721 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60654
Intake: (312) 655-7322

Become a Volunteer

Volunteerism not only provides needed human resources for Catholic Charities, but it allows us to offer more compassionate services to people in need. In return, we attempt to provide all of our volunteers with an enriching experience that matches their interests and enhances the quality of their lives.

Catholic Charities offers more than 150 programs throughout Cook and Lake counties, so volunteers are certain to find places that correspond to their social interests. For young adults who wish to volunteer, consider joining our Junior Board.

A small sample of our volunteer opportunities

Food

• Assist at suppers (5 locations) by serving dinner, soliciting donations, acting as a lead volunteer
• Provide a meal to the young moms participating in the MAPP program at St. James in Maywood
• Provide a meal for residents at Cookes Manor Hines
• Provide a meal for families living in interim housing

Food Related

• Organize food drives
• Package food to be distributed to the hungry
• Screen clients for food stamps

Basic Human Needs

• Work in clothing rooms and food pantries
• Assist at our health fairs
• Assemble survival packs

Support Services

• Assist various programs in computer data entry, answering telephones and filing
• Perform reception tasks
• Help with mailings

Special Events

• Serve on planning committees
• Help at holiday parties and special events

Serving Children

• Read to children at one of our many residences and at our WIC sites
• Assist in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs
• Tutor refugee children
• Babysit children during "house" meetings or classes for parents

Serving Families

• Take interim housing residents shopping
• Mentor refugee families
• Locate apartments and furniture for refugee families in need of interim housing
• Literacy program for adults

Serving Seniors

• Visit with seniors at our nursing home, supportive living facility, or senior day care programs
• Assist with special events at senior buildings and senior day care (birthday parties, picnics, and field trips)
• Deliver food packages and meals to seniors' homes
• Provide transportation
• Collect craft items and teach crafts

Catholic Charities offers a broad range of services from locations throughout Cook and Lake counties through 160 different programs. Volunteers are certain to find a place that corresponds to their social interests. Bi-lingual volunteers are especially needed at many of our agency sites. Hopefully, the experience of service will provide perspective, texture, and beauty to the lives of our volunteers.

Another way you can share your time and talent with us is by taking our survey. Help us find out what we can do to get our message out to the community. Test your knowledge about our agency-and learn more about what we do and for whom.