March is roaring in with opportunities to support and make better school libraries, abandoned lots and learners of all ages.
Early in the month, you can help keep the Flower Show running, and later sort and transport clothes and supplies for shelters, rebuild homes and more.
Find details on all that and more in our list of ways to volunteer in Philadelphia in March below.
RELATED: Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our ultimate guide to being an engaged citizen in Philadelphia.
How to volunteer in Philly this month
1. Support school libraries
With the decline in the number of School District librarians, West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC) is looking for dedicated weekly volunteers to help out at least two hours a week at school libraries for one academic year. Volunteers will lead story times, help students find books, and sort and catalogue donated books. No prior experience is needed, though a genuine interest in working with children is, and clearances for working with children are required. Sign up here, or email [email protected] for more information and for detailed instructions on how to obtain clearances.
2. Teach ESL
United Communities of Southeast Philly is looking for volunteers to work as ESL teachers to members of Southeast Philly’s refugee and immigrant population. They’re specifically looking for volunteers to work from 10am until noon on Wednesdays. Volunteers must pass a criminal background check, FBI fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances, which United Communities will pay for. Volunteers must be 21 years or older. No teaching experience is required. Contact [email protected] or call (215) 468-1645 for more information.
3. Mentor Young People
PowerCorpsPHL, part of Education Works, is looking for service-oriented businesses or individuals willing to mentor and share their career experiences with unemployed young people and returning citizens. The program offers educational support and service apprenticeships and provides supportive services including certification for certain careers. It also provides young people with a stipend during their time in the program. Email them at [email protected].
4. Distribute clothing and supplies
Mitzvah Circle provides critically-needed items such as clothes, school supplies, diapers and feminine hygiene products to thousands of families in need in the greater Pennsylvania area. They have distribution centers in Philadelphia, where volunteers can help package items, and are also in need of drivers willing to transport packages to partners in nearby counties such as Montgomery and Bucks. Volunteers can sign up for two shifts on weekdays, either from 9:30 am to 11:30am, or from 12:30pm to 2:30 pm. Friday shifts are only available in the morning. Volunteers who are six years or older are encouraged to volunteer, but must have a guardian present. No prior experience is needed. Sign up here.
5. Donate to young people
While Turning Points for Children’s Food and Wellness Network (FAWN) requires extensive clearances for their on-site volunteering, including background checks, child abuse clearances and FBI fingerprinting, they are actively searching for donations in the form of coats, diapers, canned food, and crock pots. FAWN is available to pick up donations at a location of your choosing, or you can bring them down to one of FAWN’s six locations in Philadelphia. Contact them at (267) 398-3592 or email [email protected].
6. Feed Philadelphia
Saint John’s Hospice offers emergency shelter, food, and support to homeless men in Philadelphia in the hopes of transitioning them to independent living. They are looking for volunteers to help serve lunches on weekdays to the 325-plus men who come to Saint John’s in need, or to help sort mail and toiletries for the 900 men registered at their mailroom. Saint John’s Hospice is located at 1221 Race St. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and must complete a volunteer application to begin. Contact [email protected] or call (215) 563-7763 to get involved.
7. Turn vacant lots into community spaces
Adopt-A-Lot turns vacant Philadelphia lots into recreational community spaces. A donation of $25 can help install a fence around the area they work in. Also through PHS, they are looking for volunteers to help throughout the month of March with garden maintenance at Meadowbrook Farm at 1633 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Bring a water bottle and close toed shoes. Sign up here or contact 215-887-5900.
8. Rebuild or repair Philly homes
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is looking for groups or individuals interested in building and repairing homes for people in need of affordable housing. They are currently focusing on North and West Philadelphia. Construction volunteer opportunities are every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8:30am to 3:30pm, and house repair opportunities are Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:30 to 1:30pm, or 1pm to 5pm. They are having a volunteer orientation meeting on March 12, from 6pm to 7pm, at 1829 North 19th Street, and no prior skills are required. New volunteers can sign up for an orientation here.
9. Donate items to support Second Mile
The Second Mile Center offers employment to those going through re-entry, recovering addicts, and immigrants in need of a place to improve their English. They are looking for clothing donations and household items, and will pick them up. The Second Mile Center is located at 214 S 45th St. Contact them at 1(215) 662-1663 or email [email protected].
