Here's a list of programs I've personally been a part of, or know folks who have. These are vetted as one-time and newcomer friendly, but also have more permanent opportunities. Reach out to me (adooling at gmail dot com) if you have any questions. And remember to have fun!
Oh, and a hot tip: Many employers actually allow you to take a volunteer day. So, if you see an opportunity that interests you, but it's during a weekday, ask if your employer has that program. You won't be penalized for doing good work in the community.
Friday, May 15 – Love Your Park: Reservoir Fence Replacement
Discovery Center at Strawberry Mansion Reservoir, East Fairmount Park from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
It’s Love Your Park week, where you can sign up to make nice lots of Philly’s parks. This fence event will focus on replacing the old reservoir fence. You should be able to cut, carry and dispose of sections of chain link fence. Gloves and tools will be provided. Register: discoveryphila.org
Sunday, May 17 – CARP: Hot Food Distribution at Kensington & Lehigh Aves
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
CARP distributes hot meals, coffee, hygiene supplies, and harm reduction kits weekly on Sundays in Kensington. Get more info here: https://www.instagram.com/communityactionreliefproject
Sunday, May 17 - Homies Helping Homies Mutual Aid at Wharton Sq. Park
From around 9:00 AM - Noon
Homies Helping Homies organizes weekly food distribution at Wharton Park in Point Breeze. Get more info here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FADA728AAFBC52-53042427-homies?useFullSite=true#/
Monday, May 18 - Sharing Excess Food Program at Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Volunteers sort produce donations to be picked up and redistributed by many of other groups listed in these volunteer ops. Runs Monday through Friday mornings. Register here: https://sharingexcess.vomo.org/opportunity/sorting-at-pwpm
Wednesday, May 20 - Wissahickon Valley Park Stewardship Morning with Friends of the Wissahickon
9:00 AM - Noon
This weekly event includes trash clean-ups and planting site maintenance. Register here: fow.org/volunteering/workinthepark
Thursday, May 21 - Share Food Program Prep
Share Food Program Warehouse at 3111 W. Allegheny Ave., North Philly
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Share Food Program has many ways to volunteer, including warehouse prep where you’ll be doing the heavy labor of cleaning, moving boxes and readying the line for packing. Register here: https://www.sharefoodprogram.org/get-involved/packing/
Friday, May 22 - Punks With Lunch Food Distribution at Mifflin Square Park
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
This weekly food distribution is great for first-timers because of the picnic atmosphere and familiarity of tasks. This is my personal weekly distro site. Get more info here: https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch
Saturday, May 23 - Cradles to Crayons: The Giving Factory
Cradles to Crayons at 4700 Wissahickon Ave, Suite 142, East Falls
Sort through gently-used clothing donations to pack up for kids in the community. Register here: cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia/take-action/volunteer
Looking for another way to help? You can buy a pay-it-forward meal for someone at Underbite Bites Cafe.
Reach out with any volunteer sessions or questions.
Annemarie