It’s a monthly ask from subscribers and group members of VKZ – “Where can we go and volunteer?” The amount of opportunities in the valley is usually a suprise to our readers. No matter what your interest, from horses to park clean up, helping kids, feeding families or reading to pets over the holidays, the ways to volunteer in the Las Vegas valley is abundant.
Know the rules, restrictions and what the charity or business truly needs before you go to make the most of your volunteer experience. When you get involved in local organizations you are going to be able to utilize your time in a positive and exciting way.
You’ll get to know new people, give back to others and you get to get out of your comfort zone. Volunteering is for everyone, no matter what you think you can bring to the table, the chances are high that you will learn something from it.
The JustServe organization has a list of volunteer projects. Call before you go to get the best info.
Volunteer Tracker & Preparation Kit
I’ve heard from so many disappointed parents that wanted to show their child the power of giving back only to be turned away because they didn’t realize the age restrictions, clothing requirements or commitment that was needed. It seemed like a waste of time for all involved.
I did some research and made a volunteer kit to help you to get the most out of your time, and the organization’s time, with pointed questions to ask the volunteer person, an information tracker and hours timesheet. I’ve also included questions to prepare you or teens for interviews if the volunteer place requires an interview before you can help there.
Get this Volunteer Kit to keep track of your hours if needed, questions to ask before you volunteer and info on places you want to volunteer. It’s FREE in the November issue of the VKZ Magazine!
Volunteering can help prepare kids and teens to work in a field they are considering. It can also help them realize their strengths and weaknesses. When volunteering, be prepared to answer questions. Organizations want to know about why you want to volunteer with this particular organization and what you can offer.
Volunteering Opportunities
They have been helping families with everything from food and toys to basic toiletries and supplies. Contact Trudy, 702-236-1645.
They create Golden Knight gifts and ways to help families who can’t afford to get to a hockey game. They have games and contests to win prizes and they collaborate with local charities and schools to assist in their goals of fundraising. They also assist local businesses by promoting their services and products.
Not sure what you want to do? Volunteer Match will help you find local charities based on your interests, location and more.
Inspiring and empowering others to help make an impact in the homeless community.
They provide support and services to homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students so they can remain in school, graduate, and build bright futures.
Types of volunteer activities at Project 150
- Packing Family Meal Bags with nonperishable goods
- Sorting through new/gently used donations
- Replenishing and organizing Betty’s Boutique
- Special events throughout the year
Volunteers aged 15 and younger must have a parent/guardian present.
The Just One Project
They run one of the largest mobile food pantry in Nevada! They have many ways they help the community and opportunities for volunteering.
Volunteer of ALL AGES can help:
- In the Community Market Warehouse where you will assemble grocery bags and organize pallets of food as needed.
- At the No-Cost Community Market where we provide groceries to food-insecure seniors, and emergency food assistance for families in a drive-thru model. The market is open on weekday mornings with senior specific hours.
- At our no-cost Farmers Market where clients are given the opportunity to walk up and choose fresh produce and protein, just as they would at their local farmers market. Volunteers assist with the setup and breakdown, and will work a designated station throughout the event – managing a table, traffic control, and assisting clients to their vehicles with their groceries.
They help combat pet hunger & homelessness and are always in need of supplies and food.
The goal of Spread the Word Nevada is to promote literacy and to make it possible for all of Nevada’s children to experience the magic of books.
Volunteers age 7 and up and can clean and repair gently used books that Spread the Word Nevada will distribute to students at underserved schools. Volunteers ages 7-13 must have an adult with them.
The Animal Foundation, founded in 1978, is one of the highest-volume single-site animal shelters in America. Our mission is to save all healthy and treatable animals in the Las Vegas Valley.
There are many ways to volunteer at TAF including Reading to Animals for children ages 6-17 with their parents.
- Reading to animals is an especially great way to help animals who are displaying fear, stress and anxiety from being in the shelter. Talking to them in the steady voice we use when we are reading helps them to calm down and decompress.
- Please see the Reading to Animals Sign Up to book a reading slot.
Where Kids and Teens Can Volunteer in Las Vegas
Las Vegas kids have big hearts. We see it all the time at Vegas Kids Zone events. Young people here want to help, build something meaningful, and make their city better. The good news is there are plenty of places that welcome student volunteers and make it easy to get started.
One of the best starting points is DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, where teens can assist with programs, camps, and special events while learning leadership and communication skills. It is a fun environment where helping others also means inspiring younger kids to explore science, art, and creativity.
Another easy way to find service opportunities is through JustServe, a platform that connects volunteers with projects happening all over the Las Vegas valley. Students can browse causes they care about and sign up for everything from community cleanups to helping local nonprofits at events.
If food insecurity is something that matters to you, Three Square Food Bank is Southern Nevada’s only food bank and a major force in fighting hunger. Volunteers help sort food, pack boxes, and assist with community distribution efforts that reach families across the valley.
High school students looking to help their peers can volunteer with Project 150, which supports homeless and displaced high school students. Teens can help organize donations, assist in Betty’s Boutique, and support fundraising events that provide essential items and resources.
Book lovers may enjoy helping with Spread the Word Nevada, a nonprofit dedicated to getting books into the hands of kids who need them. Volunteers help sort donated books and prepare them for literacy programs across Nevada.
Students interested in science and technology can get involved with FIRST Nevada, which runs robotics competitions and STEM programs. Volunteers often help mentor younger students or assist during competitions.
For teens curious about healthcare careers, the Summerlin Hospital Medical Center teen volunteer program provides hands-on experience in a professional medical setting while supporting patients and staff.
And for those who enjoy mentoring younger kids, After‑School All‑Stars Las Vegas offers opportunities to help with programs, workshops, and special events that help students succeed in school and beyond.
Volunteering is not just about service hours. It is about discovering what you care about, meeting people who inspire you, and realizing you can make a real difference right here in Las Vegas. Around here, that kind of leadership starts young.
Benefits of Volunteering for Kids
Volunteering is more important than ever. There are many local businesses that are in need of volunteers to help pass out food, collect items, feed and play with cats and dogs and so much more. I’ll continue to add to this list.
Volunteering is great for kids to learn empathy, civics, prepare for future job interviews and more. It can be an opportunity to hone skills, work with organizations, prepare for interviews and gain confidence and skills. And don’t forget to support local businesses this holiday season!
#inspire #impact #change #helpeachother