden and helping new gardeners integrate into the community.

4. Want to volunteer with the whole family? Join Northwest Children's Outreach (NCO) in a kid-friendly volunteer opportunity, aimed at assisting Portland families in need. NCO accepts donated toys, clothing, books, baby gear, hygiene items and more. Volunteers process the donated items before they are distributed to the families. This particular project takes place in a warehouse setting, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing.

5. Do you have a packed Fall schedule? You can volunteer on your own time with Hands On Greater Portland. Hands On has DIY opportunities, like their Love Letter initiative, that allows for individuals and families to give back to the community anytime, anywhere by writing letters to seniors who participate in Meals on Wheels. Interested? Learn more about how to sign up, what materials are required and instructions on how to format your Love Letter.

Image via Portland Parks & Recreation Department