Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of Mower County

Volunteer would help supervise and interact with children while Parents are at Parenting Classes.

Location: Community Action Building, 105 1st ST SE (across post office)

Wagon Wheels is an equine therapeutic program that supports individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through therapeutic horseback riding experiences. Participants include individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/Hyperactivity Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, trauma or brain injury, and other conditions.

Looking for a volunteer carpenter or individuals with construction experience to help build a mounting stand that will support participants in safely accessing horses during programming. This project will make a meaningful impact by helping improve accessibility and safety for riders of all abilities.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lorna at  320-262-2864 to express interest.

Help us remove the invasive and easy to identify garlic mustard. Staff will train you on how to identify and successfully remove. Thank you for helping us toward our conservation goals!

All volunteering with the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will require signing in and out with a staff person at the front desk of the interpretive center. If participants do not both sign in and out with our staff, we will not be able to approve any hours put into United Way. We thank you for your understanding. If there are any questions, please contact the nature center directly. Thank you!

Wagon Wheels is looking for a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to help support our equine therapy program. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, reliable, and interested in taking on a leadership position while making a meaningful impact.

Wagon Wheels supports individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, including participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, trauma, brain injuries, and more.

Time Commitment: A few flexible hours during the week.    Schedule will be coordinated based on your availability. Great way to earn extra volunteer hours during the week! 

We are looking for someone who: Is organized and communicates clearly.    Can take initiative and support a team Is dependable and willing to commit to a consistent schedule

Additional Information: The organization will work with your schedule to ensure a good fit. This is a great opportunity for anyone ready to step into a leadership role.

*****Scheduling: After signing up, Lorna will contact you to schedule your volunteer time. You may also call Lorna directly at 320 262 2864 to express interest.

Location: The location will be shared after you sign up to volunteer.

Assist with setting up the event. Unloading supplies from vehicles, position vendor tables, place signage around park , setting up stage area with flags and banners, move trash cans around the park. We ask that volunteers commit to being present for the entire setup timeframe. At arrival and departure, please check in/out at the Parenting Resource Center (PRC) table.

Support our PRC staff member at the art activity station. 

At arrival and departure, please check in/out at the Parenting Resource Center (PRC) tent.

We are in need of individuals to help serve and clean up after our dinner meal. You will work with our Kitchen Coordinator throughout the evening.

Details: Serving consists of asking our participants their food selections then placing a serving on their tray. After serving is completed, you will be asked to help wipe down tables, chairs, kitchen counters, serve tables, wash dishes, put dishes away, possibly sweep the floor.

Requirements: Must wear close-toed shoes. Long hair must be pulled back and up into a ponytail. Must be able to stand entire shift. Client confidentiality is a must.

Arrival: When reporting to the Salvation Army, please come to the back door (This is on the North side of our building) Volunteer entry sign is posted on door - There are 3 steps leading up to the back door of our building - knock on the door and someone will let you in to the kitchen.

Join us for a work party at the Nature Center! Depending on the greatest need, you will participate in an hour and a half long outdoor volunteer event with other community members. Staff will guide you on what is needed; be prepared to get your hands dirty and have fun!

Multiple Days Available

Help deliver food totes to local Austin schools so students can have food for the weekend. This is for delivering totes, not packing food.

You have three shift options to choose from: 3:45 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:15 PM

What to Expect:

Requirements:

Contact Velerie at 507-437-2313 or Velerie@uwmower.org

The United Way's Backpack Program provides weekend food for children in need. Volunteers will pack child-friendly, easy-to-prepare meals and snacks into bags for discreet distribution.

This volunteer opportunity is open to all community members, including adults, students, and families, who are interested in helping with the Backpack Program.

Tasks: Food bag assembly, lifting, bending, and ensuring accuracy in packing.

Location: Austin Aspires Building, 318 North Main Street, Austin, MN 55912. 

For questions or to schedule a private packing date for a large group, please contact Velerie at velerie@uwmower.org

7:30AM chores will be to help set up the cooking area (carry waffle irons and supplies into the Eagles Club from Dad's van), set up the dining tables and chairs, and assist diners to their chairs, carry plates of food, coffee, and clear tables as diners leave, etc.  3 helpers needed.

9:30AM chores will be to help clear tables and re-set placemats, help with coffee, juice and milk at the self-help tables, assist diners to tables, among other tasks. 3 helpers needed.

11:30AM chores will be be to help clear and clean tables, take down supplies, move kitchen equipment and waffle irons back to the van, and help move tables and chairs back to storage, re-set tables and chairs to starting arrangement.   3 helpers needed.

Volunteers would help kids do crafts, play games and other STEAM activities. The class is from 9 to 10 am but I need help with setting up and clean up at the end. Class will be at four different parks. Mondays will be at Shirley Theel Memorial Park.

Volunteers would help kids do crafts, play games and other STEAM activities. The class is from 9 to 10 am but I need help with setting up and clean up at the end. Class will be at four different parks. Thursdays will be at Galloway Park.

Volunteers would help kids do crafts, play games and other STEAM activities. The class is from 9 to 10 am but I need help with setting up and clean up at the end. Class will be at four different parks. Tuesdays will be at Lafayette Park.

Volunteers would help kids do crafts, play games and other STEAM activities. The class is from 9 to 10 am but I need help with setting up and clean up at the end. Class will be at four different parks. Fridays will be at Lions Park.

Greet attendees as they enter the event, track attendance by using clickers as they greet people coming into the park. We ask that volunteers commit to being present for the entire timeframe. At arrival and departure, please check in/out at the Parenting Resource Center (PRC) table.

Walk around Taste of Nations event to ask attendees/vendors/ participants to complete a survey. We ask that volunteers commit to being present for the entire timeframe. At arrival and departure, please check in at the Parenting Resource Center (PRC) table/tent.

Collect tables and chairs, pack up tents, banners, and supplies, load vehicles, move trash bins to designated pick up area. We ask that volunteers commit to being present for the entire setup timeframe. The more volunteers we have, the faster the cleanup will go! At arrival and departure, please check in/out at the Parenting Resource Center (PRC) table/tent.

What: The Austin letter carriers are conducting a city wide food drive to help stock our local food shelf for the summer. Community members are asked to leave out nonperishable food items in a bag near their mailbox this Saturday, May 9th. 

Duties: As a volunteer, you will be assigned a sector in the area to drive around and collect food bags that people place out by their mailbox. Volunteers will then drop off any picked up items to the Salvation Army. 

9:00am : Meet at the Austin Post Office for a debrief meeting and receive job assignments

9:30am-11:30am: Drive around assigned area looking for food bags to pick up

11:30-12:00pm: Drop off food at the Salvation Army

REQUIREMENTS: Having a car is a requirement.  You can drive yourself, drive with a group of friends or have parents drive you around. But you will need a way to transport yourself.  For this volunteer opportunity, we encourage more than 1 in a car. Bring a friend of both of you will receive credit. Just make sure you both sign up on Get Connected! 

Contact Person: Bob Rosel 507-261-6040 | bigbobbyrose@yahoo.com

Wagon Wheels is an equine therapeutic program that supports individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Participants include individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/Hyperactivity Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, trauma or brain injury, and other conditions.

Volunteer Duties:
Volunteers will assist with brushing horses. Primary responsibilities include brushing and grooming the horses to help prepare them for therapeutic sessions. Volunteers may also help with light stable tasks such as cleaning stalls, but the main focus is ensuring the horses are brushed and ready.

Time Commitment:
This opportunity is available one day per week, or more if desired. Evening availability is preferred between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Scheduling:
After signing up, Lorna will contact you to schedule your volunteer time. You may also call Lorna directly at 320 262 2864 to express interest.

Location:
The location will be shared after you sign up to volunteer.

*Please note that this volunteer opportunity does not compensate you for your tutoring services*

Our current tutors are supporting students on a weekly schedule. Hours are flexible, and current tutoring locations are at Austin Public Schools, the YMCA, or the Austin Public Library. 

Once you have registered to be a volunteer Aspire Tutoring tutor and you are not on our current tutor list, we will email you a tutor application/questionnaire for more information OR you can click the link to complete the application here https://airtable.com/app3CzHIhvZQWIhXa/pagqPzESUOSUWxOTL/form

For more information, please call Austin Aspires at 507-437-0920.

This a unique volunteer experience to gain experience and be a part of the Children's Dental Health Services clinical care team. The Clinical Support volunteer works closely with a Dental Hygienist to help organize the clinical care area before and after the family visit. You will help bring out designated supplies for each visit (these may include tooth brushes and other dental supplies). Volunteers will help interview children on their oral health habits and knowledge. This person will work closely with CDHS staff and the dental hygienist and support the activities of the clinic.

Volunteer drivers are needed to provide transportation for clients to medical appointments or errands using their personal vehicle. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement at the current IRS business rate and can choose their available days and times.

Every day people are forced from their homes due to disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of disaster responses. YOU can help us respond to disasters in your community. YOU can be there for the family in need. As a member of the Disaster Action Team you respond to emergencies, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing.

To learn more Click Here.

Questions or assistance email: MNDAKVolunteer@redcross.org

Help coordinate disaster response efforts from the comfort of your home!

The Duty Officer plays a critical role in ensuring timely and effective disaster response. As a virtual volunteer, you’ll be the first point of contact for disaster notifications and will help dispatch teams to assist those in need.

What You'll Do:

What You’ll Need:

100% Virtual | Flexible Shifts | Make a Real Impact

If you're organized, calm under pressure, and want to make a difference from wherever you are, we’d love to have you on the team!

Click Here to learn more and sign up!

Questions or need assistance email: MNDAKVolunteer@redcross.org

Volunteer advocates allow CVRC to provide 24-hour (evenings, weekends, and holidays) assistance to victims of crime by answering our crisis line via a cell phone that we provide to you.

Volunteers will help provide support, information, referrals, and assistance to victims of many different types of crime. When on-going support is needed, our volunteers help provide a warm hand off to our in-office advocates, that will continue to provide support. With use of the cell phone provided, calls are answered in the comfort of your own home. During your volunteer time, a staff member is always available to answer your questions.

We will provide you with the tools and skills needed to prepare you for this opportunity. First, we will have you come to our office to shadow us to better understand the work we do. Then you will complete the online training and , some in-office training with us.

Please contact our office to request a volunteer application, meet with the volunteer coordinator to review requirements for volunteering, shadow in office, and complete the online and in-person training.

We are flexible in working with you so that you can volunteer when it works best for your schedule. 

We need volunteers for Bingo at Lansing Corners. We need volunteers to call bingo, sell bingo packets, meat boards & pull tab style racing. Selected volunteers must be 18 or over, and able to move around freely in a bar environment. Must be trustworthy and reliable. Each volunteer will get a free standard meal. Plan on about 2.5 hours on Wednesday evenings. Bingo is such a fun activity and we would love to have people who love to be around a fun environment to help us out. Volunteers are asked to contact the Mower Council for more information. 507-433-9609 or email us at mowercouncilhandicap@hotmail.com . 

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

Responsibilities

Requirements

NEXT STEPS: 

This role focuses on working with our youngest 4-H members, in grades K-2, providing hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and skill-building. Responsibilities include: 

View the full role description here. Note: To be in this role, you must complete the Minnesota 4-H Volunteer Application process, which includes an application, a background check, and a Safety of Minors Orientation

If interested, contact Adam Stevermer, Mower County 4-H Extension Educator, at stev0421@umn.edu or 507-438-2394. 

Hospice volunteers serve as supportive companions and patient advocates.  Hospice volunteers can assist with a few light household tasks, read to a patient, play a game, write letters, converse, facilitate legacy/memory making activities, listen, provide vigil, respite or other meaningful interactions.  Hospice volunteers are also needed to assist with clerical tasks in the office and providing grief support for the surviving families and community.  All Mayo Clinic Hospice Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older and are provided with a robust and comprehensive training to help you feel confident in your abilities to offer supportive presence to hospice patients and bereaved. If you'd like to apply, please visit https://volunteer.mayoclinic.org/. For more information about the rewarding opportunities that await you, please contact Mayo Clinic Hospice at 507-284-4002.

Hospice pet therapy volunteers are teams of an adult and a certified therapy animal who are sensitive to the needs of hospice patients and families. Hospice volunteers visit with patients, converse, facilitate legacy/memory making activities, listen, provide vigil or other meaningful interactions. All Mayo Clinic Hospice Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older and are provided with a robust and comprehensive training to help you feel confident in your abilities to offer supportive presence to hospice patients and bereaved. If you'd like to apply, please visit https://volunteer.mayoclinic.org/.  For more information about the rewarding opportunities that await you, please contact Mayo Clinic Hospice at 507-284-4002.

Purpose of Link Crew

Link Crew is a program designed to empower Juniors and Seniors as role models for new students and Freshmen.  Link Crew is an important part of helping Freshmen transition to the high school and provides an opportunity for upperclassmen to develop their leadership skills. Through Link Crew, most students earn 17 hours of community service, but through special opportunities, some students earn more.

Mandatory Activities

The Hormel Historic Home is proud to share the history and architecture of the treasured home of George and Lillian Hormel.  Our tour guides lead guests in groups on tours through the rooms telling stories of the family and pointing out the unique architectural features.  A script is provided as well as family history to help guides become familiar and comfortable with the tour.