Volunteer Opportunities

Awakening Minds Art has several summer volunteer opportunities, including:

Studio Assistance: Help with class prep, data entry and organizing materials. This can be a one-time or monthly opportunity. Contact Emily Sullivan at emily@awakeningmindsart.org or call 419-308-4006.

Messy Art Camp: Adult or older teen helpers are needed from 1:30-2:30pm June 16-18 to assist the teacher and help keep kids on task. Contact Emily Sullivan at emily@awakeningmindsart.org or call 419-308-4006.

Tri the Arts Summer Camp: Teen and adult volunteers are needed to help run this four-day camp that combines music, visual art and performing arts for children and adults with special needs. The camp runs from 1-4pm daily, July 27-30. Sign up to help out at Tri the Arts here.

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is seeking volunteers to present Boogie on the Block from 5-10pm June 5. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks leading up to and during the event, and all volunteers will receive an event pass and T-shirt. Learn more and sign up here.

City Mission is in need of kitchen volunteers this summer. Families are welcome to serve together, and youth ages 10-15 may volunteer with an adult. Ages 16-18 can volunteer on their own. All minors must complete a volunteer application and have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. Volunteers are needed seven days a week, with the greatest need on weekends. Sign up to help here.

Duties: Prepare and serve meals and clean kitchen.  

Youth Volunteers: 10 and older. All volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Only two minors per shift.

Transformations Thrift Store, a ministry of Findlay's City Mission, is in need of volunteers to help sort and organize its warehouse. Contact Jean Lemire, volunteer coordinator, at 419-423-9151, ext. 109.

The Mazza Museum is welcoming new volunteers who would enjoy serving as docents or museum hosts, assisting with educational activities during tours and events, and helping in the gift shop. If you love picture books and literature, there’s a place for you here! Contact mazzamuseum@findlay.edu or 419-434-4560 to learn more.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts — Volunteers are needed as ushers, greeters and scanners for upcoming shows. You can sign up here. Volunteers will be able to enjoy the show — a great opportunity if you enjoy the arts! Contact Tyler Jacobs at tjacobs@mcpa.org if you have any questions.

Youth Volunteers: Age 16+

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library's Read for Life program is seeking volunteers to help with tutoring. Read for Life is designed to improve literacy in Hancock County through volunteers trained to act as tutors on a one-on-one basis with adult nonreaders. Potential volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and literate, but no professional training or education is required. Read for Life is looking for volunteers to teach reading, writing, English, life skills and subject areas of the High School Equivalency including math, social studies, and science. Call 419-422-3755 or email readforlife@findlaylibrary.org to learn more.

The Book Cellar, the used bookstore on the ground floor of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, is seeking volunteers to help in the bookstore and to help with the Better World Books project, which helps to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. If interested, contact Emilee at 419-434-1044.

Primrose Retirement Community, 8580 County Road 237, is looking for volunteers for a variety of opportunities. Examples include bingo callers, playing cards (especially euchre), serving and/or visiting during ice cream social time, playing board games, leading an exercise class, sharing a presentation (such as a slideshow on a recent trip or other special knowledge), or even doing manicures. If you have a passion or skill you'd like to share, we would love to have you! Groups and individuals welcome. All volunteers fill out a signup form and undergo a background check for resident safety. To sign up or learn more, email Pam at pam.talmadge@primroseretirement.com. 

Fox Run Manor, 11745 TR 145, is looking for volunteers who can help push residents and their carts on Tuesdays from 1:15-2:40pm at Walmart on Trenton Avenue. The volunteers would meet at the Walmart on those days. If you are interested please contact Connie at 419-424-0832 Ext 15140 or connie.bustamante@foxrunmanor.com.

City Mission is in regular need of kitchen volunteers. Families are welcome to serve together, and youth ages 10-15 may volunteer with an adult. Ages 16-18 can volunteer on their own. All minors must complete a volunteer application and have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. Volunteers are needed seven days a week, with the greatest need on weekends. Sign up to help here.

Duties: Prepare and serve meals and clean kitchen.  

Youth Volunteers: 10 and older. All volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Only two minors per shift.

West Ohio Food Bank is an essential food distribution center for pantries serving the food insecure in Hancock County. It also serves Paulding, Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam, Allen, Auglaize, Shelby, Hardin, Wyandot and Seneca counties, and serves as a food pantry itself. Volunteers are regularly needed to help sort, clean and repackage food; package food for youth backpack meals and senior food boxes; deliver food to the surrounding counties and more. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and kids' groups accompanied by adults are a great help! Email volunteer@uwhancock.org to learn more.

Youth Volunteers: Middle school and high school groups welcome

Family Friendly: All ages welcome if accompanied by an adult

Findlay Hope House is looking for shelter office volunteers. Duties include answering the door and phone, receiving donations, routine cleaning and assisting clients with questions or other other needs. Volunteers fill three-hour shifts on weekends and holidays. One to two shifts per month are preferred, but on-call shifts are also a possibility. Volunteers are welcome to help with a spouse or friend. Call 419-425-4673 or visit http://findlayhopehouse.org/volunteer/ to sign up.

Associated Charities is looking for help in their office, 1800 N. Blanchard St., on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am-4:30pm. The volunteer/s will assist the executive secretary with scheduling clients, answering the phone, receiving clients in person, assisting with registration, completing paperwork and helping with other general office duties. Volunteers will complete a brief screening process and must keep client information confidential. To learn more, contact Evila Sadana at 419-423-2021.

FOCUS: Recovery and Wellness Community is looking for volunteers to help with its mission of providing a holistic community supporting purpose and wellness through recovery. Whatever your talents are and however you would like to contribute, FOCUS has a place for you. Volunteers must be 18 or older and can help with an array of programming provided by Adult Services, as well as annual events. Call 419-423-5071 or email amanda@focusrwc.org or cassie@focusrwc.org if you are interested in volunteering. Those interested can also fill out the volunteer application or use the QR code through FOCUS's Instagram, @focusrwc.

CASA/GAL of Hancock County is seeking volunteers to serve children as they navigate the court system. A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a highly trained individual who investigates the life of a child who is in foster care or protective custody due to abuse or neglect, dependency, divorce, or other domestic factors. The CASA testifies in the courtroom on the child's behalf, providing a voice for his or her best interest. CASAs must be 21 or older and commit to at least one year of service, and must receive 30 hours of preservice training. Continuing training is provided annually. Email CASA Executive Director Ashley Bell at aibell@co.hancock.oh.us for more information or to get involved.

American Red Cross is in need of Disaster Action Team members to respond to emergencies such as house fires, storms and other disasters. From offering a caring and compassionate ear to meeting the immediate needs of individuals and households such as lodging and clothing, these volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. Volunteers must be 18 or older, commit to 24 on-call hours per month, and complete training. Click here to view video of the opportunity

NAMI Hancock County is looking for a volunteer who might have the knowledge to help clients navigate paperwork and systems related to disability benefits, housing, etc. If you can help or have additional questions, contact Larissa Herbert at larissa@namihancockcounty.org or 567-301-2101, ext. 203.

Blanchard Valley Hospital is seeking Candy Stripers to complete an established list of tasks throughout the hospital. Up to four Candy Stripers volunteer each weekday from about 3:45-5pm (the program is limited to 20 at a time). Candy Stripers commit to volunteering the same day each week and can pick which day they volunteer. Some examples of service include assembling medical supply kits; making and delivering milkshakes to new moms; and distributing items from the "comfort cart." Candy Stripers have been volunteering at Blanchard Valley Hospital since 1949. Still today, the Candy Striper program provides hands-on experience to high school-age volunteers interested in the medical industry. Contact Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org to learn more or sign up.

Youth Volunteers: High school only (ages 14-18) 

Blanchard Valley Hospital is seeking individuals to serve as Information Desk Greeters. This role involves assisting the public by directing and escorting visitors to various locations within the hospital – a great way to get your steps in! Additionally, volunteers provide patient room numbers, deliver flowers, and complete other duties as needed. Weekday shifts are available from 8-10am, 10am to noon and noon to 2pm. Contact Heather at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org to learn more.

Blanchard Valley Health System - Physician’s Plus Urgent Care. Our P+ facility provides health care to patients who need care and are not able to make it into a physician's office. Volunteers will greet patients upon arrival; assist with the patient window; and help with patient rooming and room prep. Those who have a friendly demeanor and enjoy staying busy and have no physical limitations are ideal volunteers. This role is great for students interested in the medical field. Shifts available: Every Monday and Friday from 8-10:30am, 10:30am-12pm, 2-4pm and 4-6pm.  Volunteers are welcome to schedule consecutive shifts.

Youth and Adult Volunteers: Junior high and older

American Red Cross is seeking Blood Drive Volunteer Ambassadors to assist at local blood drives. Volunteers greet donors, answer questions and thank donors. Volunteers must commit to one to two shifts per month, but get to choose which blood drives to staff. Click here to view video of the opportunity.

Youth Volunteers: 16+

Children’s Mentoring Connection is looking for volunteers to mentor students in grades 3-7 in one of seven schools in Hancock County. Whether it's after school or during the student's lunch break, school-based mentors can help guide and support a child in need. All sessions are led by a dedicated Children's Mentoring Connection case manager. For more information, email info@cmchancock.org or call 419-424-9752.

Youth Volunteers: Volunteers for the weekly school programs may be high school students or older.

YouthMOVE is a group through NAMI for ages 14-26 that meets biweekly to focus on various issues experienced by youth and how we can improve different systems and services in our community. The group includes teens and young adults who can take on a mentor role and meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. If you can help, call 567-301-2101 or email Deborah at info@namihancockcounty.org

Welcome to a New Life's mission is to provide mentorship for people who are involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system to live crime-free, drug-free, productive lives. Volunteers (mentors) are vital to help these individuals on their road to recovery. Mentors spend about 1 hour/week with their mentee to set goals, provide encouragement, and resources. Training occurs throughout the year, with an initial 2-hour orientation. To become a mentor, you will need a background check, drug test, references, and be able to use a web-based tool for note taking at your weekly meetings. The length of the relationship from mentor to mentee can be from 2 months to life long. To learn more contact Carla Benjamin at director@welcometoanewlife.org or call 419-455-6082.  

OSU Extension Hancock County is conducting a financial literacy curriculum in Hancock County schools, and they need volunteers to be a part of the culminating Real Money. Real World. simulation event.  Volunteers will staff various spending booths, assisting students (middle school or high school) as they make spending decisions in areas such as food, transportation, communications, childcare, entertainment, insurance, debt repayment, etc., based on their assigned job/income and family size.  Volunteers are needed for 2- 2 ½ hours during a school day, usually Thursday or Friday.  Volunteers may commit to one or more events.  If you would be interested in helping out with this valuable learning experience for area youth, please contact Jennifer Little, FCS Educator for OSU Extension Hancock County at little.18@osu.edu for specific dates and times needed.

The Hancock Park District offers rewarding volunteer opportunities for students, individuals, families and community groups. Examples include helping to maintain parks, assist with special events, adopt a trail or park and monitor birds, to name just a few. To get started, email Jamie Shane at jshane@hancockparks.com.

Habitat for Humanity regularly utilizes community volunteers for home builds. Volunteer tasks vary, based on the build schedule. Construction experience or knowledge is not required, but always welcome. All build volunteers must be 18 or older. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Tom James at volunteer@habitatfindlay.org or 419-429-1400, option 5, for more information or to sign up.