Ten Ways to Volunteer

During the holidays, our thoughts often turn toward giving. Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community, and there are many organizations in Creve Coeur that would appreciate volunteer help. Whether you wish to contribute on a one-time or a continuing basis, these ten places offer ample opportunities to donate your time and talents.

The Ronald McDonald House has long-term opportunities for "in-house" volunteers, including welcoming visitors to the house and helping in the Family Rooms. These positions have a minimum age requirement of 18 and have an application process. If you are looking for a way to give right away, during the holiday season, collecting toys and gifts for the holiday McGift shop, where house residents can pick out gifts for their family members for free, is a great way to give. 

is collecting toys for needy children. Volunteers can collect new toys and drop them off at the district headquarters on Olive Blvd. 8am –4 pm, Monday–Friday.

also houses families of hospital patients. It has many opportunities to volunteer on a continuing basis, like as a kitchen assistant or receptionist. However, immediate needs can be met by collecting cleaning supplies, linens for the rooms, and other wish list items, or you can collect discount passes and coupons from local businesses to donate to guests. Find out more at the HavenHouse website.

Christmas caroling at a care facility or retirement home is a fun way to spread cheer. Put a group together and call a local facility like Parc Provence or to set up a sing.

accepts volunteers to assist in many capacities, such as serving meals to seniors, helping at special events, and coaching youth sports teams. The minimum age for volunteers is 16. 

If your new year's resolution is to do more volunteering, will resume activities that require volunteers in January. Students may enjoy helping out with bowling events on weekends. That program begins January 8 and runs through the end of April.

Good Shepherd School for Children offers inclusive education for kids with special needs as well as typically developing children from ages six months to six years. Volunteers can work in the classrooms with the children. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and must go through an application and screening process.

Boys Hope Girls Hope St. Louis has volunteer openings for tutors. Tutors must be at least high school seniors, as their students will be high-school age. Tutoring takes place Monday through Thursday from 7 - 9 pm.

is looking for volunteers on a continuing basis who are 16 or older. Those interested can apply online and meet with a volunteer coordinator to match their interests with the hospital's needs.