Volunteer Opportunities:
**Updated 11/14/2024**
Free Little Pantry for the Holiday Season:
Each holiday season brings a significant increase in visitors to the Free Little Pantry. To ensure smooth daily operations and a successful Christmas event—expected to serve over 600 families again this year—the pantry is seeking committed volunteers.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
Non-Food Donation Assistance: Volunteers can spare an hour each week to help pick up donations.
Food Donation Assistance: Drivers with larger vehicles are needed to pick up and deliver food donations.
Organizers: Volunteers can assist in sorting and organizing donations to keep the pantry efficient and accessible.
Beautification Team: Those with an eye for detail can help maintain a clean and welcoming pantry space.
Social Media Support: Volunteers skilled in content creation can engage the community by showcasing the pantry’s behind-the-scenes efforts online.
Disassembly Team: A weekly commitment of 20-30 minutes is needed to break down boxes from incoming donations.
Truck Delivery Days: Help is needed to unload large shipments, with shifts typically lasting 4-6 hours, 1-2 times before the holidays.
Event Team: Volunteers can assist with setup and organization for fall and holiday events.
Elf Team: Volunteers will help create magical holiday experiences for children when Santa visits.
Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to join a team, and ongoing opportunities will be posted on the volunteer page throughout the season. Check out their Facebook Page for contact information.
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The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign:
Make a difference in your community this season by volunteering as a bell ringer! Sign up at Register to Ring to help raise funds for local families in need. Whether you volunteer solo, with friends, or as a group, your time and enthusiasm can bring joy to many during the holidays. Flexible time slots are available, and every bell rung helps provide essential support to those who need it most.
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Batavia City School District:
We appreciate your interest in volunteering for the Batavia City School District's Volunteer Program. Our district offers a variety of activities you may choose from when volunteering. Please complete and submit a volunteer application, and upon approval, you will receive instructions on the next steps. Current BCSD staff do not need to apply.
Follow this link to apply, or scan the QR code below.
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Volunteers are always welcome at Independent Living of the Genesee Region:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region values the vital support volunteers bring, whether they assist regularly or contribute at special events. The organization is grateful for community members who share their talents and skills to advance its mission. Help is always appreciated in maintaining the Loan Closet, as well as with office cleaning and clerical tasks.
For those interested in lending a hand, please contact Donna Becker at 585-815-8501 ext. 411 to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
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Volunteer with Crossroads House:
Crossroads House depends on dedicated volunteers to support its mission of compassionate care. Volunteers of all backgrounds are encouraged to bring their unique talents, whether in resident care, office assistance, fundraising, gardening, or other activities. No experience is required; training and mentoring are provided.
Volunteers typically commit two to four hours weekly or biweekly, often joining a specific day and time alongside other team members. Those interested can tour the house, shadow a volunteer, or simply reach out to learn more.
For details, contact Tracy Ford, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at 585-343-3892 or tracyford@crossroadshouse.com, or visit Crossroads House Volunteering.
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Volunteer with YWCA:
Make a difference by volunteering with the YWCA to support women, girls, and families in your community. Opportunities include joining one of YWCA’s impactful programs, attending inspiring events, or advocating for policies that benefit those served. Volunteers help strengthen the community, and donations of time or resources make all their work possible.
To learn more, visit YWCA's website or contact Samantha Rychlicki, Office Manager, at 585-343-5808. You can also complete the YWCA Volunteer Application online.
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Volunteer at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC):
Volunteers are essential to UMMC, contributing over 15,000 hours each year to support staff and patients. Open to individuals 12 and older, volunteering at UMMC offers flexible scheduling—typically two to four hours per week—and roles are matched to each volunteer’s interests.
The application process includes an interview, health assessment, and orientation to ensure readiness. Volunteering at UMMC provides the chance to make a real difference, gain experience, and meet new people.
For more information or to apply, visit UMMC’s Volunteer Page and find the Adult Application and Junior Application forms. You can also contact Stacey Pastuszynski at (585) 344-7432 or spastuszynski@ummc.org.
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Volunteer with Genesee Habitat for Humanity
Join Genesee Habitat for Humanity and help build homes, communities, and hope for local families in need. Volunteers are essential to Habitat’s mission, assisting in construction, home repairs, and more. Whether you have construction experience or just a passion for giving back, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
To learn more or to sign up, visit Genesee Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Page. For additional information, contact the Habitat team at (585) 345-1656 or by email at info@geneseehabitat.com
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Volunteer with the Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Looking to build your résumé, gain professional experience, and make a positive impact on the environment? The SCA offers internships with Genesee County Park & Forest through the Environmental Education Assistant Internship position. Interns, ages 18 and older with a high school diploma or GED, will gain hands-on experience while contributing to conservation efforts and environmental education.
Interns will help protect, restore, and enhance national parks, cultural landmarks, and green spaces across the country. SCA offers stipends, service hours, and the chance to explore conservation careers.
For more information and to apply, visit TheSCA.org website.
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Volunteer with Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service
Do you love to read? Help others experience the joy of reading by volunteering with Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service! Volunteers read newspapers, magazines, books, and other printed materials for the blind and sight-impaired. This remote volunteer opportunity only requires about an hour each week and can be done from home with an internet connection and a recording device, such as a smartphone or computer.
Volunteers should be between the ages of 16 and 100. To get started or learn more, visit their website or contact Community Engagement Coordinator Marian Hetherly at (716) 821-5555, ext. 3, or marian@nfradioreading.org.