Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Milwaukee

Shila:  Wisconsin Humane Society has been saving the lives of animals in need since 1879. Animal-loving volunteers, that can commit to long term service roles, will have several jobs available to consider. Jobs include: vet prep, socializing with small animals, office hoppers, orphaned bird care, shelter care, dog walking, and more. Each WHS campus (Milwaukee, Racine, and Ozaukee) will have different opportunities available.

WHS also has Kids' Programs designed to increase empathy toward animals, such as gathering donations or advocacy.

Shila:  Hunger Task Force is Wisconsin’s leading anti-hunger organization, and there are many opportunities for youth volunteering around Milwaukee. The most popular activity is sorting food, which takes place at the Hunger Task Force’s main warehouse, prior to it being delivered to those in need.

Building stockboxes at the south warehouse is another fulfilling opportunity. Stockboxes contain 16 nutritious items, and are delivered to low-income seniors throughout SE Wisconsin. There are even opportunities to help grow fruits and vegetables at the farm in Franklin, WI.

Kristy Pepping:  The Bayview Neighborhood Association holds several events. One of these events is a beach clean up that they run throughout the year. They need help cleaning up the beaches to declutter from debris and trash. Check-in is at the bottom of the stairs by the Bay View Beach where Oklahoma Street runs into the lake. Insomnia Cookies donate treats after the clean-ups are complete. They will supply the trash bags and gloves. Dates are posted on their website as well as registration.

Alexandra F.:  Formerly known as Toddlers and Kids on a Mission, Kids Impact Community was renamed to better reflect the powerful work they do within metro Milwaukee, and the broad range of service projects they offer which are suitable for families to engage in together, and appropriate for children of all ages from birth to tween. You'll be impressed by the quality and diversity of volunteer opportunities, which vary weekly, so be sure to check their website for upcoming projects you can participate in with your family!

Alexandra F.:  Started by a mom who wanted to volunteer with her kids but discovered how difficult it was to find these opportunities for kids under 12, Sun Beam Kids is a volunteer-run not-for-profit dedicated to providing volunteer opportunities that families can participate in together, engaging kids in their communities and the world around them to show them what a positive difference they can make. Volunteer projects are diverse and change frequently, so check their website to see upcoming volunteer events for your family!

Shila:  Three Urban Ecology Center locations in Milwaukee (Riverside Park, Menomonee Valley, Washington Park) offer plenty of opportunities for young people who want to participate in ecology-based service projects. Examples of teen volunteer opportunities include: helping to maintain facilities and equipment, picking up trash to keep the parks clean, and turning waste paper into recycled, official bookmarks.

Shila:  In the name of healthy, beautiful communities, KGMB has a variety of educational programs & volunteer opportunities that inspire conservation and promote sustainability. Volunteer ideas & waste-related service learning projects are posted online & are offered throughout the year. Groups can organize or join a park clean up, set up recycling bins at school, plant or adopt trees, raise awareness at events, & more.

Shila:  Help fight hunger. Throughout the year, this domestic hunger-relief agency welcomes individuals, families, and groups to help sort food at the warehouse. Register online for a 3-hour shift Monday through Saturday. Other opportunities include hosting food drives (all ages) & advocacy programs.

Lisa R:  Wreaths Across America seeks to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom through wreath laying ceremonies at cemeteries throughout the country each December. Kids can help in every part of the mission, from raising funds to laying wreaths at 14,000 locations across the US, including Wood National Cemetery. Online teaching materials are available to compliment youth-group fundraising activities. To volunteer, fill out the form online and specify the location or group where you would like to participate.

Shila:  Ronald McDonald House volunteers give their time and talents to provide a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals.

Teens can become Hospitality Volunteers, where they'll do light housekeeping duties, in addition to greeting guests and assisting in the check-out process.

Shila:  Miracle League of Milwaukee shares in the love of America's favorite pastime with children who have physical or cognitive challenges. By registering in their Buddy Program, you'll be paired with a player on the field during a two inning game.

Shila:  Elmbrook Humane Society cares for approximately 2,000 animals annually. Individual youth volunteer or group volunteering exists with many opportunities, and a complete list with qualification requirements and shift times is available online. Children and teens may especially enjoy being a cat socializer, assisting in EHS birthday parties, feeding animals, or partaking in enrichment-related games and exercise with animals.

Shila:  Youth volunteer experiences at Washington County Humane Society include a few options for individual youth, and also for families. All together, families can join the morning dog walking program, socialize with adult cats, participate in programs that raise awareness, and more.

Individual youth (that can offer long term commitment to the shelter) have after school opportunities to learn about the animal care field, become a camp counselor, exercise and socialize with small animals, volunteer at key special events, and more.