Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of the Midlands

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. 

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 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.

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!

WellPartners invites volunteers to support our mission of providing dental and vision care to uninsured adults in the Midlands. Volunteers will assist our team with clinic readiness projects that help us maintain an organized, welcoming environment for patients. Activities may include organizing supplies, preparing patient education materials, and supporting light facility organization projects that allow our clinical team to focus on delivering care.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn more about WellPartners’ role in expanding access to dental and vision care in the Midlands and the impact these services have on patients and families across our region.

Volunteer Activities May Include:
•Organizing and labeling clinic supplies
• Preparing patient education materials
• Supporting supply inventory and storage organization
• Assisting with light clinic readiness projects

Volunteer Skills:
No special skills are required. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a team environment and assisting with light organizational tasks.

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.

Help us set up for the Pillar Packing Party in the United Way Parking lot! 

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 

Volunteers will put together coping skills kits that DCAC can give out to DCAC therapy clients. DCAC will provide the items to be placed in the kits for volunteers to create on site Friday the 24th beginning at 1pm and ending at 3pm.

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!

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

Join us for our annual Ready, Set, Supply Packing Party!

We are packing school supplies to equip teachers in local partner schools in Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield, Orangeburg, and Calhoun Counties.  

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!