Ride the rails
The Minnesota Streetcar Museum needs volunteers to operate the historic streetcars on its two lines, one at Lake Harriet and the other in downtown Excelsior. In addition to operators, there's a need for station agents and people to maintain the streetcars and track. Operator training starts in early April. Operators must be at least 18 and commit to a minimum of three hours a month. Operator applications are due March 31; station agent and maintenance crew applications are welcome at any time. trolleyride.org/about/volunteer
Sock drive
Touchstone Mental Health works with individuals dealing with mental illness. Support people entering residential treatment. Hold a sock drive in your school, church, workplace or store. Collect winter socks in men's and women's sizes. touchstonemh.org
Pet visits
Lyngblomsten has many residents who would benefit from the companionship of a loving dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, etc. Visit with your pet and help brighten someone's day. Animals must be at least one year of age, well-behaved and current on vaccinations. Flexible scheduling. lyngblomsten.org
Youth mentoring
Kids 'n Kinship is a mentoring program for children ages 5-16 living in Dakota County. They connect volunteers (individual adults, couples or families) with children. Spend 1-4 hours a week with a child, doing low-cost activities. Ongoing support and training provided. One-year commitment requested. kidsnkinship.org
Greeters
Assist VEAP in Bloomington. Check in volunteers and guests, answer questions, assist with clerical and administrative tasks. Shifts every weekday. veap.org
Hunger class
Help Second Harvest Heartland to lead groups through the Hunger 101 simulation, which teaches about the issue of hunger. Training and support provided. Must be comfortable with speaking in front of and leading groups. One-year commitment requested. volunteer.2harvest.org
Adopt a meal
Agate Housing and Services needs groups (4-6 people, age 14 and older) to "adopt" a meal for those experiencing homelessness and those transitioning out of it. Provide meals for two locations in downtown Minneapolis. Bring food on-site and serve meals to clients. agatemn.org
Hymn sing
Assist Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington as piano player for Wednesday mornings' spiritual care programming in the care center. preshomes.org
Adopt a grandparent
Assist Neighborhood Network for Seniors by visiting with seniors living independently. Reach out, visit, assist with errands, listen, provide support or enjoy a game of cards. neighborhoodnetworkforseniors.org
Photographer
Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute is dedicated to planting seeds of social change through education, training and community outreach. Various events. Flexible scheduling. Must be able to attend community events as needed. ppgjli.org
Find more:
Hands-on Twin Cities offers a range of opportunities. Learn more about which groups need volunteers at handsontwincities.org or 612-379-4900.
