by Peter Boysen

Created on: May 01, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

If you enjoy giving of your time to help others, you will find plenty of places to volunteer in Dallas. Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the United Way, the Salvation Army, and many other national charities have locations in Dallas that could use your time and energy. All of these will be highly rewarding opportunities for you to make a difference.

This listing features charities and organizations that are based in Dallas and operate in the Dallas area. All of them are up-and-coming groups that make a major difference in the community. In a time of recession, each of them could use your volunteer labor and financial support. So, whether you're a Dallasite or someone coming into town and looking to do some volunteer work in Dallas, these are the talk of Dallas in nonprofit right now.

THE WILKINSON CENTER

The Wilkinson Center started when the pastor of Munger Place United Methodist Church, in east Dallas, came out after Sunday services and saw a young girl digging for food in a dumpster across the alley. That day, he started a food pantry that has become a two-tiered poverty prevention agency providing emergency services (short-term food and clothing) as well as an entire collection of classes designed to help families break the poverty cycle, and to help breadwinners move from jobs to careers. Volunteers can work in the food pantry or clothes closet, tutor students and adults in the computer lab, lend expertise through the CareerWorks job development program, lead or assist with GED classes (in both Spanish and English), ESL classes, or volunteer at the summer enrichment program called Camp CLIMB. For more information, you can reach Jane Waters, Director of Volunteers/Outreach, at (214) 821-6380 x202.

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS DALLAS

If you are interested in helping students who are at risk of failure stay in school until graduation, and become citizens that contribute positively to the community, you can mentor a student through the Communities in Schools Dallas program. You would meet with your student once a month at his or her school, and you could be the person who helps that student discover self-esteem and success. If you are interested, contact Elizabeth Tello Rojas at 214-827-0955 x213.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS

Individuals and groups can volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, where the families of children who live at least 75 miles from Dallas can stay while the children get treated for serious illnesses or injuries

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