Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of the Midlands

Food for Your Heart is a community food distribution event dedicated to serving individuals and families who are low-income and experiencing food insecurity. Our mission is to provide nutritious food with dignity, compassion, and care while strengthening connections within our community.

We believe access to food is essential to overall well-being, and this event is designed to ensure our neighbors have the support they need.

Volunteer Duties Include:

Assisting with food sorting and organization

Setting up tables, signage, and distribution stations

Greeting and checking in guests

Carrying food to vehicles (as needed)

Helping manage lines to ensure a smooth and respectful experience

Light clean-up and breakdown after distribution

Volunteers play a vital role in making this event welcoming, efficient, and impactful. Whether you’re lifting boxes, offering a smile, or helping someone carry groceries, your time directly supports families in need.

We look forward to serving together and making a meaningful difference in our community

The Cottontown Art Crawl annual event will showcase various mediums in a local Columbia neighborhood on Saturday, March 7!

Their team is looking for volunteers to help make this event successful, from shifts that help with loading/unloading, food truck services, and more, there's a spot for everyone! Click the link below to choose the shift that best works for you. 

These shifts are just around 3 hours long and run between 6:30am-6:00pm. 

Link for registration: https://cottontown.us/cac-volunteer

Come and volunteer to assist the Palmetto Trail, South Carolina's premier cross-state hiking and biking trail, during our annual True to the Brew 5K Race right at our main office in Columbia! We are looking for volunteers to assist us with helping direct traffic and racers, hand out water at stations, and congratulate and award runners upon completion of the race. If you are passionate about outdoor recreation and physical fitness, this is a great opportunity to become more involved in your community!

Center of Attention (COA) is currently looking for volunteers to assist students with homework on Mondays from 6:00-7:00pm! Volunteers will help create a positive, supportive learning environment where their athletes can complete assignments, ask questions, and stay on track academically. 

Center Of Attention is a youth organization that currently houses a Step Team and Competitive Cheer Program, with an additional Majorette Dance Program coming soon! Their youth consists of girls ages 4-16, focusing on confidence, discipline, leadership, and growth both on and off the floor. 

Becoming an athlete requires consistent training, which can sometimes cut into at-home homework time. COA is launching a Homework & Tutoring Hour inside their facility to ensure their girls continue to thrive academically. 

Have questions? Contact Kameron Sutton @(803) 586-5603

The Lexington County Youth Sports Association (LCYSA) and the West Columbia Tigers (WCT) is a non-profit dedicated to providing safe, constructive programs that empower the youth in our communities. Their mission is to support young individuals in academics and athletics by offering opportunities for growth, exposure, and development. 

They are committed to fostering leadership, sportsmanship, and personal excellence grounded in strong spiritual foundation. Their tutoring program is looking for volunteers to meet every Wednesday evening from 6-7 PM to support student athletes (cheer, football, basketball, baseball, track & motor club) from gradesK-8th grade in the area of reading and/or math. 

Location: Brookland Health & Wellness Center, 1050 Sunset Blvd., W. Columbia SC 29169 (Arts & Crafts Room)

**After sign-up, please contact Ms. Tamaren Marcus: @Tamarenm@gmail.com , (843) 910-4868

**No experience is needed and background checks are not required!

**Student work will be provided. 

Family Connection serves families who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. 

LOOK! is an inspiring photography exhibit highlighting the unique abilities of children and young adults in South Carolina who are living with a disability. Professional photographers volunteer their time and talents during photo sessions capturing the participants in candid moments doing things they like to do best. This annual exhibit is hosted at an opening ceremony at a Columbia venue and travel to additional venues throughout the year. The intent of LOOK! is to help people pause, reflect, and see disability in a thoughtful way. It is a beautiful event that speaks to our goal of creating inclusion, equity, and community. 

Each photo in the exhibit has a scannable QR code which links to a story page highlighting the person in the photo. The story pages are part published on our virtual LOOK! gallery, and in the annual "LOOK! Book", which contains all photos and stories from the current year's exhibit. We are seeking volunteers with writing experience to write stories for our 2026 exhibit. You will receive a questionnaire completed by the parent of the child or young person in the photo. Additional guidelines will be provided by Family Connection. Ideal story length is approximately 250 words. Volunteer writers are asked to complete two or more stories within a two-three week timeframe. Writers needed from January - end of March, 2026.

Come and volunteer to assist the Palmetto Trail, South Carolina's premier cross-state hiking and biking trail, during our annual True to the Brew 10K Race along our peak to Prosperity Passage north of Columbia! We are looking for volunteers to assist us with helping direct parking and racers, hand out water at stations, and congratulate and award runners upon completion of the race. If you are passionate about outdoor recreation and physical fitness, this is a great opportunity to become more involved in your community!

Join Vital Connections of the Midlands' Garden Box Refresh Project in a fun, hands‑on initiative focused on cleaning out and revitalizing our gardening boxes to prepare them for new planting, learning activities, and seasonal growth. This project helps create a cleaner, safer, and more inviting outdoor environment for children, families, staff, and community members.

Join Vital Connections of the Midlands' Garden Box Refresh Project in a fun, hands‑on initiative focused on cleaning out and revitalizing our gardening boxes to prepare them for new planting, learning activities, and seasonal growth. This project helps create a cleaner, safer, and more inviting outdoor environment for children, families, staff, and community members.

We have multiple projects needed at Leaphart Place!

Leaphart is a 20-unit single occupancy apartment complex for youth who've aged out of foster care and are facing homelessness.

Our needs include:

We have extremely limited resources and would need volunteers to provide tools and supplies for this project (i.e. the pressure washer, landscaping equipment, materials, etc.)

Volunteers will be volunteering in the Food Pantry, Donation Center, and Mission Store!

Richland Library Friends and Foundation seeks to partner with (corporate, nonprofit, faith or other community groups) to sponsor used material drives for donation to the library.

Partners are asked to assemble donated books, CDs, and DVDs in good condition to help the Richland Library Friends and Foundation raise money to support innovative library programs and services. The donations will be used for resale at our book sales. Items not relevant to our sales will be donated to other organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

The Richland Library Friends and Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Richland Library, Richland County’s nationally recognized, award-winning library system. The Friends and Foundation supports the Library’s inclusive environment that battles inequity on multiple fronts—from literacy and workforce development to social services—because increasing access to tools for advancement helps our entire community thrive.

Support: A Richland Library Office of Philanthropy staff is available to provide support and answer questions for any group interested in assembling and gifting materials to the Richland Library Friends and Foundation.

Benefits: Gifts to the Friends and Foundation help fuel innovative programs and services not covered by Richland Library’s tax appropriation. Your support truly helps elevate the quality of life in our community.

*Shift hours can be set up with Katy Watkins for individual/group. 

Volunteers are encouraged to borrow our supplies (litter grabbers, safety vests, cloth gloves, trash and recycling bags) and to remove litter anywhere at their convenience alone or with friends, family, neighbors or co-workers.

We can provide a list of heavily littered areas if needed. Learn more and request supplies at https://keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org/?page_id=100.

We refer to this volunteer option as our "One Time Cleanup" program. Learn more and request supplies at https://keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org/?page_id=100.

**Shift times are dependent on your individual/group needs!

Hands of Service: Veterans Storage Project is a volunteer-driven initiative designed to enhance the living environment of resident veterans participating in our housing program. Through this project, volunteers will construct and install individual cubbies and covered storage cabinets that provide veterans with secure, designated space to store personal food, hygiene products, and other belongings.

Many residents live in shared environments where personal storage is limited. By creating structured, organized storage solutions, this project promotes dignity, independence, and accountability. Each unit will be built with durability and functionality in mind, ensuring long-term use and ease of maintenance.

Volunteers will assist with assembly and installation, directly contributing to improved daily living conditions for the veterans we serve. This initiative not only strengthens the physical space within our program but also reinforces a powerful message: our community stands beside those who have served.

*Shift hours are dependent upon individual/group!

Join Brookland Center for Community Economic Change team (Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center) in cleaning baseboards and trash pick-up inside & outside!

Dress Code: Casual clothes for cleaning work!

Join Harvest Hope Food Bank's initiative in sorting and packaging food for distribution to the community. Additional tasks may be assigned by the warehouse team when you arrive.

Please wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.

Join the Salvation Army of the Midlands in their Paint the Parish initiative! 

Dress comfortably and all paint materials will be provided. 

Join the Good Samaritan Clinic in their thrifting initiatiive by sorting, pricing, and staging donated clothing and small household items for future sale in Lidia's Good Samaritan Thrift store. Sales of donated items will fund Good Samaritan Clinic - a free medical clinic with four neighborhood locations in the Midlands.

Join us in our homestore to sort, organize, and clean supplies!

The Clothing Bank uses group volunteers to sort clothing donations and rack suitable donations in our clothing bank store setting. All of our clothing is distributed free to clients.

Occasionally, we receive donated items that we cannot use. These are loaded on a trailer and sold for funds to benefit our services. Volunteer group members may occasionally help load items on the trailer.

*Shift ending times can be accommodated based on group/individual needs. 

Volunteers will landscape surrounding the Salvation Army of the Midlands Corps Office Building/Church.

Water will be provided! Volunteers may need to wear sunscreen.

Will get dirty!

Join Transitions Homeless Center to feed meals to our residents.  Transitions relies on the dedicated efforts of volunteers to serve meals to our clients every day of the year, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Each shift lasts just 1.5 hours. With each meal served, you will directly impact the lives of our clients

Parking: 2025 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. You will enter through the gate located at the corner of Calhoun and Main Streets.

Parking Information:

Upon arrival, please:

All personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided, including gloves, aprons, and hairnets. A baseball cap may be worn in place of a hairnet if preferred. Our kitchen staff will provide instructions and assign positions for each volunteer upon arrival.

Join the Indian Waters Council (Scouting America) in their Groundwork Guardians initiative!

Volunteers will conduct general landscaping duties, including planting and mulching to enhance soil health and appearance. Responsibilities include picking up and disposing of debris such as leaves and branches to maintain cleanliness and trimming trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth and remove hazards. This role requires working outdoors, using hand tools, and having the physical stamina for lifting and bending. Work gloves would be useful.

Join the Palmetto Trail team for a volunteer cleanup at the Weston Lake Trailhead along the Fort Jackson Passage of the Palmetto Trail! 

Volunteers will help clear litter, remove debris, and tidy up the trailhead area to keep this section of the Palmetto Trail safe, clean, and enjoyable for all visitors. This is a great opportunity to give back to the trail, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and make a visible difference in one day! All cleanup supplies will be provided, just bring water, appropriate work clothes, and a snack.

Please contact cbarry@palmettoconservation.org for more information and directions. The coordinates for this trailhead are Latitude: 33.998756, Longitude: -80.818914 right after turning on Weston Lake Rd from Leesburg Rd. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Volunteers will assist with a full clean-out and organization of our storage shed. The goal is to declutter, create safe walkways, and establish an organized storage system for easy access to supplies.

Tasks will include:

We are especially in need of at least two volunteers with pickup trucks to help transport donation items to a local donation center.

Hit the road and make a difference! Grab a buddy and team up to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Richland County. It’s a simple way to brighten someone’s day and ensure they get a hot, nutritious meal.

Pick up your deliveries at Senior Resources' main office (2817 Millwood Ave.) between 10:30 and 11:45 a.m., then enjoy a rewarding route filled with smiles and gratitude! Please bring 2 coolers with you!

We need to know volunteers (with emails and phone numbers) one week prior to assign routes. Please email volunteer@seniorresourcesinc.org

Join the Indian Waters Council (Scouting America) in their Bright Outlook Initiative!

Bright outlook initiative volunteers will help with cleaning windows, glass surfaces, and outdoor areas. Tasks involve window washing with squeegees and other supplies, pressure washing sidewalks and buildings, and following safety guidelines. You'll work as part of a team, interact with community members, and contribute to a cleaner environment. This hands-on role is most helpful with enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a willingness to work outdoors and indoors.

Join Serve & Connect in their initiative to help beautify their community center's outside space!

Join Central SC Habitat for Humanity in construction activities (all training and safety provided)!

Helping beautify HNM campus both inside and out. Deep cleaning campus buildings, washing the afterschool pickup van, and light landscaping work.

Join us at Senior Resources' main office for a morning of teamwork and giving back! Help us pack nutritious meals for local seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels. It’s fast-paced, fun, and a great way to make a big impact in just 60 minutes. Grab a friend, roll up your sleeves, and start your day with a little kindness!

We need to know volunteers (with emails and phone numbers) at least one week prior to the project. Please email volunteer@seniorresourcesinc.org

Join Indian Waters Council (Scouting America) in their Mission: Organization initiative. 

An office organizing shift focuses on maintaining a clean, structured, and efficient workspace to enhance productivity. Volunteers will help with decluttering common areas, organizing office supplies, filing documents, labeling storage spaces, shredding, and ensuring all equipment is in its designated place. This shift may also involve restocking essentials, managing paperwork disposal, and assisting in setting up workstations. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills would be helpful.

Join us on April 23th to pack essential supplies that support our four pillars - Youth Opportunity, Community Resiliency, Healthy Community, and Financial Stability! 

Help Sistercare in yard work tasks such as cleaning flower beds, trimming shrubs, helping to keep their space looking beautiful for clients & donors who visit.

Join Home Works of America Join Home Works as a compassionate construction volunteer to serve a homeowner through an exterior painting effort. The volunteer shift will entail mainly ladder-based painting on portions of the outside of Ms. R's home in Columbia. Volunteers do not need previous repair or construction experience, and Home Works provides all tools and materials needed for this painting project. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

Join the Palmetto Place Children & Youth Services Team for Cupcakes & Community, a volunteer-led baking class designed to bring joy, connection, and creativity to teens at the shelter. Volunteers will help guide teens through fun, hands-on baking sessions from mixing batter to decorating cupcakes while also fostering a positive and supportive space for self-expression and learning.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

No professional baking experience needed just bring your energy, patience, and a love for helping others!

Dress Code: United Way T-shirt + jeans + comfortable shoes 

Shine for Shelter Car Wash, a fun and meaningful community event where volunteers will work side by side with Rapid Shelter Columbia residents to support our mission. Together, we’ll wash cars, connect with neighbors, and raise funds that go directly to services for individuals experiencing homelessness. All proceeds from the car wash will benefit direct client services at Rapid Shelter Columbia.

By participating in Shine for Shelter, volunteers and residents collaborate to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness while strengthening community connections. Come help us brighten cars and lives!

Join the Boys & Girls Club of the Crescent Region in helping to bring Education Day to life by supporting event setup, assisting staff with early competition rounds (Spelling Bee, Math Bee, Trivia, Science), tallying scores, and guiding participants and families to the correct rooms.

Volunteers will also help run activity stations for members waiting between rounds—such as board games, coloring, building stations, jumbo games, and Bingo—serve as judges for public speaking events, assist with registration, welcome packets, and awards, and help with cleanup and breakdown. It’s a high-energy, fun-filled day focused on celebrating our members and their achievements!

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 1,200+ volunteer resources across 330 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, and energized by managing moving parts?

United Way Volunteer Week is the Midlands’ largest annual volunteer mobilization — activating 450+ volunteers at our Signature Packing Party and hundreds more across the region in service aligned to our four impact pillars:

Youth Opportunity

Community Resiliency

Financial Stability

Healthy Community

We are building a Volunteer Week Logistics & Coordination Event Team to help plan and execute Volunteer Week 2026 from February–April.

This is not a day-of volunteer role.
This is a planning and execution team for people skilled in coordination, systems, and logistics.

Volunteer Week is April 20-25 across Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield, Orangeburg, and Calhoun Counties.

Coordinate internal greeter assignments

Assist with volunteer T-shirt size tracking, sorting, and distribution planning

Inventory tracking (supplies, kits, shirts, signage)

Vendor coordination (food truck, staging, music setup)

Swag bag staging and labeling system

Event flow mapping (check-in → packing → stage → exit)

Volunteer registration and check-in systems

Supply stacking and kit assembly layout

Sponsor recognition signage placement

On-site troubleshooting and rapid problem solving

Staff greeter coordination

Daily impact tracking

Photo + storytelling coordination

Volunteer T-shirt visibility push strategy

Advanced organizational and project management skills

Experience with event logistics (corporate events, nonprofit events, conferences, etc.)

Strong systems thinker

Comfortable with spreadsheets and tracking tools

Deadline-driven and proactive

Calm under pressure

Strong communicator

Detail-oriented with follow-through

Experience managing volunteers or teams

Ability to anticipate bottlenecks and problem-solve

Inventory and supply management experience (preferred)

Event layout or production experience (a plus)

Initial sign-up to express interest

Kickoff Team Meeting (late February)

We will establish a planning cadence together (likely bi-weekly check-ins moving to weekly in April)

Strong involvement required the week of April 20–24

Full engagement on Friday, April 24 (Signature Packing Party)

Lead the largest volunteer mobilization in the Midlands

Strengthen project management and large-scale event execution skills

Work alongside United Way Staff and key community partners

Direct visibility with corporate sponsors and community leaders

Help refine systems that will serve Volunteer Week for years to come

1. Background Check

Must pass a United Way–approved criminal background check

Required due to interaction with partner organizations, youth-serving programs, and on-site access to materials and volunteer data

2. Professional-Level Organizational Skills

Demonstrated experience in project management, logistics, operations, or event coordination

Comfortable managing timelines, spreadsheets, and task trackers

3. Commitment to Planning Cadence

Attend kickoff meeting

Participate in scheduled planning check-ins (bi-weekly → weekly in April)

Availability during Execution Week (April 20–24)

Required presence at Signature Packing Party & Event Set Up (April 24, 12:00–6:00 PM)

4. Reliability & Follow-Through

Ability to meet deadlines

Respond to communications within 24–48 hours

Take ownership of assigned deliverables

5. Alignment with United Way Values

Commitment to professionalism

Respect for nonprofit partners and volunteers

Collaborative team mindset

Have you ever benefitted from having a mentor in your life? Do you want to empower a young person to see beyond the barriers that currently surround them?

Empower 1 Empowering All Mentoring Program is all about growth of the youth at South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. We want to assure that someone cares for them and believes in them in every area of their lives. They matter and whatever challenges they face, we will be able to help mentor them through those challenges into great young men and woman. 

Spend one hour a week, one-on-one, and be the voice that transform lives!

Your mentee is waiting for YOU!

The Oyster Shell Recycling Volunteer Team provides a free service of recycling oyster shell from restaurants who would otherwise be tossing the shell in the trash. Restaurants are provided with receptacles for their shell, and volunteers replace full bins with empty ones on a weekly basis and then empty the shell bins at the public drop-off site on Mauldin Road. Receptacles are either the 35 gallon blue recycling bins or 6 gallon buckets for those restaurants with limited space or low shell volume. SCDNR has provided a small equipment trailer to haul the 35 gallon receptacles. The 6 gallon buckets are lidded and sealed and can be placed inside the vehicle.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with recycling oyster shell with our recycling teams in Greenville, Charleston, Beaufort, and Columbia. This is a COVID friendly volunteer opportunity, because you are not required to be in contact with anyone to participate and sanitation supplies is provided!

Volunteer blood donor ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you’re greeting donors, answering questions or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support.

Visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/blood-donor-ambassador.html to learn more! 

As a Family Follow Up Volunteer you will be making follow up calls to military family members or veterans to check the status of their request(s) and provide follow-up support.

We need a volunteer to answer phones and direct guests at our intake desk.  Out need is during lunch hours and/or on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4-7:30PM

We need volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to those recently discharged from the hospital who live alone or have a limited support system. There are a variety of ways to help either remotely or in person. Volunteers choose what they do and what time they have available.

You can touch a heart-maybe even your own.

You can be a hospice volunteer and experience the joy and the satisfaction of making a difference in the life of someone with a life-limiting illness. Anyone with a caring heart and a little time to share can become a hospice volunteer. Caris Healthcare Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a wide variety of interests and life experiences to support and comfort the patients and families Caris is privileged to serve.

The opportunities are endless. If you can an interest, a skill, a talent- Caris can put it to use!

Caris Healthcare is committed to honoring and meeting the needs of Veterans in our community who are facing a life-limiting illness. We are actively recruiting Veterans willing to share their time, talents, friendship and support with fellow Veterans. Whenever possible, Caris will match our Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers with a Caris patient from the same branch of service and/or the same service area. What do Veteran-to-Veteran volunteers do exactly?

Caring adults who can support students with Math in Elementary, Middle, and High schools located in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield Counties.

Senior Companions are senior volunteers who provide home-bound seniors with companionship between 15-40 hours each week. Senior Companions are able to provide assistance with light duty needs and offer respite to caregivers in the home. Senior Companions provide a vital human connection that helps prevent loneliness and isolation among the elderly population. The program also enhances the quality of life of our volunteers by keeping them active and engaged in their community. Senior Companions is a program of AmeriCorps Seniors. Seniors who fall within age (55 and older) and income guidelines can receive a tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement.

Opportunities to volunteer in many areas in the healthcare environment. Come assist our care team members in providing outstanding care to the Midlands Community. We welcome Pet Therapy volunteers also. To learn more about available areas to volunteer at MUSC, contact us. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to connect with and support some of Columbia's senior citizens and assist in making one's day a little brighter. Provide transportation, escort style or taxi style (one way or round trip) to and from appointments, grocery stores, shopping and more. All drivers must pass a background check and be current with auto insurance. Contact us today to set up an interview. Training will be provided.

Volunteers are needed to assist clients in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. No prior tax preparation experience is necessary; The Cooperative Ministry provides complete IRS-approved training and assistance. Volunteers can serve from home or with friends at a location near home. (www.coopmin.org/vita)

For more information, please contact Michelle Blackman at VITA@coopmin.org.

Help is needed from both individuals and groups during business hours. Volunteers sort and prepare clothing for our store setting, and may also assist both donors and clients.

NOTE: Please go to this link to sign-up for Volunteering! You can also sign up on United Way, but if you use our site you will automatically be added to our volunteer database. Thank you! 

Volunteers are a crucial element in building, maintaining, and protecting the Palmetto Trail. Each year thousands of volunteer hours are put forth to create a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all Trail users. Trail Volunteers work in a group setting. Projects are dependent on the needs of the trail in that area. Trail work may include:

Volunteers needed to provide one-on-one interaction and recreational activities with people with developmental disabilities served by the Babcock Center.

Are you a creative who's skilled in creating murals? Have you ever wanted to showcase your talent and passion?  

We desire to beautify our space through the transformative power of murals. Youth involved can be transformed through the process of creating community art and making a meaningful contribution to their school and residential area. Youth can gain social capital through teamwork, skill building, relationship building, and learn different mediums of creative expression. They can develop a sense of pride and ownership for their community space while creating lifelong memories.

JOIN US in a safe environment as we PAINT OUR IMAGINATIONS! 

Volunteers are needed to pack and/or deliver meals between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meal distribution sites are located at:

We welcome one-time volunteers, volunteers who want to deliver on a weekly or monthly basis, and families who want to volunteer together. Substitute delivery volunteers are also needed to replace regular volunteers.

Local businesses are also welcome to “adopt” a delivery route to share among employees, or to organize a one-day delivery “blitz” to provide a break to our regular volunteers.

Visit our website to sign up!

The Communications Chair Role

Serving as a Communications Chairperson, you will work in conjunction with the volunteer committee members and the Marketing and Events Manager to raise awareness, participation, and revenue to ensure Family Connection’s key fundraising events—LOOK! TM , and Buddy Walk—are successful.

LOOK! Background
LOOK! is an inspiring photography exhibit highlighting the unique abilities of children and young adults in South Carolina who are living with a disability. Professional photographers volunteer their time and talents during photo sessions capturing the participants in candid moments doing things they like to do best.

This annual exhibit is hosted at an opening ceremony at a Columbia venue. Ideally, the exhibit will remain on display at one or more venues throughout the year. The intent of LOOK! is to help people pause, reflect, and see disability in a thoughtful way. It is a beautiful event that speaks to our goal of creating inclusion, equity, and community.

Buddy Walk Background
Each year, Family Connection honors Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, and we host our Buddy Walk event as part of this annual celebration. This walk and festival-like event attracts hundreds of family members, friends, sponsors, and supporters who raise awareness and funds during the Buddy Walk campaign.

Responsibilities:
- Become familiar with Family Connection mission and event speaking points and be comfortable presenting this information to help promote interest, participation, and support of our events.
- Help secure media partnerships with TV, radio, outdoor and/or print outlets.
- Assist with creating and implementing event publicity plans.
- Help recruit one or more new members to the volunteer leadership committee.
- Ask your company or organization to support our events by committing to one or more of these activities:
    o Become a sponsor of LOOK!
    o Purchase ad space in the LOOK! Book
    o Become a Buddy Walk sponsor or form a company team and commit to a fundraising goal
    o Become an event vendor
    o Make a donation to LOOK! or Buddy Walk
- Assist with attending LOOK! photo sessions, interviewing parents, writing or proofreading story pages.
- Assist with securing one or more venues for the LOOK! 2025 exhibit to be on public display.
- Attend committee meetings (may be virtual or in person)
- Serve as a Tailgate Judge at Buddy Walk.
- Assist with scripting, staging, and media activities at LOOK! and Buddy Walk events.

The Logistics Chair Role
The Logistics Chair will work with the volunteer committee members and the Marketing and Events Manager to plan and manage event logistics and lead day-of-event activities and volunteer management. The primary role of the Logistics Chair is to ensure that the event runs smoothly, and is safe, well-organized, and engaging.

LOOK! Background
LOOK! is an inspiring photography exhibit highlighting the unique abilities of children and young adults in South Carolina who are living with a disability. Professional photographers volunteer their time and talents during photo sessions capturing the participants in candid moments doing things they like to do best.

We present the annual exhibit at an opening ceremony in Columbia. Ideally, the exhibit will remain on display at one or more additional venues throughout the year. The intent of LOOK! is to help people pause, reflect, and see disability in a thoughtful way. It is a beautiful event that speaks to our goal of creating inclusion, equity, and community.

Buddy Walk Background
Each year, Family Connection honors Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, and we host our Buddy Walk event as part of this annual celebration. This walk and festival-like event attracts hundreds of family members, friends, sponsors, and supporters who raise awareness and funds during the Buddy Walk campaign.

Logistics Chairperson Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with event committee and Marketing and Events Manager, create a logistics plan and timeline for pre-event, day-of, and post-event activities.
- Assist with attending LOOK! photo sessions, interviewing parents, writing or proofreading story pages.
- Assist with securing one or more venues for the LOOK! 2025 exhibit to be on public display.
- Become familiar with Family Connection mission and event speaking points and be comfortable presenting this information to help promote interest, participation, and support of the event.
- Ask your company or organization to support our events by committing to one or more of these activities:
   o Become a sponsor of LOOK!
   o Purchase ad space in the LOOK! Book
   o Become a sponsor of Buddy Walk or form a company team and commit to a fundraising goal
   o Become an event vendor
   o Make a monetary and/or in-kind goods or services donation to LOOK! or Buddy Walk
- Help secure gift cards and donations or discounted rates for logistics-related event material or services.
- Serve as a Tailgating Judge at Buddy Walk.
- Assist with managing activities and volunteers on event days.
- Attend committee meetings (monthly—may be virtual or in person).

The Sponsorship Chairperson’s Role
Serving as a Sponsorship Chairperson, you will work in conjunction with the volunteer committee members and the Marketing and Events Manager to help set and meet sponsorship revenue goals to ensure Family Connection’s key fundraising events—LOOK! TM , and Buddy Walk—are a success.

LOOK! Background
LOOK! is an inspiring photography exhibit highlighting the unique abilities of children and young adults in South Carolina who are living with a disability. Professional photographers volunteer their time and talents during photo sessions capturing the participants in candid moments doing things they like to do best.

We present the annual exhibit at an opening ceremony in Columbia. Ideally, the exhibit will remain on display at one or more additional venues throughout the year. The intent of LOOK! is to help people pause, reflect, and see disability in a thoughtful way. It is a beautiful event that speaks to our goal of creating inclusion, equity, and community.

Buddy Walk Background
Each year, Family Connection honors Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, and we host our Buddy Walk event as part of this annual celebration. This walk and festival-like event attracts hundreds of family members, friends, sponsors, and supporters who raise awareness and funds during the Buddy Walk campaign.

Sponsorship Chair Responsibilities:
- Become familiar with Family Connection mission and event speaking points and be comfortable presenting this information to help promote interest, participation, and support of our events.
- Ask your company or organization to support our events by committing to one or more of these activities:
   o Become a sponsor of LOOK! or
   o Purchase ad space in the LOOK! Book
   o Become a sponsor of Buddy Walk or form a company team and commit to a fundraising goal
   o Become an event vendor
   o Make a donation to LOOK! or Buddy Walk
- Help recruit one or more members to the volunteer leadership committee.
- Work with committee and staff liaison to:
   o Develop a prospective sponsorship pipeline to secure two or more new sponsors for each event
   o Assist with confirming past year sponsors
   o Assist with securing one or more venues for the LOOK!2024 exhibit to be on public display (venues can be located anywhere in the state)

- Write a personal thank you note to sponsors upon commitment.
- Serve as a tailgate judge at Buddy Walk.
- Meet with staff liaison and other committee members (virtual or in-person).

Are you interested in providing educational support to youth behind the fence who are eager to get their GED and/or graduate and who desire to go to the next level?

Spend an hour volunteering one-on-one between 8-3:30 p.m. with a young person who truly needs your support!

Share you knowledge of various subjects and see the difference your presence makes immediately. Tutoring occurs with youth between ages 12-17. If you are interested in having a positive impact on the life of a young person, please respond!

Application, background check, and orientation are required at no cost to the volunteer.  Scheduling is flexible to best meet the needs of the volunteer and DJJ education staff. 

We are always looking for adult volunteers who have lived experience with mental health conditions. This can include being in recovery of one's own mental illness or being a supporter of a family member with a mental health condition. In this paid volunteer position, volunteers are paid a stipend to present the Ending the Silence presentations to students, staff, and community members.

We are always welcoming young adult volunteers that have lived experience with a mental health condition. This paid volunteer position receives a stipend after each presentation. Young adult volunteers are between the ages of 18-24 and have lived experience with a mental health condition themselves and are in recovery or have a story to share about a family member who has struggled with a mental health condition. Young adults present their story at the end of the presentation to share their experiences with similar aged people that can learn and relate from their story.

BE THE VOICE! We are seeking volunteers to advocate for vulnerable adults by serving as a volunteer Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem (VAGAL). Vulnerable adults are 18 and older with a physical or mental impairment, in the protective custody of Adult Protective Services. These adults are often victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and/or self-neglect. We need YOUR voice to help advocate for their well-being.

As a VAGAL SC volunteer, you will get to know the vulnerable adult and interact with others involved in their life including family members, caregivers, social workers, and medical providers. You will gather information about the adult, find out what option(s) would improve the adult's situation, and make unbiased recommendations to the South Carolina Family Court on the best interests of the vulnerable adult.

Training is provided in person (at this time) in a one-day session, as well as two opportunities to shadow VAGALs at court hearings to see the process firsthand. Although we cover all 46 counties across the state, volunteers would be given cases near their local counties.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. This is a rewarding and challenging volunteer opportunity. We really want to hear from you!

To apply and register for training, please visit: https://aging.sc.gov/VAGAL

We are looking for a handful of Front Desk Volunteers to cover our front desk.   Must be friendly, customer-service oriented, and able to take instruction.   We can work with your schedule.  Background check required and training is provided prior to scheduled shift.  Thank you!

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We are currently seeking front desk volunteers to assist during office hours on Fridays, as well as at other times throughout the summer as needed. Volunteers will play a key role in creating a welcoming environment by greeting visitors, answering incoming calls, providing simple customer service, and managing entry through the front doors.

Volunteers will report to Pamela Sykes, Community Innovation Center Manager.

Please note that all volunteers are required to complete a background check prior to serving.

We’d love to have your help in creating a positive first impression for all who enter our space!

The USO’s mission is to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families. At USO South Carolina, we bring that mission to life by providing a warm, welcoming space for service members and their families traveling through Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

We’re currently seeking volunteers to join our incredible team at the USO Columbia Airport Center. Whether it’s offering a snack, a smile or simply a place to relax before their flight, our volunteers make a real impact one shift at a time.

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, an ACS CARES volunteer empowers patients and caregivers with information and resources, as well as providing support to people during their cancer experience. 

*Non-clinical

*Flexible Schedule

Receive comprehensive training that is online and completed at your own pace (averaging 4-6 hours). 

*More information on requirements and benefits can be found here: Volunteer Opportunity

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, the Road to Recovery Driver provides people with transportation to and from their cancer-related medical appointments. Drivers donate their time to help people with cancer get the lifesaving treatments they need. 

*Volunteers choose the rides that work best for their schedule.

*Most rides are scheduled during the weekday between 7am and 7pm.

*The American Cancer Society asks volunteers to commit to a minimum of 2 rides per month. 

*More information on requirements and procedures can be found here: Richland Volunteer Opportunity , Lexington County Volunteer Opportunity 

We Care Center located in Chapin, SC sponsors a great volunteer opportunity for those interested in greeting clients, answering the phone, maintaining client files, and inputting data. 

**This opportunity can be set up directly through the website or through the Volunteer Center team at the United Way of the Midlands!

Volunteer Website

We Care Center located in Chapin, SC is sponsoring a volunteer opportunity for those interested in interviewing clients to determine needs; provide spiritual support; and input data. 

**This opportunity can be set up directly through the website or through the United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Center team!

Volunteer Website

We Care Center located in Chapin, SC is sponsoring a volunteer opportunity for those interested in sorting and stacking donated food, filling food assistance orders, and able to lift 50 lbs. 

**This opportunity can be set up directly through the website or through the United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Center team! 

Volunteer Website

We Care Center located in Chapin, SC is sponsoring a volunteer opportunity for those interested in picking up donated perishables from local grocery stores as a member of a team. 

**This opportunity can be set up directly through the website or through the United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Center team. 

Volunteer Website

Central SC Habitat for Humanity focuses on the restoration, construction, revitalization of neighborhoods and communities. 

Individually, you can participate in: 

*More information can be found on the website. Opportunities can be set up via website or the Volunteer Center team at the United Way of the Midlands. Volunteer Website

Central SC Habitat for Humanity focuses on the restoration, construction, and revitalization of neighborhoods and communities. 

As a team, you can participate in: 

*More information can be accessed through the website. For volunteer opportunities, they can be set up through the website or the Volunteer Center team at the United Way of the Midlands.  Volunteer Website

About Sew and Heal

Founded in 2023 by Jacquelyn Odom, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Sew and Heal is on a mission to helping veterans heal from PTSD stitch-by-stich.

The nonprofit offers a range of services to women Veterans, including Beginner Sewing Workshops, Crafting Classes, Mindfulness Sewing Circles, Journaling Workshops, and Peer Support Groups. These services offer a range of mental and physical health benefits to service members, including enhanced emotional well-being, improved mental focus, increased social connection, and a sense of purpose. 

What Does a Volunteer Board Member Do?

- Attend monthly board meetings in Irmo, SC

- Monitor financials and oversee the financial health of the nonprofit

- Advance our mission by leveraging networks and supporting fundraising efforts

- Provide advice to the Executive Director and support programming and operations duties

Why Join Our Board of Directors?

- Support the healing journeys of women who have served in the military

- No military or previous board experience necessary

- Gain new skills

- Strengthen your networks

- Have fun

Harvest Hope Food Bank is South Carolina's largest food bank on a mission to eliminate hunger and food insecurity. They rescue nutritious food from stores throughout the state and distribute it to food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. 

To get involved, individually or teams can volunteer with Harvest Hope to sort and pack food items to be distributed. Shifts include:

*This opportunity can be set-up through the website or through the Volunteer Center team at the United Way of the Midlands!

Please go to SalvationArmyMidlands.org and sign up under the Volunteer Tab.

Ready to change a life from the comfort of home? 

Ready to change a life from the comfort of home? 

Purpose/Objective: Assist with garden planting, maintenance, and harvesting as needs are identified.

Reports to: Coordinator of Volunteers for the library/ department or other staff as designated.

Key Responsibilities: Assist in keeping garden plots tidy, with plant maintenance, and with seasonal cleanup.

Goal: Ensuring great customer experiences by increasing the capacity of the library to provide a welcoming environment.

Qualifications:                                                       

·       Have a basic knowledge of gardening.

·       Be responsible and dependable.

·       Follow directions and work with minimal supervision.

·       Be courteous and pleasant with library customers and staff.

·       Display appropriate behavior and dress for my position as a library volunteer.

·      Minimum of 18 years old. 

Time Commitment:  Dependent on season –one/two hours weekly in spring and summer months. Seek help on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Training/Support:  

·       Participate in the Richland Library Volunteer Orientation (mission, purpose, volunteer program, policies and procedures)

·       Participate in an Orientation to the library/department location

·       Training from library staff in order to be a successful Customer Experience Assistant volunteer

·       Ongoing support provided by the coordinator of volunteers or other identified staff

Benefits:

 ·       Knowing you are sharing your knowledge of landscaping with the Ballentine community

·       Increasing library customers’ experience when visiting the library

·       Exposure to the library’s diverse collection and services