The Philly August Volunteering Calendar
Every month I highlight volunteering opportunities with mutual aid groups.
Hello friends! Every month I highlight volunteering opportunities with mutual aid groups. This month there are a few highlights I want to call your attention to.
The Everywhere Project is in need of a few new volunteers. Last month I noted that they also need chefs. They are a wonderful woman-led org that does the tough work in Kensington, and you'll be in great hands learning about harm reduction when you volunteer with them. You'll find their events in the calendar below.
The Familiar Hearts Animal Society is having an orientation for folks who are interested in volunteering with them. At the event you'll learn about all the ways you can help and what kind of personalities and skills work best with their org.
Signing up for this free newsletter helps me get more hands to more mutual aid groups. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This month I found a few low-cost and free events that build community, and I wanted to share them as well. There will be two volunteering newsletters this month to handle so many entries.
Since distros and events can change, please double check with each individual group before you show up.
Monday, August 3
Volunteer with The Sunday Love Project at the Greater Goods grocery distribution from 8:30 a.m. until noon at 3206 Kensington Avenue. It's just a short walk from Somerset Station on the Market–Frankford Line. Visit https://www.sundaylove.org.
Tuesday, August 4
The Sanctuary Farm farm stand at 22nd and Cecil B. Moore operates every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Fill out a volunteer form at sanctuaryfarmphila.org and learn more here.
Wednesday, August 5
Punks with Lunch needs volunteers for distribution at the intersection of Broad and Snyder from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m, every Wednesday (and Sunday!). Snyder Station on the Broad Street Line is just steps away. Volunteers with cars are especially needed. Read more here.
Thursday, August 6
Spend the evening packing books for incarcerated readers with Books Through Bars from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 4722 Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia. Arrive via SEPTA Trolley Routes 13 and 34. Visit https://www.booksthroughbars.org/volunteer.
Friday, August 7
Sharing Excess needs volunteers from 9:00 a.m. to noon, helping to redistribute surplus food at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, 6700 Essington Avenue. Take SEPTA Route 37 to reach the market. Learn more at https://www.sharingexcess.com/volunteer.
Saturday, August 8
The Everywhere Project needs volunteers for outreach in Kensington from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., near Ruth and Clearfield Streets, close to Somerset Station on the Market–Frankford Line. Learn more at https://www.everywhereproject.org.
Join the Afro-Punk screens at 6pm at @breadboxphilly, 1021 Ridge Ave, with a Q&A on the graphic memoir 'It Starts with Anger': "a coming-of-age story about race, punk, and self-determination that traces the roots of the Afro-Punk movement he founded." $10-$20 sliding scale with tickets at spoonersnofun.com. For more info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0yINzIN0c/
Familiar Hearts Animal Society needs volunteers to help at their pet pantry. They’re having a volunteer meet-and-greet on August 8th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 6175 Ridge Ave. You'll get to meet current volunteers and learn about different programs and ways to be involved. Sign up here: https://www.familiarhearts.org/volunteer
Sunday, August 9
Punks with Lunch needs volunteers for distribution at the intersection of Broad and Snyder from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m, every Wednesday (and Sunday!). Snyder Station on the Broad Street Line is just steps away. Volunteers with cars are especially needed. Read more here.
LIGHT UP THE MARKET celebration runs August 8 and August 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and highlights light art to honor the immigrant workers who define the history and culture of the South 9th Street Market. Includes guided tours, illuminated produce scales, lightboxes, and a multi-media projection truck. These installations are designed to amplify the resilience and traditions of 9th Street workers. Get more information on eventbrite.
Wednesday, August 12
The Everywhere Project needs volunteers for their evening outreach at LOVE Park from 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. You can get there via SEPTA 15th Street Station, City Hall, or Suburban Station. Find out more here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbdV1BKvdSr
Friday, August 14
Join Punks with Lunch at Mifflin Square Park from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. The park is served by SEPTA Route 47 and is within walking distance of the Broad Street Line. Get more info here: https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/
Saturday, August 15
Volunteer with Homies Helping Homies for a Saturday food rescue shift from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Check out their Instagram for more info: https://www.instagram.com/homies.helping.homies/
Monday, August 17
Help prepare meals with Punks with Lunch on Monday mornings. The preparation space is shared with the People’s Kitchen. Learn more at https://www.punkswithlunch.com/volunteer-with-us.
Volunteer with The Sunday Love Project at the Greater Goods grocery distribution from 8:30 a.m. until noon at 3206 Kensington Avenue. It's just a short walk from Somerset Station on the Market–Frankford Line. Visit https://www.sundaylove.org.
Wednesday, August 19
Punks with Lunch needs volunteers for distribution at the intersection of Broad and Snyder from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m, every Wednesday (and Sunday!). Snyder Station on the Broad Street Line is just steps away. Volunteers with cars are especially needed. Read more here.
Friday, August 21
Join me and Punks with Lunch at Mifflin Square Park from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. We will be handing out food, and I will talk to you about Narcan and harm reduction. https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/
Before You Go
Most organizations recommend wearing comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bringing a reusable water bottle. Many food rescue shifts involve lifting produce boxes, while outreach events often take place outdoors in all weather. If you're new, don't worry—every one of these groups welcomes first-time volunteers and will show you what to do.
Volunteering with even one organization can make a meaningful difference, but spending a month getting to know several of Philadelphia's mutual aid groups is also a great way to build relationships and discover where your skills and interests fit best.
