Top 10 Places to Volunteer in Charleston

 By Megan Bruner

1.   Habitat for Humanity

     Habitat for Humanity helps those in need by building houses for families.  It can be a one-time project or a semester-long endeavor. You can get involved by contacting Melissa Bell at CSU at mbell@csuniv.edu.

2. Charleston Animal Shelter (SPCA)

     This volunteer opportunity is perhaps the most fun of all! Their volunteer tasks include playing with kittens, walking dogs, and feeding the animals.  Check out their wWeb site at www.charlestonanimalsociety.org.

3. Goodwill

     Goodwill needs volunteers to help with mock interviewing, food drives, and other community events.  If you’re crunched for time, you can always help out by going through your old clothes and donating things that don’t fit, or that you don’t wear to their drop-off locations.  Find out more about their volunteer opportunities at this link: http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about/howweoperate/volunteer

4. Crisis Ministries

     Crisis Ministries strives to provide shelter and food for the poor in downtown Charleston, as well as present the gospel message of hope and love.  You can fill out a volunteer application as well as register for an orientation by logging on to http://www.charlestonhomeless.org/.

5. My Sister’s House

     My Sister’s House provides emergency shelter and help-line to women who are victims of domestic violence.  They especially need volunteers who can speak both English and Spanish to act as translators.  Find out more at http://www.mysistershouse.org/.

6. The American Cancer Society

     The American Cancer Society hosts several events and programs that benefit those suffering from cancer.  You can find out how to volunteer in the Charleston area by visiting http://www.cancer.org/docroot/EMP/EMP_2_Volunteers.asp?sitearea=EMP&level=1.

7. Trident Literacy Association

     Did you know that at least 15 percent of people in the tri-county area are illiterate? The Trident Literacy Association recruits volunteers to help adults learn to read and write so they may apply for jobs and lead a more rewarding life.  For more information, check out http://www.tridentlit.org/volunteer.htm.

8. Ronald McDonald House

     The Ronald McDonald House provides housing for families with critically ill children who have been hospitalized.  Their house is located very close to MUSC, and they are always in need of volunteers.  You can fill out a volunteer form at http://www.lovebuilds.org/Volunteer.asp.

9. Meals on Wheels Summerville

     The Summerville base location of Meals on Wheels is always in need of helpers to assist in packaging meals in the kitchen.  You must be 18 to volunteer and participate in a short orientation.  You can find out more about how to get involved at www.dycon.com/svillemeals.

10. Boys and Girls Clubs (Trident Area)

     The Boys and Girls clubs provide opportunities for mentoring young people.  Volunteer tasks include homework help, substance abuse prevention, as well as just having fun playing sports or doing other activities with the kids. You can sign up to be a mentor at www.bgclubta.org.