Volunteering as a family or with a group is a fantastic way to bond, teach valuable lessons, and give back to the community. Charlotte offers numerous organizations that welcome groups and families, often with specific programs tailored to different age groups.
If you have a teen who is looking for opportunities that they can volunteer for, follow Teen Volunteer Network CLT on Instagram for more ideas geared towards teens in Charlotte.
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte
The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families of children receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. They offer various opportunities for groups and families to volunteer.
Contact Information
- Phone: (704) 335-1191
- Website: rmhclt.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Meal preparation (Bake a Meal or Share A Meal programs), house cleaning and organization, special event support, and wish list drives.
- Age Restrictions: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer independently. Younger volunteers can participate with adult supervision in specific programs like meal preparation. Check with the volunteer coordinator for detailed guidelines.
Miracle League of Charlotte
The Miracle League of Charlotte provides children with mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball, regardless of their abilities. Volunteers are crucial to their success.
Contact Information
- Email: volunteer@miracleleagueofcharlotte.org
- Website: miracleleagueofcharlotte.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Buddy program (assisting players on the field), coaching, field setup/takedown, and concession stand support.
- Age Restrictions: Typically, volunteers for the "buddy" program are 12 years old and up. Younger volunteers may be able to assist with adult supervision.
Special Olympics North Carolina (Charlotte Area)
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Contact Information
- Website: sonc.net (look for local Charlotte programs or contact information)
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Coaching, event support (registration, awards, hydration stations), unified partners (playing alongside athletes), and administrative tasks.
- Age Restrictions: Varies by program and role. Many opportunities are open to individuals 14 and older, with some roles requiring adult supervision for younger volunteers.
Crisis Assistance Ministries
Crisis Assistance Ministries provides assistance to Mecklenburg County residents in a financial crisis, helping them avoid eviction and utility cut-offs, and providing food and clothing.
Contact Information
- Phone: (704) 371-3001
- Website: crisisassistance.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Sorting clothing and household items in the Free Store, stocking the food pantry, administrative support, and special event assistance.
- Age Restrictions: Generally, volunteers must be 14 years or older. Opportunities for younger volunteers may be available with adult supervision or for specific drives.
Families Forward Charlotte
Families Forward Charlotte aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing resources and support to families experiencing homelessness.
Contact Information
- Email: info@familiesforwardcharlotte.org
- Website: familiesforwardcharlotte.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Mentoring, tutoring children, providing meals, organizing donation drives (toiletries, school supplies), and facility maintenance.
- Age Restrictions: Contact the organization directly for specific age requirements as opportunities vary. Some roles may require background checks.
Go Jen Go
Go Jen Go provides financial assistance to individuals and families battling breast cancer in the greater Charlotte area.
Contact Information
- Email: info@gojengo.org
- Website: gojengo.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Event support (5K races, fundraisers), host a pink out game, administrative help, and organizing specific drives.
- Age Restrictions: Varies by event and task. Contact them for details regarding group and family participation.
Bright Blessings
Bright Blessings is dedicated to brightening the lives of homeless and impoverished children in the Charlotte area by providing for their basic needs and celebrating special occasions.
Contact Information
- Phone: (704) 926-2580
- Website: brightblessingsusa.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Assembling birthday boxes, hygiene kits, and snack packs; sorting donations; and decorating for special events.
- Age Restrictions: Many activities are suitable for families and groups, including children as young as 5-6 years old with adult supervision. Specific age guidelines are available on their website or by contacting them.
Baby Bundles
Baby Bundles provides essential baby items to economically disadvantaged mothers and their newborns in Mecklenburg County.
Contact Information
- Email: info@babybundles.org
- Website: babybundles.org
Volunteering Information
- Opportunities: Sorting and bundling donated baby items, organizing donation drives (diapers, wipes, clothing), and administrative tasks.
- Age Restrictions: Families and groups are welcome. Many sorting and bundling tasks are suitable for a range of ages, often with adult supervision for younger participants. Check with them for specific guidelines.
Before planning your volunteer day, it's always recommended to contact the organization directly to discuss specific group opportunities, availability, and any updated age or safety requirements.
