by Eva Perry

Created on: May 07, 2009   Last Updated: May 15, 2011

Minneapolis, MN, is a diverse city of opportunity for volunteer work. A myriad of agencies in Minneapolis are always in need of people who want to lend a helping hand. Here are some places in this bustling city that can use your help as a volunteer.

   • Children's, in Minneapolis, currently has a variety of opportunities available for volunteers. First of all, there are patient care positions, where you can work directly with the children, their parents, and siblings, to help them deal with and cope with current medical situations that involve hospitalization, by easing their fears and anxiety. Secondly, positions involving administrative assistance are also available, which include filing, data entry, answering phones, and other errands.

   • Minneapolis Community Education is in need of volunteers every year to assist in helping students young and old, to achieve a greater understanding of their school work and study. This requires no teaching experience, and there are flexible hours to choose from throughout the school day. Parents, college students, retirees, and anyone interested in sharing their skills and knowledge are welcome. Volunteer training will be provided during the school year.

   • Project Homeless Connect is another great place to volunteer in Minneapolis, which provides assistance to the homeless people in the community. A large number of volunteers will be needed as guides, to help the homeless with resources they want. Training, along with an orientation session will be necessary for any first time volunteers. Volunteers must also be at least 18 years of age.

   • Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has plenty of opportunities for volunteers to help work with people in providing affordable housing. The volunteer positions available include the construction and restoration of homes, event planning, family services, office support, and help in the outlet that provides building supplies.

   • Compassionate Action for Animals in Minneapolis, is also in need of volunteers. Volunteer positions include speakers, distributing pamphlets, vegan food giveaways, and hosts for certain social events.

   • Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery needs many volunteers to assist in loving, child care, cooking children's meals, serving children's meals, and daily activities. This Nursery gives parent's a place for help and care by providing a loving environment for their children, when a family emergency arises.

   • Abbott Northwestern Hospital has several volunteer opportunities available. The areas in need of volunteers include the information desks, the surgery waiting areas, the gift shop, emergency and other departments, as well as, flower and mail delivery services. There are orientation classes available that are held every month to help you adjust to the volunteer work needed. Some volunteers can work directly with the patients and visitors or assist in clerical duties.

   • The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers several volunteer positions, for example, coaches for various sports, such as wrestling, basketball, hockey and ice skating. Computer instructors are also needed for the many lab centers in Minneapolis parks, or the Adopt-A-Statue that allows a person to care for their favorite park statue.

As you can see with the list outlined above, Minneapolis, MN, has a variety of places and organizations that a person can volunteer their services to lend a helping hand to other people in need.

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