As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel a desire to give back to our community. The Portland Metro area offers a variety of volunteer opportunities where you can make a meaningful difference.
From supporting the homeless to helping the environment, there are many ways to spread joy and give back this holiday season. Here are 10 organizations in Portland where you can volunteer your time and skills.
Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank works tirelessly to fight hunger across the state. Volunteers help repack bulk food items into family-sized portions and support various events to fight food insecurity.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Food sorting and packing
- Supporting community events and food drives
- Assisting with fundraising efforts
Blanchet House
Blanchet House is a nonprofit that serves meals and offers services to the homeless in downtown Portland. Volunteers are essential to keeping their kitchen running smoothly and ensuring meals are served with care.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Serving meals to homeless individuals
- Kitchen preparation and meal distribution
- Sorting clothing and donations
Meals on Wheels People
Meals on Wheels People delivers nutritious meals to seniors in the Portland area, ensuring they have healthy meals and social connection. Volunteers can help prepare meals, deliver them, or assist with administrative tasks.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Delivering meals to homebound seniors
- Assisting with meal prep in the kitchen
- Helping with office and administrative support
Portland Rescue Mission
The Portland Rescue Mission provides meals, shelter, and recovery programs for those experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are needed to serve meals and help with holiday events.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Serving meals to homeless individuals
- Assisting with shelter and event organization
- Supporting holiday events like gift distribution
SOLVE Oregon
SOLVE Oregon organizes cleanup events throughout the state, including beach cleanups, tree planting, and litter removal. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the environment while working with a team.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Beach and park cleanups
- Tree planting and habitat restoration
- Event organization and community outreach
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East
Habitat for Humanity helps build affordable housing for low-income families. Volunteers work on construction sites or assist in their ReStores, which fund future building projects.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Construction and home building
- Working in Habitat ReStores
- Fundraising and administrative support
Friends of Trees
Friends of Trees focuses on planting trees in Portland neighborhoods, enhancing the urban canopy and improving environmental health. Volunteers can participate in planting events or help care for young trees.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Tree planting in local neighborhoods
- Tree care and watering for young trees
- Community outreach and education
The Pongo Fund
The Pongo Fund provides pet food and veterinary services to low-income families and homeless individuals. Volunteers help distribute food and supplies to those in need, ensuring pets are well cared for during tough times.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Sorting and packing pet food donations
- Distributing food to low-income pet owners
- Administrative and outreach support
Dress for Success Oregon
Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire and career development tools. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, mentoring, and career coaching.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Sorting donated clothing for professional attire
- Career coaching and mentorship
- Assisting with workshops and events
Transition Projects
Transition Projects helps people transition from homelessness into permanent housing. They offer a range of services, from shelter to employment assistance, and volunteers are key in supporting their programs.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Serving meals at shelters
- Sorting donations and assisting with gift drives
- Outreach and event support
How You Can Make a Difference
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to your community and connect with those in need. Whether you're delivering meals, planting trees, or sorting donations, your efforts can brighten someone’s holiday season. Check out the websites for these Portland-area organizations to find the right volunteer opportunity for you and make an impact this holiday season.
Comments are closed.