Volunteer Opportunities
There are plenty of wonderful organizations that welcome the help of volunteers. Sometimes it can be difficult to find places that allow kids and families to participate as well. Below is a listing of organizations that are open to having families and/or youth participate. If you know of any additional organizations, please email MasonMetu so we can add them to our list.
American Red Cross - Cincinnati Area Chapter
2111 Dana Ave. Cincinnati , OH 45207 - (513) 579-3000
The American Red Cross has both adult and youth volunteer opportunities. They have a youth program for those under 18 years of age. Youth will need to fill out an application and then the Red Cross will try to pair you up with local volunteer opportunities.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
2111 Dana Ave. Cincinnati , OH 45207 - (513) 579-3000
Cincinnati Children's has volunteer opportunities for youth 15 years and older (must have completed 9th grade). There are some medical requirements that need to be verified prior to volunteering. There are a wide variety of voluteer opportunities from playing with the kids to bringing them toys/gifts or working in the sewing room (plus more). Look for Junior Volunteer Program deadlines to apply (usually posted in January).
Hands Against Hunger - A Child's Hope International
2430 East Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 - (513) 771-2244
Visit TheChildrenAreWaiting.org to read more about Hands Againsts Hunger. This organization packages food, water and life packs for children in need around the world. There are a variety of ways to volunteer including public packing sessions hosted every on select Saturdays at the "Factory".
Matthew 25 Ministries
2430 East Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 - (513) 771-2244
At Matthew 25 Ministries, volunteers have the ability to sort and package donated goods. Their busiest volunteer day is on Saturdays. Kids 16 and under are welcome as long as they have an adult/child ratio match. Please register for volunteering in advance if you have a group of 4 or more. "Matthew 25: Ministries is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization helping the poorest of the poor locally, regionally, nationally and internationally regardless of race, creed or political persuasion."y". Make sure you take the time to see their Global Village Tour. It will really give meaning and insight into how you are helping when you volunteeer.
Shared Harvest Foodbank
5901 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Ohio 45014 - (513) 874-0114
The three main programs include CSFP senior food boxes, Retail Rescue, and BackPack. "The primary purpose of Shared Harvest Foodbank is to alleviate poverty and hunger by soliciting and judiciously distributing surplus marketable and wholesome grocery products to a network of charitable food pantries, foodbanks, soup kitchens, shelters and other distributing organizations, which in turn distribute these products to needy and hungry people." Requirements - Volunteers must be 15-18 years or older and be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. "They should be able to stand for at least an hour or two and lift up to 35 pounds, must wear closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for a slightly heated and non-air conditioned warehouse."