The good news of Jesus transforms every aspect of our lives. It changes our hearts to generously serve God and others. At Renewal, we believe that we should actively work to make Boston a better place for all of its residents. We want to dream about what Boston could be at its best, then work together to bring that to reality.
This holiday season, we invite you to serve and love the city through volunteering. There is no shortage of research in psychology that outlines the benefits of volunteerism to one’s character, emotional maturity, and happiness. Below are 13 serving opportunities available in and around Boston. Grab your friend, family, pet, or running shoes and get involved in these one-time or ongoing needs.
The first opportunity we’re excited to share is the Christmas Festival that Renewal is hosting for the families at Mary Ellen McCormack housing development on Sunday 12/17 at 3pm. There will be festive games, hot chocolate, Christmas music, ugly sweaters and other things merry and bright! We’re hoping to see over 100 smiling faces and invite you to be part of that! For more details, email us at RenewalConnect@gmail.com.
December 13-17 | Hynes Convention Center
The Society of Arts + Crafts
Volunteers Needed: Set-Up/Take-Down; Registration/Ticket Sales; Preview Party Assistance; Greeter; Booth Sitter; Postcards & Marketing
Support the nation’s oldest craft nonprofit! This event hosts craft artists from all around the country. Guests meet and interact with the artists who make handmade goods using centuries-old skills in mediums like ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, and wood.
Link to Volunteer!
December 16 | Boston
Emmanuel Music
Volunteers Needed: Ushers; Greeters; Ticketers; Concessions
Volunteer during this performance which traces the events of the Christmas season from the birth of Jesus to the arrival and worship of the Magi. Volunteers are needed until intermission, and are invited to stay for the performance. Food will be provided.
Link to Volunteer!
2017 Somerville Jingle Bell 5K Run
December 17 | Davis Square
Somerville Striders Athletic Club
Volunteers Needed: Race-Day Support; Unwrapped Toy or Gift Card to Donate
Volunteer on Race Day to be part of an exciting and energetic event! Races are among the most popular types of events to volunteer for, thanks in part to the social and friendly atmosphere!
Contact Paul Collyer for information about volunteering: BAEvents@aol.com
Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts
Ongoing Dates | Jamaica Plain, Remote
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Marketing; Finance; Fundraising; Grant Writing; Website Development or Maintenance; Graphic Design
Level Ground is a nonprofit that helps urban youth develop the skills to set and reach goals through the discipline of mixed martial arts. It primarily serves young adults between the ages of 14 - 24 who are exposed to a disproportionate level of violence, poverty, and lack of access to education. Volunteers are needed to help with the tasks of building and growing the presence of the organization in Boston!
Contact Ali Fuller about volunteering: ali.levelgroundmma@gmail.com
Youth Enrichment Services (YES)
Ongoing Dates | Boston, Metro Boston
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Track & Field Coaches; Career Mentors; Professional Committee Members; Gala Planning Committee Members
YES provides affordable and impactful sports-based youth development and leadership programming, reaching low-to-moderate income children and teens in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. If you’re seeking an opportunity to positively and personally impact lives, consider these adult volunteer opportunities!
Link to Volunteer!
Ongoing Dates | Cambridge, Somerville
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Mentors; Tutors; Career Mentors
Enroot empowers students to achieve academic, career, and personal success through inspiring out-of-school experiences. Students attend Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) or Somerville High School (SHS) and are immigrants to the US. Many are from low-income families. Most are the first in their family to consider going to college. Mentors meet with their mentee once a week for 1-2 hours and receive training.
Link to Volunteer!
East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC)
Ongoing Dates | Cambridge, Somerville
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Cleaning, Sorting, and Distributing Produce
EBNHC is looking for individuals and groups to help distribute bags of fresh vegetables and bread to members of the community. Distributions are the third Friday of the month and volunteers are needed between 12:45 pm and 2:30 pm. Volunteers will sort and clean produce and help pack bags. All volunteers receive a bag of produce to take home.
Link to Volunteer!
Ongoing Dates | Chelmsford, Haverhill
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Financial Mentor; Grant research; Fundraising and other special events; Community outreach; Child care; Marketing and Communications
Budget Buddies helps low-income women become more economically self-sufficient and transform their lives by teaching them core money-management skills and pairing them with personal financial coaches. An hour a week of your time can start a woman in your community on the road to financial independence! As a volunteer coach, you’ll provide ongoing, one-to-one support for your client. Sign up for an informational meeting to learn more.
Link to Volunteer!
Ongoing Dates | Boston, Greater Boston Area
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Friendly Visiting; Medical Escorts; Friendly Helping; PetPals; MusicWorks
A most rewarding experience, you can volunteer to be matched with ongoing or one-time assistance to an elder in need! Visit an elder for conversation, music appreciation, assist with small tasks, or a pet visit! Time and company are wonderful gifts to give this holiday season.
Link to Volunteer!
Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
Ongoing Dates | Boston, Quincy
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers needed: Program Volunteer; Early Education Volunteer; Special Events and Communications; Tutor for Children or Adults; College Access Mentor; Art Center Volunteer
BCNC helps families through child enrichment programs, education and workforce initiatives, and community engagement. Volunteer to support your neighbors to reach their goals and become successful in Boston!
Link to Volunteer!
Ongoing Dates | Boston,
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Job Training; International Learning Center; Housing Community; Summer Food Program; Financial Assistance
Volunteer alongside Boston’s business professionals, industry leaders, retired individuals, college students, and many others to help individuals learn the skills they need to gain employment or other resources. Many volunteer opportunities are done over the phone or via email, and other opportunities take place in the Boston office.
Link to Volunteer!
Big Sister Association of Boston
Ongoing Dates | Boston, Metro Boston
Committed Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers Needed: Mentors
Join the sisterhood of more than 2,400 women who are getting #Girls2Great! Being a Big Sister is about being present, not perfect. It's about developing a rewarding friendship with a girl based on having fun, learning, and growing together.
Link to Volunteer!