Volunteer guide: 10 ways to give back in Charlotte this summer
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Summer is a great time to sit by the pool, enjoy an ice cream cone and help out in your community.
Here are 10 ways to give back this summer, listed in no particular order.
Help overburdened animal shelters
Animal shelters are full across the country, including in Charlotte. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control needs volunteers to help walk and socialize dogs, clean kennels, do laundry and more. Apply to volunteer here.
- You can also donate items like blankets and towels.
Go deeper: 7 ways to save a dog in Charlotte this summer
Take care of the greenway
Join “Project Captain” Brian McCready and other volunteers on Saturday, July 8 to trim trees and weeds, pick up trash and keep Four Mile Creek Greenway clear from 8:30-10:30am at 9616 Radner Lane.
- Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and those under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Register to volunteer here.
Clean our local waterways
Help clean up the Catawba-Wateree River Basin with the Catawba Riverkeepers one Saturday each month.
- The next cleanup is scheduled for July 15 from 9-11am at the Riverbend Boat Ramp in Mt. Holly (Eddie Nichols Dr.).
- Register to volunteer here.
Get your hands dirty
Help Wing Haven tend the gardens at this historic Myers Park home, which offers public programming year-round.
- Volunteer here.
Participate in the 24 Hours of Booty fundraiser
People ages 13 and up can help check people in, keep participants hydrated and fed and entertain kids in the kid zone during the 24 Hours of Booty fundraiser happening July 28-29 in Myers Park.
- People will hit the booty loop by bike or on foot over 24 hours to support people affected by cancer. You can volunteer for as little as four hours or for more than 24 hours.
- Sign up to volunteer here.
Help save lives
Become a blood donor ambassador with the American Red Cross.
- You’ll greet, register and answer questions for donors and provide them with recovery snacks after they donate blood.
- Apply to volunteer here.
Support seniors
The Charlotte Village Network helps seniors with transportation, housekeeping, yard work, grocery pickup and delivery, daily check-in calls and assistance with technology.
- Register to volunteer here.
Head to the Y-M-C-A
From summer camps to reading programs, there are plenty of ways to volunteer at the YMCA. Learn more here.
Spread hope
Hope Vibes will provide Charlotteans in transition with a shower and clean laundry through the Hope Tank, a vehicle converted into a mobile shower and laundry center.
- The nonprofit has two upcoming service days (July 22 and Aug. 26) at the Salvation Army Center of Hope (534 Spratt St.).
- Volunteers are needed from 10:45am until 2:45pm. Sign up to volunteer here.
Go deeper: 20 impressive women helping to shape Charlotte
Donate
If time isn’t on your side, consider giving a financial gift.