Featured Volunteer Opportunities
American Red Cross on campus drives- canteen helper, taking pre-appointments, table sits, advertising, set up and take down of event. Dates for 2025 are Jan 27-28 and April 8-9. Contact Heidi.Daleo2@redcross.org.
Bread Basket of NEPA- seeking volunteers at their various food pantries, unpacking deliveries from local food bank, packing food bags for clients, organizing donated food, interacting with clients. Several locations in Lackawanna county including at the Elm Park Church (Linden St & Jefferson Ave) and Veterans food pantry in West Scranton. Contact Rosemary Bohenek at breadbasketnepa@verizon.net or call 570.343.2324
Big Brother Big Sisters of NEPA- makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 6 through young adulthood in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Volunteers will need clearances. Families located throughout Luzurne and Lackawanna county. Contact Paige at Pcarey@bbbsnepa.org
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 on Mondays and Fridays between 2pm-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
Elan Senior Living - 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 Ahava at amenachem@elanseniorlife.org or Melissa at mbednar@jhep.org or call 570-344-6177 x111
- 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. Sseeking 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.
- Mondays and Fridays from 330-530pm volunteers are desperately needed for their Jackson Terrace Food Pantry. About 3 miles from campus. Volunteer application
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
Greater Scranton YMCA: Some volunteers projects are assisting with general administrative duties, greeter for members, assisting with nursery school, coaching youth sports, helping with fundraising. Also open to other ideas! Contact Meghan at mcarnevale@greaterscrantonymca.org or call 570-828-3113. The Y is located in Dunmore, about 15 minutes from campus.
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 in times in their link). Contact Day Volunteer Coordinator, Alysia Clancy, at alysia.clancy@ja.org. 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
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, escort all patients and visitors to their destination and provide instructions as appropriate and offer to get a wheelchair for patients and visitors that appear to need one. Clearances are necessary. Contact Beth.Taylor@lvhn.org, visit 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. Also available is a data entry position for the Aging in Place program, inputting client records (at their site located in West Scranton). Contact Alyssa at aespinoza@nwnepa.org or call 570-558-2490.
- NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania collaborated with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to develop Snow Angels which is a volunteer-based program that assists older adults in Lackawanna County with snow removal 24 hour after snowfall. Volunteers are matched with clients based on residential location and will attempt to be kept within walking distance. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the application and you will contacted with instructions! Shovels and rock salt will be provided. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until February 3, 2025. Volunteers will receive client information within 2 weeks of application submission. If you have any questions regarding the application, please reach out to aespinoza@nwnepa.org for assistance
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. Within walking distance of the U of S (541 Wyoming Ave) and also on the COLTS bus route. Contact Maureen Maher-Grey at nepayouthshelter@gmail.com or call 570-909-9671.
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
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
Scranton Cultural Center- located just a few blocks from campus, the Cultural Center is seeking volunteers to usher and help out at various children's programming and Broadway Shows. See great shows for free! Contact Donna at donnap@scrantonculturalcenter.org for dates and times (mostly weekend Fri-Sat-Sun, evenings and matinees). 570-346-7369 x121
SPCA of Luzurne County- Animal shelter volunteers! Dogs, cats, small animals. Located in Wilkes-Barre, vvolunteers are involved in many aspects of the shelter and assist us with daily animal care, special events, fund raising, and community outreach programs. This site located about 30 minutes from campus. Fill out their application and contact them at (570) 825-4111
Special Olympics Bowling/Order of the Alhambra- every Saturday morning from 10-1130am at Chocko's Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre. Cheer on and support bowlers. Contact Ada Magni at amagni@earthlink.net or call 570.991.2618. Your own transportation necessary.
- 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 kitchen@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- Volunteers needed to use a personal computer with Internet access and MS Word, transcribe digitized historical records from the Steamtown NHS Archives. The digitized docs will be emailed to the transcriber, who will email back the transcriptions. Most records currently being transcribed deal with routine operations of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad early in the last century. Work at your own pace. A park historian is always available to answer questions. Contact megan_stevens@nps.gov or call 570-340-5339
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 Megan Lee at mlee@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
Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity- help with home building for a family in need in Pittston (about 15 minutes from campus, your own car required), on the job training, no previous experience necessary. Every Saturday (except holidays) from 9-3. Great for individuals and groups. Contact Mary Beth Allen at volunteer@wv-hfh.org or call 570-820-8002.
Youth Arts Coalition - student volunteers to assist art instructors in overseeing weekly free art classes to local middle school students. West Scranton location. Preparing art room for each class, checking in students, tutoring assistance with homework. Clearances are required. Contact Laura Boyle or call 570.909.6025