Okay, maybe that isn’t everyone’s summer dream, but the volunteering can be just as fun as a day at the pool.  By volunteering you can explore possible career interests and try them out to see if it is a career worth pursuing.  New friends can be made and new interests can be discovered, plus it looks good on a resume.  There are many ways to lend a hand, whether it is long term or just a day, there are options galore.

           Most short term volunteer options are available through institutions that you are affiliated with.  Church is a good example of this.  Churches are frequently looking for people to aid them in Sunday School, fundraisers, and social gatherings.  Most churches post announcements like these in bulletins or in highly frequented areas.  If a younger sibling plays in a summer sport they may need help with fundraising, and many coaches wouldn’t mind a helping hand or two every once in a while. 

Another option is to pick up trash along roads or in parks; this aids the environment and boosts the look of the town while creating an interesting group project.  And if your heart is set on those days around the pool, you can always volunteer to teach swimming lessons. 

           Long term volunteer options require a commitment that in some cases may extend past the summer.  One opportunity that can be either long term or short term is helping at a homeless center.  You can prepare or distribute meals to the residents, socialize with the occupants, or work more behind the scenes in an office. 

A short term option is to hold a food drive or raise money to aid in keeping the center well stocked and running smoothly.  Hospitals are another good place to search for volunteering possibilities; this should especially be looked at for those who wish to pursue a career in the medical field.  The most common job is a candy striper.  A candy striper in most cases aids the nurses in their daily duties and interacts with patients. 

Other hospital jobs may include working at the greeting desk, sorting paperwork, or running an arts and crafts time for the children.  This job not only builds skill and experience, it also builds relationships that can carry on long after the summer ends.  People interested in working with children should consider applying for the Gillette Children’s Hospital volunteer group.  The application is no longer available for this coming summer, but it is something to keep in mind for next year. 

The library is another place that could always use a helping hand or two.  Various jobs can include anything from stacking books and aiding patrons, to reading to small children.  This opportunity is best suited for those who wish to stay in an indoor, air conditioned setting and does not mind a collection of small jobs. 

Senior Citizen Centers always welcome young volunteers to come and spend time with the elderly.  Many seniors enjoy having someone to listen to their stories and to spend time with them, and who knows, you might gain some indispensible advice.  Animal shelters are the last and perhaps most demanding of the volunteer selection.  Most local shelters have an age limit that may limit available volunteers and most also have a requirement of a certain number of volunteer hours each month, therefore guaranteeing your continuance of the program throughout the school year. 

After passing various classes and training programs options like dog walking, cat grooming, and care of small animals open up.  Although not all jobs are as glamorous as the ones above the program holds its own rewards.  A good amount of shelters also allow the option of moving up after a certain amount of experience has been gained through the basic program.  One of these options is to aid a vet as they check up on the animals and any procedures they have to perform.  This option is a good one to pursue for aspiring vets and other careers involving animals and animal science.           

           Maybe volunteering doesn’t top your list of things to do this summer, and maybe the idea of making a difference doesn’t really appeal to you.  But if you find the right opportunity that fits your interests and future job aspirations then it will feel less like a chore and more like what it is: an opportunity.  And of course any bit of volunteer work, even if it is just a random act here and there can help spice up any transcript or resume. 

These choices are not meant to limit the fun of your summer, rather they are meant to supplement it.  Below are some suggestions for various local volunteer locations, so there is no excuse to procrastinate, get out, give back to your community, and most of all, just have fun with it. 

Homeless Shelters:

Marie Sandvik Center                                             
1112 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407-7351
Phone: (612)870-9617

Marie Sandvik Center
1112 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407-7351
Phone: (612)870-9617

Hospitals:

Woodwinds Health Campus
1925 Woodwinds Drive
Woodbury 55125
651-232-0228
www.woodwinds.org

Gillette Children’s
Specialty Healthcare
200 E. University Avenue
St. Paul 55101
651-291-2848
www.gillettechildrens.org

St. John’s Hospital
1575 Beam Avenue
Maplewood 55109
651-232-7000
www.stjohnshospital-mn.org

Regina Medical Center
1175 Nininger Road
Hastings 55033
651-480-4100
www.reginamedical.org

Senior Citizen Centers:

South Washington Senior Center

8400 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove, MN

Oak Ridge Manor Apartments

1199 Bahls Dr, Hastings, MN

Woodbury Health Care Center

7012 Lake Rd, Woodbury, MN

Animal Shelters:

Animal Ark
Animal Ark Home Page
957 West 7th Street, Hastings, MN 55102-3501
Telephone (651) 438-9195 or 772-8983 or 222-4651

Humane Society for Companion Animals
HSRC Homepage
1115 Beulah Lane, St. Paul, MN 55108-2602
Telephone (651) 645-7387

Minnesota Humane Society
1885 University Avenue W, St. Paul, MN 55104-3403
Telephone (651) 645-1344