Volunteer Opportunities

Anthem Go Outside Festival

GO Fest is an annual three-day celebration of everything outdoors in Roanoke. Regularly voted "Best Adventure City", "Best Outdoor Town", and "Best Place to Hike in the US" (and many more accolades) - Roanoke struts it's stuff once a year to showcase all the outdoor opportunity in our region. At GO Fest you can test ride a bike, try stand-up paddleboarding, learn to fly cast, join a race, sample craft beer, watch inspiring films, watch pro athletes - ALL FOR FREE! Support our thriving outdoor community and volunteer.

American Red Cross

Join the American Red Cross and become the driving force behind our mission to alleviate human suffering during emergencies. As a volunteer, you'll play a critical role in supporting individuals and communities affected by disasters such as fires, floods, and storms. Opportunities also include staffing blood drives that save countless lives and providing support to members of the military and their families.

Angel of Assisi

Angel of Assisi offers diverse volunteering opportunities, from walking dogs and assisting with events to creating enrichment activities, fundraising, and promoting adoptable animals from home. Whether you're hands-on at the shelter or contributing remotely, your involvement will make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

Blue Ridge Literacy Foundation

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Blue Ridge Literacy, dedicating their time and expertise to help adults and families develop essential English literacy skills. With hundreds of committed volunteers, the organization offers impactful opportunities for service that make a real difference in the lives of others and strengthen the community. Through these efforts, Blue Ridge Literacy empowers individuals and fosters lasting change.

Go Cross Cyclocross Race

Virginia's Blue Ridge Go Cross Presented by Fat Tire is a 2-day UCI C1/C2 cyclocross event that happens every fall. Professional and amateur cyclists from all over the world converge on Fallon Park, Virginia's only permanent cyclocross course and gem in the center of Virginia's Blue Ridge. If you'd like to volunteer as a course marshal, assist with set up/take down, help with timing, pour beer or a variety of other tasks, we'd love your help.

Bradley Free Clinic

Bradley Free Clinic relies on a dedicated team of volunteer healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, specialists, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses, as well as community volunteers with various skills. These volunteers are essential to maintaining the clinic's operations and making a difference in the lives of uninsured neighbors. Healthcare professionals, students, and compassionate community members are encouraged to apply by completing the appropriate volunteer application and submitting it via email or in person.

Camp Easter Seals

At Easterseals PORT Health, volunteers have the chance to create meaningful change in their communities by supporting children, adults, and families with disabilities and mental health challenges. Whether as an individual or part of a corporate team, volunteers can engage in various activities such as fundraising, adopting foster families, hosting toy drives, or supporting group home residents. Opportunities also include participating in events like the Glow Run or volunteering with the Seniors and Veterans Enrichment program.

Carilion Clinic

Carilion Clinic volunteers, driven by a passion for serving others, dedicate a few hours each week to support patients, families, and staff at facilities in Roanoke, New River Valley, and Franklin County. Their compassionate service enhances the patient experience and fosters a positive environment. Volunteer Services also offers a summer youth program for teens aged 14 and older.

Children's Trust

Children’s Trust, combining the Children’s Advocacy Center and CASA, offers diverse volunteer opportunities across its programs: Children First, Healthy Families Roanoke Valley, Roanoke Valley Trauma Informed Community Network, Children’s Advocacy Center, and CASA. Volunteers help with prevention, intervention, and advocacy, supporting efforts to raise awareness about child abuse, assist families, and advocate for abused and neglected children in the Roanoke Valley.

CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership)

CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership) offers diverse ways to support families and children in the Roanoke Valley. Volunteers can help with special events, fundraisers, and toy drives, or take on ongoing roles such as van driving, office assistance, reception, GED tutoring, and interpreting. By volunteering with CHIP, individuals contribute directly to programs that benefit the community.

Mountain biker sits on bike and looks back at the Mill Mountain Star atop Mill Mountain. There are other cyclists in the background riding away from the overlook.

City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation

Volunteers play a key role in Roanoke Parks and Recreation, taking on roles such as trail builders, ticket takers, Tree Stewards, and Greenway Ambassadors. Whether for a few hours or ongoing, volunteers support various events and programs, helping to build a welcoming community through play and recreation. Explore available opportunities to make a positive impact on local parks.

Community Youth Program at St. John's Episcopal

CYP at St. John's Episcopal seeks volunteers for homework help, evening transportation, and special presentations. Homework helpers tutor students from 3-5 pm, Monday through Thursday. Evening drivers transport students home between 5:30-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Presenters are invited to offer engaging programs for elementary and middle school students.

Family Service of Roanoke

Family Service of Roanoke Valley welcomes volunteers for clinical internships, general projects, event support, and clerical tasks. Opportunities include gaining supervision hours, contributing unique skills, helping with events like the FSRV Bike Show, and assisting with administrative work. Volunteers are encouraged to share their ideas and find a role that fits their interests and schedule.

PALS - Brain Injury Solutions

Providing a Link for Survivors or PALS is a program offered by Brain Injury Solutions which links a survivor of brain injury and a volunteer. As a PALS volunteer you offer socialization, recreation, leisure activities, community outings, and an overall supportive relationship to survivors. PALS is a minimum of 12-month commitment. Volunteers are asked to connect by email, text, or phone weekly - and log a monthly in-person activity.

Feeding America (Southwest Virginia)

Feeding America (Southwest Virginia) relies on over 2,500 volunteers each year for daily operations, special projects, and events. Opportunities are available at facilities in Salem/Roanoke and Abingdon, as well as at Mobile Food Pantry and Mobile Marketplace events. Volunteers are essential to the organization’s impact.

First Tee of Roanoke

First Tee – Roanoke Valley seeks enthusiastic volunteers and coaches of all experience levels to mentor kids and teens. Volunteers do not need to be golf experts; training is provided based on proven methods of positive youth development. Opportunities include on-course coaching, fundraising, event support, operations, mentoring, and in-school program assistance. Volunteers play a crucial role in impacting young lives and supporting the organization's mission.

Good Samaritan & Gentle Shepherd

Good Samaritan & Gentle Shepherd Hospice seeks volunteers to offer companionship, assist with home visits, and support administrative and community events. Volunteers can help by reading or praying with patients, and by contributing to marketing and communication efforts. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the organization for more details.

Habitat for Humanity

Volunteers of all backgrounds are essential to Habitat for Humanity Roanoke Valley’s mission. Whether through construction, retail, marketing, or other roles, they play a critical part in impacting hundreds of families each year. Volunteers are vital to advancing the organization’s work in the community.

Healing Strides

Healing Strides relies on volunteers for muck therapy, program support, administration, and special events. No horse experience is needed; training is provided. Volunteers must commit to weekly sessions and bring maturity. Opportunities include farm maintenance, program assistance, and office tasks. All ages are welcome with accompanying adults for younger volunteers.

Heartland Hospice

Heartland Hospice volunteers make a meaningful impact by offering companionship, running errands, or providing administrative support. Whether holding a hand, sharing a story, or lending a listening ear, volunteers bring comfort and support to patients and their families. Join Heartland Hospice to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

Local Colors

Local Colors' volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to support international diversity and multicultural understanding. As a nonprofit, Local Colors hosts events showcasing performing arts, crafts, cuisine, and education from cultures around the world. Volunteers play a key role in bringing these events to life and helping to build a more inclusive and connected community.

Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo offers a range of volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations. Volunteers can assist with various projects such as landscaping, clearing brush, cleaning fence lines, property clean-up, and light repairs. These activities are ideal for clubs, civic groups, corporations, and other organizations seeking to fulfill service project requirements.

Presbyterian Community Center

The Presbyterian Community Center (PCC) offers volunteer opportunities to support its mission of addressing homelessness and poverty among underserved families in southeast Roanoke. Volunteers can assist in providing emergency financial aid, food access, after-school education, and spiritual development through direct services and community partnerships.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

FCA Roanoke Valley has a variety of of opportunities to get involved and positively impact the lives of youth in our community. The FCA seeks to make the world a better place by helping coaches and athletes grow their relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. The FCA hosts Huddles on campus, camps, coaching opportunities, and international trips for participants.

Reach out and Read

Reach Out and Read relies on the generosity of volunteers to enhance its programs nationwide. Volunteers can support their communities by donating new and gently-used books, helping to create literacy-rich waiting rooms, and reading aloud to children at select sites. Additionally, volunteers are encouraged to advocate for the program by educating elected representatives about its benefits.

Regional Center of Animal Care and Protection

The Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP) relies on the dedication of its volunteers to support its mission of helping homeless pets. Animal lovers can make a difference by becoming an RCACP volunteer, with opportunities including cat socialization, dog walking, assisting at off-site adoption events, rescue networking, shelter photography, front desk assistance, and more.

Renovation Alliance

Renovation Alliance provides essential home repair services at no cost to homeowners in need, ensuring their homes are warm, safe, dry, accessible, energy-efficient, and healthy. Volunteerism plays a key role in the organization’s mission, with volunteers contributing to the repair and rehabilitation of homes. Volunteers not only support the community but also help strengthen the sense of belonging through their contributions.

Roanoke City Public Schools

Roanoke City Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered environment that promotes lifelong learning. By volunteering with the schools, individuals contribute to meaningful and engaging educational experiences that empower students to dream, excel, and reach their full potential. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting this mission, helping to shape a brighter future for both the students and the community.

Roanoke Community Youth Program

The Roanoke Community Youth Program (CYP) offers various volunteer opportunities to support local students. Volunteers can serve as homework helpers, providing one-on-one tutoring sessions from 3-5pm, Monday through Thursday. Evening drivers are needed to transport students home within a 5-mile radius between 5:30-6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Additionally, volunteers can contribute by giving presentations on special interest topics to elementary and middle school groups, bringing unique and engaging content to the students

Roanoke Jefferson Center

The Roanoke Jefferson Center, a cultural hub established in 1989, offers diverse volunteer opportunities including event staff roles, office support, special event assistance, and development projects. Volunteers help with tasks such as ticketing, ushering, mail processing, and fundraising. Each role contributes to enriching the community through premier performances and educational programs.

Roanoke Outside

Roanoke Outside is dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship in the Roanoke region. Volunteers can get involved by supporting events like the Roanoke GO Outside Festival and Blue Ridge Marathon, as well as contributing to Outdoor Explorer Programs that connect children with nature.

Roanoke Refugee Partnership

The Roanoke Refugee Partnership offers a range of volunteer opportunities to support refugees in the community. Volunteers can assist with transportation to appointments, provide education and ESL support, engage in community outreach and fundraising, aid in job training and employment, serve as family mentors, and help with medical and mental health needs. Each role plays a crucial part in helping refugees integrate and thrive in their new environment.

Roanoke Rescue Mission

The Roanoke Rescue Mission offers diverse volunteer opportunities, including transport assistance, kitchen service, food pantry support, donation sorting, healthcare at the G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic, and participation in the Bless My Sole ministry. Volunteers can also lead or assist with chapel services. For more details or to sign up, contact the mission directly.

Roanoke Valley Greenways

Volunteers are essential to the Roanoke Valley Greenways, contributing to greenway projects and trail building. Opportunities include Pathfinders Trail Work Days, joining the Pathfinders Meetup group, participating in the Greenway Ambassador Program, and adopting a park or greenway. For more information, interested individuals can email volunteers@greenways.org.

Roanoke SPCA

The Roanoke Valley SPCA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including roles in humane education, event support, and direct animal care. Volunteers can assist with visiting pet programs, cleaning and enriching environments for cats and dogs, help with special events, or support bilingual outreach. For more information or to get involved, contact the Community Relations Coordinator at volunteer@rvspca.org or 540-339-9503.

Roanoke Wildlife Rescue

Volunteers at Roanoke Wildlife Rescue have a unique chance to work directly with a variety of wild animals. Duties include basic husbandry tasks, such as feeding, cleaning cages, and general upkeep, as well as handling animals under supervision, assisting with wildlife emergencies, and releasing rehabilitated animals. Volunteers, aged 16 or older, are required to commit to at least one shift per week and will receive on-site training.

Ronald McDonald House Southwest Virginia

The Ronald McDonald House Southwest Virginia welcomes volunteers to assist with daily operations, support families, and prepare meals. Volunteers must complete an application, undergo a background check, and meet age requirements. For more information and to apply, visit their website.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army welcomes volunteers to support its various programs and services. Whether you're interested in individual, family, or group opportunities, volunteers are crucial in helping meet community needs. By joining, you contribute to building stronger communities and changing lives. For more information on specific volunteer opportunities at your local Salvation Army, visit their locations page.

St. Francis Service Dogs

The St. Francis Service Dogs volunteer program relies on dedicated individuals to support its mission. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in various roles, including caring for puppies and dogs as sitters, raising future service dogs, or assisting with whelping. Other opportunities include helping with the Angel Tree, participating in special events, or taking on general tasks around the office. Volunteers can also work on service projects with groups or organizations. For those interested, an online application is available to get started.

Tap into Hope

Tap into Hope offers a range of volunteer opportunities that make a significant impact in the community. Volunteers can support diverse programs, including education for youth, employment training, family services, financial assistance, and housing repairs. Whether volunteering individually or as part of a group, volunteers are crucial in helping TAP meet the unique needs of families and individuals.

West End Center for Youth

The West End Center for Youth relies on volunteers to enhance their programming and make a significant impact on the lives of local children. Volunteers contribute in various ways, including providing homework help, assisting in the garden, teaching special skills, and leading craft activities. Whether it's tutoring children in math and reading, donating materials, or supporting through individual gifts, every effort helps the Center continue its valuable work.

YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge

The YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge relies on dedicated volunteers to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Volunteers play a crucial role in teaching kids water safety through the Y Splash program, assisting with sports teams, fundraising, and supporting youth in building essential skills. They also help adults achieve their health goals and advocate for impactful community initiatives. With opportunities to contribute to various causes, volunteers are essential to fostering personal and social change.