Would you like to give back to our community in a meaningful way?

Check out the volunteer opportunities listed below!

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Each of us can make a difference!

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The members of the BEAM Team (Bellin Expressive Arts in Medicine)

are our 2022 WPS Volunteer Awards Arts and Culture winners

and our volunteers of the week!

Studies show that integrating the arts into the healthcare experience is valuable for patients due to the calming, nurturing environment it produces. The BEAM team's activities benefit patients at the hospital, rehab facilities, clinics, and Altrusa House. These caring volunteers offer free art projects and create painting demonstrations for patients when they receive chemotherapy. Members also play musical instruments in the lobby and infusion room, and hang art exhibits for patients to enjoy provided by local school children.

This volunteer team includes 25 men and women and five pet therapy dogs. Many of these individuals have overcome cancer and are now paying it forward. Others have retired from professional fields and now share their talents with those receiving treatment. Patients involved in an art project, live music, pet therapy, or simply a craft project find that it temporarily takes their mind off their worries, while also lowering stress and anxiety, and above all, bringing more peace and joy. Thank you, BEAM Team, for your tireless dedication to those facing health challenges!

Click here to find this story on our Facebook page!

34th Annual WPS Volunteer Awards

KI Convention Center

We gathered on April 21, 2022, with over 500 attendees for one of the area’s most inspirational events, highlighting the amazing things that can happen when people selflessly give of their time, talent, and energy. Over 900 people were nominated, and we awarded winners and runners-up in eight different categories.

Made possible by Wisconsin Public Service, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, and all our generous sponsors, this event celebrates volunteers and highlights the work they do in giving back to our community and assisting area nonprofits to fulfill their missions. 

Click the button below to read about the recipients, view a recording of the event, and see a list of all the nominees.

Garden Blitz - Now through May 15

The New Leaf Garden Blitz provides a comprehensive approach to urban agriculture by selling and installing low-cost, high-quality raised bed gardens and providing education and mentorship for new gardeners. The garden boxes are built, installed, and filled with soil by a team of volunteers. In addition, new gardeners have a variety of educational opportunities, including their mentor program, which matches experienced gardeners with new growers. Box-building takes place on Thursday. Friday through Sunday, volunteers will deliver the garden boxes and soil to Green Bay homes, schools, shelters, and group homes. Volunteers, specifically box builders, soil movers and truck drivers, are still needed. Shifts: May 12, 2:00-5:00 pm or 5:00-8:00 pm; May 13-15, 8:30 am-12:00 pm or 12:30-4:30 pm. Minimum age: 18. Click here to sign up

New Leaf Foods, Inc. - Tanya Westmoreland

920-322-5489, gbgardenblitz@gmail.com

Tree Planting - May 14

Volunteers will be assisting plant experts Andy and Kevin with planting native trees in places from which invasive species have previously been removed. Shift: 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Minimum age: 8.

Baird Creek Preservation Foundation - Holly Baseman

920-328-3505, execdirector@bairdcreek.org

Neighborhood Wash #Trashtag - May 16

The third Monday of every month, On Broadway invites the community to come together to keep our streets clean! They span the entire Broadway District and pick up trash. This is a great opportunity for kids and families, and also a good way to get to know your neighbors, help the environment, and get your steps in. Gloves, trash bags, and trash grabbers will be provided. Shift: 5:00-6:30 pm.

On Broadway Inc. - Quincy Fassbender

920-655-7525, quincy@onbroadway.org

Rails & Ales - May 21

The National Railroad Museum is happy to bring back Rails & Ales Brewfest to its full scale. Volunteers are needed to help greet and direct guests, serve food, assist vendors, supervise the auction area, and help with games. Shift: 4:30-9:30 pm. Minimum age: 21. Click here to sign up.

National Railroad Museum - Megan Blackburn

920-437-7623, mblackburn@nationalrrmuseum.org

Farmers Market on Broadway - Beginning May 25

Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays to assist with the following: set-up of tents, garbage cans, banners, etc. (outdoor work, lifting required); serving and pouring beverages in the beer tent, as well as handling cash and charge purchases; and tear-down and clean-up of garbage, tents, banners, etc. (outdoor work, lifting required). Shifts: 1:00-3:00 pm (set-up), 2:45-6:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm (beer tent), and 8:00-9:30 pm (tear-down).

On Broadway Inc. - Quincy Fassbender

920-655-7525, quincy@onbroadway.org

PetWalk Green Bay - June 5

This annual dog-friendly walk supports animals in need. It features a leisurely stroll through Pamperin Park, as well as music, local vendors, a doggie costume contest, family-friendly activities, and games and treats for our four-legged participants! Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and clean-up, run games, assist with registration, and show walkers where to go. Various shifts between 6:00 am-1:00 pm. Volunteers ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wisconsin Humane Society-Green Bay Campus - Katie Gut

920-469-3110 x2117, kgut@wihumane.org

Paw Patrol Paw-Palooza - June 10-12

Activities include assisting in the parking lot, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, temporary tattoos, and more! Shifts: 8:00 am-12:15 pm or 12:00-5:00 pm. Kids 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent. Click here for all the volunteer slots and to sign up.

National Railroad Museum - Megan Blackburn

920-437-7623, mblackburn@nationalrrmuseum.org

Mural and Busker Festival - June 13-14 and 18-19

Various volunteer roles are available for this event. On June 13-14, from 9:00-11:00 am, prime walls for painting or on June 18-19 serve beer and handle cash in the beer tent (June 18, 12:00-8:00 pm; June 19, 12:00-4:00 pm).

On Broadway Inc. - Quincy Fassbender

920-655-7525, quincy@onbroadway.org

Community Painting Project - June 16-19

On Broadway is in need of volunteers with painting/art experience to assist artist Christina Persika in executing her vision for the benches and trash cans that line the historic Broadway District. Christina has created a unique design for each of the 25 benches and 14 trash cans in the district, and local artists are being asked to volunteer their time and skills to assist in painting her designs on the benches and trash cans. On Broadway hopes this will be an opportunity for many artists to come together and leave their creative mark on the Broadway District! Shifts: June 16-17, 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:00-5:00 pm; June 18, 12:00-4:00 pm and 4:00-8:00 pm; June 19, 12:00-2:00 pm and 2:00-400 pm. Minimum age: high school age and up, preferably with some creative/artistic background.

On Broadway Inc. - Quincy Fassbender

920-655-7525, quincy@onbroadway.org

Repurposing the Past Road Rally - June 25

During this event, which takes place within the greater Green Bay area, teams will explore new and exciting destinations on their quest to solve trivia questions and take part in fun activities. Volunteers will help with registration of teams, different activities and onsite grading at event locations, food prep, event set-up and clean-up, and aiding in the organization of the end-of-event activities. Shifts: 8:30-10:00 am (registration), 9:00 am-3:00 pm (location volunteers), 10:00 am-3:00 pm (set-up), 3:00-5:00 pm (clean-up), and 2:00-4:00 pm (grading). Minimum age: 16.

Brown County Historical Society - Ana Olp

920-437-1840, bchsvolunteer@browncohistoricalsoc.org

Outdoor Cleanup

Acts 1:8 Ministry is looking for groups, teams, families, and individuals to help with outside spring cleanup. A few of the things you would be doing include:  

• Pick up trash that accumulates along the edges of the parking lot, in bushes and trees surrounding the property, at least every two weeks in the warmer months; 
• Spread mulch in planter bed;
• Remove broken pieces of blacktop from around parking lot water drains, remove loose gravel and apply blacktop patch in these areas (when weather permits);
• Rake gravel evenly;
• Wash entryways (clean out cobwebs etc.); and
• Additional items as needed.

Flexible shifts between 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Minimum age: 13.

Acts 1:8 Ministry - Vickie Nell

920-494-2289, vickienell@acts18.org

Social Media Specialist

Acts 1:8 Ministry is looking for a volunteer to create and post content on their social media pages in order to grow awareness and raise support to further their mission. Responsibilities:

• Create engaging content for social media platforms to promote the ministry’s mission, the Planned Acts of Christian Kindness (P.A.C.K.) Outreach program, and Christian stewardship, and to encourage volunteerism; 
• Post social media content on the ministry’s social media platforms as directed in a manner that is Christ-based, professional, mission-centric, and consistent with their brand; 
• Assist with researching and implementing social media trends; and 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum age: 19.

Acts 1:8 Ministry - Vickie Nell

920-494-2289, vickienell@acts18.org

Garden Gurus

Altrusa House's home is just like yours - weeds in the garden included! They are looking for individuals or groups of volunteers to help keep their landscaping in tip-top shape. Come enjoy the lovely Wisconsin weather and do a good deed in the process! Flexible weekday shifts.

Altrusa House - Katelyn Voorhees

920-884-6677, katelyn@altrusahousegreenbay.org

Meal Heroes

The Altrusa House is equipped with a full kitchen complete with a stove, oven, microwaves, plates, utensils, platters, etc. Groups of 1-5 people can provide, prepare (onsite or off), serve, and share a meal with their guest families. The amount of servings needed depends upon occupancy, and their guest experience manager will coordinate with groups to ensure there is plenty to go around! Weekday shifts: 5:00-8:00 pm. Minimum age: 16. 

Altrusa House - Katelyn Voorhees

920-884-6677, katelyn@altrusahousegreenbay.org

Written Wishes

Do you want to volunteer your time, but aren’t sure how to do that with the ‘new normal’? Altrusa House is asking supporters to send words of encouragement to Altrusa’s guests and local blue angels. People are unable to give warm hugs right now, but they can give written wishes to let people know others are there for them. No note is too little, and feel free to include drawings from your kids or anything you think would bring a smile and warm their hearts. Flexible shifts (virtual/at home).

Altrusa House - Katelyn Voorhees

920-884-6677, katelyn@altrusahousegreenbay.org

American Red Cross Shelter Support Team

During large disasters, volunteers can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter, which may include working in reception, registration, food service, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required. Minimum age: 18.

American Red Cross - Lee Borofka

920-737-9974, lee.borofka@redcross.org

Hospice Visitors

3,600 seconds! That is the amount of time Aurora needs from you a week, as little as one hour, to visit a hospice patient. You may be the only person who sees them that day or the only one to make them smile. How rewarding is that?! Aurora is looking for caring hearts to visit for companionship, veterans to share stories, massage therapy and pet therapy for the comfort, music lovers to soothe the soul, or media experts to record a life story (audio equipment will be provided). Do you have 3,600 seconds? Various shifts. Minimum age: 18.

Aurora at Home Hospice - Jayne Syrjamaki

920-252-5146, jayne.syrjamaki@aah.org

Tuck-in Call Volunteers

Using a call script, these volunteers contact patients/families by phone to obtain specific information that will assist in preparing patients/families for weekend needs. Individuals will then provide the volunteer coordinator, RN case manager, or director of clinical services with the information obtained. If concerns arise, you will immediately initiate communication to appropriate staff. Documentation of calls is done on a tracking log and given to appropriate staff. In addition, these volunteers provide emotional support, as appropriate. Volunteers conducting tuck-in calls must complete the application process, background check, and volunteer orientation before receiving assignments. Training is provided. Volunteers must clearly understand the supportive nature of this role and how to escalate concerns to appropriate staff. Volunteers will always maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality. Shifts: Thursdays, anytime between 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Minimum age: 18.

Compassus Hospice - Kacie Doxtator

920-321-2004, kacie.doxtator@compassus.com

Legacy Bear Seamstresses

Turn memorable clothing items into a stuffed bear as a lifelong keepsake for families. Supplies will be provided. Flexible shifts, based on volunteers' availability. Minimum age: 18.

Compassus Hospice - Kacie Doxtator

920-321-2004, kacie.doxtator@compassus.com

Drivers for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Drive clients to and from vital appointments, and offer door-to-door assistance as needed. Vehicles, gas, and insurance are provided. No CDL is required, but must have a good driving record and pass a background check. Flexible 4- to 5-hour weekday shifts, morning or afternoon. Work as little or as often as you'd like. Minimum age: 18. Click here for more information.

Curative Connections - Tina Whetung

920-227-4272, twhetung@curativeconnections.org

Horse-Feeding Assistants

Feed horses hay for breakfast in the morning and hay, oats, and supplements for supper in the evening. If you are new to this, training will be provided. Daily 30- to 45-minute shifts, 10:00 am and 8:00 pm. Individuals ages 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent; 16 and older may volunteer on their own. Service learning hours may be awarded.

Firefly Acres Horse Farm - Lisa Pelky

920-609-5637, fireflyacreshorsefarm@yahoo.com

Childcare

Childcare volunteers interact with and care for children while their parents attend classes offered at the shelter. Shifts: Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm, Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 am, and Thursdays 9:30-10:30 am or 6:30-7:30 pm. Minimum age: 16.

Freedom House - Lydia Van Thiel

920-944-4281, lydiavanthiel@freedomhouseministries.org

Troop Leaders and Service Area Event Volunteers

Help is needed in several roles:

Troop leaders - Work with troop helpers and other volunteers to plan, organize, and facilitate one to two meetings per month for a group of approximately 12 girls. Typical meeting activities may include badge earning, field trips, outdoor activities, science, fine arts, and more, and will vary based on the girls' interests. Volunteers may also complete organizational tasks, such as managing the troop's finances.

Service area event volunteers - Choose your favorite topics, and help plan, organize or facilitate special events for girls. Events can range from an hour to a full day and can be in-person or virtual. Topic options are unlimited, from hiking to cake decorating. You can share your expertise with Girl Scouts! This is a great option for groups, and can involve facilitating a single event or be an ongoing opportunity.

Flexible shifts for both roles. Minimum age: 18.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes - Kristin Gallagher

920-955-3443, kgallagher@gsnwgl.org

Guest Experiences

Volunteer opportunities are available at the Garden's front desk for individuals who are interested in providing a great first impression for guests. Duties include greeting visitors, taking calls, assisting with gift shop purchases, processing admissions, providing direction to guests, highlighting points of interest, and promoting the value of membership. Various three- to five-hour shifts between 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Minimum age: 21.

Green Bay Botanical Garden - Diane Leibham

920-491-3691 x131, dleibham@gbbg.org

Facilities

Volunteers are needed to assist the Garden's staff. If you enjoy working outdoors cutting brush and trees and splitting wood, they are looking for you. Shifts are on an ‘as needed’ basis as projects are defined and are weekdays, typically between 8:00 am-3:00 pm. Minimum age: 18.

Green Bay Botanical Garden - Diane Leibham

920-491-3691 x131, dleibham@gbbg.org

Garden Education

Volunteers are being sought who have a passion for sharing knowledge with children and adults. Education volunteers may choose to staff and attend adult classes, lead adult tours, lead youth tours and programs for school-aged and family groups, or any combination of these. A passion for plants, animals, and/or insects is a must. Previous teaching experience is preferred, but not required. Two- to five-hour shifts, typically weekdays between 9:00 am.-5:00 pm. Minimum age: 18.

Green Bay Botanical Garden - Diane Leibham

920-491-3691 x131, dleibham@gbbg.org

Mentors and Facilitators

Mentor volunteers are caring young women who are positive role models in the lives of young girls, mentoring them and providing support and guidance. Facilitator volunteers help plan and facilitate meaningful activities for Lovin' The Skin I'm In groups. They are needed for girls that are in elementary through high school. Shifts: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm, and the second Sunday of the month, 1:30-4:30 pm. Minimum age: 18. 

Lovin' The Skin I'm In - Rhonda Chandler

704-258-1563, lovinmyskinwi@gmail.com

Train Conductors

Hop on board the National Railroad Museum's operational train! Help out with the daily operations by being the on-board safety officer, highlighting points of interest around the grounds, and being interactive with patrons of all ages from all over the world. You can also help out with the museum's special events like Paw Patrol PAW-Palooza, the Great Pumpkin Train, and much more. Many folks choose the museum to hold important events, whether it is a birthday or a wedding, and you can help make their day special as a conductor on board the train. Shift: 9:00 am-4:45 pm. Minimum age: 18.

National Railroad Museum - Megan Blackburn

920-437-7623, mblackburn@nationalrrmuseum.org

Train Engineers

Train rides are a significant part of the museum's experience. Trained volunteers serve as engineers for these excursions around the museum property. Operating their locomotive requires a minimum of two full days of training. Shift: 9:00 am-4:45 pm. Minimum age: 21.

National Railroad Museum - Megan Blackburn

920-437-7623, mblackburn@nationalrrmuseum.org

Document Translation/Interpretation Services

Volunteers are needed to assist in providing homebuyer preparation services to Spanish, Somali, and Hmong individuals. This could include interpreting phone calls and Zoom appointments with NeighborWorks’ counselors and clients. Help is also needed translating documents to Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Shifts: interpreters - various weekday shifts between 8:30 am-4:30 pm; translators - self-paced, on your own schedule. Minimum age: 18.

NeighborWorks Green Bay - Vicki Bokelman

920-593-3716, vicki@nwgreenbay.org

Giraffe Food Preparation

Volunteers are needed weekly to help prepare food for Nigel and Zuri, the zoo's loveable reticulated giraffes! This is a great opportunity for a small group of individuals looking for a regular, recurring routine. Volunteers must be comfortable using tools such as knives, garden/yard pruners, and clippers, as well as be comfortable counting and completing simple paperwork to help them track giraffe food sales. Some outdoor work is required in summer months, but shade and chairs are provided, as well as access to an indoor, air-conditioned room. Looking for volunteers willing to commit to one day per week on the same day and time. Minimum age: 16.

NEW Zoo & Adventure Park - Angela Kawski

920-662-2405, volunteer@newzoo.org

Reading Coach Volunteers

It only takes an hour a week to make a difference to a child! Research shows that third graders who have proficient reading skills are nearly five times more likely to graduate high school than their peers who do not. Yet in many of our area schools, 70% of third graders test below proficient for on-track readiness in English Language Arts.

Reading Coaches for Kids is a volunteer tutoring program designed to increase students' reading abilities and academic success by providing volunteers who read individually with students in Brown County K-5 classrooms during the regular school year and summer school. Reading Coaches must pass a background check. No educational background is needed; training and ongoing support are provided, and trainings are regularly scheduled throughout the year. The Reading Coaches program is especially looking for volunteers ages 55+ to be a part of the Retired/Senior Volunteer Program to provide intergenerational experiences. Shifts: various times during the school day; a minimum commitment of one hour per week during the school year is preferred. Minimum age: 18. Click here for more information and an application. 

Reading Coaches for Kids - Deb Johnson 

920-600-0184, deb@volunteergb.org

Gardening or Companion Visiting Volunteers

Garden volunteers will help do trimming and general maintenance on Unity's flower gardens. Companion volunteers provide companionship and socialization to hospice patients residing in homes. Flexible shifts. Minimum age: 18.

Unity Hospice - Kelly Lautenslager

920-338-1111, klautenslager@unityhospice.org

Resale Shoppe Volunteers

Volunteers can accept, clean and sort donations; price and stage donations on the sales floor; or work the cash register. Shifts: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 1:00-4:00 pm, or 4:00-6:00 pm; Friday, 10:00 am-1:00 pm or 1:00-4:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Minimum age: 18.

Unity Hospice Resale Shoppe - Alicia Kinney

920-339-5501, akinney@unityhospice.org

Shelter Volunteers

The Wisconsin Humane Society-Green Bay Campus is looking for volunteers to help support the shelter. Help is needed in the following areas: animal care, dog walking, laundry, enrichment, vet support, and off-site adoption centers. Various daily shifts between 8:00 am-6:00 pm. Individuals ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult. To learn more, click here. 

Wisconsin Humane Society-Green Bay Campus - Katie Gut

920-469-3110, kgut@wihumane.org

Brown County Community Gardens

Mission: To provide garden space and logistical assistance to Brown County residents to facilitate their access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.