TEEN AND COLLEGE STUDENT VOLUNTEER DIGITAL GUIDE
SHARE Charlotte’s mission is to build a better Charlotte by EMPOWERING NONPROFITS AND HELPING PEOPLE INVEST IN THEIR COMMUNITIES in ways that matter most to them.
The #1 use of our website, sharecharlotte. org is to find volunteer opportunities with our 740+ nonprofit partners that serve Mecklenburg County.
As a busy teen or college student, we can be the resource you need to find volunteer opportunities to not only fulfill your service hours requirements but also your desire to give back in your community.
BENEFITS of Volunteering for Students
It’s no secret that helping others and contributing to one’s community through positive, impactful action makes people feel good. For students, spending some time volunteering can be especially beneficial in various ways.
1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR COMMUNITY -
Volunteering allows students to give their time and talents to support a cause that’s important to them.
2. REDUCE STRESS -
Volunteering has been shown to help reduce and counteract the adverse effects of stress and anxiety. We feel better when we help others, make a positive impact, and become a part of something bigger than ourselves.
3. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK -
By volunteering students can expand their overall network of diverse mentors and peers.Their new connections - volunteers, employees, board members — can potentially become a mentor or open up some professional doors for in the future.
4. BUILD YOUR RESUME -
Students are doing volunteer work to set themselves apart in a stack of applicants. Even when students have top grades and test scores, employers may want to see relevant work experience on a resume. The good news is that it doesn’t matter if it comes from paid or unpaid work! Service-learning offers skills-building opportunities while improving the lives of others. The hands-on learning inherent to volunteer work gives students the competitive edge needed to enter the job market.
5. EXPAND YOUR PERSPECTIVE -
If you only surround yourself with people in your bubble, it can be hard to understand how complex your community is. Volunteering can be a great way to expand your perspective and see the challenges in other parts of your community to increase empathy and gratitude.
A GIVING HEART PROJECT
A Giving Heart Project is a mission driven nonprofit with a drive to end homelessness by providing sustainable solutions to eliminate barriers and disparities for vulnerable families in Charlotte.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Be a part of our youth advisory committee, and or by help us with our social media presence. We also need help at our community events.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: Glennis Davis, Glennisdavis@agivingheartproject.org
ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE GREENWAY
2,100 acre nature park that strives to connect people to nature through recreational and educational activities while fostering a passion for environmental conservation, animal habitat, and protection of natural resources.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Litter Patrol, Plant A Row Garden, and special events.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 25.
CONTACT: Danielle Holmes, daniielleholmes@ascgreenway.org
B HELPFUL LOVE INC
B* Helpful Love Inc.’s mission is to provide the most accessible resources to senior citizens and homeless communities who are in dire need of assistance to get back to being self-sufficient.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available within our Companion Care, Food Bank and Senior programs.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: Natasha White, bhelpfullove@gmail.com
BEDS FOR KIDS
We provide beds and essential furniture to children and their families in need
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 20 adults (1 adult is needed for every 5 volunteers under 17).
CONTACT: Rachel Grotheer, volunteers@bedsforkids.org
BLEEDING DISORDERS FOUNDATION OF NORTH CAROLINA
Providing support and resources for people affected by bleeding disorders.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups.
CONTACT: Gillian Schultz, g.schultz@bleedingdisordersnc.org
CAREGIVER MENTAL WELLNESS, INC.
Provide educational outreach initiatives to family caregivers to mitigate family caregiver burnout.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We are looking for a college student for internet research.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Carolyn Dowdy, cdowdy@caregivermentalwellness.com
CAROLINA BREAST FRIENDS
The mission of Carolina Breast Friends is to embrace the breast cancer community in a positive environment.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 15.
CONTACT: Ashly Dollar, adollar@carolinabreastfriends.org
CAROLINA CARING
Hospice and palliative care for children and adults.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Patient support-mailing cards to patients.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES: No groups please.
CONTACT: Theresa Benson, tbenson@carolinacaring.org
CHARLOTTE AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE COLLECTIVE
Sharing culture and building community through traditional West African Drum and Dance.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We are in need of a student volunteer to assist us with videography of our classes, video editing of that footage, and creation of engaging video clips; and assist us with reformatting our website.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 15.
CONTACT: Karen Phelps, info@caddc.org
CHARLOTTE BLACK DOGS
We bring awareness to Black Dog Syndrome; Black Dogs are the most overlooked when it comes to dog adoptions.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Santa Paws Photo Fundraiser on 11/16/24.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
4 people max (friendly, outgoing, must be comfortable working with dogs/pets).
CONTACT: Donna A Peters, Charlotteblackdogs@gmail.com
CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG DREAM CENTER
Reaching out into under served communities to see lives transformed through the power of the Gospel.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Adopt A Block. Kidz Jam.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 30.
CONTACT: Susanna Mathew, volunteercoordinator@cltdc.org
CHILDREN’S ATTENTION HOME
The Children’s Attention Home provides nurturing care and life-changing services to youth and families in need
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Help keep our campus beautiful, clean, and safe for our youth! This includes mowing our lawns, trimming hedges, weeding, and edging during the growing season. Must be 16+.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: Duda França-McGuire, marketing@attentionhome.org
CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte - Raising generations of voices on stage and in the community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Our volunteer opportunities begin at age 14, but younger students are welcome with an adult.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 20.
CONTACT: Jean Edwards, jeane@ctcharlotte.org
CLASSROOM CENTRAL
Classroom Central fosters equity in education by providing teachers and students with the free resources they need to succeed.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups.
CONTACT: Risa Brandon, risa@classroomcentral.org
DESPIERTA
Despierta seeks to empower and integrate newly arrived Latina immigrants to help them become self-reliant and supportive within the community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Body and Safety Training Community Event on September 21st.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 3.
CONTACT: Chantal Coutu, chantal@despiertaclt.com
DISCOVERY PLACE, INC.
We bring science, nature and design together to create transformative experiences that enable our community to understand, enjoy and apply science to their lives.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We host a range of teen programs from Apprenticeships to Internships. Youth Development wors to connect with the community by offering various programs throughout the year based in STEM.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
No groups please.
CONTACT: Amanda Bottoms, ABottoms@discoveryplace.org
FAMILIES FORWARD CHARLOTTE
Families Forward Charlotte provides an adult mentorship program to families experiencing poverty, as well as educational opportunities and essential support.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Workshop Volunteer - Child Watch
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES: No groups please.
CONTACT: Hannah Kesig, hannah@familiesforwardclt.org
FEEDNC
FeedNC helps the community with a Community Dining Space and a Food Pantry.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 15.
CONTACT: Paul MIhelich Volunteer Director, pmihelich@feednc.org
GENERATIONNATION
K-12 civic literacy and youth leadership programming connected to schools, government, and community. Students work directly with CMS leadership and elected officials to provide feedback and gain insights on civic engagement.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Youth Council, CMS Student Advisor, Youth
Lead Charlotte Mecklenburg, 2024 Student Elections Assistants
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups.
CONTACT: Amy Farrell, Info@generationnation.org
GLADYS LOVE PROJECT
Gladys Love Project reminds seniors & caregivers they are seen, beautiful and loved by hosting Caregiver Teas, sending Love Kits to seniors, hosting educational activites, and capturing senior and caregiver portraits.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups.
CONTACT: Kym Motley, hello@gladysloveproject.org
HEART MATH TUTORING
Charlotte based non-profit that provides elementary age students with 1:1 tutoring in foundational math skills.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Anyone 18+ can volunteer and be matched with a student.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups.
CONTACT: Alexa Baldridge, alexa.baldridge@heartmathtutoring.org
HOPE HAVEN
Aftercare residential facility for individuals & families in recovery from substance use disorder.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Computer Training/Tutors, Virtual Volunteer, Dining Room Hospitality
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 7 to 10. (can take more depending on project)
CONTACT: Sheila Ledbetter, sledbetter@hopehaveninc.org
HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF CHARLOTTE
Hospitality House of Charlotte connects patients and their caregivers to lifesaving medical treatment through affordable lodging.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
90-minute to two-hour opportunities where individuals or groups are responsible for sorting, folding, and organizing clean linens. This activity requires volunteers to be on their feet for the duration of their shift. Volunteers should also be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 7.
CONTACT: Katelyn Donnelly, kdonnelly@hhocharlotte.org
LEARNING HELP CENTERS OF CHARLOTTE
We tutor kids and support families in the South Boulevard corridor.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Tutors and Social Media
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Meghan Miller, meghan@lhcclt.org
LET ME RUN
Let Me Run improves the lives of elementary and middle school boys by combining exercise with a curriculum to help them build resilience and develop relationship skills, promote self worth and live an active lifestyle.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Help coach a team or volunteer at local races where Let Me Run is a charity beneficiary.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate a maximum of 4 students to coach a team but we could take groups of 20 volunteers at race events.
CONTACT: Nikki Prenoveau, nikkip@letmerun.org
MACHIAH’S HOUSE INC
We assist young women who have aged-out from foster care.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 7.
CONTACT: Dr. Shandria Pridgen, spridgen@machiahshouse.org
MATTHEWS HELP CENTER
Matthews Help Center provides crisis assistance to neighbors in the Greater Matthews community. We fund our mission through our thrift store where volunteers dedicate their time.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Receiving donations in our garage, working the casher register, sorting and pricing items for the store.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Melinda Wilshire, melinda@matthewshelpcenter.org
MENDING STRIDES RANCH, INC
We provide equine assisted psychotherapy and learning programs.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Stable Hand
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 12.
CONTACT: Maria Hogge, mendingstrides@gmail.com
METROLINA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
Our mission is to reduce or eliminate the daily living challenges imposed upon people by blindness or visual impairment. We respond to these unique challenges in two ways:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We would love to have help with video creation and editing
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5-10.
CONTACT: Erica Batten, ebatten@mabnc.org
MITE (MITE.ORG)
We go above and beyond to help donors know how their money is used.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We are looking for a volunteer or college student to help our Project Coordiantor research and vet other nonprofits.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Madison Illges, madison.illges@mite.org
NEIGHBORHOOD HOPE
Neighborhood Hope is dedicated to creating positive change within communities across Charlotte and 75% of our programs are conducted within the community, creating lasting change from within.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: Julie Brantley, julie@neighborhoodhope.life
NEXT STEP CLUBHOUSE
Social and recreational day-program for teens and adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We’re looking for Lunch Buddies: make connections with our community, Program Buddies: run an activity or participate, Service Buddies: join us for a service project.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10 - depending on the activity and where it is located we may be able to accept more at once. .
CONTACT: Meg Kelly, info@nextstepclubhouse.org
PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF THE CAROLINAS
We provide education, exercise, classes, and other resources to people with Parkinson’s.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
No groups please, Individuals are best.
CONTACT: Ke’yana Hatfield, khatfield@parkinsonassoviation.org
PIEDMONT MUSIC THERAPY
Music therapy agency that also provides studio lessons & educational events in the communities of greater Charlotte.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We welcome college students who would like to help with marketing/Canva infographics, assist sanitizing musical instruments at community events, etc.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: Gretchen Benner, director@piedmontmusictherapy.com
POTTSTOWN HERITAGE GROUP
To Restore, Revitalize and Preserve the Pottstown Community
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Community Expo & Community Engagement Events
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Rachel Zwipf, pottstownheritage@gmail.com
POWER UP USA
Closing the digital divide using technology and digital storytelling
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 4.
CONTACT: Tommy Nichols, tommy@powerupusa.org
PROJECT OUTPOUR
Project Outpour provides mobile showers and hygiene services to individuals moving through homelessness.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: MaShonna Hughes, hello@projectoutpour.org
PSYCHOLOGY FOR ALL
We deliver free counseling services for under-resourced people through partnerships with diverse, licensed mental health clinicians and referral agencies, while promoting community mental health awareness.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We are looking for volunteers and interns.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES: No groups please.
CONTACT: Carrie Reinhardt, info@psychologyforall.org
QUEEN CITY ROBOTICS ALLIANCE
FIRST Robotics hub in Charlotte - teams from Elementary to High school
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We need help organizing Legos.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Laiela Dumitrescu, iaieladumitrescu@queencityrobotics.org
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF GREATER CHARLOTTE
Our mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We need volunteers for Gift Card Collection Drives, Host a Wish List Drive, Stock Our “Pack A Smile” Snack Cart, Pop Tab Collecting, Assemble Baby Bags Offsite, Assemble Wellness Kits Offsite, Assemble Mom-to-Be Kits Offsite.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups.
CONTACT: Kayla Roberts, kayla@rmhclt.org
ROOTS IN THE COMMUNITY (R.I.C.’S) MARKET FOUNDATION
Working to open Charlotte’s 1st full-service nonprofit grocery store
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 10.
CONTACT: Angela Gray, angela.gray@ricsmarket.org
SHINING HOPE FARMS
Shining Hope Farms is a non-profit organization providing nature-based therapies and therapeutic horseback riding to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
No groups please..
CONTACT: Jessamyn Farrell, jessamynfarrell@shininghopefarms.org
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING COMMUNITIES
Supportive Housing Communities has been in Charlotte for over 30 years now aiming to alleviate homelessness and human suffering.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Internships, group volunteer events, general volunteering
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 15-20.
CONTACT: Leslie Leitner, leslie@aplacetoliveagain.org
THE KAIZEN FOUNDATION OF NORTH CAROLINA
We are proud to collaborate with passionate volunteers who share our vision of promoting financial literacy. Together, we strive to create a positive impact by empowering individuals and families to build a solid foundation for financial success.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES: No groups please.
CONTACT: Janet Beamer, janet@tkfnc.org
NCBW-QCMC advocates on behalf of Black Women and girls in the areas of health, education and economic.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Volunteer with our Organization for Community Voter Registration and Voter Education (we are non partisan)
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES:
We can accommodate groups of up to 5.
CONTACT: Bella-Giavanni Austin, president@ncbw-qcmc.org
YMCA OF GREATER CHARLOTTE
The YMCA strengthens communities through programs, that build healthy spirit, mind & body for all.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We have various opportunities available.
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES: We can accommodate groups of up to 25-30.
CONTACT: Brooke Porter, Volunteer@ymcacharlotte.org
