Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of Mower County

Help support the arts while making a lasting impact behind the scenes at Second Act Thrift Store!

Matchbox Children's Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable theatre productions, arts education, and creative opportunities for children and families throughout the Austin community. The organization's Second Act Thrift Store generates approximately 93% of the funding that makes these youth programs possible.

During this two-hour volunteer experience, interns will:

Learn how the thrift store directly supports local youth theatre and arts education.Help reorganize the sales floor to improve the shopping experience.Sort and organize donated inventory.Assist with cleaning and organizing the upstairs storage area.Help remove unusable materials and create more functional storage and merchandising spaces.

A well-organized store allows Matchbox Children's Theatre to process donations more effectively, increase revenue, and continue providing affordable theatre productions, arts classes, scholarships, and creative experiences for children and families throughout our community.

NOTE: Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dusty or dirty and closed-toe shoes, as this project involves lifting, organizing, and moving donated items.

Spend the afternoon making a difference at WagonWheels HUB!

WagonWheels HUB is a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs. Through the healing connection between horses and people, participants build confidence, improve strength and coordination, and develop important life skills

During this two-hour volunteer experience, interns will:

Learn about WagonWheels HUB's therapeutic riding program and the positive impact it has on participants and their families.Help place timbers around the riding arena and round pen.Assist with installing posts to help secure arena panels.Clean up fallen tree branches around the property.Help clean barn stalls and sweep cobwebs to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for participants and horses.

Every project completed by volunteers helps keep the program running for the riders who benefit from it. Families have shared how therapeutic riding has helped participants improve their focus, listening skills, confidence, and core strength, making a lasting impact both in and out of the arena.

NOTE: Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to work outdoors for part of the volunteer shift.

Spend the afternoon making a difference at Rachel's Hope!

Rachel's Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families by providing resources, education, and essential items that help parents care for their young children. Through its Parenting with Purpose program, Rachel's Hope helps families access basic necessities and build a strong foundation for healthy child development.

During this two-hour volunteer experience, interns will:

Learn about Rachel's Hope's mission and the impact it has on families in our community.Assist with packaging diapers for families participating in the Parenting with Purpose program.Help prepare essential supplies that will benefit approximately 235 local families by ensuring they have access to basic necessities for their young children.Gain a better understanding of the important role nonprofits play in strengthening our community of Austin, MN.

Join United Way of Mower County for an afternoon of service supporting local students through the Success Closet program!

United Way of Mower County is a local nonprofit that brings people and resources together to strengthen our community. One of its programs, the Success Closet, provides students with essential school supplies, clothing, and personal hygiene items to help them feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn. The program relies on generous community donations and volunteers to keep shelves stocked and respond to student needs throughout the school year.

During this two-hour volunteer experience, interns will:

Learn about United Way of Mower County's mission and the impact of the Success Closet program.Sort and organize donated school and personal care items.Help organize the Success Closet to prepare for the upcoming school year.Assemble personal hygiene kits that will be distributed to local students in need.

Your volunteer service will help ensure students have access to essential items that support their health, confidence, and success in the classroom. Every kit assembled and every donation organized helps United Way respond quickly when students need extra support.

United Way is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as Bus Aides for the Rainbow Route Preschool Bus. As a Bus Aide, you will help supervise and engage with preschool children during their ride to and from school. This is a fun and meaningful way to support young children while ensuring their safety on the bus.

Schedule

Monday through Thursday
Time: Daytime hours

Responsibilities

Arrive at SMART Transit at the assigned time
Retrieve the Rainbow Route Bus Aide bag
Ride the bus and assist children with seat belts
Sing songs, engage with the children, and ensure a safe ride

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license (You will not drive the bus; the license is just required) Must pass a background check ** Before you get on the bus, you will need to pass a background check**Enjoy working with young children Reliable, flexible, and able to sit and stand as needed

NEXT STEPS: 

Once you sign up, the Rainbow Route Bus Coordinator, Velerie, will contact you for a background check. After passing, she will help schedule your bus ride shifts.Call Velerie at 507-481-3585 for questions.