Choosing to volunteer can not only positively impact the people you are helping, but it can also be enriching for you to do something good for your community. There are so many ways to show up for people or organizations in need, that it can feel hard to know where to start. If you’re someone who has been struggling to choose how to invest your time, energy, or money — we’re here to help you consider some options and point you to some of the best volunteer opportunities in Minneapolis
Where can I volunteer in Minneapolis?
Donate food or volunteer at a local Minneapolis food bank
Many folks are still dealing with the economic fallout of the pandemic–unemployment and instability can create lasting and compounding challenges. In Minneapolis, this crisis was compounded by the loss of some neighborhood grocery and drug stores. While our community rallied to support people who lost immediate access to fresh food, hunger remains a dire problem in our city. But there are ways to help.
Where can I donate food in Minneapolis?
- Find food and supply banks that are currently accepting goods with the Twin Cities Mutual Aid Map
- Follow Support the Cities on Facebook to keep up to date with food and supply drive events
- Help fight childhood hunger by donating food or money to theSheridan Story
Donate food, time, or money to Second Harvest Heartland
Support local nonprofits through donations
If you’re not comfortable doing in-person volunteering right now, donating to local nonprofits is a highly effective way to support others and affect change in Minneapolis. There are hundreds of organizations and causes around the Cities, and knowing which one to support can be a hard decision. It’s helpful to narrow down your choices and make sure your money will have a direct impact. There are a few ways to investigate causes you’d like to support, including ImpactMatters
At CommonBond, we encourage you to support the organizations you believe can create change. If you can, take time to learn about our own mission to provide local communities with affordable housing — because we believe a home is the foundation for everything in life — and consider lending your support
Donate blood
While the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted, the need for blood and platelet donations for cancer, anemia, and surgery patients hasn’t changed. The Red Cross is making accommodationsfor safe blood donation volunteer opportunities in Minneapolis, while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection.
If you’re healthy, donating blood is a great way to give back to others in need in the community. There are several volunteer donation Red Cross donation opportunities across the Twin Cities — simply fill in your zip code and find a site near you.
Deliver groceries for elderly neighbors and check in on vulnerable family or neighbors
Checking in on our vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family members is one of the most important ways to help out in the community right now. Elderly and immunocompromised groups have been living in greater levels of isolation for months now, leaving them at greater risk of loneliness and depression. If you have a loved one living in isolation (or simply overwhelmed by the stress that comes with living in a pandemic), be sure to give them a call or schedule a chat through the window to keep connected and encouraged.
Additionally, if you have elderly neighbors in Minneapolis, consider volunteering some time to pick up and deliver groceries for them so they don’t have to.
Tutor Kids in the Community
Lots of organizations, including CommonBond, have a href=”https://commonbond.org/volunteer/”>virtual youth volunteer opportunities set up to help tutor Twin Cities kids, from elementary school age youth through high schoolers. Whatever their situation may be that has kept them from doing well, being able to rely on help from an adult can set them up for success in school.
There’s a way to volunteer for everyone who cares about Minneapolis
No matter your budget or schedule, there are so many ways to show support and volunteer in Minneapolis right now. Without a doubt, there is plenty of work to be done in Minneapolis yet, but showing up, listening to the needs of our community and responding to them the best way we can will contribute to long-lasting change. If you’re looking for even more places where you can volunteer in Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities area, contact us today!
