by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: May 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 14, 2012

Minneapolis, Minnesota has so many opportunities to volunteer,  that it can be hard to decide which charity or agency to choose. There are food pantries, animal shelters and hospitals. Some opportunities are out of the ordinary.  Minneapolis needs your help, consider one of these organizations.

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities

This is the local chapter of a national organization that offers help to low income home owners. If you are handy with a paint brush or a hammer and nails.  this is an opportunity for you to be hands on. The beneficiaries are the elderly, the poor and families who just can't afford to do the necessary repairs on their properties. You don't have to have any big skills but if you are a plumber, carpenter or electrician your valuable skills will be put to great use.

Give them a call to find out when and where the next neighborhood project will begin, an extra pair of hands are always welcome.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Do you think that being a volunteer means being cooped up in an office or working in a soup kitchen? Well it can of course but if you are looking for something that you can do outdoors and that will beautify the city at the same time, then why not adopt a statue? There are fifteen statues to choose from and you can adopt it alone or with a group of friends. You will be trained and then provided with non-chemical cleaner and all you need is a sunny day, a ladder and a high energy level. This is a once a year opportunity to really make a difference and get some exercise at the same time. To adopt your statue call Diane Moe 612-370-4929 for more information.

Park and Rec also has opening for volunteer coaches for a variety of sports and also volunteer computer instructors in many different applications as varied as making resumes and digital photography. This is not just for computer geeks or experts, as long as you have knowledge to share there are people who need your help, from children to senior citizens. Teach a group of 5-7 students. Hours are flexible.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a worldwide organization that offers help to people in many forms. They have daycare for children and seniors, food banks and kitchens, clothes distribution centers and assistance that takes many forms. With all these activities there are a myriad of volunteer opportunities available. In the Minneapolis area they need people to help put together bags of food for families in need, they also need people who can lift at least 30 pounds to help unload food donations and to keep food stocked on the shelves. You need to work at least 2 hours at a time and commit for at least three months but this will be a great place to be able to help families in need to have nourishing food.

Minneapolis is better organized than most cities and has a website that can help to match volunteers with the people who are looking for volunteers. You are sure to be able to find an organization in need of a volunteer that will fit your talents and the time you have to offer.

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