Featured Volunteer Opportunities
American Red Cross blood drive- on campus in the LSC Atrium, 1st floor, on Thursday November 20 and Friday November 21 from 11am-4pm. Volunteers are needed for set up prior to the drive, help at the snack area, greeter, publicity, clean up, etc. Contact Heidi.Daleo2@redcross.org. Blood donors can register here or walk ins are accepted.
Arrupe House programming- On campus at 400 Clay Ave. We Care Meals (Wed/Thurs), Teen Threads (Fri), Food Bank unloading (Fri), Royal Restore Food Pantry volunteers (M-F semester long commitment). Register for spaces via our Linktree.
CASA of Lackawanna County- long term volunteers are needed to advocate for abused and/or neglected children in the foster care system. Volunteers will provide the court with updates on the children in the case via written and verbal reports. Training is provided. Volunteer will be assigned to a case for about one to two years and will stay on the case until the child is reunified with their parents or adopted by their foster family. Clearances are necessary. About 10 hours per month. Contact Heather Carnathan or call 570-904-7362
CHOP Out Hunger - formerly known as Child Hunger Outreach Partners, is a Scranton-based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity among students, from grade school through college. We provide in-school pantries and weekend food bags to ensure students have access to nutritious meals, bridging the gap in food security when school meals are not available. Volunteers are key to our work, helping with tasks like packing food bags, preparing in-school pantries, and deliveries. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00PM, with Saturday and evening options available. Group volunteer events are welcome. To volunteer, visit https://chopouthunger.org/volunteer/
Clothesline for Men- Friends of the Poor is seeking volunteers Fridays between 1pm-6pm (on campus), 501 Quincy Ave. Volunteers will sort, organize and process clothing and fill orders for clients. Contact at Lily Opshinsky at opshinskyl@fotp-ihm.org or call 570-340-6057
Dress for Success Lackawanna- located on the 2nd floor of the Mall at Steamtown, volunteers will assist clients with picking out work/dress clothing, assisting in the career center and assisting with inventory. Monday- Friday between 10-4. Easy walk from campus or take the COLTS bus, free with your royal card . Contact Jen Adams at lackawannacountygpn@dressforsuccess.org or call 570-941-0339 x1.
Dunmore Health Care Center- seeking an activities volunteer who can play music for our residents, play games like chess, checkers, card, bingo. Week days at lunchtime or weekends. Contact Stephanie.Hensle@saberhealth.com or call 570-342-7624
- Volunteers needed for their Blood Drive on Friday November 7 from 12-5pm. Just a few blocks from campus at 1101 Vine St, they need help at their canteen area handing out snacks and drinks after donation. Contact Missy Bednar or call 570-344-6177
- formerly the Jewish Home of NEPA, this site for older adults is located right near campus on Vine St. They would love to have volunteers that can do friendly visits, play games, sing, play musical instruments, help with "spa days", arts & crafts, easy exercise and games, all the things! They are open to consistent volunteers throughout the semester, as well as one time visits. Contact Melissa at mbednar@jhep.org or call 570-344-6177 x111
Elm Park Church- Coat and Winter clothing giveaway. Right on campus! Linden St. @ Jefferson Ave across from Leahy hall. Contact Karen or call 570-342-8263 to volunteer. Please provide your time availability. Great for clubs and groups!
- Sunday Nov. 9-Bring clothing racks, boxes, bags, hangers from third floor to our dining room starting at 11:15am
- Monday Nov. 10-Separate, sort, size and display donated items starting at 9:00 a.m. Come and go as schedule allows hopefully finish set up by 3:00 p.m.
- Thurs Nov. 13, Friday Nov 14, Saturday Nov 15 Giveaway is open to the public at 9:00 a.m. - Customer service, straightening tables, resupply of donations on tables and racks, tally items chosen at customer checkout tables
Friends of The Poor and Catherine McAuley Center A Partnership for a Common Good
- bringing together in friendship those who have the desire to give with those who are in need of assistance, in order to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all. Seeking student volunteers to help in their many food pantries and pop up food giveaways, furniture giveaways, sorting and distributing clothing, children's programming, senior living, and many more. Hours are flexible. Volunteer Application. Contact Ann Williams at development@fotp-ihm.org.
- Food Recovery program- Nov 5,19, 25. Food Recovery Volunteers will assist with rescuing surplus food from local donors and ensuring it gets to people who need it, playing a key part in reducing food waste and supporting food-insecure individuals and families in the community. Volunteers will Sort & Inspect: Ensure food is fresh, safe, and ready to serve, Divide Food: Reduced bulk items into appropriately sized portions, Track and Log donations (source, type, weight) using a simple form or app. 430 Pittston Ave, Scranton. Contact Antonio Berardi or call 570.507.1479.
- Thanksgiving community dinner volunteers- Tuesday November 25, Scranton Cultural Center. Volunteers register here or visit our Linktree
- Thankgiving drive through food basket giveaway- Wednesday November 26, Scranton Cultural Center. Register to volunteer here or visit our Linktree. Baskets do go quickly so later shifts may be cancelled.
Geisinger- Hospital volunteers: Make a positive impact by volunteering your time and talents to enhance the care we give to our patients, visitors and community every day. Contact them directly through the link or call 570-271-6230
Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA- Girl scouts offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule, whether short-term or long term! You can start your own troop, assist with a local Throop, help with cookie delivery, recruit potential girl scouts at community events, or support local Girl Scout programs/events. Please note that clearances and membership may be required based on the level of volunteering. Contact Laura Wulff at memberservices@gshpa.org or call 717.233.1656
Gino Merli Veterans Center- 401 Penn Ave Scranton (less than one mile from campus) would welcome student volunteers to spend time with veterans, playing games, chatting, etc. Download their application and apply via their site at https://www.dmva.pa.gov/paveteranshomes/Volunteer/Pages/default.aspx
Girls on the Run- volunteer at their Sunday November 23 5K at PNC field in Moosic. Helping with set up, clean up and registration. Register here Your own transportation necessary, about 5 miles from campus. Volunteers arrive 845am and the 5K starts at 11am. Email Jessica Younker with questions or call 484-431-7564
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter- Dog walking, helping cleaning kennels, cat room, sorting donations, outdoor maintenance, fundraisers. Contact Volunteer@griffinpondas.com for more information or call (570) 586-3700. The shelter is open everyday from 12-4pm except Tuesdays. They take bedding and towel donations too! This site is about 20 minutes from campus and would require your own vehicle.
Indraloka Animal Shelter - volunteers are needed to help care for our over 200 formerly farmed animals. Gain experience in animal care, animal feeding, sanctuary tours, fundraising, and more all while helping to create a kinder word. About 20 minutes from Scranton. Volunteers are required to submit a child abuse clearance, criminal background clearance check and a site visitors agreement. Fill out their volunteer volunteer interest form and contact Brody Edsell at 570-763-2908
Junior Achievement of NEPA- is in need of volunteers for the their YES! program with area middle school students teaching personal finance, trades, soft skills and more. They will train you! Area middle school throughout the fall and winter (dates and times in their link). Contact Day Volunteer Coordinator sue.fenney@ja.org or Sign up here
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority: Outside hands on activities are awesome! Vvolunteers are needed to help with trail clean-ups, heritage events, office support, and more! There are opportunities for everyone. All tasks offer flexibility in scheduling and consideration of any physical limitations. Trails are on the COLTS bus route too! Contact: John Morrow at LHVA at 570-963-6732 or oworozbyt@LHVA.org
Lackawanna River Conservation Association-Office opportunities include administration assistance, communications, and PR assistance. Field opportunities include River, Trail, and Conservancy Preserve Stewardship, native plant rescue, River and Trail policing and more. Your own car necessary. Contact (570) 347-6311 or email lrca@lrca.org
Leahy Clinic University of Scranton-
- seeking volunteers all year around for medical support, intake, discharge, patient information, office tasks, etc. Training provided. MWF between 10am-3pm, Thurs 1-7. Clearances are required including a TB test. Contact Dr. Maria Vitale, Adm Director or call 570.941.6112
- Spanish translation services to patients at the Scranton community as students of Scranton DPT program lead physical therapy sessions. Clearances are required. Tuesday and Thursdays from 3-6pm in the clinic at 230 Kressler court. Contact 570-941-6112 or email Fiona Burke
Lehigh Valley Health Network- Dickson City (about 15 minutes from campus)Volunteers are needed for their Main Entrance. Wayfinding volunteers will aapproach all who enter the hospital through the Main Lobby, eescort all patients and visitors to their destination and provide instructions as appropriate and ooffer to get a wheelchair for patients and visitors that appear to need one. Clearances are necessary. Contact Beth.Taylor@lvhn.org, vvisit their Volunteer Application or call (570) 476-3443. This site is on the COLTS bus route.
Marywood University ABLE program- volunteers needed as classroom aides for Marywood's adult literacy program. The aide position offers the opportunity to assist in virtual sessions via Zoom or face to face classes. You may commit for the semester or choose the number of hours you would like to give. Contact Olga Stepaniants or call 570.878.9119. This site is on the COLTs bus route.
Meals on Wheels- Delivery drivers pick up meals in coolers/cases from dropoff locations throughout Lackawanna County and delivers to clients on routes. Routes are delivered M-F between 10am and 1pm. They can usually be completed in under an hour and half. Delivery drivers need a valid Drivers License and use their own vehicles. State background checks necessary. This site is on COLTS bus route 42 Olive/Providence. Contact Lindsey Skripka (a University of Scranton alum) at lskripka@mownepa.org or call 570-346-2421
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - seeking volunteer to help to create an engaging membership appeal letter that uses personal stories to engage our current and lapsed members and our community, coordinate email and direct mail campaigns, create social media content to complement appeal letter and follow up and reminders to appeal. Also looking for someone to update their membership list. Training and sample documents provided, as well as a basic introduction to Canva. Contact Marie Onukiavage at marieo@naminepa.org or call 570-342-1047.
NeighborWorks Northeastern PA - Aging in Place program - help seniors aging in place with home repair/yard work, landscaping, painting, safety kit installation. Hours are flexible and depend on event days. Training provided. Contact Alyssa at aespinoza@nwnepa.org or call 570-558-2490.
NEPA Youth Shelter- seeking volunteers to monitor the teen room, making sure they are on task with their school work, and serving dinner, additional tasks as needed. Volunteers will need valid clearances. Social distancing, masks and sanitizing are necessary. Located at 895 Providence Rd, its on the COLTS bus route. Contact nepayouthshelter@gmail.com or call 570-909-9671.
North Penn Legal Services- client intake , legal research, case management for Pro Bono clients. Pittston PA. Contact Rose Lance by calling 570-299-4100
Oakwood Terrace Memory Care- great for nursing majors, health and human service majors, etc! Working with the elderly, volunteers will assist the activities director for any seasonal activities, games, etc. Any day between the hours of 9-5, including weekends. Orientation and training provided. Located in Moosic, your own transportation necessary or bus route Pittston. Contact Caitlynn Larnerd at 570-451- 3171 or clarnerd@pslgroupllc.com
Order of Alhambra, Alhamar Caravan #4- Cheer on & support Special Olympics Bowlers at Chacko's Bowling Center: 195 Wilkes-Barre Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 every Saturday at 10am. Your own transportation necessary. Contact Ada Magni or call 570-991-2618
Outreach Center for Community Resources- Skyview After School S.T.E.A.M program located in South Scranton. Afterschool program for school aged children, Tuesday and Thursdays from 230-430pm.. This is a semester long commitment. Child Abuse and Criminal background checks are required. This site is on the COLT bus route. Contact Julie Ann Chowanec or call 570.558.6484
- Reborn Boutique 1660 N Main Ave Scranton. Reborn Boutique sells new and gently used women's clothing and accessories in Scranton. We are a non-profit store - 100% of proceeds benefit the mission of the Providence Pregnancy Center which supports pregnant women in crisis. Volunteers assist with customer service, display of inventory, sorting clothing donations, and with special sales events. Clearances are required. Fridays and Saturdays. Contact Ann O'Brien or call 570.341.7045
- Providence Pregnancy Center is a Catholic organization that affirms the dignity of pregnant women and their children through compassionate support, practical help, and hope for the future. We assist mothers with baby items from our Baby Pantry and connect them to local resources that can support stability in family life.
Volunteers are needed to help answer phones, receive donations, organize baby donations, welcome visitors at the door, and perform various administrative tasks. Clearances are necessary. Hours available Tuesday-Fri 10am-4pm at 1660 N Main Ave Scranton. On the COLTS bus route. Contact outreach@ppcscranton.org or call 570.341.7045
- Clothing Store - 504 Penn Ave Scranton. Walking distance of U of S. Especially in need of volunteers to sort clothing on MTWTh from 11:00 am- 2 pm. Sorting clothing and assisting shoppers. Contact Linda Mangino at 570-342-5556 option 3 or email clothing@stfranciskitchen.org
- Kitchen - 500 Penn Ave Scranton. Volunteers needed for meal prep such as cutting and peeling fruit and vegetables, plating desserts as well as meal service, cleaning counters, tables and chairs. 8:30am - 12:30pm on MTuWThFSaSu or 3:30pm-6:30pm on TWTh. Contact Selena Fuller at 570-342-5556 ext. 2 or email chef@stfranciskitchen.org. This site is walkable and also on the COLTS bus route
- Client Choice Food Pantry - 500 Penn Ave Scranton. Volunteers will stock shelves, light cleaning and help shoppers. TWThF fr om 10am-2pm. Contact Adam Lynch at pantry@stfranciskitchen.org or call 570-342-5556 option 5.
St. (street) Cats & Dogs- help with cleaning cat cages and feeding of the cats. Located at the previous Nay Aug Zoo at Nay Aug Park, this site is walkable from the University of Scranton or you may take the COLTS bus free with your student ID. Note that is a longer term commitment, not a drop in site. Contact Joanne Davis or call 570.604.4008
Steamtown National Historic Site- Trackside Cleanup for National Public Lands Day September 27 at 350 Cliff St Scranton. Join Steamtown NHS as we celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) by hosting a trackside cleanup project! We will be improving safety and showcase the vital connection between railroads and our surrounding community. Volunteers will help remove debris, care for shared spaces, and learn more about the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep Steamtown’s historic landscape thriving. Call 570-507-0782 or email Emily Haryasz
Traditional Home Health & Hospice- seeking volunteers to hospice patients at both facilities and homes, to provide increased companionship/socialization as well as respite to the families/primary caregivers. Training is provided. Clearances and TB test necessary (provided by agency). Office volunteers needed too! Interns welcome. Days and hours are flexible. Contact- call 570-207-9286 or info@traditionalhomehealth.com
- Teaching English as a Second Language - Teach English as a second language & work with adult learners on literacy or English as a second language. This could be helping teach a class on a weekly basis or simply be tutoring a learner in a 1:1 setting. Mon thru Thurs from 6-730pm or other time slots by arrangement. 631 Cedar Ave, Scranton and various locations. Clearances are necessary. Contact Bethany Bahmer to get more info or register.
- Food Pantry - Prepare food bags to hand out to clients, bagging produce, sometimes carrying bags out to their cars, sorting clothing, & hanging clothing at Angels Attic pantry. Located at 410 Olive St Scranton. Within walking distance of campus or on the COLTS bus route 40 or 36 (Wyoming Ave). Open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. Volunteers mostly needed in the afternoons but mornings could work too! Contact Sandra Samad at ssamad@uncnepa.org or call 570-343-8835. Training provided and a simple volunteer form.
- Musicians - Do you play the guitar, keyboard, violin, or drums? Would you be interested in donating an hour or two of your time each week to help teach youth ages 13 to 18 the basics of one of these instruments? UNC is looking for volunteers for a new youth music program. The hours are flexible and instruction can be done in-person or virtually. If you're interested in volunteering, please call (570) 961-1592 ext. 105
Valley in Motion- VIM is partnering with Lackawanna County Parks & Recreation for the Commissioner's Cup Youth Soccer Skills Challenge on November 1 at Ed Staback Park in Archbald. We're looking for volunteers to help with registration, events scoring, the "Fun Zone," and more. If you'd like to help on a two-hour shift from 8:30-10:30am or 11am-1pm, email Roxy to let us know!