Needs From: United Way of Lancaster County

Volunteer: Museum Fall Refresh: Week of Caring Project 2026

Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster

Help prepare the Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster for an exciting new season by joining the Museum Fall Refresh during Week of Caring 2026 (September 14–19, 2026)!

After a busy summer welcoming thousands of young learners and families, the museum is ready for a refresh. Volunteers will work together to beautify the grounds, improve exhibits, and help create a clean, welcoming environment for children to explore, play, and learn.

Volunteer Activities

Projects may include:

Gardening, weeding, mulching, and spreading rockCleaning outdoor play structures and toysInterior and exterior paint touch-upsDeep cleaning exhibits, toys, floors, and surfacesDusting and exhibit maintenanceCreating or painting exhibit piecesUpdating exhibit labels and signageAnd other hands-on improvement projects!

Rain or shine, there's a way to help! If outdoor work is affected by the weather, volunteers will transition to meaningful indoor projects.

Volunteer DetailsDates Avaliable to participate (Choose a date): September 14–19, 2026Location: 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601Group Size: 10–50 volunteersProject Length: Flexible! Individual tasks range from 1–3 hours, making it easy to accommodate both small and large volunteer groups.Minimum Age: 10 years oldAccessibility: Wheelchair accessibleParking: Free on-site parking is available.

Contact person: Colleen Buck

Email: colleen@handsonhouse.org

Phone: 717-569-5437

What to Wear

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for both indoor and outdoor work and closed-toe shoes. Gardening gloves and tools are appreciated if you have them, as supplies are limited. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your shift.

Skills Needed

Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome! Experience with gardening, painting, or power tools is helpful but not required. There is a project for everyone.

Check-In

Volunteers will meet the project coordinator at the museum's front entrance for check-in and project assignments.

Help create a welcoming space where children can continue to discover, imagine, and learn. Your time and talents will make a lasting difference for families throughout our community!

Agency: Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster

Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster

Help prepare the Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster for an exciting new season by joining the Museum Fall Refresh during Week of Caring 2026 (September 14–19, 2026)!

After a busy summer welcoming thousands of young learners and families, the museum is ready for a refresh. Volunteers will work together to beautify the grounds, improve exhibits, and help create a clean, welcoming environment for children to explore, play, and learn.

Volunteer Activities

Projects may include:

Gardening, weeding, mulching, and spreading rockCleaning outdoor play structures and toysInterior and exterior paint touch-upsDeep cleaning exhibits, toys, floors, and surfacesDusting and exhibit maintenanceCreating or painting exhibit piecesUpdating exhibit labels and signageAnd other hands-on improvement projects!

Rain or shine, there's a way to help! If outdoor work is affected by the weather, volunteers will transition to meaningful indoor projects.

Volunteer DetailsDates Avaliable to participate (Choose a date): September 14–19, 2026Location: 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601Group Size: 10–50 volunteersProject Length: Flexible! Individual tasks range from 1–3 hours, making it easy to accommodate both small and large volunteer groups.Minimum Age: 10 years oldAccessibility: Wheelchair accessibleParking: Free on-site parking is available.

Contact person: Colleen Buck

Email: colleen@handsonhouse.org

Phone: 717-569-5437

What to Wear

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for both indoor and outdoor work and closed-toe shoes. Gardening gloves and tools are appreciated if you have them, as supplies are limited. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your shift.

Skills Needed

Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome! Experience with gardening, painting, or power tools is helpful but not required. There is a project for everyone.

Check-In

Volunteers will meet the project coordinator at the museum's front entrance for check-in and project assignments.

Help create a welcoming space where children can continue to discover, imagine, and learn. Your time and talents will make a lasting difference for families throughout our community!

Agency: Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Sep 14, 2026 through Sep 19, 2026

Zip Code: 17601

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Cleaning Guest Storage Bins: Week of Caring Project 2026

Water Street Mission

Help create a clean, welcoming environment for guests at Water Street Mission by volunteering during Week of Caring 2026 (September 14–19, 2026)!

When guests arrive at the shelter, they are provided with personal storage bins to safely store their belongings. Volunteers will play an important role in preparing these bins for the next guest by thoroughly sanitizing and drying them alongside Water Street Mission staff. This simple but meaningful project helps ensure every guest is welcomed with dignity and care.

Interested in learning more about Water Street Mission? Groups may choose to attend an optional Welcome Session either 8:00–9:00 AM before volunteering or 11:00 AM–12:00 PM after the project to learn about the organization's mission and additional volunteer opportunities.

Contact Person: Stu Metzler

Email Address:  smetzler@wsm.orgVolunteer Details

Phone: 717-358-2079

Dates: September 16, 2026Location: Water Street Mission, 210 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603Start Time: 9:00 AM (or 8:00 AM if participating in the optional Welcome Session)Project Length: 2–3 hoursGroup Size: 4–6 volunteersAccessibility: Wheelchair accessibleAge RequirementsAges 13–15: Must volunteer with a parent or guardian (one-to-one ratio).Ages 16–17: Must be accompanied by a responsible adult.Ages 18 and older: May volunteer independently.What to Wear

Wear comfortable clothing that may get slightly wet during the cleaning process. Cleaning supplies and spray bottles will be provided.

Parking & Check-In

Please plan to carpool if possible. Additional parking and arrival instructions will be provided to the group leader before the project. Volunteers will meet the project coordinator at the designated entrance for check-in.

Skills Needed

No experience is necessary! Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to serve.

Your time and care will help provide a clean, safe, and respectful environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. Join us during Week of Caring 2026 and make a meaningful difference—one act of service at a time.

Agency: Water Street Mission

Water Street Mission

Help create a clean, welcoming environment for guests at Water Street Mission by volunteering during Week of Caring 2026 (September 14–19, 2026)!

When guests arrive at the shelter, they are provided with personal storage bins to safely store their belongings. Volunteers will play an important role in preparing these bins for the next guest by thoroughly sanitizing and drying them alongside Water Street Mission staff. This simple but meaningful project helps ensure every guest is welcomed with dignity and care.

Interested in learning more about Water Street Mission? Groups may choose to attend an optional Welcome Session either 8:00–9:00 AM before volunteering or 11:00 AM–12:00 PM after the project to learn about the organization's mission and additional volunteer opportunities.

Contact Person: Stu Metzler

Email Address:  smetzler@wsm.orgVolunteer Details

Phone: 717-358-2079

Dates: September 16, 2026Location: Water Street Mission, 210 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603Start Time: 9:00 AM (or 8:00 AM if participating in the optional Welcome Session)Project Length: 2–3 hoursGroup Size: 4–6 volunteersAccessibility: Wheelchair accessibleAge RequirementsAges 13–15: Must volunteer with a parent or guardian (one-to-one ratio).Ages 16–17: Must be accompanied by a responsible adult.Ages 18 and older: May volunteer independently.What to Wear

Wear comfortable clothing that may get slightly wet during the cleaning process. Cleaning supplies and spray bottles will be provided.

Parking & Check-In

Please plan to carpool if possible. Additional parking and arrival instructions will be provided to the group leader before the project. Volunteers will meet the project coordinator at the designated entrance for check-in.

Skills Needed

No experience is necessary! Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to serve.

Your time and care will help provide a clean, safe, and respectful environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. Join us during Week of Caring 2026 and make a meaningful difference—one act of service at a time.

Agency: Water Street Mission

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 16, 2026

Zip Code: 17603

Allow Groups: Yes