Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Dallas to support with your time.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 15 ways to get involved in Dallas.
If you want to help your neighbors in need
SoupMobile | There’s nothing like a warm meal to help the soul — help pass out bowls of soup, slices of pizza, or ice cream cones to folks who could use something to put a smile on their face.
Threads for a Change | Consider yourself a fashion enthusiast or a business expert? Help boost youth + adults confidence and career readiness by helping them put together a professional wardrobe or assist with some interview prep.
Dwell With Dignity | Give houses that Dallas home-feel by helping decorate the space for families transitioning out of homelessness.
Family Gateway | Support families experiencing homelessness by helping with events, mentoring kids, or assisting with daily operations at this downtown shelter.
Brother Bill’s Helping Hand | Help with food distribution, health clinics, or educational programs that have been serving West Dallas families for decades.
Natural-born teachers and mentors
Café Momentum | Volunteer to mentor justice-involved kids as they learn culinary skills and life lessons in the kitchen.
Foundation for C.H.A.N.G.E. | Become a mentor to a local highschooler and help them on their path towards college acceptance.
Rae’s Hope | Help young girls develop important life skills through extra-curricular activities like cycling and volleyball.
“I Have a Dream” Foundation Dallas | Help bring a youngin’ from “first grade to their first job” by providing emotional and academic support.
If you’re an animal lover
The Dallas Zoo | Locals ages 13 and up can help with a variety of tasks like helping prepare the animals’ food, spreading the word about conservation efforts, and learning what it takes to run a zoo. There’s also a college intern program for students looking into zoology as a career.
SPCA of Texas | Volunteering with this organization can be mutually beneficial — the pets will get love, walks, and baths and you’ll get quality time with so many sweet fur babies.
Dallas Pets Alive | Help answer emails from folks looking to adopt an animal, check on the well-being of previously adopted pets, provide support at adoption pets, or foster your own cuddly friend.
For the outdoorsy or active types
Kids will appreciate the whimsical vibes of the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum.
Photo via Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens | Join this organization’s 4,000 annual volunteers by sponsoring your own flower bed or help take care of the larger vast landscape of plants.
Girls on the Run | Help young girls in the area discover their strength by becoming the coach that helps them finish their first race.
Trinity River Audubon Center | Help take care of the “wild side of Dallas” by working on habitat restoration activities and sprucing up the visitors center.
Back on My Feet – Dallas | Just like the name suggests, empower those overcoming homelessness with community runs in the early morning to build confidence and connections.
Assisting Dallas’ older adults
The Legacy Senior Communities | Lead an art or craft class, play cards, or just pick up a book to spend some time with this older community.
Custom Care Home Health & Hospice | The later years of our lives can be tender times — help provide some comfort to those approaching their last chapters with pet therapy, arts + crafts, errand-running, or eleventh hour care.
If you want to be there for abuse victims
Self Reflections Girls and Women Organization | This org aims to pair recent sexual abuse survivors with those further along in their healing journeys for guidance and general emotional support.
Self-proclaimed bibliophiles
Dallas Public Library | Help with public readings, spread the word about the library’s services, or help with students’ STEAM projects.
