Vocalo Radio 
For anyone who wants to help out the community but feels safer with remote opportunities, check out Cradles To Crayons’ “Giving Factory @ Home” program! Volunteers can pick up boxes of gently used items donated to The Giving Factory to sort through and check item quality, returning the sorted boxes to the warehouse one week later. To learn more or register to help out, go here.
Do Good #309: Clean Up The Conservatories
Now that we’ve gotten a preview of warm weather, it’s the perfect time to help out at some of our city’s prominent green spaces! Both Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservancy have lots of ways to volunteer, from weeding and gardening to composting and family programs. Explore options and get involved at their respective websites.
Do Good #308: Volunteer DJs Wanted
Are you a DJ looking to earn experience for a good cause? Nonprofits The Network and The Resurrection Project are looking for DJs to help out at their Youth Hood Fair event series on May 14 (at 31st Street and Hamlin Avenue) and May 21 (at 1805 S. Paulina St.). Each event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact organizer Esmeralda Gonzalez for more information or to get involved.
Do Good #307: Performances & Treats For A Good Cause!
City News Cafe in Portage Park is hosting two concerts this weekend as a part of their Blue and Yellow Lifeline fundraiser series. Enjoy live music and support Ukrainian relief efforts by attending Henia Flynn and Nancy Connely’s performance Saturday at 11 a.m. and Hugo’s Elvis tribute at 2 p.m. in the cafe or virtually on Sunday. During the performances, 100% of proceeds from sales of Ukrainian-themed postcards designed by Jenia Chernysh and boxes of dark chocolate truffles (plus tips) will go toward the fundraising efforts. More information can be found here.
Do Good #306: Bridge To Success
The Bridge to Success provides workforce development and strives to enhance employment opportunities for at-risk, low-income and no-income adults and young adults by providing high quality, workplace-appropriate clothing and coaching to build self-confidence and job interview preparation skills. They’re recruiting volunteers to help out with client fitting and styling, interview coaching, retail merchandising and event planning. To become a volunteer, you can fill out their online application.
Do Good #305: Green City Market
Green City Market is an organization of farmers’ markets dedicated to supporting local farmers, expanding food access and educating the community about sustainability and food waste. They’re currently seeking volunteers to help at the markets by assisting the info booth, managing market entrances, helping with kids programming and more. For more information or to sign up to join their volunteer team, go here.
Do Good #304: Help Out At IMAN During Ramadan
Ramadan starts this weekend! Support the local Muslim community by volunteering at the Inner City Muslim Action Network, or IMAN, a community organization which focuses on aid through the arts, housing programs, health centers and other strategic initiatives. To get involved, you can sign up to become a volunteer online.
Ramadan Kareem! 🌙 May you be blessed with abundance, light and gratitude during this sacred month.
We hope to see you at one of our many events and invite you to become an IMAN Sustainer to help continue our work for years to come, God-willing.https://t.co/VuTgTg1W3W pic.twitter.com/wpwCu4pWXx
— IMAN—Chicago + ATL (@imancentral) April 2, 2022
Do Good #303: Ukrainian Relief Efforts...
The Ukrainian National Museum, located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village, has compiled a list with QR codes of organizations accepting donations to aid relief efforts in Ukraine. Organizations include the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, the Red Cross and more.
Do Good #302: Clean Up Community Green Spaces!
You’ve got a couple of opportunities to help clean up community green spaces this weekend! On April 2, join Chicago Cares in enhancing North Lawndale’s Unity Park and/or Bronzeville’s Burnham Nature Sanctuary. At Unity Park, volunteers can expect to plant, mulch, weed, shovel and paint, and at Burnham volunteers may help with maintaining the sanctuary’s ecological health, trail maintenance, cleaning up trash and fixing fences. Sign up now or find more information here and here!
Do Good #301: Aid Ukraine From Chicago
Wondering how you can support Ukraine without leaving the country? Locally located organizations like Ukrainian shipping company Meest-Karpaty are accepting donations to help Ukrainian refugees. WBEZ, CBS and the Chicago Tribune also have lists of organizations and groups in Chicago you can donate to, volunteer with or get involved in other ways.
Do Good #300: Southside Blooms
Invest in community green spaces with Southside Blooms, a project started by Chicago Eco House to transform vacant lots into flower farms which employ young adults on the city’s south and west sides. Volunteers are needed on March 26 to help maintain the green spaces, and will learn about the importance of regenerative farming practices. All supplies will be provided and work will be mostly inside. More information here.
Do Good #299: Textbanking With NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is the country’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to providing resources for those struggling with mental illness. In partnership with Chicago Cares, NAMI is hosting textbanking sessions on March 24 and 31 for volunteers to reach out to Chicagoans via text with mental health resources and information. Personal phone numbers will not be used, and volunteers will also learn about the organization and other ways they can help out. More information can be found here.
Do Good #298: Do The Shamrock Shuffle
Help prepare for this year’s Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K run, taking place on March 20! Prior to the race, volunteers are needed to help with participant packet prep and pick-up. The day of, volunteers can help out on the information team, at the start corrals, as a court marshal or by serving beer at the post-race party. More information on how to get involved is online, and the deadline to register as a volunteer is March 13.
Do Good #297: Help Victims of Domestic Violence
Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing domestic violence and providing services to victims of abuse and their children. They are currently accepting volunteers to help staff at their Humboldt Park Outreach Program and Greenhouse Shelter, where they will provide assistance to residents, respond to calls and more. To donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities, check out the organization’s website.
Do Good #296: Clean Up Lincoln Park Conservatory
As we begin to approach the spring season, help beautify Chicago’s community spaces by cleaning up Lincoln Park Conservatory! Volunteers are needed to assist greenhouse staff with weeding and prepping for garden shows and general maintenance of the historic facility on March 5 and March 19, 2022 from 9 a.m. to noon. All tools, supplies and training will be provided. Check out Chicago Cares to learn more or sign up.
Do Good #295: Lend A Hand At Fresh Market
Lend a hand at nonprofit organization Breakthrough’s Fresh Market, a client-choice food pantry serving East Garfield Park! The market has different volunteer positions available throughout the week as setup assistants, shopper assistants and delivery drivers. Every Wednesday and Friday, setup assistants help unload food trucks, organize food and stage the market for distribution by sorting, cleaning and shelving items. On Thursdays and Saturdays, shopper assistants greet guests, bag groceries and assist guests with their shopping. On Saturdays, delivery drivers load their personal vehicles with groceries for delivery to community members. All volunteers are required to wear cloth face coverings or masks. For age restrictions and more information, check out the volunteer page.
Do Good #294: Promote Children's Literacy
Nonprofit Bernie’s Book Bank is dedicated to promoting literacy among Chicago children with minimal access to books and other literacy resources. With multiple volunteer sessions regularly offered every weekday and some Saturdays, there are plenty of opportunities to help out with sorting, stickering and packing books for children. Sign up to help out using their volunteer calendar. Bernie’s Book Bank also accepts monetary donations through their website.
Do Good #293: Howard Brown Clinics
Howard Brown Health is an organization of health clinics around Chicago rooted in LGBTQ+ empowerment, serving more than 40,000 individuals citywide. They’re always looking for new volunteers to help with fundraising events, their Broadway Youth Center Drop-In, organizing personal hygiene items and more. New volunteers can submit an application online, and existing volunteers can contact volunteer@howardbrown.org for upcoming opportunity information.
Do Good #292: Deliver Groceries to Seniors
Do you have a car and want to help out seniors in your community? My Block, My Hood, My City is looking for volunteers to deliver groceries to Chicago seniors in need every Tuesday, from morning through the early afternoon. Volunteers need a car, phone and PPE to lend a helping hand and are required to attend a short training session the day of. To sign up or learn more, check My Block, My Hood, My City’s events calendar.
Do Good #291: Support Immigrant Families of Chicago
Centro Romero has been serving the immigrant and refugee community on Chicago’s northeast side for the past 37 years, providing youth leadership programs, family services, domestic violence prevention, adult education, leader services and more. They’re always looking for volunteers to lend a hand, and anyone interested in getting involved can apply through their online form. Donations can also be made on their website.
Do Good #290: Help Chicago's Homeless Families at La Casa Norte
La Casa Norte confronts homelessness in Chicago by providing access to housing and other services, with an emphasis on helping families and children. Individual volunteer opportunities include sorting clothes at the organization’s Clothing Closet or helping out at their Fresh Market, in partnership with Lakeview Pantry. Check out how you can get involved on their website.
Do Good #289: Fight Food Insecurity With New Hope Church
Fight food insecurity on Chicago’s Northwest Side and distribute food with New Hope Church Food Kitchen! Volunteers can expect to prep bags for hot meals and non-perishable food distribution, sorting clothes for distribution and more. Details and sign-up can be found here for opportunities every Saturday through Feb. 26.
Do Good #288: Sort Food For COVID Relief
The Lakeview Food Pantry is always looking for volunteers to help sort food, distribute groceries and more in response to the COVID-19 crisis. More information on opportunities and COVID protocol can be found on their website, and all new volunteers are required to fill out this form in advance.
Do Good #287: Care For Real
Edgewater and Rogers Park nonprofit volunteer group Care for Real relies on 450 volunteers every year to help distribute fresh groceries to neighbors at no cost Monday through Saturday. They also run a clothing closet, pet pantry and job readiness program. Volunteers can expect to assist with tasks like packing groceries, sorting clothing and greeting clients. Check out their website for more information and email volunteer@careforreal.org to get involved.
Do Good #286: The Love Fridge!
Fight food insecurity and get involved with Chicago mutual aid initiative the Love Fridge! They’re hosting a virtual town hall tonight, Dec. 9, from 7-8 p.m. to discuss winter strategies and how to get involved in the new year. Stay up-to-date with volunteer opportunities on their Instagram, or fill out their volunteer profile to stay in the loop. Interested in donating? A list of accepted items and protocol is under their guidelines, and locate a fridge near you using their online map.
Do Good #285: Roseland Hospital's Holiday Toy Drive
Support Roseland Hospital’s Holiday Toy Drive event! On Dec. 16 at noon volunteers can help out by boxing, wrapping and decorating toy donations which will be given out to families in the Roseland community on Dec. 18. Sign up now at this link.
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Do Good #284: Light Up Lawndale
Spread some holiday cheer by decorating the North Lawndale neighborhood! The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council partnered with Chicago Cares for their Light Up Lawndale project. Volunteers can expect to decorate trees, fountains and light posts along several blocks of Douglas Blvd. on Dec. 11 and 18. Click here for more information on how to get involved or to sign up.
Do Good #283: Letters To Angels
Chicago Cares is working with Chicago Youth Programs to help out with their annual “Letters to Angels” toy drive Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 7-8. Volunteers can expect to assist staff with sorting, labeling and wrapping toys from the drive. Additional toys can be purchased for the drive on the organization’s Amazon Wish List.
Do Good #282: Repack With The Food Depository
Their warehouses are closed this weekend for the holiday, but next week you can help out the Greater Chicago Food Depository by attending one of their Repack sessions. Morning and evening opportunities are available Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. Volunteers can expect to sort produce, inspect and box bread shipments and repack large shipments of non-perishable items into smaller containers. Volunteers must be at least 11 years old and everyone is required to wear a mask. For more information, check out the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s online calendar.
Do Good #281: Be A Part Of The Light
My Block, My Hood, My City is kicking off their annual “Be A Part Of The Light” initiative and toy drive on Dec. 4! Join the organization’s M3 volunteer team as they get together to decorate street poles and homes with holiday lights, bows, ribbons, garlands and ornaments along King Dive from 51st to 115th Street. Volunteers are asked to meet at Washington Park Field House at 2 p.m. and will have the choice of decorating the park or traveling off-site to decorate in teams. Attendees are encouraged to bring new toy donations for the toy drive. This is an all-ages event, and more information on how to attend or get involved can be found here.
Do Good #280: Top Box Foods In Englewood
Chicago Cares and Top Box Foods teamed up to deliver groceries to Englewood residents without easy access to healthy, affordable food. They’re looking for volunteers with cars on Nov. 12 and 13 to make an estimated seven to nine deliveries over the course of three hours. Deliveries are contactless, but extra gloves and face masks will be provided. Please note — first-time volunteers with Top Box Foods are required to attend a training session the Thursday before their volunteer shift. Their next volunteer opportunity is next month, on Dec. 10, so if you miss the November opportunities you can always sign up in advance for December!
Do Good #279: Permanent Housing Transitional Kitchen Kits
Help to assemble kitchenware kits with Chicago Furniture Bank as they support those transitioning from shelters to permanent housing! Volunteers are needed on Nov. 18 to sort donated items and pack boxes with kitchenware like plates, glasses, silverware, mugs, pots and pans, which will be provided to individuals when they move into their new homes. Learn more about how to get involved here!
Do Good #278: 9th Annual Give N Peace
Nonprofit Think Outside Da Block is dedicated to supporting Chicago youth by promoting positive activities, education and communication. Their ninth annual Give N Peace event takes place on Monday, Nov. 22, where they will provide coats, food, manicures, haircuts and hairstyles. Volunteers are needed to help distribute coats, prepare kids for hair appointments, serve food and help staff at activity tables. Sign up here.
Do Good #277: Volunteer At This Year's Turkey Trot
It’s almost November, and with Thanksgiving right around the corner it’s not too early to start thinking about volunteering over the holiday season. The annual Life Time Chicago Turkey Trot 5K & 8K, which supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository, is looking for 450 volunteers to help ensure the Nov. 25 race is safe and smooth. Volunteers can sign up to help with registration, gear check, the start and finish lines, the kids race, medical assistance and more. To register as a volunteer, read up on the available positions and learn more about the race, check out the official Turkey Trot website.
Do Good #276: Fight Northwest Side Food Insecurity
New Hope Church Food Kitchen is looking for people to help fight food insecurity on Chicago’s Northwest Side, with opportunities coming up on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. Volunteers can expect to prep bags for hot meals and non-perishable food distribution, sort through and organize clothing donations and distribute food and clothes to the community. Interested volunteers can sign up now.
Do Good #275: LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood
Starting at 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 volunteers can join nonprofit LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood in partnership with Chicago Cares for their Halloween Candy Parade. Volunteers are encouraged to dress in costume and will line the sidewalks to pass out candy, chips, juices and other treats to children from 55th & Ashland to 63rd & Ashland. More info on how to get involved can be located on the Chicago Cares website.
Do Good #274: Take Action With The Shedd
Take action for Chicago wildlife and waterways! The Shedd Aquarium is hosting community action days this month, including woodland habitat restoration, litter cleanup and coastal habitat restoration across the Chicagoland area. The next community action opportunity is on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at 63rd Street Beach. More information and how to register for a Shedd Action Day can be found on the aquarium’s website.
Do Good #273: Sort Food With Heartland Alliance!
Heartland Alliance’s Vital Bridges Food Program serves to benefit Chicagoans impacted by HIV and AIDS by providing free groceries, nutrition counseling and more. On Saturday, Oct. 23, Vital Bridges is looking for volunteers at their Garfield Park location to help staff by gathering grocery items from the food pantry for guests, stocking shelves and cleaning up. Closed-toe shoes and a shirt with sleeves are required due to health and safety regulations. For more information on the opportunity go here!
Do Good #272: New Hope Community Food Pantry
New Hope Community Food Pantry, an emergency pantry combating food insecurity on the city’s Northwest Side, is looking for volunteers to help distribute food to those in need on Oct. 16, 23 and 30. Volunteers should be able to lift 15 pounds and can expect to carry cases of food, prepare and clean the serving area, and help to make and distribute food. New Hope also accepts donations Mondays and Tuesdays between 8:30 a.m. and noon. More information on volunteer opportunities can be found here and check out all the ways you can donate here.
Do Good #271: Belmont Cragin Community Mosaic
Help beautify public spaces and pitch in to assemble the Belmont Cragin community mosaic, designed by community members and stakeholders. Three more volunteer sessions are available Oct. 1, Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, taking place outdoors on the Grand/Cicero Metra station underpass. More information can be found at Chicago Cares.
Do Good #270: Deliver Groceries To Seniors
Community-rooted nonprofit organization My Block, My Hood, My City needs your help with their food delivery for seniors initiative. Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., they’re looking for volunteers to help deliver groceries to Chicago seniors in need. Volunteers need a car, phone and personal protective equipment, and a training session is included. More information can be found on the organization’s website.
Do Good #269: AIDS Run/Walk Chicago
AIDS Run/Walk Chicago returns this year to Soldier Field on Oct. 2! The AIDS Run/Walk raises awareness and funds for AIDS Foundation Chicago and more than 30 community partners. The proceeds directly fund services and programs benefiting Chicagoans with or vulnerable to HIV. Registration is still available the morning of Oct. 2. To find more information on the event, register, apply to volunteer or to donate, check out the AIDS Run/Walk event page.
"..make it feel like home." #ForwardTogether
For more photos from the 2021 #aidsrunwalkchicago: https://t.co/emaFKtis3z pic.twitter.com/nh5Z6KAcqh— AIDS Foundation Chicago (@AIDSChicago) October 8, 2021
Do Good #268: Register To Volunteer In Lakeview
Help out Lakeview Food Pantry by registering to volunteer! The pantry is accepting new volunteers to help with driving, loading and unloading, delivering food and more. For more information about the pantry and to register as a volunteer, head over to the Lakeview Pantry website.
Do Good #267: Help Out Brave Space Alliance
Brave Space Alliance is Chicago’s first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center on the South Side. Striving to create and provide affirming, culturally competent resources and services to LGBTQ+ individuals on the city’s South and West sides, they’re always looking for volunteers. Help is primarily needed in their Crisis Pantry Program and gender-affirming resource centers The Makeup Room & The Den. For more information and to get involved, check Brave Space Alliance’s website.
Do Good #266: Clean Up Douglass Park
Riot Fest is this weekend — and whether you’re enjoying the festivities or hanging out at home, you can give back to the community by cleaning up the frequent festival grounds of Douglass Park. Another installment of The Chicago Parks Foundation’s cleanup initiative Pitch In For The Parks takes place on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Douglass Park. As usual, volunteers are provided with bags and gloves to pick up trash and debris around the park. Participants are also required to wear masks and encouraged to bring their own sunscreen and bug repellent. More information can be found at Chicago Cares.
Do Good #265: Instituto del Progreso Latino
Distribute food to those in need on the Lower West Side with nonprofit Instituto del Progreso Latino! On Monday, Sept. 13, volunteers can help out by sorting produce, packing food bags and loading food into cars at the organization’s outdoor pantry. Visit the opportunity website for more information.
Do Good #264: Clean Up Jackson Park
Enjoy the nice weather we’re being graced with and help clean up your city! Another Pitch In For The Parks, the cleanup initiative from The Chicago Parks Foundation to promote clean, public green spaces for everyone, is next Saturday, Sept. 11 at Jackson Park. Volunteers will be provided gloves and bags to pick up trash and debris around the park. They’re encouraged to bring their own sunscreen, water and insect repellent. Face masks are required. For more information on how to help out, visit the Chicago Cares website.
Do Good #263: Rogers Park Mutual Aid
Rogers Park Free Store is a grassroots mutual aid collective located in northeast Rogers Park, near the Morse Red Line stop, providing items to those in need at no cost. The collective supports the Rogers Park community and beyond, and is looking for donations including winter coats, shoes, socks, towels, children’s clothing, car seats, food, snacks and more. More information can be found consolidated on their Linktree.
Do Good #262: Clean Up Washington Park
The next installment of The Chicago Parks Foundation’s Pitch In For The Parks initiative is Saturday, Aug. 21, at Washington Park. This volunteer clean-up effort strives to provide clean, public green spaces for residents all over the city, and volunteers can expect to pick up trash and debris with provided gloves and bags. Face masks are required, and participants are encouraged to bring their own water, bug repellent and sunscreen. For more information and proper attire, visit the volunteer webpage.
Do Good #261: Hyde Park Kenwood Food Distribution
Help out Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry on Saturday, Aug. 21 as they distribute food to residents of Hyde Park, Kenwood and Washington Park neighborhoods. Volunteers can expect to assist in organizing, packing and distributing food. That includes carrying boxes of food up and down stairs, helping recipients pick out food items, carrying grocery bags and more. Specific details and volunteer requirements can be found on Chicago Cares.
Do Good #260: Street Love Bike Ride
Boxing Out Negativity is committed to preventing violence and bringing peace in the North Lawndale neighborhood by uplifting young people. Their second annual bike ride for peace, Street Love Ride, takes place this weekend, and they’re looking for volunteers to help set up! On Friday, Aug. 20, and Saturday, Aug. 21, volunteers can help with decorating, food distribution and more before the ride. On Sunday, Aug. 22, duties include cleaning up and distributing post-ride refreshments. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, and can sign up on the Chicago Cares website.
Do Good #259: Sarah's Circle
Sarah’s Circle is a nonprofit organization located in Uptown dedicated to ending homelessness and combating poverty among women. They are always looking for help and have a variety of volunteer opportunities including providing meals, sack lunches and toiletry kits or hosting a donation drive.
Do Good #258: Resilience & Our Music My Body
Founded in 1974, Resilience is an independent nonprofit organization committed to empowering victims of sexual assault and ending sexual violence. They have opportunities for short-term or regular volunteering and you can apply to help out on their website. They also helped create Our Music My Body, an initiative to foster awareness around sexual assault and harassment in the music scene, in collaboration with domestic abuse advocate organization Between Friends. Our Music My Body is also looking for volunteers and has a separate online application.
Do Good #257: Scholar Slide By Grocery Delivery
From June to September 2020, Delacreme Scholars’ mutual aid program The Scholar Slide By paid for and delivered groceries to families in Chicago’s South and West sides. This month Delacreme Scholars is bringing back the program and needs volunteers this weekend, on Aug. 7 and 8. Volunteers can sign up via their website, and you can email contact@delacremescholars.org for more information.
Do Good #256: The Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is always looking for volunteers to help sort, repack and distribute non-perishable food items for those in need across the Chicagoland area. For more information on how you can pitch in and a calendar of volunteer opportunities, click here.
Do Good #255: Promote Literacy With Open Books
Nonprofit Open Books promotes literacy resources, books and more to those in need and is currently welcoming new volunteers. Duties include shelving books, one-on-one coaching with 2nd and 3rd graders and giving books to families at community events. To apply as a volunteer, fill out this form. More information can be found on their website.
Do Good #254: Get Down To The Roots With FarmWorks
Chicago Cares partnered with Heartland Alliance to support FarmWorks, an urban farm in the East Garfield Park community dedicated to combating poverty. On Tuesdays in July and August at 5 p.m., volunteers will help create neighborhood green spaces by weeding, shoveling soil and gravel, wheelbarrowing materials and planting seedlings. More information on how to get involved can be found here.
Do Good #253: Become a Crisis Counselor
Crisis Text Line, the free 24/7 text line for people in crisis in the U.S., is looking for volunteers to become remote Crisis Counselors for four hours a week, with their greatest need from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. CST. Training is free and takes a total of 30 hours, and applicants are expected to commit to volunteer 200 hours in the span of one year. Applicants must be 18 or older and have a social security number. For more information on how to get involved, click here.
If you are currently in a crisis, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor at any time.
Do Good #252: Lincoln Park Community Services
Lincoln Park Community Services needs food to support the individuals staying at their two shelters. Sign up for a meal shift, email volunteer@lpcschicago.org. To make a monetary donation to support a meal, click here. You can also volunteer to be a virtual financial literary coach or help with job interview prep and resumes by emailing Jameela at volunteer@lpcschicago.org.
Do Good #251: Ravenswood Community Services
Ravenswood Community Services is asking for donations of food, grocery bags and hygiene items. Drop-off hours at their entrance at 1757 W Wilson are Tuesdays from 12-3 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., as well as Thursdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Click here for more information on accepted items. Monetary donations are also accepted here.
Do Good #250: Christmas Tree Recycling
The Chicago Park District will be accepting Christmas trees for recycling through January 20. The trees can be dropped off at any one of 25 locations citywide where they’ll be turned into free mulch for Chicago residents. For recycling locations and more information click here.
Do Good #249: Food Trucks Unite
Do Good #248: New Little Village Food Pantry
Faith-based nonprofit New Life Centers will open a new full-time food pantry at a former corner store in 2021, at 2701 S. Lawndale Ave. in Little Village. The pantry, which will be named El Mercado, comes in the wake of food shortages and unemployment crises hitting the neighborhood. New Life Centers has many ways to get involved with food distribution in Little Village and other areas of the city, and they are looking for volunteers – you can find more information here.
As Chicagoans continue to face hunger during the pandemic, a new Little Village food pantry aims to help: "The need is massive." https://t.co/utPp3inc6S pic.twitter.com/hUu5iiNK3R
— Block Club Chicago (@BlockClubCHI) January 1, 2021
Do Good #247: Salvation Army Volunteers
The Salvation Army needs volunteers to package and distribute meals, donate coats and toys, and ring that famous Red Bell. Find opportunities near you all over the city here.
Do Good #246: Gifts For Seniors
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly are looking for volunteers to deliver meals and gifts to seniors on Christmas day. Sign up here.
Do Good #245: Pilsen Pantry
Pilsen Food Pantry has opportunities for volunteers to help with food repacking, distribution and clothing sorting all through the holiday season. Find out more here
Do Good #244: Winter Clothing Items Drive
Doveland Cooperative is hosting a warm clothing drive for Uptown and Buena Park throughout the month of December. More information and a list of accepted items can be found here. Monetary donations via Venmo are also being accepted.
Do Good #243: Meals For Those In Need
Fight2Feed is looking for volunteers to help prep, cook, and deliver meals to those in need from their COVID-19 safe kitchens. Sign up to volunteer here
Do Good #242: Baby Item Donations
Help kids and families in need by donating new or gently used baby items to Share Our Spare. You can help out by donating money or items you don’t need. Accepted items include blankets, diapers, baby clothes, bottles and more. Click here for a full list of accepted items.
Do Good #241: Handmade Greeting Cards
Interested in creating handmade greeting cards this holiday season? Put your artistic abilities to use with these two greeting card drives! Heartland Alliance is organizing handmade greeting cards to send out to Chicago seniors in isolation during the pandemic. Cardz for Kidz will hand-deliver cards to kids in the hospital across the globe.
To take part in Heartland Alliance’s greeting card drive, send your uplifting, handwritten cards, letters or drawings to:
Resident Services – Cards
5700 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60660
For Cardz for Kidz, send your cards to:
Cardz for Kidz!
323 East Wacker Drive #11
Chicago, IL, 60601
We know the #cards are for the patients and families, but we still think some of them could be our #MondayMotivation! Please take a second to read this card! #encouragement pic.twitter.com/MvEt40b4yD
— Cardz For Kidz (@cardzforkidz) November 30, 2020
Do Good #240: Mask Makers Wanted
Do you need access to free sanitary face masks, or want to spend your time making them for others? Chicago Mask Makers is always accepting volunteers to sew cloth face masks for donation to those in need.
If you want to help sew masks, click here.
If you are a health care worker in need of masks, click here.
If you can’t sew but want to donate supplies or help in other ways, click here.
Do Good #239: Celebrating 50 Years of Lakeview Pantry!
Lakeview Pantry celebrates 50 years of service with a virtual event streamed from Wrigley Field tonight. Get tickets here. You can also sign up to volunteer at the pantry any day by hitting this link.
We’ve been looking forward to tonight all year! ✨ Who’s joining us for our Fighting Hunger, #FeedingHope Virtual Event tonight at 7pm? Let us know and join the conversation by using #FeedingHopeFund and #LVP50! https://t.co/JBQBZFdKij 🎊💙 #EndHunger pic.twitter.com/bivQcw7Fnh
— Lakeview Pantry (@LakeviewPantry) November 12, 2020
Do Good #238: GoodKidsMadCity
GoodKidsMadCity is interested in knowing what makes a community safe, resilient and secure. They are asking residents on the South and West sides of Chicago what things their neighborhoods need in order to have a higher quality of life and more safety. Fill out the survey here.
Please #Chicago residents only fill out our GKMC safety survey! Thank you! We keep us safe!https://t.co/PKP8LRGsJD
— GoodKidsMadCity (@GKMC18) November 10, 2020
Do Good #237: Food Distribution Network
Windy City Performing Arts will be collecting donations of toiletries, clothing and other essential items to benefit the five organizations that make up the Chicago Youth Mutual Aid Effort. Drop-offs are at Summerdale and Clark on Nov. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info here.
We will be collecting toiletries, cleaning supplies and other essential items for the @ChicagoYouthMutualAid Chicago Youth Mutual Aid (CYMA) benefitting @AssataDaughters, @ChiFreeSchool, Circles and Ciphers, Street Youth Rise Up, and @WeSayYEPP. See the flyer for more details! pic.twitter.com/2t39iUY61G
— Windy City Performing Arts (@WindyCitySings) November 12, 2020
Do Good #236: Food Distribution Network
Uptown and Buena Park Solidarity Network operate a once weekly food distribution network centralized at Sheridan and Montrose. Sign up to become a distributor here
Do Good #235: Community Fridge
The Love Fridge is a mutual aid group that places community refrigerators around the city. Sign up to help manage a fridge here, volunteer pick up larger donations here, or help out behind the screen with design and outreach here.
Do Good #234: Vitrual Behind-the-Scenes Uptown Tour
Virtual tour and fundraiser “Uptown Gems” will give residents a unique view of the Uptown neighborhood’s (sometimes hidden) gems. The tour will take attendees to behind-the-scenes areas of places like the Aragon Ballroom, Baton Show Lounge, Montrose Bird Sanctuary, Graceland Cemetery and more! The hour-long virtual event takes place from 8-9 p.m. Thursday Oct. 22, but ticket holders can rewatch for up to a week after.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Money raised will go toward helping local Uptown businesses. Find more info about the event here!
The Uptown Gems virtual tour and fundraiser will showcase the neighborhood's unique spots. https://t.co/MuEpie0ILE pic.twitter.com/Y5Nhyw1gIY
— Block Club Chicago (@BlockClubCHI) October 20, 2020
Do Good #233: Belmont Craigan Wellness Fair
Belmont Craigan residents can get their flu shot, get COVID tested, medical advice, referrals, win a $100 gift card and more at a health and wellness fair on Friday Oct. 23 from 3-6 p.m. The fair will take place in Northwest Side Housing Center’s parking lot at 5233 W. Diversey Ave. Free coronavirus testing will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and those getting tested must stay in the designated testing area.
ID and proof of insurance are required to receive a flu shot. Click here for more info!
On Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, #NNHSC #WIC will be participating in Belmont Cragin's Health & Wellness Fair! The fair will take place at Northwest Side Housing Center, located at 5233 W. Diversey Ave, from 3-6 p.m. For more information, please see the official flyers. pic.twitter.com/wxLJfScOBr
— Near North Health (@NearNorth_HSC) October 16, 2020
Do Good #232: Halloween Isn't Cancelled in Andersonville
Local businesses are teaming up to host “Halloween on Catalpa,” a socially-distanced trick-or-treat event with free candy for kids, will be hosted in Andersonville – on Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue – from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 31. Event hosts are asking families to register ahead of time HERE for a 20-minute “grab and go” time slot to avoid crowding. Day-of walk-ups will not be permitted.
Treats include bags of candy, taffy apples, comics from AlleyCat Comics and samples of pumpkin butter from Twidley Bits, and there are options for gluten-free and allergen-friendly candy bags!
There are still some spots for (costume-optional) volunteers to help control traffic flow during the event. To sign up to volunteer click here!
Do Good #231: Fast & Free COVID Testing
CORE Chicago is offering free COVID-19 mouth-swab testing with results within about 72 hours. Static and mobile locations for the week of October 12 are listed in the graphic below. Static locations offer both walk-up and drive-up services. For more information click here and to pre-register click here.
Do Good #230: Virtual Walk for Awareness
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is holding their Out of the Darkness virtual walk for suicide prevention on Oct. 17. TCSPP encourages participants to choose their own route and distance to promote social distancing. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will also be hosting online activities on Oct. 17 and 18. No registration is required but donations are encouraged. Click here for more information!
The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk registration page is now live! Register or donate today to help raise awareness and save lives. https://t.co/FRLg1UNBfV#WalkWednesday pic.twitter.com/ani9XYdR3u
— OOTDChicagoland Walk (@AFSPChicago) February 13, 2020
Do Good #289: Groceries for Those In Need
Top Box Foods, in partnership with Chicago Cares, is looking for volunteers to help with food packing on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in order to bring healthy groceries to communities without easy access to them. For more information or to sign up, click here.
Do Good #288: Voter Outreach From Home
Want to help spread voter awareness without having to leave home? Chicago Cares has partnered with the Board of Elections and social impact organizations to create a multi-week digital Get Out the Vote (GOTV) voter outreach campaign. Dates from Oct. 22 through Nov. 3 are still open for more volunteers. Texts will be sent from a computer software and not from volunteers’ personal phone numbers, and access to a computer is required to help out. Click here to learn more and to sign up!
Do Good #287: Community Art Project
Help create a community mosaic mural in Englewood beginning Friday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Chicago Cares & Green Star Movement! Green Star Movement aims to build teamwork and self esteem skills in individuals while beautifying the neighborhood with public art. This project will take multiple weeks and participants will be given directions on mosaic assembly and installation. Masks are required and other safety precautions will be taken. To sign up or learn more information, click here!
Do Good #286: Young Artists Wanted!
TIP (Teens in the Park) Fest, a large platform for young Chicago artists and musicians to showcase their talents and connect with resources, is going virtual this year. They are looking for dancers, singers, musicians, spoken word artists and more from the ages of 14 to 24 living in Chicago. Winners can receive up to $500!
The deadline to submit audition materials has been extended to Oct. 12, and the festival will be held Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. For more information and to submit audition materials click here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGGIKN8AeOT/?igshid=yhf7okg2lxv1
Do Good #285: Parking Lot Dance Class
Avondale dance company PARA.MAR Dance Theater is hosting parking lot performances and classes from Oct. 3-4 at 3319 N. Elston Ave in a series called “kiss.” On both days there will be classes scheduled 10-10:30 a.m. and 2-2:30 p.m., and performances noon-12:45 p.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. Attendance is free, but PARA.MAR is accepting donations. You can RSVP online here.
Do Good #284: Wicker Park Scarecrow Fundraiser
Wicker Park neighborhood leaders are hosting a socially-distanced scarecrow making fundraiser called “Scarecrow Extravaganza” on Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a backup date of Oct. 17 in case of rain. Registration is $40 and you can sign up for a time slot here until Oct. 7. Proceeds will be evenly split between neighborhood groups Wicker Park Committee and the Wicker Park Advisory Council. Volunteers are also needed. Learn more about Scarecrow Extravaganza here and find volunteer info here.
Do Good #283: Polling Place Workers Wanted
Looking to help out with the election this year? The Chicago Board of Elections wants to recruit nearly 13,000 paid workers to help with the polls this year, for both early voting (Oct. 1 – Nov. 2) and Election Day (Nov. 3). For adults the deadline to apply to help out on Election Day is Oct. 19, and for high school students aged 16-17 the deadline is Sept. 25. Learn more about how to apply here, and read the article in the Tribe for more info here.
Do Good #282: Save Neighborhood Bars
Rogers Park residents have banded together to raise money for local favorite corner bar Cunneen’s, which has been a staple in the community for nearly 50 years. Monetary donations of $10 or more include a custom Cunneen’s sticker as a thank you gift. You can donate by clicking here.
Do Good #281: Community Counter Volunteers
Community Counter is a volunteer initiative meant to suppress the spread of COVID-19 within the Chicagoland Jewish community. This site allows individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to anonymously give information that will protect their friends and neighbors. Learn more here.
Do Good #280: Voter Registration Day
Loyola Chicago Libraries is offering both in-person and zoom resources for National Voter Registration Day, helping ensure folks are are #voteready. Register here. LM
Do you have questions about voting? Drop into our office hours! We can help provide you with links and other information to get you #VoteReady! A League of Women Voters of Chicago volunteer will be present to offer voter registration advice. Register here: https://t.co/aKJLWA1LBU
— Loyola Chicago Libraries (@LUCLibraries) September 15, 2020
Do Good #279: WERQ LGBTQ Job Fair
Center on Halsted and Brave Space Alliance have teamed up for the annual WERQ LGBTQ Job Fair. This year, the fair will be virtual and has been expanded to two days, Sept.17 and 18. Sign up here.
In partnership w/ @BSAllianceChi ,Center on Halsted’s annual WERQ! LGBTQ Job Fair will be virtual and has been expanded to 2 days, Sept. 17th + 18th. Sign up here: https://t.co/8I4yoifHkJ #LGBTQ #Jobs #JobsDuringCorona #Chicago #jobopportunity pic.twitter.com/TwXzNfMZAv
— Center on Halsted (@CenteronHalsted) August 29, 2020
Do Good #278: Participate In COVID Clinical Trial
The University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking more volunteers of color to take part in their Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial. Find out more here and here.
Illinois' first COVID 19 vaccine trial gets underway Monday at the University of Illinois at Chicago, according to researchers who are partnering with federal scientists and the biotech company Moderna in the race to beat coronavirus. https://t.co/ItQmTQ2lIW
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) August 24, 2020
Do Good #277: Volunteer as Immigrant Interpreter
The National Immigrant Justice Center is looking for volunteer interpreters, specifically non-Spanish speaking interpreters. Find out more here.
Do Good #276: United Way Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together businesses, government, nonprofits, and community leaders to deliver funding, resources, and expertise to nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. By donating, you can help small non-profits grow to subsequently aid the city as a whole. You can donate and learn more about United Way Chicago here. LM
Something powerful happens when people unite around a common goal.
Using decades of fundraising experience and community engagement expertise, we connect advocates, volunteers, donors & local agencies to build a stronger Chicago region. #LIVEUNITED #NationalNonprofitDay pic.twitter.com/szrsslmWR5
— United Way Chicago (@unitedwaychi) August 17, 2020
