Whether you’re looking to complete required community service or just want to spend your free time doing something good, seeking out great volunteer opportunities is the first step. Lucky for you, finding awesome community service options in Tucson is a cinch. The city is so filled with amazing nonprofit and community-oriented organizations that you’re likely to find a chance to help out no matter where you turn.
In order to help you find the perfect community service option for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in Tucson for volunteers just like you.
Pick one or two and get to work making a difference in the world.
Felicia’s Farm
Ever wonder what actually goes down at a farm? Felicia’s Farm is here to teach you just that while also feeding the hungry in the Tucson area. Their mission is to ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals by not only offering the fruits of their labor, but also by teaching people how to grow their own food. You can help them in their effort by volunteering to work on the farm anytime between 8am and 1pm, Monday through Friday.
The farm recommends wearing closed-toe shoes and clothing you won’t mind getting dirty. Farming is hard work and volunteers must go in expecting such. Child and youth volunteers are welcome and even encouraged, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Those who wish to help feed the hungry but prefer to stay out of the dirt might like the volunteer opportunities at Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. This much-needed organization works hard to feed the enormous homeless population in Pima County.
Both short- and long-term volunteer opportunities are available at the food bank. Additionally, CFBSA has family volunteer days, meaning younger individuals can join in from time to time. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and a shirt with sleeves, bring a “can do” attitude when you arrive, and get ready to feel great about helping those in need.
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
Animal lovers will enjoy the chance to help out at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. This cat-and-dog shelter is always on the lookout for new volunteers to help with everything from pet care and cleanup to clerical work. Want to take your volunteer work home? Consider fostering a pet until the perfect family match can be found.
The shelter does ask for a 6-month commitment from every volunteer, something we find quite reasonable considering the fact that they train their helpers. Youth as young as 15 are welcome to apply, meaning this is a great chance for young animal enthusiasts to start on the path toward a career as a vet or other animal caregiver.
Tucson Wildlife Center
A second community service option for those who love animals is the Tucson Wildlife Center. This organization works to ensure all of the local wildlife is well cared for. Jobs for volunteers include animal caretakers, bookkeeping, and even construction work, meaning a wide variety of people are needed to keep this nonprofit up and running.
Tucson Wildlife Center doesn’t currently allow children to volunteer, so all applicants must be at least 18 years of age. That said, they may add youth volunteer days in the near future. All volunteer work is done in shifts, meaning it’s best to know your availability when you apply.
BICAS — Bicycle Inter Community Art and Salvage
A super creative and amazingly helpful organization, BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art and Salvage) is a wonderful place to volunteer your time. BICAS is hard at work making sure every local has access to a bicycle. They do this by refurbishing and upcycling old bicycle parts, meaning they’re getting people out of their cars and keeping old bikes out of the landfill. We think this is a noble mission indeed.
Absolutely anyone with the ability to work is welcome to volunteer at BICAS. No bike knowledge is necessary at all. They offer both traditional community service opportunities as well as a work-trade program for those looking to earn a bicycle of their own. To get started, simply show up at the shop between 11am and 6pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and let a staff member know you’d like to volunteer.
With so many volunteer opportunities in the Tucson area, it can be hard to decide what to do. Fortunately, there’s no limit on the amount of community service you do, so you can try 2 or 3 options until you find the fit that’s right for you.
Go ahead and get started today. You’re sure to love the feeling of improving the community, and moreover, the skills you gain and friends you meet in the process are priceless.
