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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

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New Volunteer Opportunities

School Volunteer Opportunities

 

MHS KEY CLUB

  • Every Thursday
  • 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Meet in the Commons by the Alumni Conference Room in Manhattan High School
  • Each meeting involves a service activity that can count towards 1-hour of school service.
  • For more information, join the club on Parent/Student Square

 


Community Volunteer Opportunities

 

SUNSET ZOO JUNIOR ZOOKEEPERS (JZK)

  • Sunset Zoo - 2333 Oak Street 
  • Applications Due - no later than 5:00pm, Monday, March 31, 2025
  • So, you want to be a zookeeper, or do you just think animals are the coolest? The Junior Zookeeper (JZK) program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo world! Get hands-on experience alongside zookeepers, educators, and grounds teams while you engage with guests and build skills that will set you up for success—whether your future is in zoos or beyond. If you’re passionate about animals and ready to dive in, this is your chance! This year-long program is for you!
  • Program details, requirements, and application can be found on the Sunset Zoo website.

 

RISE AND RESPITE

  • Saturday, April 5
  • Faith Manhattan Church - 1921 Barnes Road
  • Rise and Respite is a sensory-friendly event for families with special needs.   Rise and Respite is Saturday, April 5 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Faith. Volunteers need to plan to arrive NO LATER than 8:00am. We will provide breakfast, do a brief overview of the morning and help all volunteers find their places. Volunteers must have a cleared background check with Faith to serve at this event, no exceptions.
    • There is a Volunteer Training on Monday, March 31 from 6:30-7:30pm at Faith that we would love for everyone serving to attend. For those wanting to serve as Buddies for the event, this is a mandatory training. If you have previously attended this mandatory training for a past Rise & Respite event, you DO NOT need to attend again. Please complete the following form and submit it when you are finished. Someone will follow up with you shortly after and share more details!
  • If you have further questions, email Tricia Holliday 

 

LAUNCH LEARNING

  • Faith Manhattan Church - 1921 Barnes Road 
  • 2505 Anderson Ave Suite 203, Manhattan KS 66502
  • The Launch Learning Clinic in Manhattan supports children 5 and up, as well as young adults, who work with a reading or math interventionist either individually or in small groups of 2-3, matched by age and level to give them additional support in these areas outside of school.
  • Volunteers are needed to help with greeting families and students, answering the phone, and taking messages and payments when needed. The hours would be 3:30 - 5:30 Mondays and/or Thursdays.
  • Interested students should email Victoria Mulderrig or call her at 785-317-3667.

Ongoing Community Volunteer Opportunities

ACCORD HOSPICE

  • Accord Hospice is located at 3246 Kimball Avenue in the Candlewood Shopping Center.

    Volunteers are needed for:
    • Helping with the float and to pass out candy for the Mayor's Holiday Parade on December 6th
    • On-going assistance with clerical duties and making seasonal and/or thank you cards for patients and families.
    • Interested students can email Julie Delort or call at 785-376-0346

 


ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI

 


 

CATTAILS

 


 

CONECTING STUDENTS TO COMMUNITY (CSC)

 


 

FLINT HILLS BREADBASKET

  • Work donation booths at special events
  • Assist with community newsletter and additional publications
  • Distribute USDA commodities to local organizations and community residents
  • Drive to local pick-up sites and process donations
  • Inventory and package donations received into the warehouse
  • HOURS OF OPERATION FOR VOLUNTEERS:
    • Monday–Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • For Group Volunteering in the Afternoons Please Call: 785-537-0730
    • 905 Yuma Street, Manhattan, KS

 


 

FLINT HILLS VOLUNTEER CENTER

  • Volunteers must be 13+ years of age, successfully pass a background check, and must attend necessary training sessions (scheduled regularly throughout the year).
  • Volunteer Forms, Information, and Contact can be found online.

 


 

HOPE THERAPUTIC RIDING CENTER

  • There are endless opportunities for volunteering at Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Centers from working with the horses to direct interactions with the riders.
  • See the Hope Ranch Theraputic Riding Center Website for more information.

 


 

THE HOUSE CAFE

  • 230 Riley Ave, Ogden, Kansas
  • The House Café is a non-profit that is supported by the community.  We're growing more and more every day and are looking for volunteers to expand the House Café into a recreational space for kids of all ages.

 


 

MANHATTAN ARTS CENTER 

  • Whether you've volunteered in the past, you're required to complete so many volunteering hours, you're interested in the arts, would like to develop some skills, or would like to be part of our awesome family, there are many ways you can get involved. 

    Here are just a few:

    • Join a committee (theatre, gallery, Birdhouse, MACademy Youth Theatre, Salon Concerts, etc.).
    • Volunteer as an usher, doing box office sales, or be a house manager for performances.
    • Help with a theatre production making costumes, building sets, painting, running lights (we train you), stage managing, or - of course - acting.
    • Gallery exhibit set-up, hosting the exhibit, and tear-down.
    • Special and annual events like Wrap It Up.
    • Help with building maintenance, and cosmetic enhancements inside and out.
    • Become a Friend of the MAC.

    Volunteer needs are ever evolving, so check back here for current opportunities. Don't see the position you want, give us a call, and we can see how to make it happen. If you want to contribute in a specific way, we LOVE hearing ideas and getting creative. We work in the arts after all!

    No experience is needed (*for most roles) as we are happy to teach you, and each of these roles can help you develop your own personal & professional growth! 

  • MAC Volunteer Info 
    • **NOTE - students can sign up for the 2:30 shift and arrive when they can after school (by/around 3:15)**

MART – MANHATTAN AREA RESETTLEMENT TEAM

  • MART works to help people and families in unsafe areas travel to Manhattan.  MART helps these refugees find housing, jobs, transportation, education, and healthcare.

    Students interested in volunteering for MART can find more information on the MART website.

 


 

NOURISH TOGETHER

  • This site compiles the numerous organizations within Riley County that help with food insecurity and are in need of volunteers.
  • Go to the Nourish Together website and click on 'I Want to Volunteer' to find opportunities.

 


 

PEACE-FULL PANTRY

2500 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502

PeaceFull Pantry serves our neighbors food 4 days a week. We are serving on average 150 households and 400 individuals each week.  We have opportunities to help with deliveries, however these are during the school day. We also have opportunities to help during our pantry hours.

PEACEFULL PANTRY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Stocking food pantry shelves

    • Tuesday or Friday 9am-10am 

  • Helping shoppers through the PeaceFull Pantry

    • Sunday 1:45pm-4:15pm

    • Monday 4:45pm-7:15pm

    • Tuesday 1:45pm-4:15pm

    • Thursday 4:45-7:15pm

Email Amy Meng or visit the Peaceful Pantry website for more information and to sign up.

 


 

PURPLE PAWS ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

  • Purple Paws is looking for people to help with fund raising activities in the community, setting up at adoption events in the community, caring for the animals at these events and transporting animals to and from these events.
  • Volunteers must be at least 14-years of age to be helping without a parent/guardian present and will need to have a liability waiver signed by their parent/guardian to volunteer.

 


 

STORMONT VAIL HEALTH

  • Ages 14 to 17
    Stormont Vail has a volunteer program for youth students ages 14 and older. Students can learn about the health care environment and gain life and work experience in many health care settings.
  • Applications will be accepted year round.
  • A commitment of at least one shift per week (or 2 shifts per month) for a 4-month commitment is required.
  • Complete the application process and participate in a free health assessment and Mandatory Orientation/training sessions, as required.
  • All healthcare workers (e.g. employees, medical staff, providers, volunteers, contractors, vendors and students) will be required to submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination to Employee Health.  Proof of vaccination is defined as having completed a full Covid-19 vaccination series as defined by the CDC (e.g. 2 dose series for Pfizer or Moderna, 1 dose for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen and any associated booster shots required for full vaccination) and provide proof of completion of the vaccine(s) to Stormont Vail Employee Health or designee.
  • Volunteers must purchase their own uniform top through Volunteer Services.  Uniforms may be purchased at Orientation or First day of Volunteering. (Cash or Checks are payable to Stormont Vail Health)

 

TAP TO TOGETHERNESS ACROSS POPULATIONS

Are you looking to make a difference in your community through dance? Join our Tap To Togetherness Across Population! We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help bring the joy of tap dance to diverse community groups, including families with young children, the Special Olympics community, and senior living care residents.
Service Opportunity Details:

  • What: Volunteer with our Tap To Togetherness program, assisting with dance sessions, mentoring youth, and supporting community events.
  • Who: Open to individuals passionate about dance, community service, and making a positive impact. No prior dance experience is necessary!
  • Where: Various locations within the community, including local schools, community centers, and senior care facilities.
  • When: Flexible schedule based on your availability and event dates.

Benefits of Volunteering:

  • Make meaningful connections with community members of all ages
  • Develop leadership and communication skills
  • Experience the joy of giving back through the art of dance

How to Get Involved: Interested in volunteering? Please email Julie L. Pentz or call 785.230.6993 for more information and to sign up.
Join us in creating a more connected and vibrant community through the power of dance!

 


 

YOUTH COURT

  • Youth court offers an alternative to prosecution by holding first time juvenile offenders accountable while also providing an opportunity to clear their criminal record.
  • Youth court is held over Zoom. Volunteers just like YOU are needed to serve on the jury.
  • Complete THIS FORM to get more information.
  • INFORMATIONAL FLYER

 


 

YOUTH IMPACTING COMMUNITY (YIC)

  • Youth Impacting Community (Y.I.C.) is a group of high school aged youth from the Manhattan, KS area who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Members of the group are given the opportunity to learn about community needs, participate in community service projects, and award grants to local non-profit organizations who serve youth.
  • Y.I.C. meets at least once a month during the school year to discuss the grants program, plan upcoming projects, and address any other agenda items. Members are asked to attend meetings and service projects as well as serve in leadership roles as club officers and committee members. In addition to the regular monthly meetings, the group participates in several community service projects throughout the year.
  • Area 9th - 12th grade youth are invited to be a part of Y.I.C.!
  • BROCHURE