December 20, 2023
Giving back to the community is a great way to learn through hands-on experiences — and feel good while doing it. While there are a number of ways to give back on campus by donating to spots like Husker Pantry, Lavender Closet or Career Closet or serving as a tutor or ambassador for your college, there are several spots you can volunteer off-campus as well. Take a moment to read through some places that are always looking for help.
Animal shelters
If you’re an animal lover, you’ve got a great opportunity to hang out with some furry friends who are in need of someone to hang out with. Whether you’re interested in being a fostering parent for a pet or volunteering on-site to help clean, play with or walk the animals, be sure to spend time at the Capitol Humane Society in your free time.
People’s City Mission Help Center
The People’s City Mission Help Center is always full of donations. Whether it’s clothing, housing items or toys for children, the help center is always looking for volunteers to help sort through and organize donations before they go out for distribution. Interested in volunteering with a group? You can also sign up your RSO or a grab a group of friends to volunteer together.
Neighborhood Rec Centers
Through the City of Lincoln, you have the chance to hang out with Lincoln’s youth through volunteering at neighborhood rec centers like the F Street, Belmont Rec Center or the Malone Center. Housed in different areas of Lincoln, there are a range of spots you can choose to volunteer at. While volunteering at a neighborhood rec center, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with children playing sports, doing arts & crafts, or just sitting, having a conversation and building a relationship.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln has multiple ways for you or a group to volunteer. If you’re into hands-on work, sign up to help the organization with construction projects like painting, roofing and siding or other tasks. The best part, you don’t have to have any previous construction experience! If you’re not looking to help with construction projects, you can sign up to help at their ReStore by carrying out tasks like organizing and shelving items, helping with customer service or cleaning donated items.
Lincoln City Libraries
Lincoln City Libraries are the perfect places for book lovers to volunteer. With a variety of ways to volunteer, you’re sure to find something fit for you. From book shelving to helping at library events, there are a variety of ways to volunteer — you’re sure to find something to fit your interests. There are even opportunities to help take care of their indoor and outdoor plants, help with general cleaning and housekeeping.
Matt Talbot Kitchen
Matt Talbot Kitchen’s primary goal is to fight hunger, addiction and homelessness in Lincoln. Volunteers at Matt Talbot help cook and serve meals, maintain the garden, assist with reception desk or other administrative responsibilities or help with laundry and shower services. Go individually or sign up with a group of friends to spend a day volunteering at Matt Talbot.
Become a volunteer ambassador
If you’re interested in making a longer-term commitment to a local nonprofit, consider signing up for the university’s Volunteer Ambassador Program hosted through the SLICE office. Students involved in the program commit to being paired with and volunteering at a Lincoln nonprofit once a week for a semester.