Where Should I Volunteer?

by Lauren Ashley Lawrence
July 1, 2009

Whether you have to volunteer for school or you just want to do it just for fun, Jackson has numerous places to donate your time, money and knowledge. Take a few moments and read to find out what types of volunteering opportunities best suit your interests and needs.

Mississippi Museum of Art
380 South Lamar St.
Services needed: complete volunteer enrichment sessions, giving tours, greeting visitors, distributing materials
Contact: Ivy Alley, Curator of Education at 601-960-1515 or e-mail

Jackson Zoo
2918 Capitol St.
http://www.jacksonzoo.org
Services needed: event volunteers, activities facilitators, assist with animal care in the discovery zoo, assist camp instructors in all ZooCamp activities. Ages 12-17 for Jr. Docents/CIT
Contact: Jackson Zoo EdZOOcation Department at 601-352-2586 or e-mail

Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA)
960 N. Flag Chapel Road
http://www.carams.org
Services needed: Picking up and delivering pet food, transporting dogs for grooming, special event volunteers, office volunteers, animal care volunteers (cleaning kennels, washing food bowls, mopping floors, etc.)
Contact: Janet Madden at 601-922-7575 or e-mail

Habitat for Humanity
http://www.habitatjackson.org
Services needed: construction on Saturdays for groups or individuals include tasks like putting walls, nailing boards and painting
Contact: Lauren Dove, volunteer coordinator at 601-353-6060 ext. 202 or

The Nature Conservancy
964 W. Jefferson St.
Services needed: leading field trips, manning booths at environmental festivals and celebrations, helping to conserve Mississippi’s natural resources
Contact: Kathy Costello (ext.107) or Susan Hollinsworth (ext. 102) at 601-713-3355

The Youth United Way
Volunteer Resource Center
843 North President St.
Services needed: Students ages 13 to 24 spend at least 40 hours over a six-week period at local non-profit organizations (volunteer opportunities made by appointment only)
Student Opportunities: Youth Advisory Council, Student Volunteer Program, Youth United Way Campaign Cabinet
Contact: Miisha Lowe at 601-948-4725 or e-mail

Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi
multiple locations
http://www.bgccm.net
Services needed: homework tutoring, arts and crafts workers, sports activities, guest speakers and more
Contact: Randal Gray at 601-969-7088, ext.23 or e-mail

If your summer volunteering agenda doesn’t fit any of our recommendations, there are many others available in the city. Visit http://www.jackpedia.com for more ideas and to add your suggestions.