Individual Volunteering
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Corporate Volunteering Opportunities
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
We work with a network of nonprofits throughout Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties to connect volunteers with opportunities. Click on the blue bars below to see what Individual Volunteer Opportunities are currently available.
To sign up for an opportunity, contact the agency directly.
Need credits for school? Are you a senior citizen looking for a great opportunity to help others? Families and children of all ages are welcome! CATRA (Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc) has several volunteer opportunities available helping with the animal assisted therapy programs. Training is provided.
Contact Maiya Harris at mharris@catra.net, 717.298.7035, catra.net/volunteers.
Assist and Comfort, Compassionate Care
Lifesong Hospice needs volunteers to help provide companionship and joy to patients through heartfelt conversations, music, games and more. Volunteers are also needed for administrative support. Training, education and support are provided. Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Contact Sarah Anderson at sanderson@lifesonghospice.com, 717.585.6687, www.lifesonghospice.com/volunteer/.
Vision Resources in Harrisburg needs volunteers to record themselves reading publications, to be aired on a radio station for listeners who are blind. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and will be subject to a reading audition. The opportunity is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. On the job training will be provided.
Contact Chloe Miller at cmiller@vrocp.org; 717.238.2531, ext. 102; vrocp.org.
Baby Diaper Wrapping & Packing
Healthy Steps Diaper Bank needs volunteers to wrap and pack donated diapers for local families in need. This opportunity is available on Monday mornings, some Friday mornings and some Saturday mornings. Visit the website below to sign up.
Contact Rebecca Cason at rcason@healthystepsdiaperbank.com, 717.919.2590, www.healthystepsdiaperbank.com/volunteer/.
American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to manage the registration and refreshment areas of blood drives to create a friendly and welcoming environment for donors. This is a minimum 6-month commitment (no community service hours accepted). For their latest COVID-19 policies, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.
Contact Cindy Matthew at Cynthia.matthew@redcross.org or 717.714.1258.
Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania has an opening for a Board Member. If you have a passion for supporting those with vision impairment and other disabilities in our community consider volunteering.
Contact Cheryl Cuddy, CEO, at ccuddy@vrocp.org.
PA Council of Churches needs volunteers to do maintenance tasks such as landscaping, painting, window washing and cleaning.
Contact Debbie Magliette at facilitiesmanager@PAChurches.org, 717.545.4761 x 6, www.pachurches.org.
Caseworker (Disaster Recovery and Military/Veteran)
American Red Cross needs volunteers to provide follow up casework services for individuals who’ve experienced an emergency or for military members, their families or veterans. This is a minimum 6-month commitment (no community service hours accepted). For their latest COVID-19 policies, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.
Contact Cindy Matthew at Cynthia.matthew@redcross.org or 717.714.1258.
Disaster Action Team Members/Local Disaster Responders
American Red Cross needs volunteers to distribute food and essential relief supplies to individuals displaced by fires, floods and other emergencies. This is a minimum 6-month commitment (no community service hours accepted). For their latest COVID-19 policies, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.
Contact Cindy Matthew at Cynthia.matthew@redcross.org or 717.714.1258.
Duty Officers/Disaster Dispatchers
American Red Cross needs volunteers to manage local disaster responders virtually from their home. This is a minimum 6-month commitment (no community service hours accepted). For their latest COVID-19 policies, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.
Contact Cindy Matthew at Cynthia.matthew@redcross.org or 717.714.1258.
Flexible and patient volunteers are needed to assist in Catholic Charities adult English classes for immigrant and refugee families in our community. Classroom Aides support the teacher and students in class one day a week. Classes meet on Zoom Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6-8 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Training and additional support is provided.
Contact Katie Martin-Momose, KMartin@cchbg.org, 717.329.6139, www.volunteermatch.org/search/org911099.jsp
The Salvation Army Capital City Region needs volunteers to help with in-person client choice food shopping in the pantry, check in clients, help with basic paperwork, show clients to shopping area, assist per client needs. In between clients (or while clients are shopping), remain in food pantry to sort/stock foods and to answer any questions. There are also a variety of tasks in the warehouse including sorting through rescued produce, stocking the pantry, and more! Choice in-person shopping pantry appointments are on weekday mornings and afternoons, along with some evenings and weekends. Free parking is available. Bilingual speakers are very encouraged to join us!
Contact Sarah Vielot at Sarah.Vielot@use.salvationarmy.org, 717.233.6755 x 139, https://pa.salvationarmy.org/harrisburg-pa/Volunteer_Opportunities
Jewish Family Services’ Libby Urie Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with in-person client choice food shopping in the pantry. Volunteers may also check in clients, assist with basic paperwork, show clients to the shopping area, assist with client food selections, stock shelves, clean and change signage. The pantry will be open 2-3 days per week and hours vary. Parking is free.
Contact Kevin Keefer at kkeefer@jfsofhbg.org, 717.233.1681, www.jfsofhbg.org/volunteer/.
Jewish Family Services needs a volunteer to organize a food pantry, conduct inventory and seek nonperishable food donations to replenish the pantry when stock is low. This opportunity requires 2-4 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Scheduling is very flexible and can be done at the volunteer’s convenience and discretion.
Contact Kevin Keefer at kkeefer@jfsofhbg.org, 717.233.1681, www.jfsofhbg.org
Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) is looking for volunteers who are well connected to help raise funds for a local non-profit organization that fights homelessness.
Contact Mike Weisberg at mweisb3808@gmail.com, 717.497.5791, www.cachpa.org.
Tri County Community Action needs volunteers to work at Sunflower Fields community garden in Harrisburg, which provides fresh, sustainable food to community residents. Volunteers will assist with planting, tilling soil, weeding, turning compost, maintaining garden structures, organizing tool shed, cleaning and transforming garden plots, and maintaining garden plots of food. Volunteer hours are flexible. This is a great opportunity for organizations and groups.
Contact Samantha Garvey at sgarvey@cactricounty.org, 717.232.9757 x 117, cactricounty.org/volunteer.
Hospice Patient and Family Support/Care #1
Bayada Hospice helps people with advanced illness and at end-of-life have comfort, grace, and dignity. Volunteer opportunities include providing companionship to patients, caregiver respite to families and loved ones, making tuck-in calls to our families, providing veteran-to-veteran support, pet therapy, or just spending time with patients.
Ally O’Neal at aoneal@bayada.com, 570.994.1514, www.bayada.com.
Hospice Patient and Family Support/Care #2
Homeland Hospice utilizes volunteers in many different ways to provide additional support to patients and their families. This may include:
Companionship Volunteer: visit to listen, read short stories and play music
My Life, My Legacy Project: listen to a patient share their life story and writing it down
Soup and Casserole program: make homemade meals
Casserole Courrier: deliver soups and casseroles
Vet-to-Vet Visits: visit with veteran patient
Vigil: provide a presence in the last hours of life
Care Cards: make homemade cards to brighten a patient’s day
Shear Delight: provide basic haircuts
Veteran Café: host once a month gatherings of veterans
Pinning Ceremonies: recognize the military service of hospice veterans
Phone Calls: follow-up with patients and families to be sure their needs are being met
Pet Visits: share your 4-legged friend and visit with patients
Music Support: share your vocal or instrumental talents with patients
Memory Pillows: help a hospice patient’s family by making a pillow from a favorite shirt
Hours are flexible and volunteers indicate where they would prefer to serve. Training is provided.
Contact Tamara Jaroszewski at tjaroszewski@homelandhospice.org, 717.221.7890, www.homelandhospice.org.
Promedica Hospice provides care and support to people and families living with advanced illness. Volunteer opportunities can include, helping patients face their challenges by providing friendship and a listening ear, providing bereavement support to familes, veteran to veteran volunteers, and providing support in the last hours of life by being part of the vigil team. Volunteers are also needed for administrative support, pet therapy and crafts. Hours are flexible with locations in Cumberland and Dauphin counties. Training is provided.
Contact Joanna Zigerell at 717.440.4563, Joanna.zigerell@promedica.org or visit www.promedicahospice.org.
Homeland Hospice utilizes volunteers in many different ways to provide additional support to patients and their families. This may include:
Memory Pillows: help a hospice patient’s family by making a pillow from a favorite shirt
Care Cards: make homemade cards to brighten a patient’s day
Contact Tamara Jaroszewski at tjaroszewski@homelandhospice.org, 717.221.7890, www.homelandhospice.org.
Volunteers who have served in the military can become involved in Homeland Hospice’s Vet-to-Vet program.
Companion Visits: veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with the veteran patient thereby creating an environment where life review and healing may occur.
Vet-to-Vet Café: safe environments where veterans can socialize and share their stories.
Veteran Pinnings: visit to provide personalized recognition to a patient who served in the military
Hours are flexible and volunteers indicate where they would prefer to serve. Training is provided.
Contact Tamara Jaroszewski at tjaroszewski@homelandhospice.org, 717.221.7890, www.homelandhospice.org.
The YWCA Greater Harrisburg seeks volunteers to do tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and other general housekeeping jobs. Volunteers must be 18 or older.
Contact Jennifer Sands, jsands@ywcahbg.org, 717.234.7931, www.ywcahbg.org/
Information & Referral Volunteers
CONTACT Helpline needs volunteers to answer phones and provide information to callers. The phones are staffed 24/7 with flexible scheduling during daytime, evening and weekend hours. Volunteers also have the option of answering calls at home after a probation period. Interested volunteers must be willing to complete a 40 hour training to learn about available resources and develop active listening skills.
Contact Christine Marriott at cmarriott@contacthelpline.org, 717.652.4987, contacthelpline.org.
Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) needs volunteers to provide marking support. A volunteer is needed to update and maintain a non-profit website. A volunteer with experience in public relations and marketing is needed to raise awareness of the organization. Having corporate connections is a plus. Hours are flexible and can work remotely.
Contact Mike Weisberg at mweisb3808@gmail.com, 717.497.5791, www.cachpa.org.
Jewish Family Services needs volunteers to deliver Kosher meals to homebound seniors in the Harrisburg area. This opportunity is 1-2 hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Volunteers must have an insured personal vehicle and good driving records.
Clearances also required. Contact John Jantos at jjantos@jfsofhbg.org, 717.233.1681, jfsofhbg.org.
Jewish Family Services needs volunteers to pack food for Kosher Meals on Wheels. This opportunity is 2-3 hours every other week (or to substitute as needed) on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers will work with an experienced volunteer until comfortable with the process.
Contact John Jantos at jjantos@jfsofhbg.org, 717.233.1681, jfsofhbg.org.
Wildheart /Love the Hill is looking for volunteers to do outdoor beautification projects in Allison Hill. Volunteers are needed to help with trash removal, litter pick-up, basic landscaping work, and gardening work on their new urban farm. This is a great opportunity for both groups and individuals wanting to get involved. Check out our regular volunteer dates on our website or schedule your own. Volunteers needing court-mandated community hours are welcome. Weekend work available.
Contact Tannon Herman at contact@wildheartministries.net, 405.234.0866, www.lovethehillpa.com.
Homeland Hospice utilizes volunteers in many different ways to provide additional support to patients and their families. This may include:
PAWS Program: Homeland Hospice patients love to have visits from 4-legged friends! Pet visits provide entertainment, stimulation and happiness.
Music Volunteers: Volunteers with either vocal or instrumental talents are enjoyed by our patients. This is also a great opportunity for a small group! Visit patients in personal homes or skilled facilities.
Hours are flexible and volunteers indicate where they would prefer to serve. Training is provided.
Contact Tamara Jaroszewski at tjaroszewski@homelandhospice.org, 717.221.7890, www.homelandhospice.org.
Tri County Community Action is looking for volunteers in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties to assist with our poverty simulations. These are true-to-life role-playing experiences for groups and organizations to see first-hand the challenges, decisions, and life of someone in poverty. Volunteers would act out various situations with people who are experiencing the simulation. Volunteers will be briefed on their role prior to the event with instructions on how to effectively act out their part.
Contact Samantha Garvey at sgarvey@cactricounty.org, 717.232.9757 x 117, cactricounty.org/volunteer.
Messiah Lifeways has volunteer opportunities that include visiting with residents, providing technology support (cell phone or computer assistance), taking residents in wheelchairs to various activities, providing administrative support, and participating in activities with residents. All volunteers must complete an application, attend volunteer orientation and receive specific task training. Visit the website below to apply.
Contact Becky Cain at rcain@messiahlifeways.org, 717.790.8203, www.messiahlifeways.org/giving/volunteer/.
Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) needs volunteers to drive and escort blind and visually impaired clients to doctor appointments and the grocery store. Flexible schedule, clean driving record and background clearances needed.
Contact Chloe Miller at cmiller@vrocp.org, 717.238.2531 x 102, vrocp.org.
Tri County OIC needs tutors and classroom aides for in-person daytime and evening classes in Harrisburg. Interested volunteers should be friendly, patient and enjoy working with adult learners, many of whom are ESL students. Training and ongoing support are provided.
Contact Annette Reiff at areiff@tricountyoic.org, 717.238.7318, tricountyoic.org/volunteer.
Ronald McDonald House needs volunteers to cover four-hour weekend shifts at a medical facility. Volunteer duties include answering the phone, keeping common areas straightened, stocking supplies and interacting with families of sick children. Interested volunteers must be compassionate and have good people and listening skills. Training is required and provided by the agency.
Contact Alyssa Noel at anoel@rmhc-centralpa.org, 717.533.4001 x 158, rmhc-centralpa.org/volunteer/.
Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) is seeking volunteers with professional communications skills and business writing experience to write grants. Hours are flexible and can work remotely.
Contact Mike Weisberg at mweisb3808@gmail.com, 717.497.5791, www.cachpa.org.
