Other volunteer opportunities
Opportunities in the community
Many excellent local organizations needs volunteers. We have tried to provide direct links to information about volunteering at each of these organizations. Don't see an organization that interests you? Try these ideas from Des Plaines Patch.
Lattof YMCA
300 E. Northwest Hwy. Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847) 410-5289
The Lattof YMCA offers volunteer opportunities to youth and adult.
Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines
600 E Algonquin Rd Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847) 375-1443
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
1775 Dempster St. Park Ridge, IL 60068 847-723-6105
Opportunities for volunteers 16 and older. Minimum commitment of four hours per week for six months. In addition, there is a special summer service program for students.
Catholic Charities
1717 Rand Rd. Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-376-2118
Catholic Charities offers a broad range of services from locations throughout Cook and Lake counties. Volunteers are certain to find a place that corresponds to their interests. Some opportunities include, working a food pantry, visiting nursing homes and teaching crafts.
Center of Concern
1580 N. Northwest Highway Suite 310 Park Ridge, IL 60068 847- 823-0453
No experience necessary--training provided! Most positions are available on a flexible-time basis. Some opportunities are: friendly visiting, shopping and errands, photography, holiday gift delivery and office duties.
HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC)
2121 S. Goebbert Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-228-1320
Provides liaison service between volunteers and agencies that need volunteer assistant. Placement for teens-seniors.
Kenneth Young Center
1001 Rohlwing Road Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 847-524-8800
Kenneth Young Center collaborates with individual and group volunteers to provide direct service and support on many levels. Opportunities include: visit, assist or shop for seniors; deliver Meals on Wheels; be a friend to someone with serious mental illness or help at KYC's Resale Shop.
Lutheran Social Services
1001 E. Touhy Ave., Suite 50 Des Plaines, IL 60018 847-390-1488
Opportunities include, but are not limited to doing a crafts activity with seniors, landscaping and painting projects at program sites, providing administrative support to a program and collecting items for people in need.
Maine Township
1700 Ballard Rd. Park Ridge, IL 60068 Dayna Berman: 847-297-2510
Volunteers provide services to help Maine Township departments. The goal of the G.I.F.T.S. program is to spark volunteer interest in community agencies that help Township residents. Volunteer opportunities and social service agencies are highlighted in Mainely News, the Township's newsletter.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Des Plaines 847-593-2849
Links Des Plaines residents in need with neighborhood volunteers for short-term, non-professional assistance such as shoveling snow, raking leaves and minor repairs. Recruits volunteers of all ages who are reliable and have a willingness to help others. Assists volunteers in selecting tasks on the basis of ability, frequency of service, time and preference.
North Shore Senior Center
161 Northfield Road Northfield, IL 60093 847-784-6000
Here are some suggestions to consider: Gift Shop, Information Desk, Library, Friendly Visitor, Money Management, House of Welcome, a driver for the Escorted Transportation Service or an administrative assistant for Lifelong Learning, Social Services or their business office.
VITA (Volunteers in Teaching Adults)ESL/Literacy Programs throughout the area
Hosted by Oakton Community College, but classes are also held in local schools, churches, synagogues and other locations 847-635-1426
Oakton offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adult non-native speakers of English who need to acquire listening, speaking, reading and writing skills necessary to function in their new American culture. They also offer a Learn to Read to Learn (LTRTL) literacy program for adult native speakers and ESL adults who need to improve their reading and writing skills in pursuit of specific life goals. VITA tutors work with the teachers in both the ESL and LTRTL programs.