Volunteer Opportunities Directory

Casa San Francisco provides a wide range of services aimed at helping low-income residents of Sussex County. Services include emergency shelter, food cooperative services, and emergency food pantry services. Volunteer opportunities include organizing donation drives, clerical support, client mentors, food program support volunteers, food pantry volunteers, and more.

Delaware Center for the Inland Bays promotes the wise use and enhancement of the Inland Bays watershed by conducting public outreach and education, developing and implementing restoration projects, encouraging scientific inquiry, sponsoring needed research, and establishing a long-term process for the protection and preservation of the watershed. Volunteer opportunities include Jones Farm Ecological Preserve Volunteer group members, James Farm Docent Program Volunteers, committee members, and citizen science survey volunteers.

CHEER offers a full range of services for mature adults that ensures there are safe, dependable choices to remain in their home and maintain a good quality of life. CHEER relies on volunteers to carry out its mission. Volunteer opportunities include homebound meal delivery, mobile mini-mart volunteers, medical transportation volunteers, phone friends, visiting friends, activity center volunteers, community center volunteers, and more.

Children & Families First engages more than 20,000 children, youth, and families each year in programs, services, and supports proven to prevent, intervene, and heal the immediate and lasting impacts of toxic stress and trauma. Volunteer opportunities include working with small groups, community outreach, event volunteers, and administrative or office duties.

Children's Beach House is a non-profit organization helping children, families, and communities throughout Delaware. Programs include operating a year-round Preschool as well as a Youth Development Program or children with special needs. Volunteer opportunities include program volunteers, camp volunteers, event volunteers, administrative volunteers, and facilities volunteers.

Stopping climate change is the focus of this international organization with 3 local chapters in DE, New Castle, Kent and Sussex chapters. We educate the public and public officials on the dangers of sea level rise, storms, droughts, wildfires and other health and environmental factors. Volunteers will write letters to elected officials, sponsor public forums and promote electric cars, solar and wind technologies at meet and greet opportunities. We encourage schools and other public buildings to install solar panels and invite your thoughts on how we can spread the word.

Clothing Our Kids is a volunteer organization that provides clothing, shoes, and coats to at-risk elementary school children throughout Sussex County at no charge. Volunteer opportunities include serving on committees, assisting at the volunteer center, delivering fulfilled requests to schools, or purchasing a clothing package to sponsor a child.

Coastal Concerts is a non-profit organization that presents live concerts, outreach, and educational activities by renowned musicians. Volunteer opportunities include roles in event management, finances, fundraising, marketing, outreach, and more.

Code Purple Shelters provide emergency shelter to aid the homeless on cold winter nights. Code Purple is open from December 1 to March 15. Volunteer opportunities include the following roles at the shelters: overnight shifts, intake duties, morning relief and cleanup, laundry coordinator, donation coordinator, and volunteer site coordinator.

The Community Resource Center assists low income individuals and families in times of need. Services provided include: food, emergency assistance, community outreach, baby pantry, job center, and a day center for the homeless. Volunteer opportunities include client intake, creating resumes and teaching computer skills, assisting with the food rescue program, assisting with the baby pantry, fundraising, and special event planning.

The 24/7 Crisis Helpline for Delaware receives calls regarding many levels of crisis, from asking for information and referrals, to discussing daily struggles, to processing suicidal thoughts. No crisis is too small! Services are provided at no cost to the caller. In addition, ContactLifeline also offers Sexual Assault Counselling Services in the form of individual, family, or group therapy sessions. Therapy is provided at no cost to the participant.Volunteer opportunities are available after completion of an intensive training program. Examples of volunteer roles include in-person support for sexual assault victims and Helpline volunteers.

Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASAs serve as a voice for Delaware’s abused and neglected children. Goals of the program include providing independent factual information to the Family Court; providing advocacy for abused, neglected, and dependent children who are the subject of Family Court proceedings; to insure representation of the child's best interest at all judicial proceedings; and to monitor cases involving abused, neglected, and dependent children.The role of a CASA volunteer is to: gather information and reviews records in relation to the child and family; interview the child and other parties in the case; submit written reports of his or her findings to the CASA Coordinator and Child Attorney; advocate for the child he or she represents in Family Court proceedings and in the community; and monitor the case until permanency is achieved for the child he or she represents.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is a world-class, inspirational, educational, and sustainable public botanic garden in southern Delaware, created for the benefit and enjoyment of all. Volunteer opportunities include: gardening activities, fundraising, membership development, public relations, visitor administration, educational outreach, volunteer coordination, programs, grant writing, web support, and more.

Delaware Head Huggers is the local chapter of a group of crafters throughout the United States, Canada, and England that crochet and sew chemo caps. New, homemade hats are donated and sent to treatment centers and individuals throughout the country. Volunteers make new, homemade hats and drop them at donation drop-off centers.

The Delaware HIV Consortium is a statewide non-profit organization established to facilitate collaboration among its community partners and to ensure that quality, non-duplicative HIV treatment and prevention services are available throughout Delaware. Volunteer opportunities include fundraising, help with special events, office work, and more.

Delaware Hospice provides medical, emotional and spiritual support for individuals and families who are coping with a serious illness.Services include comfort care, palliative care, non medical support and resources, children's programs, grief support for adults and children coping with transitions, Hospice Center services, and more. Volunteer opportunities include: companion, vigil volunteer, kids' grief support, office administration, community educator, fundraising, special event volunteer, bereavement volunteer, veteran to veteran volunteer, and more.

Delaware Nature Society’s mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve the environment through education, conservation, and advocacy. Volunteer positions include clean water campaign volunteers, event photographers, ghost writers, bloggers, trail maintenance, and more.

The Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program provides public information to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to carefully read their Medicare summary notices and ask questions if they do not think the information is correct. Volunteers help Medicare beneficiaries get the information they need when they suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of the Medicare program.

The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains 17 state parks and related preserves and greenways throughout Delaware. The division is responsible for providing recreational opportunities and educational programs for the public. Volunteer opportunities include special event volunteers, nature center volunteers, historical site volunteers, park project and maintenance volunteers, trail maintenance volunteers, and environmental stewardship volunteers.

The Delaware Veterans Home provides outstanding long-term care services to Delaware veterans that uphold dignity and respect while sustaining and improving their quality of life. Volunteer opportunities include assisting residents with the following activities: creative arts, visiting, reading, entertainment/music, special events volunteer, gardening, and clerical support.

Easterseals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation to job training for people with disabilities, Eastersales offers a variety of services. Volunteer opportunities include: virtual programming assistant, administrative volunteers, community outreach assistant, translators, event volunteers, fundraising, and more.

The English as a Second Language Program (ESL) offers adult classes and child care in Rehoboth Beach at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, and adult classes at the Milford Public Library. We are staffed by volunteers who teach the ESL classes and who work with the children of our adult learners. No prior ESL experience is required to teach the structured curriculum and simply a love of children is required to work with the children’s program.

The Food Bank of Delaware inspires hope in our communities by providing food to nourish Delawareans, while collaborating on long-term solutions to hunger and poverty. Volunteer opportunities include: packing bags and boxes, sorting food donations, assisting in the food pantry, helping at a mobile food pantry, and more.

Fort Miles was constructed during World War II as a vital coastal defense installation to deter potential German attacks on key US infrastructure and port cities, such as Philadelphia and Wilmington. The Fort Miles Museum, located underground in Battery 519, features exhibits relating to coastal defense operations as well as portraying daily life for the over 2,000 soldiers and civilians stationed at Fort Miles during World War II. The Fort Miles Historical Association and Delaware State Parks have worked in partnership to operate and expand the Museum and surrounding Historical Area. Volunteer opportunities include tour docents, bunker busters, gift shop staffing, art room staffing, research, writing, and more.

God's Way Ministries runs thrift stores which focus on several major outreaches that help individuals and families in the community. Volunteers can work in the thrift shops and process, clean, and prepare items for sale.

God's Way Ministries runs thrift stores which focus on several major outreaches that help individuals and families in the community. Volunteers can work in the thrift shops and process, clean, and prepare items for sale.

Habitat for Humanity preserves homeownership and neighborhoods by building and repairing homes in partnership with people in need of decent, affordable housing in Sussex County. Volunteer Opportunities include construction volunteers, group build volunteers, committee members, refreshment volunteers for build sites, administrative volunteers, fundraising, and public relations.

Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit retail center that accepts donations of new and gently used furniture, home décor, appliances, and building materials from the public. All products are sold at discounted prices. The ReStore is our solution for turning these donations, from generous and environmentally concerned individuals and businesses, into money to build homes for families. Volunteer opportunities include interacting with customers, sorting merchandise, preparing items for sale, loading and unloading items from donation vehicles, administrative tasks, cleaning, and more.

The Humane Animal Partners adoption center allows individuals and families to adopt a cat or dog. HAP values matching the right people with the right animals, offering a friendly and welcoming environment, empowering others to care for animals, and being kind, caring, and compassionate.Volunteer opportunities include adoption center assistants, community outreach volunteers, transport volunteers, animal caretaker and socializer volunteers, and more.

Immanuel advocates for collaborative community solutions for homelessness and offers shelter, food, clothing, basic human necessities, and friendly companionship. The shelter is a cold weather shelter. Volunteer opportunities include fundraising, event organizing, food preparation, meal serving, shelter cleaning, grant writing, picking up supplies, and more.

ITNSouthernDelaware provides a community-based, community supported, economically viable, consumer-oriented, quality transportation service for seniors and visually impaired adults. Volunteer driver opportunities are available. Volunteers will drive ITN members where they need to go within the service area. Examples of destinations include medical appointments, shopping, or to visit friends.

JFS Delaware's mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services. Volunteer opportunities include refugee support and older adult support. Refugee support roles include apartment set-up for refugees, translation needs, English language support, transportation, and mentorship roles. Older adult support roles include assistance with household tasks, door-to-door transportation, and companionship.

The Lewes Historical Society promotes and advocates the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region, through museum exhibits, educational programs, historical research, and publications. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with: education and tours, programming, grounds and gardens, archives and collections, events, building attendants, and more.

Lewes Senior Activity Center strives to be the premier Senior Center in Sussex County by developing state-of-the-art programs that not only meet the needs of its members, but also make a difference in the Lewes and surrounding communities. Volunteer opportunities include: volunteer drivers, kitchen help, bingo help, landscaping, building maintenance, and special event help.

The Lewes Public Library anticipates the needs of the community and adapts, creates and supports classes and programs for all ages that encourage a love of reading, exploration and discovery. The Library provides access for a wide variety of educational, informational and recreational materials to all members of the community through traditional resources and emerging technologies. Volunteer opportunities include help with circulation, operations, board activities, and fundraising.

The Milford Public Library supports the community with a variety of innovative resources in a safe and inclusive environment. The library encourages lifelong learning and imagination to enrich our quality of life. The MPL strives to inspire all ages to read, to learn, and to enter the world of discovery. Volunteer opportunities include shelving books, calling patrons, cleaning library materials, providing computer assistance, helping with library programs and activities, delivering library materials, and more.

Literacy Delaware advances literacy through training, tutoring, English language acquisition and advocacy for all Delawareans. Volunteer tutors help learners improve basic reading, writing, English language skills, and more.

The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. is a non-profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. It is MERR's commitment to contribute to the preservation of these species through research and rescue efforts, and to foster greater understanding and appreciation of these species and their habitat through education and enhanced public awareness. Volunteers assist with a range of duties, including: data reporting, educational programs, membership correspondence, and rescue / response efforts.

Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth provides nutritionally-balanced, home-delivered meals to homebound elderly and disabled citizens to reduce institutionalization. Volunteer opportunities include meal delivery operations, fundraising, and administrative support.

The Milton Community Food Pantry is an all-volunteer organization that provides food supplementation for approximately 285 people per week. Volunteer opportunities include collecting and distributing food, taking inventory, scheduling volunteers, stocking shelves, filling bags and boxes, fundraising, soliciting contributions, and transporting donations.

The Milton Historical Society is a nonprofit cultural and educational organization dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of the history of Milton and the Broadkill Hundred. Volunteer opportunities include: greeters, docents, curb appeal team members, fundraising team members, event set up, archives and exhibit assistants, walking tour guides, and more.

The Milton Theatre proudly stands as a hub of artistic culture, not just to the town of Milton, but to the Delmarva Peninsula. With more than 400 events annually there is something for everyone: live music, comedy, theatre musicals, children's programs, films, tribute acts, and more. Volunteers serve as ushers, tidy up before and after shows, and help with special events.

Nanticoke Senior Center serves the seniors of Seaford and surrounding communities. It is a place for members to meet and participate in leisure and educational activities that address their health, happiness, and independence. The center relies upon volunteers to help maintain the facility and programs offered. Volunteer opportunities include homebound meal driver, grocery pick up driver, newsletter folder, bingo caller, front desk helper, lunch servers, homebound meal packers, special event helpers, and more.

The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance fosters partnerships and progress in conserving the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Nanticoke River watershed through dialogue, collaborative outreach, and education. The volunteer opportunity is for Nanticoke Creekwatchers, a team of community scientists. Creekwatchers help monitor the health of the Nanticoke River using monitoring equipment.

The New Life Thrift Shop is a major source of funding for the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Churches, a charitable organization that gives back to the community. Volunteer opportunities include: helping unload donations, sorting donations, loading purchases, cashiers, stocking the store, and more.

The Overfalls Foundation preserves, teaches and honors the United States lightship service and the maritime history of our community through the preservation and display of the Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) and its collection of associated maritime artifacts.Volunteer opportunities include: hands-on help with continued restoration and maintenance of the ship; development activities; social activities; tour guides; store crew; communications outreach; special projects; education programs; and more.

Pathways to Success' mission is to prepare youth, adults, and their families for successful lives. They utilize innovative and creative approaches in mentoring and education to help at-risk youth to develop to be healthy, productive, contributing and responsible citizens. Volunteer opportunities include: event preparation, serving as a mentor or tutor to a student, providing a cultural or professional experience for students, and more.

Paws for People provides healing pet therapy to our community through visits from our trained volunteers and their gentle, affectionate pets. Volunteer opportunities include volunteering with your pet to be a therapy team or volunteering without your pet as an office volunteer, event helper, or more.

Read Aloud Delaware volunteer readers introduce children from 1 to 5 years old to the world of literacy and to spark the desire to become readers. The Read Aloud Delaware experience sets children on the road to literacy success from a young age. Volunteer Readers read aloud one-one-one with a child to build literacy skills. In addition, volunteers are needed for parent empowerment sessions, office duties, special events, and other projects.

The Rehoboth Art League sponsors art exhibitions, education and other programs that inspire all community members to embrace the lifelong value of art. Volunteer support sustains Rehoboth Art League activities, and enables our treasured community events to come to fruition. Volunteer opportunities include: program and camp volunteers, event volunteers, administrative volunteers, facilities and grounds volunteers, planning committee volunteers, homestead docents, and more.

The Seaford Historical Society owns and operates the Governor Ross Plantation and the Seaford Museum. Exhibits highlight local area history from prehistory to the present day and rotating exhibits feature exciting new stories. Volunteer opportunities include: museum docents, building and grounds, education, fundraising, exhibits, special events, and membership.

Sonshine Equine helps facilitate the healing of body, mind and soul though professionally designed and structured equine activities. Volunteer opportunities include: horse leaders, horse side walkers, horse camp helpers, horse care volunteers, handyman tasks, grounds help, outreach, and supply donation.

South Coastal Village Volunteers is a nonprofit organization that shares our time and skills so that our older neighbors in Sussex County, Delaware, can continue to live independently. Volunteer opportunities include: transportation program volunteer driver, in-home support, friendly visits, friendly calls, home maintenance, technology, administrative tasks, outreach efforts, fundraising, and more.

SDTR improves the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults living with disabilities through equine assisted therapy in a supportive environment for riders and families. Volunteer opportunities include: horse leaders, horse side walkers, farm maintenance, fundraising, special events, community outreach, grant writing, administrative tasks, and more.

The ARK Educational Resource Center offers one-on-one tutoring, monthly parent information sessions, and teen group meetings. These services prepare disadvantaged youth for life success. Volunteer opportunities include: special event volunteers, office volunteers, group facilitator, parent liaison, fundraising, grant writer, and more.

The Harry K. Foundation is determined to end childhood hunger in The First State one child at a time. No child should know the pain of hunger. The Foundation raises money and donates 100% of those proceeds to help alleviate the problem of food insecurity in its local community. Volunteer opportunities include obtaining sponsorships and auction items, special event preparation, and food pantry work.

TidalHealth is a healthcare system with locations across the Delmarva Peninsula. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the healthcare system.

Village Volunteers isi a nonprofit organization that shares our time and skills so that our older neighbors in Sussex County, Delaware, can continue to live independently. Volunteer opportunities include: transportation program volunteer driver, in-home support, friendly visits, friendly calls, home maintenance, technology, administrative tasks, outreach efforts, fundraising, and more.