Places to Volunteer in Boston
Want to help out around town? Here's how.
Photo provided by Rosie’s Place
Many people in the Greater Boston area are in need—and, fortunately, plenty of wonderful local organizations are committed to helping them. All of the places suggested below to volunteer around Boston accept help year-round, and are always looking for some caring people.
— Food —
American Red Cross of Massachusetts: Food and Nutrition Programs
These national food and nutrition programs serve many people across the state, especially those in crisis. The food pantries, including the Boston Food Pantry and the New Bedford Mobile Food Distributions, assist those who cannot afford a meal. Volunteer activities here include assembling food bags and distributing groceries.
redcross.org
Greater Boston Food Bank
Volunteer at this food bank, which is primarily focused on serving people in Eastern Massachusetts. Last year, the bank handed out more than 56 million healthy meals to those suffering from hunger. CEO and President of Greater Boston Food Bank Catherine D’Amato told Boston in an interview that she thinks hunger is a solvable problem, so by volunteering or even donating food here, you can be a part of the solution. There are many activities that require assistance at the warehouse, including packing, sorting, and assembling.
gbfb.org
Community Servings
Volunteer at this soup kitchen and prepare meals for those suffering from chronic illnesses, many of whom are unable to cook for themselves due to their health conditions. Community Servings prides itself on making nutritious, made-from-scratch meals. Roll up your sleeves at the kitchen and get to cutting fresh vegetables, peeling potatoes, and stirring pots. You can also sign up to deliver Thanksgiving meals to people’s homes with the organization using your own cars, so fill up the gas tank and have your GPS ready before you go. Check the calendar for volunteer availability.
servings.org
CommonCare Meals Ministry
If you live in Cambridge, volunteer at this organization that cooks and prepares meals at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, a historic church that celebrated its 175th anniversary in November 2018. Volunteers can also assist in setting up the dining room, which is designed for people to enjoy their meal and feel like they’re at home.
saintpeterscambridge.com
Haley House
Haley House operates soup kitchens in Roxbury and the South End. Volunteers here are often local college students who go home for breaks, so they require assistance with preparing meals and serving food especially during the school holidays.
haleyhouse.org
— Shelters —
Christopher’s Haven
Christopher’s Haven is a low-cost housing option for children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families — especially for when they are in between hospital visits. Many of these patients and their families find community amongst other people who are facing similar situations. If you are interested in working with families, the organization recommends group volunteering activities by hosting an arts and crafts day or throwing a birthday celebration for one of the children. Coordinate with the manager of family services and fill out this form to figure out logistics and availability.
christophershaven.org
Rosie’s Place
Rosie’s Place is a shelter for homeless women that provides them with not only meals but also employment and education services. Volunteers here can work in the food pantry, teach classes, and build meaningful connections with the guests living here.
rosiesplace.org
Pine Street Inn
Pine Street Inn also offers a variety of services to homeless individuals and has been serving the Boston area since 1969. The shelter relies heavily on the work of volunteers throughout the year, who serve the daily meals and serve as receptionists at the health clinic.
pinestreetinn.org
Friend’s of Boston’s Homeless
Focused on transitional programs for the homeless, FOBH encourages volunteers to help people moving into homes of their own. You can help out by leading life skills workshops, becoming a tutor, or assembling housewarming baskets.
fobh.org
— Children/Education —
Casserly House
Casserly House serves the Roslindale community, providing people in the neighborhood with immigration services, adult education programs, and after-school programs. Volunteers can apply to be a mentor for students or help teach adult literacy classes.
casserlyhouse.org
Prison Book Program
If you’re interested in helping the incarcerated, consider volunteering with this organization, which is committed to providing free books to prisoners. Volunteers here respond to requests for books and mail them out to the prisons. You can also donate your own books.
prisonbookprogram.org
Boys and Girls Club of Boston
You’ve probably heard of this organization before or maybe even know someone involved with it. Consider volunteering here for a chance to work with Boston area youth by tutoring or even coaching.
bgcb.org
Cradles to Crayons
“Cradles to Crayons” is focused on helping kids in need and provides them with new clothing, toys, and books. Opt to volunteer in the “The Giving Factory Warehouse,” where you inspect donated items and package them for distribution to the kids.
cradlestocrayons.org
— Environment —
Groundwork Somerville
This Somerville-based environmental group strives to beautify the area by making green spaces and cleaning up parks and lakes. Volunteers are needed to help out in gardening projects and collecting trash in the parks.
groundworksomerville.org
Bikes Not Bombs
Donate your used bikes to this unique global organization, which sends them to communities in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The bikes provide the people living there with a sustainable option for transportation and a chance to start their own bicycle businesses. Don’t have a used bike to donate but still interested? Volunteer to run a bike drive or help teach bike safety to youth.
bikesnotbombs.org
— Hospitals —
With dozens of hospitals throughout the Boston area, consider volunteering at one of these medical centers. Check out your local hospital as well. Applications to volunteer here are more extensive, so get started soon if you’re really interested. Those with some medical education or experience will be preferred by the hospitals. Volunteers here often support the hospital staff and assist nurses along with their patients. Some hospitals even offer volunteers the opportunity to work in their research labs.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
brighamandwomens.org
Tufts Medical Center
tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Boston Medical Center
bmc.org
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
bidmc.org
Boston Children’s Hospital
childrenshospital.org
— Animals —
If working with people isn’t your thing, then try volunteering with animals. Who knows—you might even make a new furry friend!
MSPCA
mspca.org
Animal Rescue League Boston
arlboston.org
