organizations

These local organizations have been divided up by the type of work the volunteer will be doing. The three categories are hands-on organizations, animal lovers, and people-oriented volunteers. Hands-on organizations might involve constructing homes with a group. Animal lovers category will include volunteers working with or taking care of animals. And lastly, people-oriented includes hospitals, nursing homes, and places that require communicating with people of all ages.


hands-on organizations:

  • Project C.U.R.E.: Volunteers help sort donations of medical supplies. The nearest location is in Dansko in West Grove (about 20 minutes from Kennett). Help the largest distributor of donated medical goods to developing countries today! Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.

  • Auburn Heights Preserve: Volunteer at the Marshall Steam Museum! Jobs vary and normally need volunteers beginning late March. Visit their Volunteer Open House, Saturday April 9th, 2016 from 1 to 4 PM to learn more. “Whether helping with parking, running the steam and diesel locomotives, gardening with our Green Team, or giving tours, volunteers make the difference!... Experience isn’t necessary, just enthusiasm!”

  • Science Saturdays: Volunteers help run science activities for families and certain events. Located in Hagley Museum, 298 Buck Road East, PO Box 3630, Wilmington, DE 19807. Please note that all volunteers must complete pre-training.

  • Hagley Museum and Library: This organization offers many different volunteer opportunities. Jobs vary and time commitment depends on volunteer. This organization is located in 298 Buck Road East, Wilmington, DE, 19807  Email:  awilliamson@hagley.org   Phone Number: 302-658-2400

  • Habitat for Humanity: This organization requires volunteers to be at least 16 years old. There are two opportunities to volunteer; the first are volunteers that help construct homes in the Coatesville and Lancaster area. Volunteers may also work in one of the ReStores and sell donated merchandise and stock shelves. There is a retail store in Coatesville and benefits go towards the Habitat for Humanity program. Email katie@hfhcc.org for more information. Phone Number: 610-384-7993

  • Ice watch in Hockessin, DE: Volunteers observe the water qualities in areas. You can earn as many hours as need by watching and noting characteristics of a body of water over the winter. Record observations and report them via e-mail or mail. Need to be observant and patient. Phone: 814-765-1453

  • Natural Land Trust Trails: Multiple events throughout the year, check out their website for upcoming events and to sign up! Instruction and tools are provided on the job. Be prepared to get dirty: Wear sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants, bring a water bottle, etc.

  • American Red Cross: Jobs range from helping set up events, greeting people, handing out print materials, and assisting instructor by playing videos at event. Located at Ashley Blood Donation Center, timing begins at 7:30 AM and ends around 5:30PM (see website for dates). Volunteers should have good communication skills and a bit of computer knowledge. Training is provided on the job.



ANIMAL LOVERS:


  • LaMancha Animal Rescue: Shifts run daily (including weekends) from 4PM to 6PM. If you are under 15, you may volunteer but a parent must be on site. Areas include walking dogs, socializing dogs, and taking care of cats.  Email: LaManchaVolunteer@gmail.com


  • Reins of Life: Must be at least 14 years old. Volunteers assist in therapeutic horseback riding program. They help teach children with special needs to ride horses. Also, in the barn, groom, feed, and teach youth grooming techniques. Riding program is open to clients from March through November, may work Monday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday from 4-7:30PM. Also Saturdays from 8:30AM-2:00PM. Located on 113 Crestwood Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Call Judy Hendrickson at 610-274-3300 for more information or email reinsoflife@verizon.net


  • Chester Country SPCA: All volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Time commitment varies and jobs include greeting visitors, making surgery kits, fostering animals, transporting animals, and taking photographs. Located in 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA, 19380. Email: volunteer@ccspca.org


  • Quest Therapeutic Services:Volunteers lead the horses, act as side walkers, and do barn tasks. Training is provided (horse experience not necessary). Time opportunities include Mondays and Tuesday 3-7PM, Thursday 2-7PM, Wednesdays 8:30-1PM, and Saturdays 9AM - 1PM. E-mail volunteers@questtherapeutic.com or call Samantha Himmelstein at 484-678-6047



 

PEOPLE-ORIENTED:


  • Kennett Area Community Service: Volunteers must be at least 14, and accompanied by an adult if under 16. Background clearances needed for all volunteers-- check link on website for more information. Volunteer opportunities include working at the Food Cupboard (Mon, Wed, Fri- 10:00-4:00), Farmers Market Booth (Friday 2:00-400 or 4:00-6:00), and light gardening (hours may vary).

  • Kennett Area YMCA: "Ongoing opportunities in the pool area to help with our Special Needs Adaptive Program, which is every Friday night from 6-7pm.  We also need helpers for Parents Night Out 2 Fridays a month from 6-9pm and Saturday Night Lights (must be 18+) from 7-10pm most Saturdays from October - April." Email:  kbarry@ymcagbw.org

  • Tick Tock Early Learning Center: All ages, flexible hours. Possible jobs include painting, garden work, facility/grounds maintenance, and reading to kids. Call 610-268-8134 for more information or contact them at http://ticktockelc.org/contact-us/

  • The Garage: Volunteer locally at the Garage in Kennett! Volunteers help younger students with homework and other activities. Visit the Garage to sign up; hours vary.

  • Adult Literacy Program: Mission Statement: “The mission of the Adult Literacy Program (ALP) is to provide free educational instruction to community adults and to improve the literacy of the educationally disadvantaged to levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family and in society.”

    • Volunteers help teach English to Spanish-speaking adults. Event takes place at the Kennett High School. Winter Session dates are pending, and usually begin at 6:30PM and end at 8:30PM.

    • Call 610-444-9118 for more information!

  • After the Bell: Volunteer at Kennett Middle School! Visit http://afterthebell.org/volunteers to sign up.


  • Good Neighbors: “Our hearty, yet gentle, volunteers know how to build decks – and friendships!  They enjoy lending a hand, giving a hug and taking a bit of extra time to improve the lives of friends and neighbors – all at no charge.” Check out their newest video to see how Good Neighbors is making a difference in your neighborhood.


  • Chester County Health Department: Volunteers assist seniors in everyday activities, do minor chores around the house, and provide emotional support. Contact Info: Phone: 610-344-6350  Email: jsoster@chesco.org


  • West End Neighbor House: Located in Wilmington, DE. Volunteer jobs range from tutoring, building community gardens, athletic coaching, board membership, and neighborhood cleanups. Located in Wilmington, DE. Phone number: 302-658-4171   Email: wdavis@westendnh.org  


  • Compassionate Care Hospice:  Volunteers are friendly visitors to ill patients by playing cards, reading, talking with patients, etc. Flexible schedule and located in Newark, DE. Please contact Rosie Zappo at 302-999-8944 for more information.


  • Pocopson Home: Volunteers must be enthusiastic and able to work with elders. Activities include writing letters for residents, pet therapy visits, musical entertainment, reading books/newspapers for residents, and knitting, crocheting, drawing/coloring, and playing cards with residents.Please call 610-793-1212 for more information.


  • Jennersville Regional Hospital: Volunteers need to be compassionate people. Jobs include assisting patients and helping with patient visitation. Flexible schedule, but each volunteer needs to give a minimum of one 4-hour day per week. Must submit Volunteer Services application and attend a volunteer orientation the first Wednesday of the month from 8AM - 3:30PM. Contact Jeannine Herrmann, Volunteer Coordinator, at jeannine_herrmann@chs.net or (610) 869-1227


  • Friends Association: Located in West Chester, PA. Many different types of volunteering, with different time commitments, ranging from one hour per week (mentoring) to once per month (providing dinners). Contact Robin Meixner (volunteer coordinator) at 610-431-3598.

    • Mission Statement: “Friends Association helps homeless or nearly homeless families stabilize their lives and find or maintain permanent housing."


  • Youth for Understanding:  An organization; will work with your schedule to find times (average volunteer works 2-3+ hours per month). Work includes mentoring/providing support to international exchange students and host families, interviewing prospective exchange students and host families, and organizing orientations.

    • Call 866-493-8872 for more information

  • AI Dupont Hospital:  Must volunteer a 3-4 hours shift once a week (in a designated time slot). Minimum of 50 volunteer hours for one year. Skills needed include ability to work with children from birth to eighteen, as well as their family members, English speaking, good customer service skills, and ability to acquire skills on the job. Work includes socializing with patients, reception and clerical work, and family interaction.

    • Call 302-651-6081 or e-mail volunteers@nemours.org for more information

    • Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803

  • Kennett Area Senior Center: Volunteer opportunities are varied and flexible. There are daily, weekly, and monthly commitments, up to the volunteer. Teach classes, lead activities, socialize with seniors, office support, and much more!

    • Call 610-444-4819 for more information

    • Another option for volunteers is to work at the Kennett Area Senior Center Book Shoppe. Call 610-444-6069 if you want to help customers find books, assist in pricing and shelving books, and cleaning up books.


  • Chester County Hospital: “The VolunTEEN program, for those ages 14 to 18 years old, takes place on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:30 am to 12 noon. The teens perform a variety of tasks throughout the hospital, including making beds, filling water pitchers, running errands, delivering flowers and escorting patients.

    • Contact their volunteer program at 610-431-5190



  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Climber Organization: 6 month commitment of 2-4 hours per week. Volunteers work with local families, work schedule fits around the specific family.

  • Hospice Volunteering: If under 16, only work is office duties (ex. faxing, filing, stuffing envelopes) and office hours are 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. If 16 or older, volunteers can visit patients and families. No commitment necessary, no required times. Must complete a volunteer application form; please email volunteerdhi@delawarehospice



Looking for more? Visit Chester County's volunteer page: http://chesco.org/2934/Volunteer-Opportunities