For many people, volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to stay involved in the local community. Some people just love to volunteer and some people say it especially helps them to give back when they are feeling down or isolated.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County has volunteer opportunities for adults and high school students to be mentors for kids. They also often have spots available for kids who would like a mentor.
“I was really nervous to sign up to be a Big Sister because I was worried about not having anything to talk about with my little sister. But actually it’s been really fun! Susannah [Big Brother Big Sisters staff] give us ideas every week of what to do, but now we usually just make dance videos or chat.”
– 10th grader in the virtual program
Greenfield Housing Authority is often looking for volunteers (especially high school age!) for the monthly Mobile Food Bank at Oak Courts. Volunteers help put together bags of food and/or assist with food distribution. Email Kim “at” greenfieldhousing.org to find out more!
Stone Soup Café in Greenfield continues to serve meals on Saturdays during COVID. They have a variety of volunteer options for youth and adults. Some are very flexible with no long-term commitment. Check out their post from last year about a youth volunteer.
The Franklin County Community Meals Program (FCCMP) has multiple sites in Greenfield, Turners Falls, and Orange. They have volunteer opportunities for adults and youth. For more info on volunteering, contact the staff.
The ACT Volunteer Center in Greenfield helps to connect people interested in volunteering with agencies looking for volunteers.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter accepts volunteers who are 17 and older on their own, and 16 and older with an adult. CORI check required.
Dakin Animal Shelter in Leverett is temporarily closed, but they usually have volunteer opportunities. Their Springfield site is still open and accepting volunteers.
For people 18 and older:
The Literacy Project in Greenfield accepts volunteers who are 18 and up.
We are always on the look out for more volunteer opportunities for youth and will update this page as we hear back! If you know of an organization you’d like to help out, give them a call and ask if they have opportunities for youth.