Volunteers under the age of 24 account for 22.6 percent of all volunteers. Studies have shown volunteering can improve health by strengthening the body, improving mood and alleviating stress. Spring is right around the corner and if you’re looking for a chance to give back but haven’t found the right fit yet, check out these local volunteer opportunities.
The Food Bank of Western MA
41 million people struggle with hunger in the United States, including 13 million children. That’s one in six people in America. Eliminating hunger is an important issue that we can fix by working together to ensure that everyone has access to food. Contact: Jennifer Therkelsen at jennifert@foodbankwma.org and (413) 247-9738 ext. 128
MANNA Soup Kitchen
MANNA Soup Kitchen, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide hot, nutritious meals to hungry people in the local community in a safe and hospitable setting where guests can find warmth and fellowship and be treated with respect. Contact: Claire Troiano at ctroiano0123@gmail.com and (413) 588-2333
MA Fair Housing Center
MFHC’s mission is to eliminate housing discrimination in Western and parts of Central Mass. Housing discrimination based on categories such as race, color, national origin, religion is illegal under federal and state law. To get involved, check out the fair housing testing program or the legal internship. Contact: Meris Bergquist at mbergquist@massfairhousing.org and (413) 539-9796
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
Since 1989, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity has built decent, affordable homes for 37 low income families in Hampshire and Franklin Counties. They build our homes with volunteer labor and donations of material, supplies, land and services. At the onset of homebuilding, a family is selected and enters into a long term partnership with Pioneer Valley Habitat. Contact: Lindsay Berry at lindsay@pvhabitat.org and (413) 586-5430
Friends of Hampshire County Homeless
Those seeking shelter are often people who have reached a crisis in their lives; they have nowhere to go and often are too traumatized to know how to get their lives back on track. Friends of Hampshire County Homeless provide financial and volunteer support for the shelter and for associated programs that contribute to the one goal: helping the homeless find a better life. Contact: Barbara Blumenthal at bblument@smith.edu and (413) 586-0492
The Northampton Survival Center
The Northampton Survival Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income individuals and families throughout Hampshire County by providing nutritious food and other resources in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Each weekday, volunteers help between 25 and 50 families as they select their food, produce and personal care items. Contact: Diane Drohan at diane@northamptonsurvival.org and (413) 586-6564
