It’s April: Volunteering will do you good, Ways to give back to the community

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.” 

April is Volunteer Month. Have some time on your hands and want to fill it with something meaningful? Here are some opportunities.

Deliver Meals on Wheels

Eastside Meals on Wheels needs people who can deliver meals to folks who, for various reasons, cannot get out of the house. Drive as much as you can, even as little as once a month. Routes are in Northeast Minneapolis, St. Anthony Village and the University area of Minneapolis, and mileage can be reimbursed. Sign up at www.eastsidemeals.org/volunteer-information.

Help with East Side Neighborhood Services’ Vital Living Program 

East Side Neighborhood Services’ Vital Living Program serves older adults through resources, classes, events and caregiver support. Contact: Syneva Barrett 612-787-4035 or sbarrett@esns.org

Northeast Day Spot Friend Volunteer: Provide respite care support for people experiencing dementia and other chronic conditions while their caregivers receive a break. On Fridays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., you will socialize with participants, provide support during activities like art projects and games, and help with setup and cleanup. No hands-on care required. You do not have to come every week.

Music Maker Volunteer: Share your musical talents with people experiencing dementia. On Fridays, 12:15-1 p.m., play music for the group. They also love singalongs! Bring your own instrument or use ESNS’ keyboard. Most music makers volunteer once every few months. 

Garden Volunteer: Help plant, water and weed the community garden. Flexible days/times. 

Phone Call Friend Volunteer: Provide companionship to an older adult with weekly phone calls. Days/times are flexible. 

Ticket sellers needed for Speakeasy during Art-A-Whirl®

Northeast Minneapolis Arts District needs ticket-selling volunteers for the Speakeasy at the Casket Arts building during Art-A-Whirl, May 17-19. Also seeking person/s with food/bar service problem-solving experience (and knowledgeable on Square) for general assistance. Helpful to live or work within walk/bike/scooter distance of Casket Arts. Inquire at margo@margoashmore.com.

Doors Open Minneapolis needs greeters

Doors Open Minneapolis is a weekendlong event that gives the public a chance to explore the buildings that tell the city’s story. It will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19. They need volunteers to count attendees at various venues as they enter, encourage them to register for Doors Open Minneapolis via a mobile QR code or weblink and be entered in a raffle to win prizes, distribute stickers to attendees, assist with the flow of foot traffic and answer general questions about the event. There are several locations in Northeast, with many others close by.

There is a mandatory volunteer information session in late April/early May. Multiple sessions (in-person and virtual) will be scheduled for your convenience. You get to choose the venue where you volunteer, and you can sign up with a friend. You will receive a pass that allows you priority access at venues, allowing you to skip venue lines for the duration of the event, a free Doors Open Minneapolis T-shirt and be invited to a post-event volunteer appreciation party that includes food and beverages. Greeter volunteers sign up for one or more 4-hour shifts. Shifts are 9:30 am-1:30 pm and 1:30-5:30 pm. Sign up at https://www.doorsopenminneapolis.org/volunteer.

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control Foster Program

MACC’s foster caregivers provide an extra level of care and attention to the animal residents who need it the most. This might include animals too young or small for adoption, those recovering from surgery or illness or animals who could use a break from the shelter environment. The dedication and compassion of each foster caregiver changes the life of animals in need. By becoming a foster, you can provide a temporary home with the time and space to care for animals. By fostering a pet, you help increase the number of animals the City is able to serve.

Applications can be filled out at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/animals-pets/volunteer-donate/emergency-pet-fostering-application/

Grocery shop for seniors

Grocery shop for seniors through Help At Your Door. As a volunteer shopper you will work with a team of volunteers to fill orders at the grocery store for about 3 hours once a week or twice per month. Volunteers do not pay for groceries. Volunteers especially needed to assist Tuesday or Wednesday mornings (6 a.m. start) at the St. Anthony Cub Foods. Partial shifts are available if you cannot commit for the full 3 hours. Info: volunteer@helpatyourdoor.org, 651-642-1892 or https://helpatyourdoor.org/.