Needs From: United Way of Lancaster County

Do you enjoy being outdoors and helping things grow? We’re looking for volunteers to help with light weeding and basic grounds upkeep around our Radar Park property.
Create your schedule -We simply ask for a minimum of 4 hours per week, anytime between March and December—you choose the days and times that work best for you!
This is a great way to enjoy some fresh air, get your hands in the soil, and help keep our park looking welcoming and well-cared for.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join our team of dedicated volunteers at the YMCA Emergency Shelter, where we provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness.

We’re seeking compassionate and reliable volunteers to assist with essential morning operations that help guests transition out of the shelter and start their day with dignity.

Volunteer Responsibilities Include:

Wake-Up Support (6:00 AM): Gently wake guests in a calm, caring manner to help them prepare for the day ahead.

Guest Departures (6:00–7:00 AM): Assist guests with gathering belongings, encourage timely departures, and offer support as needed.

Morning Clean-Up (6:00–7:00 AM): Help with light cleaning and resetting the space to ensure the shelter remains clean and welcoming.

Preferred Shift Commitment:

Morning Shift: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM

Volunteers able to assist with both morning and evening shifts are especially valued.

Why Volunteer?
Your time, presence, and compassion can help create a safer, more stable experience for individuals facing homelessness. Every shift is an opportunity to show care, offer dignity, and make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Ready to Lend a Hand?
Sign up today and be a vital part of supporting those in need in our community.

Volunteers Needed for Low-Barrier Shelter

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate volunteers to help support our new low-barrier shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers will play a vital role in ensuring a safe, welcoming, and organized environment.

Volunteer Shifts:

Key Responsibilities:

Preference for volunteers able to commit to both evening and morning shifts, but evening shift participation is welcome!

Join us in making a difference—your support is essential in helping create a supportive space for our guests.

Hosted by: Lancaster Rec
Dates: September 8–12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (1-hour project window)
Location: The Barn at Conestoga Pines Park
200 Arthur E. Morris Parkway (Access from Pitney Road), Lancaster, PA 17601
Volunteers Needed: 5–15 individuals
Age Requirement: 18+ (no minors)
Wheelchair Accessible: No

Project Description:
As our Summer Camp at Conestoga Pines Park wraps up for the season, we’re looking for volunteers to help bring the Barn back to a clean and organized state. From tidying up to preparing the space for winter, this short but impactful project helps us close out the summer season on a high note.

Tasks Include:

General cleaning

Organizing supplies

Outdoor porch area support (as needed)

What to Wear & Bring:

Comfortable clothing and old sneakers

Bring water and snacks

Gloves are recommended for any porch work

Volunteer Check-In:
Volunteers will meet the Project Coordinator onsite at the Barn’s main entrance.

Parking Information:
Parking is available around the Barn or in the grassy area near the entrance to the woods.

Skill Level Required:
All skill levels welcome – no prior experience needed.

Contact Information:
Contact Person: AJ Eckman
Email: aeckman@lancasterrec.org
Phone: 717-283-5947

Volunteer Opportunity with Water Street Mission
Project: Restroom, Stairwell, and Vehicle Fleet Cleaning

Location:
Water Street Mission
210 S Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603

Project Description:
Join Water Street Mission for an afternoon of hands-on service! Volunteers will help with deep cleaning restrooms, stairwells, and windows. Weather permitting, volunteers will also assist with interior and exterior detailing and washing of the organization's vehicle fleet. If inclement weather occurs, volunteers will focus solely on interior vehicle detailing indoors.

Volunteer Details:

Dates Available:

Monday, September 8, 2025

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Friday, September 12, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM start

Duration: 3–4 hours

Volunteers Needed: 8 total

Minimum Age to Participate:

Ages 13–15 must be accompanied one-on-one by a parent or legal guardian

An adult leader must accompany ages 16–17

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Clothing & Equipment Guidelines:
Please wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothing. All necessary cleaning supplies will be provided.

Check-In Process:
Volunteers will meet the project coordinators—Stu Metzler or Dean Wenger—at the Seiber Hall door. Waivers for minors and adults will be sent in advance.

Driving/Parking Info:
A map with parking directions will be provided ahead of the project date.

Skills Required:
All skill levels are welcome—no experience needed!

In Case of Bad Weather:
Vehicle washing will not take place; volunteers will focus on indoor detailing.

Contact Information:

Project Coordinator: Stu Metzler

Email: smetzler@wsm.org

Phone: 717-358-2079

Come be a part of meaningful work that helps keep Water Street Mission’s facilities and fleet clean, functional, and ready to serve our community!

Volunteer Opportunity: Sacred Grounds Clean Up
Hosted by: St. Paul Lutheran Church – Sacred Grounds
Location: 200 W. Orange St., Suite 200, Lititz, PA 17543

Contact: Suzanne Black
Email: sblack@stpaullititz.net
Phone: 814-660-1861

Project Overview
Join us in caring for the Sacred Grounds at St. Paul Lutheran Church—a peaceful outdoor space that includes community garden beds, a prayer labyrinth, and new plantings. This is a great opportunity to get your hands in the soil and make a visible impact on a space designed for reflection and connection.

Volunteer tasks include:

Weeding around garden beds, new plantings, and the prayer labyrinth

Shoveling and tamping small gravel to improve labyrinth accessibility

Removing wraps around trees

Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply enjoy outdoor projects, your help is welcome and appreciated.

Volunteer Dates Available 
Select the day(s) that work best for you:

Monday, September 8

Tuesday, September 9

Wednesday, September 10

Start Time: 9:00 AM
Estimated Duration: 2 hours
Number of Volunteers Needed: 2 to 5
Minimum Age to Participate: 15
Adult Required for Minors: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Additional Information
Bad Weather Plan: Indoor cleaning and possible painting
Clothing & Equipment: Wear comfortable outdoor work clothes. Gloves and tools will be provided.
Volunteer Check-In: Meet the project coordinator at the pavilion behind the church (parking off S. Walnut Street).
Skills Needed: All skill levels are welcome—no prior experience necessary.

Ready to volunteer or have questions?
Contact Suzanne Black at sblack@stpaullititz.net or 814-660-1861.

Make a difference in your community by helping us maintain a beautiful and meaningful outdoor space.

Hosted by the Occupational Development Center
As part of United Way’s 2025 Week of Caring

Project Title: General Yard Cleanup
Location: 640 Martha Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601
Contact Person: Ken Mueller
Email: kenm@odcenter.org
Phone: 717-397-4269

Join the Occupational Development Center for a hands-on outdoor volunteer opportunity! We're looking for a small team to help with:

Weeding and tidying up garden areas

General yard cleanup

Removing two old raised garden beds that are no longer usable

This project is perfect for volunteers who enjoy working outside and don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty for a good cause.

Dates Available:

Monday, September 8

Tuesday, September 9

Wednesday, September 10

Thursday, September 11

Friday, September 12

Start Time: As early as 8:00 AM. However, this can be adjusted 

Estimated Time Commitment: 3–4 hours

Volunteers Needed: Minimum 4, Maximum 8

Minimum Age: 16 (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Comfortable outdoor clothing

Gardening gloves (if available)

Extra gardening tools are helpful, though some will be provided

Volunteers may park along Martha Avenue or in our lot, accessible from Marshall Avenue.

All volunteers should check in with Ken Mueller at the front door upon arrival.

General gardening experience is helpful, but not required. All skill levels are welcome.

Note: In the event of bad weather, the project will be rescheduled to a future date.

Have questions? Reach out to Ken Mueller at kenm@odcenter.org or 717-397-4269.

We look forward to working alongside you to keep our community beautiful!

Volunteer Opportunity: Playground Remodel at Elizabethtown Child Care Center

Organization: Elizabethtown Child Care Center
Contact: Andrea Roark – aroark@etownchildcare.org | 903-387-8662
Address: 777 S Mt. Joy St., #2, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Project Dates Available:

Monday–Friday, September 8–12, 2025 (Start time: 5:30 PM)

Saturday, September 13, 2025 (Anytime)

Time Commitment: 2–3 hours
Volunteers Needed: 5–8 people
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Project Description:
Join us in transforming our playground into a safe, fun, and welcoming space for children! We’ll be:

Remodeling our sandbox with a covered area and fresh sand

Removing weeds

Power washing

Filling mulch in play areas

Skills & Requirements:

Volunteers with previous building experience preferred

Wear comfortable clothes and gloves

All necessary tools, supplies, sand, and mulch will be provided

Check-In Process:
Volunteers will ring in through the ECCC doorbell and meet with the project coordinator upon arrival.

Why Volunteer?
Your time and skills will directly improve the play space for children in our community, giving them a cleaner, safer, and more exciting place to learn and grow!

If you’re ready to make a hands-on impact and work with a great team, we’d love to have you join us!

Organization:
Hands-on House Children’s Museum
721 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-569-5437
Email: colleen@handsonhouse.org

Project Title: Museum Refresh
Dates: September 8–13, 2025
Time: Flexible start times, as early as 7:30 AM
Duration: 2–3 hours per session; multi-day participation welcome
Location: Hands-on House Children’s Museum, 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

Hands-on House will be closed to the public from September 2–12 for a museum refresh. Volunteers are needed to assist with:

Outdoor Refresh: Garden cleanup and restoration after summer flooding.

Indoor Tasks: Painting and preparation for the new exhibit installation.

In case of inclement weather, volunteers will assist with indoor tasks, including sanitizing toys and preparing the indoor space for reopening.

Minimum Volunteers Needed: 5-20

Maximum Volunteers: No limit

Minimum Age: 12 (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Parking: Free, on-site parking available

Clothing: Comfortable attire suitable for outdoor work

Gear: Gardening gloves (limited gloves available on-site); gardening tools (optional)

Essentials: Water bottle to stay hydrated

Volunteers will meet a staff member at the front door for orientation and assignment of tasks.

To volunteer, please contact Colleen Buck at colleen@handsonhouse.org or call 717-569-5437 to select your preferred dates and times.

Volunteering at Hands-on House offers an opportunity to contribute to the community by supporting a local children's museum dedicated to fostering learning through play. Your efforts will help create a welcoming environment for children and families to explore, discover, and grow.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a positive impact at Hands-on House Children’s Museum. We look forward to working with you!

Volunteer Opportunity: Refresh& Renew a Community Space!
Hosted by: Faith Friendship Ministries
Location: 128 W Main Street, PO Box 567, Mountville, PA 17554
Dates: Tuesday–Thursday, September 9–11, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (3 hours per day)
Volunteers Needed: 6–12
Minimum Age: 16+ (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Wheelchair Accessible: No

Join Faith Friendship Ministries for a fulfilling volunteer experience during the Week of Caring! We’re seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of indoor and outdoor projects, including interior painting and yardwork. Whether you prefer to stay inside or enjoy the fresh air, there’s something for everyone!

Rain or shine—FFM has both indoor and outdoor projects available. In case of bad weather, all volunteers will be moved indoors.

Please park at Mountville Mennonite Church, located directly behind our facility.

All volunteers: Closed-toe shoes required (sneakers are fine)

Painters: Wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy

Outdoor volunteers: Long pants recommended; gloves are helpful

Water will be provided!

Volunteers should meet in the Main Street parking lot at 9:00 AM for orientation and group assignments.

No experience necessary—volunteers of all skill levels are welcome!

Tammi Morris
tammi@faithfriendship.org
717-285-5596

Be part of a team making a real difference in the Mountville community—we can’t wait to work with you!

Volunteer Opportunity: Help Beautify the Arch Street Center Fence!

Organization: Arch Street Center
Project Location: 629 N Market Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Contact:

Name: Scooter Haase

Email: scooter@archstreetcenter.org

Phone: 717-824-3750

Project Description:
We’re looking for a small team of volunteers to help apply a couple of coats of varnish/sealer to the wooden fence next to our parking lot. Your help will give our outdoor space a fresh, protected finish that our community will enjoy!

Project Type: Outdoor
Backup Plan for Bad Weather: No indoor project is available—the project will be rescheduled if necessary.

Volunteer Details:

Dates Available:

Monday, September 8

Tuesday, September 9

Wednesday, September 10

Thursday, September 11

Friday, September 12

Saturday, September 13

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours

Volunteers Needed: Minimum 2 / Maximum 4

Minimum Age: 18

Adult Required for Minors? Yes

Wheelchair Accessible? No

What to Wear/Bring:

Dress for the weather

Previous staining or painting experience is helpful

All necessary materials will be provided

Volunteer Check-In:
Volunteers will meet the project coordinator at the front door of Arch Street Center.

Parking Info:
Follow GPS to 629 N Market Street and park in the lot at that address.

If you enjoy hands-on work and want to contribute to a welcoming community space, we’d love to have you join us!

Hosted by Lancaster County Chooses Love
As part of United Way’s 2025 Week of Caring

Project Title: Seasonal Clothing Closet Refresh
Location: 104–106 E. Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543
Contact: Jessica Purdy | jessica@lancasterchooseslove.org | 814-270-1802

Please help us welcome the winter season with warmth and care!
Lancaster County Chooses Love is looking for volunteers to refresh our gender-affirming Clothing Closet—a space that provides inclusive, respectful access to clothing for those in need.

As we transition into colder months, you’ll help pack away summer items, organize winter gear, and ensure the space remains inviting and accessible to all.

Sort, fold, and store summer clothing

Unpack, organize, and display winter apparel

Reorganize storage in both the basement and the closet area

Light lifting and moving between floors will be involved

Dates Available:

Tuesday, September 9

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Volunteers Needed: 6–10 people

Minimum Age: 16 (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Comfortable clothing suitable for movement and light lifting. No special gear needed—we’ll provide everything else!

Metered parking available on E. Main Street (free after 6 PM and on Sundays)

Free on-street parking available on S. Cedar Street (south of Juniper Lane)

Free off-street parking available on North Water Street

Accessible parking located behind our building (2 designated spaces for those with handicap placards or plates)

Please use the side entrance of the building. Volunteers will check in upon arrival.

All are welcome! As long as you're comfortable with light lifting and moving between floors, you're good to go.

This is more than just a seasonal refresh—it's a chance to help create a safe, affirming space for members of our community. We'd love to have you on board!

Have questions or want to sign up? Contact Jessica Purdy at jessica@lancasterchooseslove.org.

YMCA of the Roses

Contact Person:
Nancy Pleger
npleger@rosesymca.org
717-450-1294

Address:
265 Harrisburg Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603

Has your organization participated in the Week of Caring before?
Yes

Project Title:
Cleaning Around the YMCA

Project Description:
Join us for a hands-on cleaning day at the YMCA! Volunteers will help clean the indoor track and its windows, organize the pool area, tidy the basketball court, sweep up trash, and pull weeds outside. This project will help keep our facility safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for the entire community.

Project Location:
265 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

Indoors/Outdoors:
Both (indoor cleaning plus some light outdoor work)

Backup Plan (in case of bad weather):
Indoor cleaning tasks will continue as planned — track, windows, pool area, and basketball court.

Preferred Dates:

- Tuesday, 9/09/2025

- Thursday, 9/11/2025

Project Time:
Starts at 9:00 AM — approximately 3–4 hours.

Volunteers Needed:

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 15

Minimum Age:
16 (Minors require adult supervision)

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Parking:
Park in the main YMCA lot at 265 Harrisburg Avenue or in the gravel lot next to it.

Clothing & Equipment Guidelines:
Wear comfortable clothing. If the weather is nice, gardening gloves, hats, and sunglasses are helpful for outdoor work. All other necessary supplies will be provided.

Volunteer Check-In:
Volunteers will meet the project coordinator at the front desk.

Skills Needed:
All skill levels welcome — just bring a positive attitude and willingness to help!

Hosted by: Christ’s Home
Project Location: 3182 Lincoln Hwy. East, Paradise, PA 17562
Contact: Brenda Greene | bgreene@christshome.org | 215-956-2393

Make a Lasting Impact through Service
Join Christ’s Home during United Way’s Week of Caring to support a meaningful and hands-on garden transformation project. As part of our mission to care for children and seniors with compassion and dignity, we’re taking steps to make our garden space more manageable and effective for the people we serve. Your time and energy will directly support this effort.

Project Overview
Volunteers will assist with downsizing our current garden space. This includes:

Carefully removing sections of fencing

Repositioning raised beds

Reducing the overall footprint of the garden to improve long-term maintenance

By downsizing, we’ll be able to maintain the space more effectively and make better use of our resources—all while continuing to provide beauty and functionality for our residents and staff.

Project Details

Project Type: Outdoor

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours

Dates Available:

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Volunteers Needed: 2–4 (minimum) to 5–8 (maximum)

Minimum Age: 16 (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Check-In Process: Volunteers will meet the project coordinator in front of the garden near the main cottage

Parking: Available in the lot at the entrance of the cottage

What to Wear & Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and work gloves

All equipment and materials will be provided

Bad Weather Plan
If weather does not permit outdoor work, an alternate indoor project will be arranged, or a new time can be scheduled for later that day.

No Experience Needed
All skill levels are welcome. Just bring a willing heart and a readiness to serve.

Be part of a project that helps cultivate beauty, care, and sustainability at Christ’s Home. Your time will make a difference.

To volunteer or learn more, contact:
Brenda Greene
Email: bgreene@christshome.org
Phone: 215-956-2393

Demuth Garden Clean-Up

Project Description:
Be part of preserving a beautiful piece of Lancaster’s artistic legacy! The Demuth Garden is a living extension of The Demuth Museum and has inspired many of Charles Demuth’s famous floral watercolors. We invite you to help us maintain this charming and historic space so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors from around the world.

Volunteer Tasks Include:

Weeding garden beds

Mowing a small back area

Light parking lot clean-up

Project Type: Outdoors
Dates Available:

Monday, September 8, 2025

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Project Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Estimated Time Commitment: 2–3 hours

Volunteers Needed:

Minimum: 2

Maximum: 12

Age Requirement: 15+
Minors must be accompanied by an adult

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Parking Directions:

While driving south on Duke Street, cross the intersection of Duke & King Streets

Stay in the left lane and turn left on Mifflin Street

Volunteers may park in the first two spaces near the street or in any space marked "staff parking"

Check-In Process:
Volunteers should enter through the garden fence gate labeled The Demuth Garden. Ring the doorbell at the green door marked The Demuth Museum. Karen Budusky will greet and guide you.

What to Wear/Bring:

Comfortable clothes and sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Gardening gloves and tools (extras are welcome, including string trimmers)

We’ll provide yard waste bags and additional tools

Water will be provided

Backup Weather Plan:
We’ve selected two date options—if one day brings rain, we’ll go with the alternate date. Please reach out to Karen Budusky for rescheduling if needed.

Skills Needed:
No experience necessary—just a willingness to help and get a little dirty!

Join us in keeping a piece of Lancaster’s art history thriving—your time and energy will make a lasting impact!

Volunteer Opportunity: September Wheelchair Walk at Brethren Village
Hosted as part of Week of Caring 2025

Organization: Brethren Village
Contact Person: Joanna Rudisill
Email: jrudisill@bv.org
Phone: 717-581-4271
Address: 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543

Project Title: September Wheelchair Walk
Location of Event: Wellness Center, 4 Conestoga Drive, Lititz, PA 17543

Dates Available:

Wednesday, September 10

Volunteer Opportunity with The Factory Ministries
Project: General Maintenance & Seasonal Cleaning

Location:
The Factory Ministries
3293 Lincoln Hwy E, Suite 1
Paradise, PA 17562

Project Overview:
Join us during the Week of Caring for a variety of light maintenance tasks, both indoors and outdoors. Projects include fall cleanup outside and interior cleaning, especially in our gym and hallway areas. Painting and other small tasks may also be included depending on the day and number of volunteers.

Project Type:
✓ Indoor and Outdoor (weather dependent)
✓ Flexibility for task assignments based on conditions and team size

Volunteer Dates Available:

Friday, September 12, 2025

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Start Time: Flexible – based on volunteer availability
Duration: 2–3 hours
Volunteers Needed: Minimum 10 / Maximum 18
Minimum Age to Participate: 15 (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Wheelchair Accessible: No

Bad Weather Plan:
If it rains, volunteers will focus on indoor cleaning and other indoor maintenance tasks.

Clothing & Equipment Guidelines:

Wear comfortable clothes

Gloves are recommended for outdoor work

Rakes helpful for fall cleanup (some available on-site)

Check-In Instructions:
Volunteers should meet at the east entrance patio door or inside the building.

Skills Required:
Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome—no special experience needed!

Driving/Parking Instructions:
Take Route 30 East toward Paradise. The building is a former school located on the north side of Route 30, just before the traffic light at Belmont Road.

Contact Information:

Coordinator: Louise Quillin

Email: louise@thefactoryministries.com

Phone: 717-847-1434

Be part of something meaningful and help us prepare our space for fall—your time makes a difference!

Volunteer Opportunity: Help Vision of Hope MCC with a Painting Project!

Hosted by: Vision of Hope MCC
Project Contact: Faith Goodwin
vicemoderator@visionofhopemcc.com
717-285-9070
130 E Main St, Mountville, PA 17554

Project Title:
Paint Windows and Accessibility Ramp

Project Description:
Join Vision of Hope MCC in giving our Social Hall windows and handicap accessibility ramp a fresh coat of paint! Your support will help us maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all who visit.

Project Location:
Same as above
Project Type: Outdoors

Dates & Times Available:

Friday, September 12, 2025 – 3:00 PM

Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 9:00 AM
Estimated Duration: 3 hours

Volunteer Needs:

3-10 Team members 

Minimum Age: 12 (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Skills Needed:
Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome—just know which end of a paintbrush to use!

What to Wear & Bring:

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on

We’ll provide all painting supplies, water, and a meal

Parking:
Free parking is available in the rear of the church

Check-In Process:
Volunteers will meet at the rear entrance of the church and be welcomed by the project coordinator

Weather Plan:
In case of inclement weather, we’ll pick up the project again at a later time

Come lend a hand, enjoy great company, and make a visible difference in our community! We’re looking forward to serving with you.

Organization:
PA Elks Home Service Program

Contact Information (Lancaster County):

Name: Pam Miller

Email: pmiller@paelkshomeservice.org

Phone: 717‑368‑2324

Home Office Location:
1854 North Center Avenue, Suite 2, Somerset, PA 15501

Title: Help Makenna’s Family
Scope of Work:

Repair bathroom floor (required for Makenna’s safe discharge)

Install sliding door (assistance may be needed with the father)

Yard cleanup and flower bed planting (Makenna enjoys flowers)

On-site visit planned to finalize project details

Location: 159 North Main Street (single-family home), Manheim, PA 17545

Type: Combination of indoor (bathroom) and outdoor (yardwork) tasks

Weather Plan: Reschedule or shift outdoor work to the back porch, if needed

Start Time: 9:00 AM, 2–3‑hour project duration

Dates Available:

Friday 9/12/2025

Saturday 9/13/2025

Team Size: Minimum 3, maximum 5 volunteers

Age Requirement: 12+ (an adult must accompany minors)

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Parking & Access:

Park in the rear of property

Enter via the alley

Volunteers meet the project coordinator at the back entrance

Comfortable clothing (appropriate for indoor and outdoor work)

Work gloves recommended

Bring personal gardening tools if available

For bathroom repair: any small tools you can provide (e.g., wrench, pry bar)

Carpentry: Basic floor repair and installation experience is helpful

Gardening: No heavy machinery – basic yard work and planting skills required

Enthusiasm and willingness to make a meaningful impact in Makenna’s recovery

Please indicate if your organization has participated in Week of Caring previously: Yes / No

Thank you for considering this impactful volunteer project! Your time, skills, and compassion will make a real difference in helping Makenna return home safely and beautifully.

Questions?
Reach out to Pam Miller: 717‑368‑2324 | pmiller@paelkshomeservice.org

Hosted by: UDS Challenger Flag Football and Cheerleading Program
Location: Calvary Church Gym, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
Dates Available:

Saturday, September 13

Start Time: 9:30 AM
Estimated Time Commitment: Approximately 2.5 hours

Join the UDS Challenger Flag Football and Cheerleading Program for an unforgettable volunteer experience. This inclusive program supports youth ages 8–21 with disabilities by providing a safe, fun environment to play flag football or participate in cheerleading at their own level. Volunteers will be paired one-on-one with participants to help them engage, encourage teamwork, and ensure everyone has a great time.

Volunteers Needed: Minimum 2 | Maximum 4

Minimum Age to Participate: 16

Adult Supervision Required for Minors: Yes

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Location: Calvary Church Gym (at the back of the church)

Parking: Available in the back lot, directly by the gym entrance

Skills Needed:
No experience required. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to support kids with disabilities.

T-shirt

Shorts

Sneakers

Volunteers will meet with the Volunteer Coordinator upon arrival and will be paired with a participant for the session.

No worries about the weather — this project is held indoors and will run rain or shine.

Contact Information:
Allison Gregory
Email: ChallengerFootball@udservices.org
Phone: 443-602-5753

Volunteer Opportunity: Help Create Homes for Families Transitioning Out of Homelessness

Organization: Off the Streets
Project Title: Help create homes for those who have experienced homelessness – Movers Needed!

About the Project:
Off the Streets helps individuals and families transition from homelessness into safe, stable housing. Every Saturday morning, our team completes three moves—loading, delivering, and setting up furniture in apartments for our clients. We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to lend a hand (and some muscle!) to make these moves possible. Together, we can transform empty apartments into warm, welcoming homes.

Project Details:
Location: Off the Streets Warehouse, Burle Industries, Building 16, 1000 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601
Date(s): September 13, 2025 
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (up to 3 hours)

Dramability Works allows participants ages 22-40 with disabilities to come together to engage in theater games, activities, and preparation for a final performance in the spring. Volunteers act alongside the participants and assist, as needed, so that everyone can participate to their full potential. Volunteers must be 14 years of age and older. 

Early birds, we need you!

The One World Festival is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with set-up on the morning of our annual celebration—Sunday, September 28, 2025.

If you’re up for some early action, we could use your help with tasks like:

Setting up vendor tables

Unloading vehicles

Hanging decorations

And more!

It’s a great way to kick off the day, meet fellow volunteers, and be part of the behind-the-scenes magic. Let us know if you’re in!

Help Us Wrap Up the Fun!

When the One World Festival winds down on the evening of Sunday, September 28, 2025, we’ll need a strong crew of volunteers to help with festival breakdown and clean-up.

Tasks may include:

Packing up vendor displays

Loading vehicles

General site clean-up

Heads up: This role may involve some heavier lifting—perfect for those who don’t mind getting a little hands-on to help us end the day on a high note!

Stick around, lend a hand, and be part of the team that brings it all full circle!

Love meeting people? Join our Event Registration Team!

The One World Festival is seeking friendly, outgoing volunteers to assist at our  Registration Desk on Sunday, September 28, 2025. You'll greet attendees, check in pre-registered guests, and offer guidance to those with questions.

If you’ve got the gift of gab and a welcoming smile, this is the perfect role for you!

We encourage volunteers to sign up for multiple shifts—work a little, enjoy the festival, then jump back in for more fun. It's a great way to stay involved while soaking up the energy of the day!

Shifts are between 11 am-5pm 

Support Our Vendors Behind the Scenes!

The One World Festival is looking for helpful, energetic volunteers to assist our vendors throughout the day on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

As a Vendor Support Volunteer, you’ll:

Help vendors with basic needs

Run quick errands (like grabbing supplies) so they can stay at their booths

Tackle small tasks that make their day smoother

If you're a great multitasker who enjoys being on the move and lending a hand, this is the role for you!

We encourage volunteers to sign up for multiple shifts—work a little, enjoy the festival, then jump back in for more fun and connection!

Be a Festival Guide for the Day!

The One World Festival is looking for helpful, friendly volunteers to serve as Festival Navigators on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

You’ll be stationed throughout the festival grounds to assist attendees with directions and answer common questions about:

Event schedules

Bathroom locations

Food vendors

And more!

If you're approachable, enjoy helping others, and know how to point people in the right direction with a smile, this is the role for you!

We encourage volunteers to sign up for multiple shifts—volunteer for a bit, enjoy the festival, and hop back in to keep the good vibes going!

Calling All Creatives – Join Us at One World Festival!

September 28, 2025

We’re looking for passionate photographers, videographers, drone pilots, and creative storytellers to help capture the magic of this year’s One World Festival! This is your chance to showcase your vision with complete creative freedom — we want to see the festival through your eyes.

Bring your gear, your imagination, and your right brain — and let the energy of the crowd and the beauty of the moment guide you. Once your content is ready, send your digital creations to Info@OneWorldFestival.org.

Volunteers Wanted – Stay, Enjoy, and Make a Difference!
We encourage all volunteers to sign up for as many shifts as they’d like. This is an event you won’t want to leave — work a shift, experience the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, then jump back in and help out again!

Let’s make One World Festival 2025 unforgettable — together.

Volunteer Role: Lyft Door/Elevator Operator

Event: Celebration & Graduation Event
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Event Time: 2:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Contact Person: Sandy Hill 

Email: Sandra.Hill@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Role Description:
Help make our Celebration and Graduation Event run smoothly by assisting those with strollers or wheelchairs with elevator access, and providing a friendly face as a Lyft Door/Elevator Operator.

Shifts Available (2 Volunteers Total):

Shift 1: 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM (arrive at 1:30 for instructions and placement)

Shift 2: 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM (arrive at 3:00 to receive instructions from the first shift volunteer)

Arrival Instructions:

All volunteers must arrive on time for their shift.

The first shift volunteer will receive instructions from event staff.

The second shift volunteer will be briefed by the first shift volunteer for a smooth transition.

Number of Volunteers Needed: 2 (1 per shift)

What You’ll Bring:

A welcoming, helpful attitude

Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for standing and light movement

Why This Role Matters:
You’ll be the first point of contact for many of our guests, helping create a warm, organized, and enjoyable experience from the moment they arrive.

Volunteer Opportunity: Front Door Greeter

Event: Celebration & Graduation Event
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Event Time: 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Volunteer Shifts:

Shift 1: 1:30 PM – 3:45 PM (arrive at 1:30 for instructions)

Contact Person: Sandy Hill 

Email: Sandra.Hill@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Location:
LCBC @ Liberty Place
313 W Liberty Street
Lancaster, PA 17602

Help us create a warm and seamless experience at our Celebration & Graduation Event!
As our front door greeter, you’ll be stationed at the main entrance—welcoming guests with a smile, guiding them toward the LCBC lobby, and helping ensure everyone feels right at home.

Please arrive promptly for their shift.

Bring a welcoming smile and friendly attitude

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for standing/light movement

Communicate clearly with event staff and other volunteers for smooth transitions

You will be the very first impression for many of our guests. Your warm welcome and helpful presence will set the tone for an uplifting and joyful celebration.

Number of Volunteers Needed: 1 
Age Requirement: 18+
Indoor Role: Yes (not outdoors)

Sign up today to be the first friendly face our guests see!
Help us make this celebration unforgettable.

Volunteer Opportunity: Music & Instrument Corner Leader 

Event: Celebration & Graduation Event
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Event Time: 2:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Volunteer Shift: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (arrive at 1:30 for instructions and setup)

Contact Person: Sandy Hill 

Email: Sandra.Hill@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Location:
LCBC @ Liberty Place
313 W Liberty Street
Lancaster, PA 17602

Bring the joy of music to our Celebration & Graduation Event! As the Music & Instrument Corner Leader, where Toddlers can explore instruments, play, and enjoy the sounds of celebration. You’ll encourage participation, keep the area organized, and ensure everyone feels welcome to join in

Arrive promptly at 1:30 PM for setup and instructions

Bring enthusiasm and a positive, engaging presence

Assist guests in exploring instruments safely

Maintain a fun and organized environment

Music brings people together, sparks joy, and creates lasting memories. By leading this station, you’ll help add energy and excitement to the celebration while giving guests a creative outlet to express themselves.

Number of Volunteers Needed: 1
Age Requirement: 18+
Indoor Role: Yes (not outdoors)

Join us in creating an unforgettable, music-filled experience for our guests!

Our Adult Sports League allows participants ages 18-40 with disabilities to come together and play in fun competition with peers. Volunteers play alongside the participants and assist, as needed, so that everyone can participate to their full potential. Volunteers must be 14 years of age and older. 

Our summer camp allows for participants ages 5-21 to engage in typical social experiences alongside their peers. We want to capture that! Volunteers take photos of participants having fun at camp, so that families can cherish the memories.  Volunteers must be 14 years of age and older. 

Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. By volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, you can be a part of the change you want to see in your community. 

No construction experience is required! Common tasks may include: framing, painting, insulating, installing windows/doors, interior trim, hanging siding, landscaping, and much more! 

All volunteers must be at least 16 years old and anyone age 16 & 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

To learn more about getting involved, please visit our website at https://lancasterlebanonhabitat.org/volunteer-opportunities/

Volunteers must complete an online safety course and waiver of liability prior to arriving on site.

We hope you will also find us on Insta at @LancasterLebanonHFH and Facebook to learn more about the work our organization is doing to support the community. 

Please contact Mike Andrelczyk at  mike@llhfh.org  with any questions about volunteering and we hope to have you working alongside us soon! 

The Lancaster Public Library Friends Group operates and runs two bookstores. All proceeds directly benefit the Lancaster Public Library. The bookstores are operated solely by volunteers and the inventory comes from generous community donations. It's the ultimate recycling program for book lovers!

Do you love books? Have you imagined having your own bookstore? Here’s a chance to volunteer and give some valuable time to an important fundraising outlet for the Lancaster Public Library. The Marshall Street Bookstore sells quality used books for all ages at extremely reasonable prices. If you have a few hours free weekly or monthly, please consider becoming a member of our volunteer staff. Hours are flexible and scheduling is done monthly. Volunteers staff the store making sales and restocking shelves during the hours of 10-2 every day but Sunday. Shifts are 10-12, 12-2 or 10-2. Ask for more information during your next visit!

225 N. Marshall Street, Lancaster, PA
(At corner of Marshall & Fulton Streets)

Monday through Saturday: 10am to 2pm
(Closed Sunday and major holidays)

We need volunteers to visit with patients share a book, play music, talk , listen or get them outside.  Pet visits are welcome upon meeting requirements. You will find know greater reward than giving your time to someone who knows how precious time is.

Set your own schedule. Daily, weekly or  monthly.

We have volunteer oppurtunities in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg.

We need Veteran volunteers to visit with patients share a book, play music, talk , listen or get them outside. Our veteran clients are very special to us and there is now better way for them to connect than with a another Veteran.

Pet visits are welcome upon meeting requirements. You will find know greater reward than giving your time to someone who knows how precious time is.

Mornings On Orange Street (MOOS), a before-school childcare program serving Robert Fulton Elementary School students and families, is in need of volunteers on both a regular basis and on-occasion substitute volunteers.  Volunteers interact with students while playing games, doing crafts, assisting with homework, and other positive exchanges.

Drivers are needed for Meals on Wheels routes in Northern Lancaster County! If you are able to help with deliveries in the Rothsville and Clay Township areas, please contact Colleen at Ephrata Area Social Services at 717-733-4846 between 8:00 am – 11:00 am to get more details. You may also call after 11:00 am and leave a message.

“Do you deliver?” Yes, yes, we do. Throughout Lancaster County we serve about 40 routes! This requires an average of 70-80 volunteer drivers to deliver meals on a day-to-day basis. Some of our volunteers enjoy delivering with a friend or a family member—these are our ‘visitors’. Together, our driving teams deliver an average of 840 meals a day (all within a 2-hour window of time). Incredible!

"Early Bird" Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 8 AM

This volunteer shift may involve packing cold bag contents and hot supper meals for recipients as well as working with some simple kitchen equipment or simple recipes. Clean-up is always a part of any kitchen role. This shift is ideal for 1-2 individuals.

Opportunity to help our Activity Department with engaging our residents in a variety of programs and activities geared to enhancing fun and quality of life.

Fosters needed! Pitties.Love.Peace is in need of reliable foster families for dogs of all ages, sizes, energy levels, and temperaments, including foster homes that have no resident pets. Each week we are overwhelmed with requests to help dogs in need, both from overcrowded shelters and owners who can no longer care for their dog. In order to help any dog, we need a suitable match in a foster family willing to open their hearts and home to a furry friend in need.

What does fostering for PLP involve, you ask? We have a great foster program and provide everything our foster dogs need, including high quality food, crates, collars/leashes, toys, training, and of course all veterinary care.

Foster families simply provide their foster dog with daily care, exercise, love, and socialization. In addition, foster families help us get to know each dog's likes and dislikes to determine what their ideal forever family would be.

If you are interested in fostering, there is a dog out there who needs you.

Our foster application can be found at

http://pittieslovepeace.com/adoptable-dogs/online-application/

Pitties.Love.Peace is an all-volunteer based organization and is always looking for dedicated people to help us in a variety of ways. There are many different ways to help, a few examples are walking dogs, bathing dogs, attending events with one of our rescue dogs, assistance with fundraising, reviewing adoption applications, transporting dogs, doing home visits, etc.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Pitties.Love.Peace, please email info@pittieslovepeace.com or visit this link to download our volunteer application:

http://pittieslovepeace.com/support-us/

Handz On Hope’s Social Enterprise program “nimble thimble” has a constantly evolving inventory of sewing materials and supplies based on the donations we receive from businesses and residents.  Our Donations and Materials Handlers sort and shelve donations, assess the overall organization of the shop, and ensure that the donations we accept are clean and damage free.  Please contact Schirlynsfineart@yahoo.com with any questions about this volunteer opportunity! 

Every day, Love INC of Lancaster County connects neighbors in need to loving church volunteers. Each one of these connections starts with  a phone call to our call center. This is a cell center where we listen, assess individual's needs and try to connect them with a volunteer. This is the first point of contact and makes all the difference!

We receive an average of 40 phone calls per day, Monday through Friday, and we are in need of more volunteers to help us answer them!

The right candidate will:

Be an active member/ participant in a local Christian congregation and:

- Agree with Love INC's statement of faith.

- Be a compassionate listener.

 Have good telephone and computer skills.

- Be able to commit to serve one half-day per week, at our

office: 1925 Wheatland Ave, Lancaster, PA, 17603

Volunteers are always needed to help move clients and their belongings into local apartments.

For more information please Contact: Volunteer/Donation Coordinator at info@echoslancaster.org

About ECHOS:

ECHOS serves individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, are at-risk of homelessness, or are in need of services. All individuals must be closely connected with Elizabethtown, Rheems, Bainbridge, Mount Joy, Marietta, or Maytown.

ECHOS is part of LancCo MyHome, a network of health and human service providers, business leaders and private sector individuals working to eradicate homelessness in Lancaster County via:

Endorsed by the County of Lancaster, Lancaster City, and the United Way of Lancaster County, LancCo MyHome is transforming the homeless system into a housing-first approach of prevention, diversion, and rapid re-housing to provide permanent homes for all residents.

Planned Parenthood Keystone is seeking volunteers and interns to participate in opportunities at our Health Centers, in the community, and at your college or university. For details regarding current opportunities, and to apply, contact our Volunteer and Internship Coordinator at volunteer@ppkeystone.org.

"Packing Team" Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 11 AM

This volunteer shift will involve packing cold bag contents and hot supper tray meals for recipients in an assembly line fashion with 5-6 other volunteers from the community. It is a fun time to work as a team during our busiest time of day! Clean-up is always a part of any kitchen role. This shift is ideal for individuals or small groups.

"Prep Team" Monday to Friday from Noon to 2 PM

This volunteer shift will involve building small recipes, working with simple kitchen equipment, and preparing meal contents for the next day's service. Clean-up is always a part of any kitchen role! This shift is ideal for small groups or individuals.

VisionCorps serves clients in Lancaster experiencing blindness and low vision, and we need your help! Our clients need volunteer drivers to help them travel to low vision support groups and more. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity: even helping out just one time a month is greatly appreciated! If you have a little bit of time to spare, come make a new friend with low vision and have a big impact on their lives! You can fill out our volunteer form here, or call us at 717-291-5951.

About VisionCorps

VisionCorps serves individuals who are blind or vision impaired in Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Adams, and Chester counties, through rehabilitation services and/or employment opportunities. VisionCorps’ Enterprise Group focuses on employing people who are blind or vision impaired in manufacturing, food processing, and administrative services. VisionCorps Foundation, the fundraising arm of VisionCorps, provides grants, scholarships, and program support for people with vision loss. VisionCorps also partners with Pennsylvania Vision Foundation to facilitate access to free vision exams and basic frames and lenses for low-income families.

Grane Hospice Care is seeking caring and compassionate
individuals to become friendly visitors who will read to, talk with, hold a
hand, or take a patient outdoors in the Lancaster area. Opportunities for
music and certified pet therapy volunteers are available also.

Potential volunteers will be required to complete a TB
test, drug screen, criminal background check, and training.

Please reach out to Rebecca Cromwell at rcromwell@granehopsice.com or 717-317-1873 for more information about this volunteer opportunity.

Now I am calling on community members to serve as mentors for some of our most at-risk students: black males in our middle schools.

I chair our district’s Equity Design Team, involving teachers, school directors, principals, students and community leaders. For the past two years, this group has dug into our district data to identify inequities and set priorities. We are concerned about the data we see involving our black middle school students, especially boys in sixth grade.

For example:

Both of these trends are most pronounced beginning in sixth grade. That is why the School District of Lancaster is launching a mentoring program for black boys in sixth grade.

We know our students are not broken. We are not here to fix them. We know we need to address the systemic biases in the system and are committed to that work. We have started Deep Equity work across all levels of the school organization, and we have adopted a restorative practices approach to discipline. Still, we believe a mentoring program of an affinity group can disrupt the cycle of failure to improve academic and social outcomes for boys and young men of color.

Some have asked me, Why start with such a small group of students to achieve such a broad goal? The answer is targeted universalism, or using targeted strategies to reach universal goals. We believe a strategy that benefits black male middle school students by improving their achievement and reducing their suspensions will benefit all students.

Targeted universalism is not just a fancy title for a pilot program. Other student groups may benefit from a similar mentoring program; many may not. We want to implement targeted strategies that are inclusive of the needs of both the dominant and the marginalized groups, but that pay particular attention to the situation of the marginal group. We will collect data and determine how mentoring impacts students’ approaches to school.

We already have identified several mentors, but we need additional members of the African American community, males in particular, to support this work. For more information, contact Erin Conahan, coordinator of school, family and community partnerships at 717.396.6501 or EKConahan@SDLancaster.org.

https://sdlancaster.org/inspire/community-partnerships/champions-for-our-youth/

Humane Pennsylvania and its partners can only do the work we do for animals with the help of over 600 volunteers who donate their time, expertise, and love every single day. We welcome volunteers to help us make Pennsylvania the most humane state in the nation!

Whether it’s animal care or dog walking, event support, clerical, fundraising, weeding, adoption promotion, or any other of the many volunteer opportunities we have to offer, every volunteer job is part of our success.

Humane Pennsylvania values our vol­un­teers, mem­bers, and sup­port­ers as impor­tant con­trib­u­tors to the work we do and it is thanks to the gener­ously donated time and assis­tance of volun­teers that we can offer many high qual­ity pro­grams and ser­vices to Berks, Lan­caster and surrounding Counties pets and residents! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities at the shelter, in the community, and from home! Every­one plays an impor­tant role in mak­ing sure all ani­mals have a lov­ing, safe home to call their own – thank you for becoming involved!

The first step to volunteer is to fill out the HPA Volunteer Application. The application contains information about the types of opportunities we have available that you can do to help animals in need. Volunteers with interests & availability that match openings will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator & all volunteer applications are held on file for 3 months.

As of August 1, 2018 – Paper Volunteer Applications are no longer accepted and all volunteer applications must be submitted through the online application form.

Please review our list of Service Projects that are all greatly appreciated, can be started right away, and can all count towards service hour requirements.

If you have questions or need additional information about volunteering for Humane Pennsylvania, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kristi Rodriguez, at krodriguez@humanepa.org.

*For those required to complete hours of Community Service (such as with a school, church or organization), you will need to complete the Community Service Application, which differs from the HPA Volunteer Application above. Our Volunteer Coordinator will review your application upon completion and if an appropriate opportunity is available, you will be notified as to when your start date can be expected!

*For those required to complete COURT ORDERED Community Service, you will need to complete the Court Ordered Community Service Application which differs from the HPA Volunteer Application above. After submitting your community service application, it will be reviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator and if an appropriate opportunity is available, you will be contacted and informed on when you can expect to start your required hours.

Service Days
Ser­vice Days are typically yard work projects or shel­ter cleaning/organizing projects.
>> read more

Foster Care
Foster families provide a life-saving second chance to animals in need.
>> read more

Corporate Sponsors
Become a sponsor for HPA by supporting our special events, becoming a retail partner, or by displaying an HPA dog bank at a visible location at your business.
>> read more

Hands On Helping

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering! Running an animal sanctuary is a big job that takes a lot of people and time. We rely on our volunteers to make it happen. Volunteering at the sanctuary involves a lot of cleaning, feeding the animal residents and checking up on everyone to make sure they’re happy and healthy. Each shift could take up to two hours and, it is a physical job. Taking care of the animal residents and building relationships with them is such a joy. We hope you can join us and help further our mission here in Lancaster County. Please fill out the form on our website to contact our volunteer coordinator for more information and a copy of our volunteer form and waiver.

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of others? Do you have that special sensitivity for the needs of seriously ill individuals? Caring Hospice may be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for! We bring caring, comfort, and relief into the lives of those who need it most!

We need volunteers who are willing to sew a bear from patient clothes for family of hospice patient. 

To find out more information, please call 717-295-1700

This position requires the following skills: Sewing

Manheim Township Fire Rescue has a variety of membership types available. For descriptions of the membership types, please check out: Duty Crew; Live-in; Fire Fighters; QRS; Junior Fire Fighters; Member and Administration.

We are always looking for dedicated people to join our team. If you are interested in joining our team, please take a moment to watch our recruitment video and familiarize yourself with the various roles we have available.

Our recruitment video is available on our channel on youtube.com

If MTFR looks like the place for you, please contact through our Online Membership Form

Aluminum Tab Collection Program

When Everyone “Pulls” Together, You Can Make a Difference!

You can help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Pennsylvania (RMHC-CP) by saving the tabs you pull from canned beverages, pet food, soup, vegetable and other aluminum cans. Funds generated help support RMHC-CP programs. 

We recommend washing and reusing plastic containers with large openings for collecting and storing your tabs. Please do not use plastic soda bottles or milk jugs because they’re difficult to empty!

We’d love to give you RMHC-CP tab stickers to put on your container to encourage tab donations – contact Deb at 717.533.4001 x152 for stickers.

Tabs can be dropped off at the following locations:

Members 1st Bank: 1815 Hempstead Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

Ronald McDonald House: 745 West Governor Road, Hershey, PA 17033. Tabs, especially large quantities, can be placed directly in the Tab Hut in our parking lot at any time.

If you bring your collection to the Ronald McDonald House, please stop in at the front desk during office hours of 9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. daily to receive a thank you note and, if you’d like, a brief tour.  Please call ahead (717) 533-4001 x157 if you have a group who would like to schedule a tour.

For those who live too far from a drop-off site, please contact a local recycling company once you have a large collection to see if they would buy your tabs. Donation checks can be made payable to RMHC of Central PA. You are welcome to mail your tabs to us, but be aware shipping costs are greater than the value of the tabs.

Please visit this website for more details: https://www.rmhc-centralpa.org/recycling-programs/

___________________________________________________________________________________

 Glossy Magazine Recycling Program

“Toss Your Gloss” By Collecting and Donating Your Old Magazines!

When the containers are full, we call Consolidated Scrap Resources, Inc. to pick up the containers.  They process the contents and sell them to a paper mill, which turns the discarded paper into new magazine paper. A portion of the proceeds from each ton of paper collected comes directly to RMHC-CP.  Since this program began in 2004, over $362,000 has been raised by recycling over 13,000 tons of glossy paper.

Boxes or reusable bags make transporting your magazines to the donation drop offs easy!  Please only place your magazines in the bins; NOT plastic or paper bags, boxes, rubber bands or string. Other materials can damage the recycling equipment or contaminate the load and can result in receiving no monies for the collection.

Drop off Locations:

IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE: Containers are marked “MAGAZINES ONLY” so that other non-glossy paper, plastic bags, cardboard and other trash are not deposited.

If you have a very large collection (i.e. trunk or truck load), please make sure there is room in the container before you make the trip.  Magazines cannot be left outside the container or stored on site.

If you bring your collection to the Ronald McDonald House, please stop in at the front desk during office hours of 9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. daily to receive a thank you note and, if you’d like, a brief tour.

More questions? Call (717) 533-4001 x152 or email dstegall@rmhc-centralpa.org

Could you help?

We are looking for individuals/groups/organizations/businesses that would be willing to help us stock up Spike's Pet Pantry by holding a pet food donation drive. We are looking for new, unopened bags of dry dog and cat food for all life stages.

If you are interested in helping us help the pets and their people in our community, please contact Lauren Henderson at lhenderson@humanepa.org, or give us a call at 610-750-6100 ext. 211.

The Literacy & Learning Success Centers (LLSC), a service of the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon (LCLL), are looking for volunteer tutors to work with adult English Language Learners and adult students seeking their high school equivalency diplomas. LLSC also need volunteers who would be interested in working with students who are focusing on improving their speaking and listening skills. Volunteers are needed Monday thru Friday, with morning, afternoon and evening timeslots available.

All volunteer tutors must have a bachelor’s degree and a criminal background check is required. For more information, please contact Jane Myers, Volunteer Services Coordinator at 717-295-5523 or jane@literacysuccess.org.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved with us now or in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly via text or call at (717) 203-7388 or email Vol.Coordinator.GMTRC@gmail.com. Please feel free to pass along my information to any colleagues, students, or other peers that may have an interest in getting involved

The Northern Lancaster County Hub is currently seeking volunteers to assist with all aspects of Hub activities, including but not limited to, office tasks, customer service and working with clients to find social services within the community. Qualified candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma and reliable transportation. The ideal volunteer will be available at least 2 days/week and is proficient in Microsoft Office, email platforms and social media. A creative, hard-working, organized problem solver who can engage with clients from all walks of life is a must! To apply, contact Kelly Ernst Warner at northernlanchub@gmail.com.

All volunteers must pass a criminal and child abuse background checks.

The Elizabethtown Area HUB is searching for dedicated individuals striving to make an impact in the community and to be an active voice in decision making for the EHUB. Members of the EHUB Leadership Team meet monthly for planning and decision making (on a weekday, determined at the end of the members in attendance at the previous meeting), and attend the EHUB partner meetings on the first Monday of every month. *Note: this volunteer opportunity is unpaid.

Steps to Success is seeking additional Board members.  Legal and business experience preferred. At-Large membership is also needed. We provide child care services in Conestoga Valley & Donegal school districts.

Meetings are scheduled on the Third Tuesday of each month from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Meetings are hybrid with in person and virtual options.

For quickest response time, please call Michelle Harbaugh at 717-517-8470.

 Thank you.

Duties/Protocol for Wedding Volunteer

Wedding volunteers observe weddings that take place at the Historic Ephrata Cloister and ensure that policies and procedures are followed by wedding party members and guests. Weddings occur mainly during the late spring, summer, and early fall season on the grounds of the Ephrata Cloister.

Here's a brief summary of duties:

Volunteers must be able to climb one flight of stairs, place fabric seat covers on benches

Front Desk Associates pleasantly greet the wide array of visitors who come to the Historic Ephrata Cloister. They process admission sales and answer general inquiries. Our Associates direct visitors to where the tour begins and share the variety of experiences visitors might expect. A general comfort working with the public and working with a cash register is desired. Volunteers must complete a criminal background check.

The Museum Store Volunteer works in concert with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to promote and develop the Ephrata Cloister historic site. Museum Store staff work under the supervision of the Museum Store Manager. Work schedules show volunteer workdays and hours, and are posted in the staff drawer behind sales counter. Except for emergencies, changes in the museum store sales staff schedule should be posted two weeks in advance. Must have physical ability to lift 30lbs, answer phones, use touch screen and scanner for POS system.

All volunteers shall:

1 - Complete site orientation course with a manual of interpretation

(this is important because many visitor questions end up with store staff)

2 - Under the manager’s direction - keep store filled with stock, have a

thorough knowledge of stock warehousing, learn pertinent information

concerning various craftsmen whose items are represented in the store

3 - use proper sales procedures through the Point of Sale System

4 - clean and tidy the store as needed

5 - take inventory if requested

6 - perform related duties as requested

7 - is punctual in arriving at the workplace and courteous to all visitors

8 - After a time of training be willing to work in the store alone.

9 - must have the physical ability to lift 30 pounds

*Volunteers must have a valid drivers' license and complete a criminal background check*

Are you friendly and willing to be trained on a basic computer-based Point of Sale system? Do you have 2-4 hours a week to meet new people, serve your community, help the environment, and contribute to a great cause?

Come volunteer at Ephrata Re-Uzit!

Three GREAT reasons to get invovled:

1. Our stores provide quality clothing, books, furniture, housewares, and more to local families at affordable prices.

2. We are very environmentally-minded: not only does thrift encourage and enable the responsible use and reuse of consumer goods--we recycle everything that we can't sell in our stores.

3. Proceeds from our stores benefit Mennonite Central Committee--an organization that has been operating relief, development, and peace programs at home and around the world since 1920.

We have opportunities for Volunteer Cashiers at both of our locations:

At the Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop (20 East Main St. Ephrata, PA 17522) :

At Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books (1054 South State St. Ephrata, PA 17522) :

*Volunteers must complete criminal background check*

Do you enjoy scouring the shelves of thrift stores for interesting and unique items? Do you think it is important to reuse and recycle instead of throwing items away? Do you have 2-4 hours a week to meet new people, serve your community, help the environment, and contribute to a great cause?

Come volunteer at Ephrata Re-Uzit!

Three GREAT reasons to get invovled:

1. Our stores provide quality clothing, books, furniture, housewares, and more to local families at affordable prices.

2. We are very environmentally-minded: not only does thrift encourage and enable the responsible use and reuse of consumer goods--we recycle everything that we can't sell in our stores.

3. Proceeds from our stores benefit Mennonite Central Committee--an organization that has been operating relief, development, and peace programs at home and around the world since 1920.

Volunteer General Processor positions are available at both of our locations:
Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop at 20 East Main Street in Ephrata
Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books at 1054 South State Street in Ephrata

Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop:

Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books:

Donation Receivers are available at the donation drive-thru to assist customers unload their donated items. This is outside work but In winter, volunteers are able to be inside while waiting for customers. Volunteers must be able to stand, lift and handle items up to 25 pounds.

- Be a friendly greeter to customers
- Unload items and place in appropriate bins/boxes/shelving (assistance is available for furniture)
- Thank customers for their donation
- If/As requested, give customer a donation receipt for their tax purposes
- As needed, be available to assist with loading purchased furniture into customer vehicles

Share your passion and energy for the history of the Ephrata Cloister with tourists, families, and local residents. In 45 minutes, tour guides take small to large groups of visitors including international tourists inside three historic structures and briefly share the unique stories of the lives of the people that lived at the Ephrata Cloister in the 18th century. Guides must be comfortable working with the public and be willing to be trained in mild collections care.

The LG Health Blood Donor Center has an urgent need for all blood types, especially O negative. Help us maintain our blood and platelet supply during this critical time. Their Donor Center has implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of donors and staff. They are asking healthy people to consider scheduling an appointment to donate at our BLOOD DONOR CENTER at the Suburban Pavilion: http://bit.ly/2QqymNw. We also gratefully accept blood donations at off-site mobile drives held monthly at locations throughout Lancaster County.

Giving blood is simple and only takes about one hour!

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 717-544-0170.

At Blessings of Hope, we depend on our food bank volunteers and their efforts to serve our mission and the community.

“Without our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, it would be hard to maximize the blessings that God pours out.”

Currently, we have over 3,800 registered volunteers, but we’re always looking for caring, hardworking individuals, families, businesses, or church groups to help us spread the gift of Hope in the form of food.

Blessings of Hope can use volunteers in the following areas:

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer at our food bank, fill out the form, call 717-824-1227 ext. 104, or email volunteer@blessingsofhope.com

Monday to Friday – Arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 AM for the morning shift, 12:30 and 1:00 PM for the afternoon shift, and 6:00 and 6:30 for the evening shift.
Saturday – Arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 AM for the morning shift, 12:30 and 1:00 PM for the afternoon shift, – No volunteers on Saturday evenings.

Please schedule your volunteer times during the COVID-19 relief efforts by filling out the volunteer form on this page.

Call us to schedule a time to volunteer if you have more than five people or want to utilize your gifts in a specialized area – 717-824-1227

The Crispus Attucks Community Center Food Pantry Needs Volunteers! Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, the Crispus Attucks Community Center provides a Free Food Pantry for the Community. However, this work isn't possible without our dedicated and flexible staff and volunteers! Work includes putting together pre-packaged food items, breaking down boxes and more. 

Volunteers needed to pack and distribute food boxes on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9am-12pm. Volunteers must be able to lift 25 lbs. To sign up, please contact Pastor Edward M. Bailey at revedwardbailey@aol.com or 717-380-3246

Driver -  A driver will come to the Power Packs warehouse and take already packed Power Packs to a distribution point. We ask that you wear masks at all times while dropping off items.  The number of packs will be approximately 20-50 or more therefore SUV or large vehicles are preferred.  Drivers are needed for the following school sites:

Wednesdays 11:15 am; Fulton Elementary School 225 West Orange Street Lancaster PA 17603 (will switch to Thursdays when students return to in person school attendance)

Wednesdays 1:30 pm; Carter & Mac Rae Elementary School 251 South Prince Street Lancaster PA 17603 (will switch to Thursdays when students return to in person school attendance)

Wednesdays 1: 45 pm; King Elementary School 466 Rockland Street Lancaster PA 17602 (will switch to Thursdays when students return to in person school attendance)

Thursdays 12: 45 pm; Warwick School District; Beck, Bonfield and Kissel Hill Schools

All Power Packs Project volunteers are required to submit an application and background clearances prior to starting your volunteer assignment.

For further information, please contact Annette Rosa-Pabon, Lancaster Region Director; Annette@powerpacksproject.org or 717.615.3784.  

The Donegal Affiliate of the Lancaster Power Packs Project is seeking a volunteer to help with some duties around the office. The ideal candidate would be familiar with:

What is Fresh Express?  Fresh Express is a year-round program operated in partnership between Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Community Action Partnership, and Lancaster General Health, to distribute fruits & vegetables, milk, and eggs to low-income families each month.

Who does this program serve?  In these times of uncertainty with COVID-19, Fresh Express is open to individuals and families in the Columbia area having food insecurity.

What happens at Fresh Express?  At 1:30 PM, a Central Pennsylvania Food Bank truck arrives to unload pallets of food and milk. Volunteers arrive at 2:30 PM to begin bagging the milk and eggs, followed by loading boxes and bags into participant cars from 3:30-5:00 PM. Volunteers and staff clean up, and everyone is finished by 5:30/6:00 PM.

Follow the link to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054da4aa2baafe3-fresh

The Millersville Area Meals on Wheels is in need of an experienced volunteer cook available on an as needed basis Monday through Friday from 7:30-10:30 AM. If you are interested, please contact the Millersville Meals on Wheels office weekdays from 7:30-12:30 at 717-872-2415 or by email at office@mamow.org, or stop by between 7:30–12:30 to speak with the Director at 121 North George Street, Millersville 17551.  

Clare House consists of 2 row homes in downtown Lancaster that house up to 7 families at a time. 

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping with basic home maintenance projects with experience with minor home repairs, painting and using basic tools. 

Perfect for people who are generally handy or for professional laborers looking to make a difference in the community!

If you are interested in helping us keep Clare House clean, safe and comfortable for our families, please call our office at 717-291-8967 or email brandy@clarehouselancaster.org.

Clare House consists of two row homes in downtown Lancaster that can house up to 7 families at once. While our families share the responsibility of daily household chores, we are often in need of some additional assistance to scrub and deep clean the home to make sure it stays a clean, safe and comfortable environment where our families can create the foundation for strong futures. 

We are looking for volunteers who have experience cleaning homes, whether professionally or personally, with a sharp eye for detail and high standards of cleanliness. Cleaning supplies including gloves will be provided.

We are seeking a volunteer to oversee checks coming into the Eicher for private persons using facility and oversee authorized spending and make reports at evening meetings of the non-profit board making use of the historic structures leased by the board in Ephrata Borough’s Grater Park. Consult with current treasurer who is retiring next month. A stipend for service may be arranged.

*Project Address* 409 Cocalico St. Ephrata Borough, Pennsylvania. 17522 United States

*Special skills or volunteer requirements: * Trustworthiness and ability to keep records and make monthly reports, usually in the evening on second Tuesday each month.

Power Packs Project is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that aims to improve the mental and physical health of children by helping their parents provide nutritious meals over weekends when school breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable to them.

We are in 45 schools in 13 school districts in Lancaster and 3 school districts in Lebanon. We have over 500 volunteers and serve over 1600 families. The many volunteers at the warehouse and distribution points give their time each week to ensure that the participating parents have the groceries and the tools to provide complete meals to their families over the weekends. It’s nothing short of inspirational! And the feedback from families that they are now sitting down to have complete and nutritious meals over the weekends is gratifying to the project volunteers.

We are currently recruiting for the following positions...

* Child Abuse, Criminal, FBI clearances required for all positions.

Interested individuals may contact Lancaster Region Director, Annette Rosa-Pabon at 717-615-3784 or annette@powerpacksproject.org. 

Spanish Translators & Tutors Needed

Help us break down language barriers in providing service by volunteering as a translator! Additional language assistance opportunities available through teaching staff relevant phrases and providing basic tutoring in a second language. Clare House staff are particularly interested in expanding our competency in Spanish. 

This volunteering opportunity is available virtually or in-person! 

Please call 717-291-8967 or email brandy@clarehouselancaster.org for more information.

Volunteering is so important! Here at CPOW, we are always in need of volunteers to help in the clothing barn, food bank, with landscaping, residential moves, administration and MORE! Sign up and volunteer some of your time at https://unitedchurches.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer.

The PA CARES Training Committee is in need of your assistance.

The committee is looking to offer a modified version of our annual training virtually this year.  In order to move forward with the planning the committee will need to have an IT person.  The IT person would be a  part of the committee and   present the day of the training to lead/ guide the team through all items related to technology.  Please note that IT support is a line item in the budget therefore the IT person would be compensated  for the work done preparing for the conference and the day of the conference.

If you are  knowledgeable in virtual training platforms and other technology areas or know of someone  who is knowledgeable in virtual training platforms and  would be willing  to assist the committee please contact Donna at dohess@pa.gov. 

The Training Committee team is a small but mighty group  and we are always appreciative when new members join us to share their expertise and ideas.  If you would like to volunteer your time to  be a part of the PA CARES Training Committee it is not too late to join, you just need to e-mail  Donna.

Writers Needed

Do you enjoy writing and are also passionate about community gun violence prevention? CeaseFirePA, the state’s largest gun violence prevention organization, is in need of good writers and passionate citizens from Lancaster County who are willing to write Letters to the Editor. Never written a letter to the editor? Do not worry, CeaseFirePA has a guide to help you write one that includes talking points and guidance on how long letters should be. Please email CeaseFirePA’s Central PA Community Organizer, John-Michael Cotignola-Pickens, if interested. He can be reached at johnmichael@ceasefirepa.org. 

The PA Medi Program at Lancaster County Office of Aging is recruiting Volunteer Counselors to answer questions and provide unbiased assistance to beneficiaries. This is done either working remotely from home via phone, or over phone/in person in our office about Medicare, Medicaid, Advantage and Gap plans, Part D, PACE and other related topics. Extensive training is available. Volunteers must have computer literacy and ability to speak well over phone. Must be able to get along well with people. Ability to explain insurance information in unbiased way. Criminal Background Checks are required. Please reach out to Kim Skinner at kskinner@co.lancaster.pa.us or 717-299-7979 with any questions. 

Want to support The Mix in a more personal way? Volunteer with us! Help our youth realize their incredible value and potential while making meaningful connections. Learn about our volunteer and internship opportunities. https://bit.ly/3st1fKq

United Way of Lancaster County and the Lancaster Barnstormers have teamed up to recruit volunteers to serve as ushers at upcoming games. In return for the volunteer ushers' time, the Barnstormers will make a $20 donation to the United Way program of the volunteer’s choice.  

When signing up, volunteers can choose from one of three programs to support:

The sign up process is simple. Volunteers ages 16 and over complete a short registration form. They will then be able to choose their volunteer dates and times. After a short orientation, they will be ready to serve as ushers in the stadium. Each shift is 3 hours long and volunteers are welcome to sign up for multiple shifts throughout the season. 

We hope that you will join us as we root on our home team and support United Way! 

To learn more and sign up, please visit https://www.lancasterbarnstormers.com/volunteer-to-be-an-usher/. 

Disaster Health Services Responders provide disaster health care by meeting the disaster related health needs of clients and providing support to other volunteers.

Support to the Disaster action team response, shelter operations, emergency aid stations, outreach activities, and casework and recovery planning during a disaster relief operation .

Required qualifications:

Minimum 8-hours per month

To get started as a volunteer, please visit: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=lead&a=18941&h=193&p=592563

Are you bilingual and looking for ways to help your community?

The American Red Cross is seeking bilingual volunteers to serve the Lancaster county community in a variety of ways including:

-Recruit other bilingual volunteers

-Respond to local emergencies like home fires and floods. These volunteers provide comfort items and financial assistance

-Assist with casework for families and individuals who've experienced an emergency like a fire or flood.

Volunteers applying for in-person position assignments must be fully vaccinated. Instructions to provide information and supporting documentation of vaccination will be provided once you submit your application.

If this sounds like a good fit, please get started by visiting: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=lead&a=95185&h=193&p=1899125

Provide Follow up and Recovery Planning Services, including referrals, for individuals and households following regional events - primarily home fires.

Time Commitment: Flexible 

Preferred qualifications:

To get started as a volunteer, please create a profile by visiting: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=lead&a=95185&h=193&p=1899125

Can you help Off The Streets Lancaster (OTS) resettle individuals or families on a Saturday morning?

We especially need people who can lift at least 40lbs. 

We also have other volunteer positions which may be limited, but our volunteer team will reach out to you with more information of how you can help. Volunteer as little or as often as you like.  Email: otsvolunteers@gmail.com

Furniture - Pickups during the week & Moves on Saturdays.
Living Needs- Help manage household items at our Lancaster warehouse.
Fundraising- Help research grants & other funding opportunities.
Previewers - Identify/select needs of recipients & assist with Move on Saturday.
Other- IT/Tech help - Let us know your specific skill set.

Lancaster Science Factory exhibit floor volunteers interact with guests, maintain exhibits, demonstrate science experiments, develop relationships with visitors and help with special events. This is an exciting place to meet people and teach the community about the joys of science, technology, engineering and math!

We offer flexible scheduling and training in a fun and supportive environment! This is the perfect place to get your service hours for National Honor Society or graduation or for your company to complete a day of service!

We also welcome any STEM clubs to come out to the Science Factory to showcase projects and activities with our younger visitors. Do not underestimate your potential in helping us inspire the next generation of STEM students!

LSF hopes to welcome 60,000 visitors in 2023 and install a major "icon" exhibit drawing crowds from across the tri-state area! Volunteers and engagement are more important than ever!

This opportunity is open to anyone 16 or older. Volunteers over age 18 will be required to complete clearances prior to onboarding. Anyone interested in volunteering must complete an online Volunteer Application. Upon completion, our Volunteer Coordinator, Kyle Walsh (kwalsh@tlsf.org/ 717-509-6363 x 104) will be in touch to schedule a volunteer orientation.

We need volunteers to help us with pop-up activities in the museum on Saturdays after 2pm and Sunday mornings/early afternoons.  These activities will be brief (Usually 10 minutes or less) but held hourly. 

We need volunteers to help with our admissions and visitor services department. What will you be doing? Anything!   You may be helping to: check-in guests, ring out gift shop purchases, reset exhibits, or set up for a birthday party. If you are a high school student, this is a great way to get in your community service hours!  

We need help with various maintenance tasks around the museum! Examples: repainting, exhibit maintenance, gardening.