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The Charleston community has plenty of opportunities to give back. Whether you are a college student with a love for kids and a few community service hours to complete or a working adult with a desire to use your free time to serve your neighbors, you’ve come to the right place.
Garden with local schools through the Green Heart Project
The Green Heart Project is a local organization that builds garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden programs to educate students about nutrition, gardening and important life lessons. As a Green Heart Buddy you will work alongside elementary students during in-school and after-school lessons once a week – connecting, encouraging and supporting. If you don’t think you have much of a green thumb, don’t fret – no gardening experience or prior knowledge is required! But for those of you that have garden experience, consider joining the team as a Garden Coordinator.
Join the fight against hunger at the Lowcountry Food Bank
Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) feeds, supports and empowers families, children and seniors in the South Carolina Lowcountry. LCFB encourages locals to join their mission to lead the fight against hunger in the Lowcountry by both volunteering and donating. Volunteers can help by sorting food in the warehouse, cooking in the kitchen, leading nutrition classes and more. You can donate your time, food or money to help make a difference today! Start a food or fund drive or simply donate online. Even a donation of $1 can help provide up to six meals to those in need.
Hit the squash court with Kids on Point
Squash, you ask? No, we aren’t talking about vegetables here – we are talking about squash, the classic racquet-and-ball sport. Kids on Point, formerly “Chucktown Squash,” introduces the Lowcountry’s youth to a world of opportunity outside of their under-resourced neighborhoods through year-round academic, athletic and enrichment support. You can volunteer in the classroom, on the squash court and in the community. Learn to play alongside the students to develop your skills. But if sports aren’t your thing, volunteers are also needed off the court to tutor local students in the classroom or join KOP on civic-centered service projects around the community.
Mentor a student with Yo Art!
This program is the perfect blend of both art and technology. Yo Art! enhances everyday classroom curriculum with media arts programs designed to spark students’ curiosity and teach real-world skills. Programs include lessons and skill-building in photography, coding, design and film making. If you have an interest in technology-driven arts in addition to a love for children, consider volunteering with Yo Art and becoming a one-on-one mentor for a student enrolled in their programs. Share your gifts with local students!
Care for our community’s homeless animals at the Charleston Animal Society.
For all of you animal lovers (and, let’s be honest, who isn’t an animal lover?), head over to the Charleston Animal Society to become a vital part of their life saving organization. Walk and socialize dogs, care for and cuddle cats, help with adoptions and special events, provide care for animals who undergo surgery and just love on the little fur babies that the Charleston Animal Society houses. If you fall in love with one, you can also choose to foster or adopt! We know you love animals, so what are you waiting for?
Become a classroom mentor with Charleston Hope
Charleston Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring hope in the next generation by promoting positive and intentional living in local Title I schools. The Classroom Mentor Program pairs community members with Title I schools to build positive relationships and help local, disadvantaged students reach their math goals. Work alongside teachers to make a direct impact on children’s academic performance and personal growth, or become a monthly donor to support the mission. This organization will introduce you to a great group of driven and servant-minded volunteers, not to mention some really cool kids at the local schools!
If you are interested in other opportunities, be sure to check out Habitat organizations like Habitat for Humanity, One80 Place or Meals on Wheels of Charleston.
