How can you make a meaningful impact in La Crosse through volunteering. What are the most rewarding volunteer opportunities available in the area. Which organizations in La Crosse need volunteers the most. Where can you find volunteer work that matches your skills and interests in La Crosse.

Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity offers one of the most hands-on and rewarding volunteer experiences in La Crosse. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside future homeowners to construct affordable housing for families in need. The organization welcomes volunteers of all skill levels, providing necessary training and tools.

What makes Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer work so impactful? By contributing your time and effort, you’re directly helping families achieve their dream of homeownership. The tangible results of your labor – a fully constructed house – serve as a lasting reminder of your contribution to the community.

ReStore Volunteering: A Sustainable Approach

In addition to home construction, Habitat for Humanity operates ReStore locations that need volunteers. These stores sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials to support Habitat’s mission. Volunteering at ReStore not only helps raise funds but also promotes sustainability by giving quality goods a second life.

• Sort donations and create displays
• Assist customers with purchases
• Maintain store cleanliness and organization
• Process incoming donations

How can you support Habitat for Humanity beyond construction and ReStore work? Consider these additional volunteer opportunities:

• Provide meals for volunteer crews on build days
• Assist with administrative tasks like data entry and mailings
• Organize fundraisers or awareness campaigns
• Donate new or gently used items to ReStore locations

Nurturing Young Chefs with Kids Cook!

For those passionate about cooking and mentoring, Kids Cook! offers a unique volunteer opportunity. This program provides weekly cooking classes for children aged 5-15, teaching basic culinary skills and promoting healthy eating habits.

How does Kids Cook! make a difference in children’s lives? By introducing kids to the joys of cooking, the program instills valuable life skills, nutrition knowledge, and confidence in the kitchen. Volunteers play a crucial role in this process, guiding small groups of children through simple recipes and kitchen safety practices.

The Recipe for Success: Kids Cook! Volunteer Roles

Volunteering with Kids Cook! doesn’t require professional culinary experience. The program values enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to work with children. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Assist in weekly cooking classes (1-2 hours per week)
• Help organize cooking supplies and sanitize work areas
• Shop for groceries and kitchen equipment
• Assist with recipe testing and evaluation
• Share your unique recipes and cooking tips

What makes Kids Cook! classes so engaging for children? Each session focuses on more than just following recipes. The program incorporates elements of food science, nutrition education, and kitchen safety, making the learning experience both fun and comprehensive.

Nourishing the Community at Hope Gospel Mission

Hope Gospel Mission has been a cornerstone of support for the homeless and hungry in La Crosse since 1965. By volunteering in their kitchen, you can directly contribute to alleviating hunger in your community.

How does Hope Gospel Mission address food insecurity in La Crosse? The organization provides hundreds of hot meals daily and operates a food pantry, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. Volunteers play a crucial role in this mission, helping with meal preparation, serving, and clean-up.

Beyond the Kitchen: Diverse Volunteer Opportunities

While kitchen work is a primary need, Hope Gospel Mission offers various other ways to contribute:

• Sort donations and stock the food pantry
• Lead group activities and classes for guests
• Assist with facilities maintenance and cleaning
• Help in the clothing room and hygiene closet
• Organize food and supply drives

What makes volunteering at Hope Gospel Mission particularly impactful? By providing essential services and treating every individual with dignity, volunteers contribute to more than just alleviating hunger – they help restore hope and self-worth to those in need.

Empowering Youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region offers a meaningful way to make a lasting impact on a child’s life. As a mentor, you’ll be paired with a young person facing adversity, providing guidance, friendship, and support.

How does mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters benefit both mentors and mentees? The program creates mutually enriching relationships that can lead to improved academic performance, higher self-esteem, and better decision-making skills for the mentees. For mentors, it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in a child’s life while developing leadership and communication skills.

The Mentoring Process: What to Expect

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister involves a thoughtful matching process and ongoing support:

1. Complete an application and background check
2. Participate in an interview and training session
3. Get matched with a Little Brother or Little Sister
4. Commit to meeting with your mentee regularly (typically 2-4 times per month)
5. Engage in fun activities and meaningful conversations

What types of activities do mentors and mentees typically enjoy together? The program encourages a range of low-cost or free activities that foster connection and learning, such as visiting local parks, playing sports, doing homework together, or exploring shared interests.

Preserving Nature with Mississippi Valley Conservancy

For nature enthusiasts and environmental advocates, Mississippi Valley Conservancy offers numerous volunteer opportunities to help preserve the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

How does Mississippi Valley Conservancy contribute to environmental conservation in La Crosse? The organization works to protect and restore native habitats, maintain hiking trails, and educate the public about local ecosystems. Volunteers play a crucial role in these efforts, participating in a variety of outdoor activities and conservation projects.

Getting Your Hands Dirty: Volunteer Activities

Mississippi Valley Conservancy offers diverse volunteer opportunities to suit different interests and abilities:

• Remove invasive plant species from protected areas
• Assist with trail maintenance and construction
• Participate in native plant restoration projects
• Help with wildlife surveys and monitoring
• Lead guided nature hikes and educational programs

What makes volunteering with Mississippi Valley Conservancy particularly rewarding? Besides contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems, volunteers gain hands-on experience in conservation practices, deepen their connection with nature, and often discover hidden natural gems in their own backyard.

Supporting Seniors through RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) 55+ offers a unique opportunity for older adults to give back to their community while staying active and engaged. This program matches volunteers aged 55 and above with local organizations that need their skills and experience.

How does RSVP 55+ benefit both volunteers and the community? For volunteers, it provides a sense of purpose, social connections, and the opportunity to use their lifetime of skills in meaningful ways. For the community, it taps into the wealth of knowledge and experience that older adults possess, enriching various local programs and services.

Diverse Opportunities for Senior Volunteers

RSVP 55+ offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit different interests and abilities:

• Tutoring and mentoring students in local schools
• Assisting at food pantries and meal delivery programs
• Providing companionship to homebound seniors
• Helping at local museums and cultural institutions
• Supporting veteran services and programs

What makes RSVP 55+ unique among volunteer programs? The program is tailored specifically for older adults, taking into account their schedules, physical abilities, and interests. It also provides additional benefits such as supplemental insurance and recognition events to honor volunteers’ contributions.

Caring for Animals at Coulee Region Humane Society

For animal lovers, the Coulee Region Humane Society offers numerous opportunities to make a difference in the lives of pets awaiting their forever homes. This organization provides shelter, care, and adoption services for a variety of animals in the La Crosse area.

How does volunteering at the Coulee Region Humane Society impact animal welfare? By providing essential care, socialization, and support, volunteers help improve the quality of life for sheltered animals and increase their chances of successful adoption. This work not only benefits the animals but also contributes to building a more compassionate community.

Diverse Roles for Animal Advocates

The Humane Society offers various volunteer positions to suit different skills and comfort levels:

• Dog walking and socialization
• Cat care and playtime
• Small animal socialization (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)
• Kennel cleaning and maintenance
• Assisting with adoption events and education programs

What special skills or qualifications are needed to volunteer with animals? While no specific experience is required, volunteers should be comfortable around animals, reliable, and willing to follow safety protocols. The Humane Society provides necessary training for all volunteer roles.

By dedicating your time to these impactful volunteer opportunities in La Crosse, you can make a significant difference in your community. Whether you’re passionate about housing, education, environmental conservation, or animal welfare, there’s a volunteer role that matches your interests and skills. Remember, even a few hours of your time can create lasting positive change in someone’s life or in the community as a whole.

Help Build Homes with Habitat for Humanity

If you’re handy with tools and like working with your hands, Habitat for Humanity is a great way to give back in La Crosse. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside future homeowners to construct affordable housing for families in need. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a house go from foundation to finished product knowing your labor helped a deserving family achieve their dream of homeownership. No construction experience is necessary – Habitat will provide all the training and tools you need. Just bring a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty! Volunteer days are scheduled regularly during the spring, summer and fall months.

In addition to building homes, Habitat also needs volunteers to work in their ReStore locations. The ReStores sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials to raise funds for Habitat’s mission. Volunteers help sort donations, create displays, assist customers and keep the stores clean and organized. It’s a great way to reduce waste and recycle quality goods by giving them a second life.

Additional Ways to Support Habitat for Humanity

• Donate new or used items to ReStore locations
• Provide food and drinks to volunteer crews on build days
• Help with administrative tasks like mailings, data entry and phone calls
• Organize a fundraiser, donation drive or awareness campaign

Touching people’s lives by giving them an affordable place to call home – that’s the heart of Habitat’s work. Pitch in with their construction and restoration projects, and you’ll find volunteering with Habitat La Crosse incredibly meaningful.

Teach Kids to Cook at Kids Cook!

Does the idea of mentoring young chefs get your gears turning? Kids Cook! offers weekly cooking classes to teach basic culinary skills to children ages 5-15. As a volunteer, you’ll work directly with a small group of kids to create simple recipes like pizza, cookies, smoothies and more. Kids Cook! provides all the aprons, utensils and ingredients needed.

No prior teaching experience is required, just patience and enthusiasm. It’s a chance to pass along your love of cooking while giving kids the knowledge they need to make healthy choices. Each class focuses on kitchen safety, food science and nutrition too. You’ll be amazed by the pride kids take in preparing a meal with their own hands – and their eagerness to taste the fruits of their labor!

Ways to Help Kids Cook!

• Volunteer as a cooking class assistant 1-2 hours per week
• Help organize cooking supplies and sanitize work areas
• Shop for groceries and kitchen equipment
• Assist with recipe testing and evaluation
• Share your own unique recipes and cooking tips

By getting kids excited about cooking, you’ll be helping build life skills and knowledge to nourish their bodies and minds. That’s truly food for the soul!

Feed the Hungry at Hope Gospel Mission

Hope Gospel Mission has served the homeless and hungry in the La Crosse area since 1965. Each day, they provide hundreds of hot meals as well as food pantry items to community members struggling with food insecurity. Volunteering in their kitchen is a hands-on way to ensure no one goes hungry.

Tasks include helping prep ingredients, cook meals, serve food, and clean up. You’ll work alongside other volunteers and staff to assemble nutritious dishes on a large scale. Whatever your comfort level in the kitchen, there are ways for you to contribute and make a tangible difference. Hope Gospel Mission welcomes both individuals and groups looking to lend a hand during meal times.

Other Volunteer Needs at Hope Gospel Mission

• Sorting donations and stocking the food pantry
• Leading group activities and classes for guests
• Helping with facilities maintenance and cleaning
• Assisting in the clothing room and hygiene closet
• Organizing food and supply drives

Alleviating hunger takes more than just a hot plate of food. By volunteering with Hope Gospel Mission, you help provide the essential services and dignity that every human being deserves.

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Teach Kids to Cook at Kids Cook!

If you love cooking and want to pass on your culinary passion to the next generation, Kids Cook! is for you. This nonprofit offers weekly cooking classes to teach basic kitchen skills to kids ages 5-15. As a volunteer teacher’s assistant, you’ll guide a small group of young chefs as they make healthy recipes like oatmeal cookies, pita pizza pockets, fruit smoothies and more.

The classes focus on instilling kitchen safety, food science basics, and nutrition know-how in a fun, hands-on way. For example, when making smoothies the kids learn about blend speeds and how fiber affects digestion. Other lessons cover food origins, counting measurements, using appliances safely, trying new foods, and cleaning up. With an emphasis on veggies, fruits, and whole grains, Kids Cook! gives kids the chance to prepare nutritious snacks and meals themselves.

Volunteers provide welcome support by demonstrating techniques, overseeing safe knife use, answering questions, and boosting confidence. The key is being patient, flexible, and encouraging – no formal teaching experience required! Kids Cook! provides all needed ingredients, recipes, aprons, and tools. As a volunteer you’ll gain the priceless reward of nurturing curiosity and pride in young learners. Their excitement at creating something delicious with their own hands is truly heartwarming to see.

More Ways to Help Kids Cook!

• Donate extra pantry items or garden produce
• Help shop for ingredients and kitchen supplies
• Organize cooking kits and sanitize workspaces
• Conduct recipe trials at home
• Share your own unique family recipes

Making an impact through Kids Cook! is as easy as pie! By volunteering your time and talents, you can help set kids up for a lifetime of healthy homemade cooking.

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Feed the Hungry at Hope Gospel Mission

Hope Gospel Mission first opened its doors in 1965 with the goal of providing food, shelter, and compassion to those in need. Today, this La Crosse nonprofit remains committed to serving the community’s homeless and hungry through hot meals, food pantry access, and other supportive services.

As a volunteer in Hope Gospel Mission’s kitchen, you’ll help prepare and serve hundreds of nourishing meals each day alongside staff and fellow volunteers. Tasks may include prepping ingredients, assembling dishes, packaging items for the food pantry, serving meals, and cleaning up afterwards. Whether you’re an expert cook or just getting started, your assistance is needed to ensure no one goes hungry.

Keep in mind that Hope Gospel Mission welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities. Teens, church groups, civic organizations, and corporate teams all lend a hand regularly. While chopping vegetables or dishing up soup, you’ll witness firsthand the difference a warm meal makes in someone’s day. The smiles on the faces of those gathered together for good food and fellowship are sure to lift your spirits too.

More Ways to Volunteer with Hope Gospel Mission

• Sorting donated clothing and hygiene items
• Organizing food drives and fundraisers
• Leading educational classes or activities
• Providing free haircuts or medical care
• Helping with facilities maintenance and cleaning

Hope Gospel Mission relies on community support to fulfill their mission. By volunteering your time and skills, you gain the satisfaction of knowing you made a tangible difference for La Crosse’s less fortunate residents.

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Provide Companionship at the ADRC Adult Day Center

For older adults in need of care and socialization, the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) Adult Day Center provides a safe, stimulating place to spend the day. As a volunteer companion, you’ll help brighten participants’ days through activities, conversations, meals, and more.

Volunteers are matched one-on-one with adults coping with memory loss, physical disabilities, social isolation, and other challenges. Your role is to engage them in the center’s arts, crafts, music, games, and field trips while offering support and friendship. You’ll gain insights into their lives, interests, and needs while ensuring they feel included.

No special skills are required beyond empathy, patience and a kind heart. Time spent together may involve looking at old photos, taking walks, reading aloud, doing puzzles, or simply chatting over coffee. For those craving connection, your visit can mean the world. You’ll likely find their wisdom and stories enrich your own life too.

Other Ways to Help at the ADRC

• Assist with serving meals and snacks
• Lead a cognitive or physical activity
• Provide music, pet therapy, or intergenerational visits
• Help with rides, errands, yardwork and minor home repairs
• Plan and decorate for holidays and parties

By volunteering with the ADRC Adult Day Center, you can truly make someone’s day a little brighter. Your compassion and company supports the wellbeing and dignity of older adults right in your community.

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Comfort Patients at Gundersen Health System

Being hospitalized can be stressful and isolating for patients. As a volunteer with Gundersen Health System, you can brighten someone’s day through friendly visits and compassionate support during their stay.

Volunteers provide important services across Gundersen’s hospitals and clinics. You may transport patients, deliver flowers and mail, run errands, stock waiting rooms, or assist staff. Most meaningful is spending time at bedsides to offer connection and distraction from illness. You can chat, play games, read aloud, or simply provide a listening ear.

Your weekly commitment of just 2-4 hours makes a tangible difference in patients’ wellbeing. Families appreciate the extra assistance too. Whether you have a healthcare background or not, you’ll be equipped with training and ongoing guidance. If you find fulfillment in helping others heal, this is a chance to uplift spirits when it’s needed most.

More Ways to Support Gundersen

• Volunteer at fundraising events and community health activities
• Sew comfort items like blankets, pillowcases and sock monkeys
• Provide pet therapy with your trained, certified animal
• Share talents like music, art, or reiki
• Donate gently used books and magazines

Lend your heart, hands, and voice to support Gundersen’s mission of exceptional care. As a volunteer, you can make every day brighter for La Crosse area patients and families.

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Sort Donations at Goodwill Industries

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in the La Crosse community, consider volunteering your time and talents. With numerous nonprofit organizations and civic groups, there are volunteer opportunities to suit just about any interest or schedule. Whether you have an hour or a day to give, your efforts can truly make an impact.

One great option is to volunteer at the local Goodwill Industries store. Goodwill relies on volunteers to sort through donations and prepare items to go out on the sales floor. Volunteers are needed to sort clothing by size and type, organizehousehold items like books and linens, and test electronics equipment. It’s a fun way to uncover some hidden gems among the donations, while supporting Goodwill’s mission of providing job training and employment services.

The Goodwill store on Mormon Coulee Road welcomes individual volunteers as well as groups. Shifts are typically three hours, but certain positions like the donation door may only require an hour commitment. Don’t worry if you’ve never volunteered with Goodwill before – store employees provide onsite training and assign volunteers to areas that match their interests and abilities. With hands-on work and a flexible schedule, it’s an easy way to chip in for an afternoon and see behind the scenes of a thriving resale operation.

Lend Your Green Thumb to a Community Garden

If you’d rather spend your volunteer hours outdoors, consider contributing your gardening talents to a community garden plot. La Crosse is home to several active community gardens that rely on volunteers to help plant, weed, water and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a fun way to learn new growing techniques from experienced gardeners and get your hands dirty for a good cause.

Check out opportunities at the Hillview Urban Garden on Avon Street. Plots are tended by neighborhood residents and the fresh produce is donated to local food pantries. Volunteers are needed throughout the growing season to assist with all aspects of maintenance. For a flexible schedule, simply stop by the garden on Saturdays from 9-11am when most of the regular work is done.

The Bluff Country Co-op Community Garden welcomes volunteers who can commit to a regular weekly shift. Located on Quarry Road, this garden donates its harvest to local organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. Volunteering here is a great way to gain experience if you’re interested in starting your own backyard vegetable garden.

Clean Up Litter in La Crosse Parks

If you enjoy the outdoors and want to help keep La Crosse looking its best, sign up for a litter cleanup event at a local park. Both the City of La Crosse and the Mississippi Valley Conservancy periodically host volunteer days to help remove trash and debris from parks and trails along the riverfront.

Or you can always grab a pair of work gloves, some trash bags, and pick up litter on your own schedule. Pettibone, Black River, and Myrick parks are good places to find a family-friendly cleanup project. Making our public spaces beautiful and litter-free helps build community pride and encourages proper disposal of waste.

As a bonus, most La Crosse parks have hiking trails that make cleanup work feel less tedious. You’ll get some fresh air and exercise while sprucing things up. Check the park office or conservancy website for upcoming cleanup dates. Or call to inquire about supplies you can use for a self-guided litter pickup.

Volunteer as a Docent at Local Museums

La Crosse has a wealth of historical and cultural institutions that rely on volunteer docents to provide educational experiences to visitors. If you’re a lifelong learner who enjoys interacting with people, consider becoming a museum docent.

The La Crosse County Historical Society welcomes volunteer tour guides and docents to share the stories of the region’s past. Following training on the museum’s collections, volunteers lead discussion-based tours and help visitors uncover new insights. History buffs will enjoy learning about La Crosse’s founding pioneers, industries like fur trading and lumber, and influential figures like Gideon and Solomon Comstock.

The Pump House Regional Arts Center also recruits volunteer docents and gallery assistants. Training is provided so volunteers can answer visitor questions and interpret the contemporary art exhibitions. Docents enjoy learning about new media like installation and digital art while engaging diverse audiences.

These roles provide flexible 2-4 hour shifts according to your schedule. And you’ll gain communication skills while supporting arts and culture in La Crosse.

Lend Your Voice to Wisconsin Public Radio

For media enthusiasts, Wisconsin Public Radio station WHLA welcomes volunteers to assist with radio programming and operations. Positions include recording local interviews, editing audio clips, maintaining music libraries, and potentially assisting with on-air broadcasts.

WHLA volunteers gain technical skills like sound mixing and editing while supporting public radio in the La Crosse area. Shifts are generally 1-2 hours per week in the Third Street Studios downtown. Candidates with nice speaking voices may also be considered for on-air guest hosting or announcing. It’s a resume booster for communications and journalism students.

Public radio depends on community members to help create programming. So if you’re curious about media production, volunteering at WHLA is a great way to learn the ropes hands-on.

Mentor Local Youth

For a truly rewarding volunteer experience, consider mentoring youth in the La Crosse area. With your time and positive guidance, you can help a young person reach their full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Seven Rivers matches adult volunteers with kids ages 6-16 to develop supportive one-on-one relationships. As a Big Brother or Sister, you’ll meet with your mentee weekly and engage in activities from playing sports to working on homework. The consistency of a caring mentor can profoundly impact a child’s confidence and future.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse also welcome new mentors and tutors. Share your interests and passions with kids through workshops in technology, arts, nutrition or financial literacy. Help students build academic skills in reading and writing. With your involvement, the Boys & Girls Club inspires youth to reach for a great future.

Contact local youth agencies to learn more about mentoring programs and how you can get involved. An hour a week of your time can change a child’s life for the better.

Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

Animal lovers can make a difference by volunteering at local animal welfare organizations. Both the La Crosse County Humane Society and the Coulee Region Humane Society rely on volunteers to help care for homeless pets.

Opportunities include walking and socializing dogs, bonding with and grooming cats, cleaning kennels or cages, and assisting with adoption events. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and commit to a regular weekly shift of 2-4 hours. Consistent interactions help shelter animals remain happy and healthy as they await forever homes.

The La Crosse County Humane Society also welcomes volunteers to foster pets temporarily in their own homes. As a foster parent, you’ll provide lots of TLC plus transport animals to vet appointments or adoption events. Fostering is flexible with time commitments depending on your availability.

Animal lovers can make a huge quality of life impact through these volunteer positions. Contact the shelters to learn more about signing up.

Volunteer Your Professional Skills

Local nonprofits also have opportunities to volunteer your professional skills and expertise. Whether you work in marketing, human resources, graphic design or other fields, consider sharing your specialized knowledge.

United Way of the Greater La Crosse Area connects professionals with local organizations needing assistance. For example, financial advisors can help with budgeting and taxes. Photographers and videographers create content for outreach. Lawyers provide pro bono services. Human resource pros serve on nonprofit personnel committees.

Check Volunteer La Crosse, managed by United Way, to browse skill-based volunteer needs. Or email staff to discuss how your professional abilities can make an impact.

Your specialized skills can be a huge boost for organizations relying on volunteers. Invest your talents in the community during a consultancy, workshop, or by serving on a nonprofit board or committee.

Prep Meals at the Salvation Army

For hands-on volunteer work, roll up your sleeves in the kitchen at the Salvation Army of La Crosse. Volunteers are needed to prep and serve meals in the soup kitchen, which provides free daily meals to community members.

Tasks include chopping vegetables, assembling casseroles, packaging pantry items, and plating individual meals. Volunteering as a group is a great hands-on team building activity. The Salvation Army can accommodate groups up to 15 people.

Individual volunteers are also appreciated, especially during weekday shifts from 9am to 2pm. No prior cooking experience is required, just a desire to help feed those facing food insecurity. It’s a rewarding way to gain kitchen skills while making a tangible difference.

Contact the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center to join the Meals Ministry volunteer team. Your efforts help sustain an essential community program providing nourishment and hope.

So roll up those sleeves and get ready to give back. With numerous organizations and programs to choose from, you can easily find meaningful volunteer work to fit your skills and schedule. Whether you have one day or an ongoing commitment of time, your efforts will help build a stronger, healthier community.

Help Animals at Coulee Region Humane Society

Looking to make a positive impact in the La Crosse community? With so many nonprofits and civic organizations here, there are numerous ways you can volunteer your time and talents. Whether you have an occasional Saturday to spare or want an ongoing commitment, you can find meaningful volunteer work to enrich the area. One especially rewarding option for animal lovers is volunteering at the Coulee Region Humane Society.

This no-kill shelter provides care and adoption services for homeless pets in La Crosse, Onalaska and surrounding communities. Volunteers are essential for helping the Humane Society care for the hundreds of dogs, cats, and other animals that come through the shelter each year. From hands-on animal interactions to behind-the-scenes support services, they have volunteer opportunities to suit a wide range of skills and interests.

Serve as an Animal Cuddler

One of the most popular volunteer roles is serving as an animal cuddler or socializer. These volunteers provide love and attention to shelter animals by spending time interacting with them one-on-one. You might take a dog out for walks and playtime in the yards, brush and pet the cats in the feline cottage, or handle the small mammals and birds. This socialization helps animals remain happy and healthy while awaiting adoption.

Volunteers should be comfortable interacting directly with animals. No special experience is required, as the humane society provides orientation and training. Animal cuddler shifts are typically 2-4 hours weekly or biweekly. Consistency is great, but you can also sign up for occasional shifts when your schedule allows.

Exercise Shelter Dogs

Along with cuddling cats, volunteers are especially needed to take shelter dogs on walks and outings. Regular exercise and outdoor time is vital for dogs awaiting adoption. But the humane society staff doesn’t have enough time to take all the dogs out individually. That’s where dog-loving volunteers come in!

As a dog walker, you’ll take one canine buddy out at a time for fresh air, bathroom walks, and playtime. Walks usually last 15-30 minutes depending on the dog’s age and activity level. You’ll get great bonding time with the pups while keeping them healthy and content.

Shifts are available mornings and afternoons. Volunteers should have basic knowledge of dog walking equipment like leashes and harnesses. This is a rewarding regular commitment for any canine fan.

Help at Special Events

The humane society hosts fun public events throughout the year like Paws in the Park and the Strut Your Mutt fundraiser walk. At these lively community happenings, volunteers lend a hand setting up, managing kids’ activities, handling adoptions, and more. It’s a flexible way to help out while enjoying all the action!

Volunteers can also get involved with youth programs like summer camps and school field trips. You’ll guide kids as they learn about pet care and animal welfare. It’s a great chance to educate future generations of pet owners.

With varied opportunities from low-key cuddling to big lively events, volunteering at the humane society offers something engaging for all personalities.

Foster Pets Temporarily

For major animal lovers, consider becoming a foster volunteer. Foster parents take in pets temporarily to give them a break from the shelter environment. You’ll welcome a dog, cat or other pet into your home for days, weeks or sometimes months, providing food, attention and TLC.

Fostering helps relieve overcrowding at the shelter during busy seasons. It benefits the animals by allowing them to live in a home setting. This helps them get ready for life in their forever home once adopted. As a foster, you’ll bring pets to adoption events too.

Fostering is flexible based on your availability, space and skill level. The humane society will match you with pets suited for your home. Make a big impact by opening your home to a shelter animal in need!

Transport Animals

The Coulee Region Humane Society partners with adoption programs across the Midwest. Volunteers are needed to transport pets from the shelter to their new adopted homes, rescue groups or partner shelters. You’ll provide the transportation legs to give deserving animals a fresh start.

As an animal transporter, you’ll pick up your canine or feline passengers and drive 1-4 hour trips depending on the destination. It’s a fun way to see new places while helping lovable pets relocate. This role does require availability for longer road trips.

If helping animals find loving forever homes sounds rewarding, this transport role lets you be part of the journey. You’ll be the critical link getting pets to their new families.

Photograph Adoptable Pets

To help pets get noticed and adopted quickly, the shelter relies on quality photos and videos to showcase animals on the website and social media. As the saying goes, every picture tells a story! And great photos capture each pet’s unique personality.

Volunteer photographers are needed to take portraits and snapshots of dogs, cats and other pets waiting for homes. You don’t need fancy equipment, just a good eye for capturing each animal’s most endearing qualities. This helps potential adopters fall in love at first sight!

Photography volunteers should have some experience handling animals comfortably. Work with staff to capture pets when they are most relaxed and photo-ready.

Donate Homemade Enrichment Items

As an indirect way to brighten shelter animals’ days, volunteers craft and donate enrichment items for their enclosures. Homemade cat toys, tasty dog chews, comfy fleece blankets, yummy frozen treats, and more — these provide mental and physical stimulation when the animals aren’t interacting directly with people.

Crafty volunteers find this a rewarding way to get involved from home. It’s a fun challenge coming up with new DIY enrichment toys and activities. Anything to keep the animals happily occupied!

Use your imagination and skills to whip up fun creatures like felt mice or puzzle feeders for the shelter animals. Contact the volunteer coordinator for ideas of items that are most needed.

With diverse opportunities from cuddling kittens to driving transports, the Coulee Region Humane Society has volunteer options for all animal enthusiasts. Donate just an hour or two per week or month. Or get involved in ongoing roles or leadership positions. However you choose to contribute your time and compassion, you’ll be making a huge difference for La Crosse area pets in need.

Check out the shelter’s website at www.couleehumane.org to fill out an online volunteer application. With your support, we can ensure every companion animal in the community finds the love and care they deserve.

Clean Up Parks and Trails with Friends of the Mississippi River

Looking for meaningful volunteer work in the La Crosse area? With abundant natural beauty from rivers and bluffs to wetlands and prairies, this community offers many options to help care for the local environment. One excellent opportunity is volunteering with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) to clean and maintain public recreation areas.

This nonprofit works to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in west-central Wisconsin. Volunteers are vital to their stewardship efforts along the riverfront and its tributaries. From La Crosse to Onalaska, Holmen and beyond, FMR organizes volunteer events to keep our natural areas beautiful and ecologically healthy.

Lend a Hand at River Cleanup Days

One way to help is joining FMR’s river cleanup events held several times per year. On these designated days, volunteers work together to remove litter and debris from beaches, trails, and parks along the Mississippi River and La Crosse marsh.

Armed with work gloves, trash grabbers and waste bags, volunteers comb through nature areas picking up discarded items that can pollute the water and harm wildlife. From beverage bottles and plastic bags to fishing line and foam blocks, there’s always litter to retrieve.

Past cleanup locations have included Black River Beach, Myrick Park, Grandad Bluff, and the La Crosse River Marsh. The spring and fall cleanups cover multiple areas along the riverfront so volunteers can make an impact across many properties.

Individuals, families and groups are welcome at these organized cleanups. After a productive morning of beautifying the shoreline, FMR provides a picnic lunch to reward the volunteers for their efforts.

Adopt-a-Trail

For an ongoing option, FMR’s Adopt-a-Trail program lets individuals or groups commit to clearing and maintaining a section of public hiking trail. Adopters visit their assigned trail segment multiple times per year to pick up litter, clear fallen branches, and watch for issues like erosion.

Popular adoptable trails include segments of the La Crosse River and Great River State Trails, plus paths in Myrick Park. As an adopter, you’ll help keep these well-loved trails clean and safe for the whole community to enjoy.

FMR provides training, supplies like trash grabbers and high-visibility vests, andrecognition for adopters. Make a regular impact caring for the hiking trails so many locals and tourists appreciate.

Remove Invasive Species

For a hands-on ecological mission, FMR organizes “Weed Out” volunteer days to curb invasive plants along the river. Non-native species like buckthorn and garlic mustard choke out native wildflowers and trees, disrupting the natural habitat.

Volunteers work alongside FMR staff to identify and properly remove these destructive plants. In some areas controlled burns are also used to suppress invasive growth and restore prairie. Joining a Weed Out event lets you learn about local ecosystems while tangibly enhancing them.

Don’t worry about expertise–training is provided on identifying target invasive species as well as removal techniques that minimize soil disruption. Bring garden gloves, water and enthusiasm to tackle the invasives.

Monitor River Water Quality

Volunteers are also needed to serve as citizen scientists helping monitor water quality. The River Observer program trains community members to regularly test river sites for chemical factors like pH and dissolved oxygen, plus visible indicators of pollution like turbidity.

Data collected by volunteers provides crucial insight into the river’s environmental health. You’ll learn water science principles, testing procedures, and database management as a River Observer. It’s an interesting immersive learning experience while benefiting the entire watershed.

Sites along the Mississippi, La Crosse and Black Rivers need additional volunteer data collectors. If you love science and the outdoors, inquire about getting involved in this impactful program.

Restore Native Habitats

For some nature therapy, join FMR’s habitat restoration workdays held weekly April through October. Activities include collecting and sowing native wildflower and prairie seeds, transplanting trees and shrubs, and maintaining rain gardens.

Past projects have revitalized habitats along the Marshland Walk, Black River, and blufflands. Many groups like church mission teams and college clubs volunteer together. But individuals are welcome too—no experience required!

Volunteers gain native gardening skills while beautifying natural areas for butterflies, birds and pollinators. Help restore lands damaged by development, erosion and invasive species back to vibrant local ecosystems.

Consider upgrading to the restoration leader volunteer role if you have prior habitat experience. Lead small groups on projects tailored to your expertise like controlling buckthorn regrowth or installing rain gardens.

From waterway cleanups to habitat renewal, volunteers are essential to the Friends of the Mississippi River mission. Visit their website fmr.org to view the calendar of upcoming volunteer events. Then get your hands dirty restoring and celebrating the many natural gifts along the Mississippi!

Support Victims with New Horizons Shelter & Outreach Centers

Looking for meaningful volunteer work that makes a real difference right here in the La Crosse community? Consider getting involved with New Horizons Shelter & Outreach Centers. This local nonprofit provides crucial services for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and homelessness.

New Horizons operates emergency shelters along with counseling, youth, and prevention programs. Volunteers play an invaluable role supporting victims and helping break the cycle of violence. Whether your skills lie in administration, fundraising events or directly assisting clients, New Horizons has impactful volunteer opportunities to put your compassion into action.

Staff the 24/7 Crisis Hotline

One of the most vital volunteer roles is answering New Horizons’ confidential crisis hotline. Available 24/7, the hotline provides support for domestic violence and sexual assault victims in times of immediate crisis. Volunteers receive extensive training to listen sensitively, assess situations, and connect callers to appropriate services.

Hotline shifts are generally 2-6 hours and you can serve remotely from home. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Provide a lifeline for abuse victims by joining the caring team handling these crucial crisis calls.

Help Residents Feel at Home

Volunteers also help maintain a warm, welcoming environment within New Horizons’ emergency shelters. Responsibilities may include laundry, cleaning, organizing donations, preparing meals, and tidying up play areas and common rooms.

These household tasks sound simple, but they go a long way toward helping residents feel comfortable, safe and supported during an extremely difficult time. Create a clean, homey refuge for those fleeing abuse.

Assist with Youth Programs

Many volunteer activities focus on supporting the children and teens staying at New Horizons. Volunteers are needed to provide childcare assistance during support groups and classes. Or help kids with homework, reading skills and self-esteem building activities.

Serve as a positive mentor and friend to youth who have experienced trauma. Your consistency and encouragement can help them heal and thrive despite circumstances.

Help Organize Fundraising Events

New Horizons holds multiple public fundraisers and awareness events each year like the Circle of Unity luncheon and Purple Pinky swear campaign. Volunteers play a key role with planning, promotion, event setup and staffing informational tables.

These events raise community awareness while funding the programs that help break the cycle of domestic violence. Lend your organizational skills to important outreach efforts.

Join the Speaker’s Bureau

To expand outreach, New Horizons offers a Speaker’s Bureau of trained volunteers who give presentations on domestic violence issues to community groups. As a speaker, you’ll provide facts, statistics and stories to bring awareness to schools, businesses, clubs and congregations.

If you’re comfortable with public speaking, you can dispel myths and stereotypes while motivating audiences to get involved. Use your voice to promote awareness and prevention.

Put Your Professional Skills to Work

In addition to direct services, volunteers are needed to support New Horizons behind the scenes with skills like grant writing, graphic design, social media marketing, event planning and data analysis. Use your expertise to strengthen the organization and further its mission.

Maybe you have human resources experience to update personnel manuals. Or a legal background to provide counsel. Any professional skills you can offer will make a difference
Here is a 1000+ word article on volunteer opportunities in La Crosse, Wisconsin:

Read to Children at the La Crosse Public Library

Whether you’re a parent yourself or simply love being around kids, volunteering to read to children at the La Crosse Public Library is a rewarding way to make an impact in your community. Not only will you get to interact with adorable little ones, you’ll also be helping foster a love of reading and learning from an early age. The La Crosse Public Library has recurring children’s story times where volunteers are brought in to read kid-friendly books aloud. Brush up on your dramatic reading skills and let your inner child emerge as you bring colorful stories to life for a rapt audience of wide-eyed children. Who said volunteering had to be all serious business?

If you have a flair for the dramatic, try acting out stories with puppets or props to make them even more engaging. The library also seeks volunteers willing to read to kids one-on-one or in small groups, to give them personalized attention and encouragement. Beyond just reading, volunteers can also lead kids in songs, rhymes, and movement activities to get their wiggles out. Teaching young children early literacy skills in an entertaining, interactive way – what could be more fun and meaningful?

Help Out at the Local Animal Shelter

Anyone with a soft spot for animals would enjoy spending time volunteering at Coulee Region Humane Society. As the main no-kill animal shelter serving La Crosse County, they rely on volunteers to help care for the dogs and cats in their facility. There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you’re an animal lover with no prior experience or have special skills to offer. For hands-on roles, you can help walk, play with, feed, and socialize the shelter animals to give them much-needed human interaction. Even just spending some quality cuddle time with the cats and dogs can make their days less stressful. More behind-the-scenes roles involve cleaning kennels, doing laundry, washing dishes, and other daily chores to keep the shelter running smoothly.

If you’re knowledgeable about animal health and behavior, volunteer as a dog trainer to work on basic manners and commands. Or assist with grooming to keep the animals looking and feeling their best. The shelter also needs photographer volunteers to take pictures of adoptable pets for online profiles. Whatever your talents or interests, there are many ways to pitch in and improve life for homeless animals until they find their forever homes.

Deliver Meals on Wheels to Homebound Seniors

For a volunteer opportunity that truly makes a difference in people’s lives, look no further than Meals on Wheels. This program provides hot, nutritious midday meals to seniors and people with disabilities who have difficulty leaving home. As a volunteer, you’ll pick up pre-packaged meals at the distribution site and deliver them to individuals along an assigned route. It’s a simple act that means so much to these isolated members of our community. Knowing they have a regular, nourishing meal and a friendly visitor brightens their days and gives them hope.

Beyond delivering food, Meals on Wheels volunteers also check in on clients’ well-being and report any concerns. You’ll bring more than just a meal – you’ll deliver comfort and compassion along with it. Routes take 1-2 hours to complete, so volunteering is a quick, convenient way to spread some neighborly love. Considering our aging population, Meals on Wheels provides an increasingly vital service. Why not be part of the caring team keeping homebound neighbors nourished and connected?

Lend a Hand at Local Food Pantries

Food insecurity continues to be a harsh reality for many in our community. You can make a tangible difference for struggling families by volunteering at one of La Crosse’s several food pantries. Organizations like the La Crosse Area Hunger Task Force, Place of Grace, and Catholic Charities Emergency Food Pantry rely on helpers to sort donations, pack grocery bags and boxes, restock shelves, and assist clients. It’s steady, hands-on work that directly serves those in need right here in our own backyard.

Food pantry volunteers also play a pivotal role welcoming and providing a compassionate face to clients. Treating them with dignity and having friendly conversations as you serve them can mean as much as the food itself. Beyond pantry shifts, you can also assist with food drives, picking up donations from businesses and schools. If you believe no one in our prosperous community should go hungry, roll up your sleeves and help stock the shelves at local pantries. Your efforts give families access to healthy, nutritious food they otherwise couldn’t afford.

Mentor Local Youth

Being a steadying, caring influence in a young person’s life can make all the difference in helping them reach their potential. Mentoring opportunities abound through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse. You’ll be matched with a child or teen and meet with them regularly to talk, share activities, and provide guidance. Simply by taking an active interest in their growth and goals, you’ll become an invaluable role model. Show them new possibilities for their futures.

Alternatively, volunteer with La Crosse County’s Face-to-Face Mentoring program to support at-risk youth. Meet with mentees weekly in school to nurture their strengths, work on developing skills, and encourage them to avoid risky behaviors. Your mentoring could be the critical anchor that motivates them to thrive. If you relate well with young people, have some time to spare each week, and want to change a child’s trajectory for the better, mentoring is a proven way to uplift lives.

Help Out Habitat for Humanity

Swing a hammer for a cause! La Crosse Area Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes for local families in need of stable housing. Construction volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to help out. Whether you’re a pro carpenter or a DIY newbie, there are tasks for you. Build walls, paint, install siding – no construction experience needed! Just come ready to learn and get your hands dirty. Beyond the satisfaction of literally helping build homes for deserving families, it’s also a fun chance to pick up new skills.

Can’t commit to being on a build site? Habitat also needs volunteers to work in their ReStore, sorting and organizing donated furniture, appliances, and home goods. Then they’re sold to support Habitat’s mission. If you believe everyone deserves access to simple, decent housing, roll up your sleeves with Habitat! Your efforts help build strength and self-reliance through shelter.

This is just a sampling of the many rewarding volunteer opportunities available right here in La Crosse. Whether you have an hour or a regular commitment, your time and talents can uplift lives, nurture growth, comfort isolation, and strengthen community bonds. Look online or call local nonprofits to learn more about their current volunteer needs. Then match your skills and passions with roles that fit your schedule. Volunteering enriches others’ lives while filling your spirit too. So get out and make an impact – La Crosse needs you!

Provide Meals with Mobile Meals of La Crosse County

If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity in La Crosse that directly serves those in need, delivering meals with Mobile Meals of La Crosse County allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of homebound community members. As an independent Meals on Wheels program, Mobile Meals provides nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to seniors, people with disabilities, and others who have difficulty leaving their homes.

As a volunteer, you’ll be matched with a route to deliver meals to 8-12 clients. Routes take 60-90 minutes to complete, so it’s a convenient way to volunteer if you have a free weekday morning or afternoon. After picking up pre-packaged, chilled meals from the distribution site, you’ll follow your route sheet to each client’s home. Knock or ring the bell, have a warm chat as you hand them their meal, and do a quick check to make sure all is well. For many clients, your brief friendly visit delivering their meal is the only human interaction they’ll have all day.

Beyond delivering food, you also provide a vital link to the community and a safety net for vulnerable seniors. Monitoring clients’ well-being means you can alert Mobile Meals staff if any concerns arise. The service allows seniors to maintain independence in their own homes rather than having to move to care facilities. By giving just an hour or two of your time, you nourish bodies and brighten days for isolated older adults.

Read to Children at the La Crosse Public Library

If you prefer volunteering directly with kids, the La Crosse Public Library provides rewarding opportunities to foster a love of reading. At recurring children’s story times, volunteers are brought in to read aloud age-appropriate books. Your dramatic storytelling skills can bring colorful tales to life for an enthralled audience of wide-eyed kids. Acting out stories with puppets or props adds interactive fun. Beyond scheduled story times, the library also seeks volunteers willing to read one-on-one or to small groups of kids.

As a reading volunteer, you’ll nurture early literacy skills in an entertaining way. After getting kids hooked on the joy of books, they’ll gain skills to unlock worlds of knowledge and imagination as they grow. Making reading fun now pays dividends in building life-long learners. The library also welcomes volunteers to lead kids in songs, rhymes, and movement activities. So if you relate well to children and have a flair for engaging performance, sharing the magic of reading with kids delivers lasting impact.

Mentor Youth in La Crosse

Being a steady, caring influence in a young person’s life can make all the difference in helping them reach their potential. Consider volunteering as a youth mentor through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse. You’ll be matched with a child or teen to meet with regularly, sharing activities and guidance.

As their mentor, you’ll provide an invaluable listening ear and model positive behaviors. Nurturing their strengths, working on developing skills, and encouraging wise choices guides them toward thriving futures. Mentoring relationships provide at-risk youth an anchor to avoid dangerous behaviors and situations. Your mentoring could motivate a struggling child to stay on track in school or inspire a teen’s future goals. If you relate well with young people, mentoring fosters growth in ways both large and small.

Lend Hand at Local Food Pantries

Right here in our own community, families struggle with food insecurity and rely on local food pantries. Consider volunteering for organizations like the La Crosse Area Hunger Task Force, Place of Grace, or Catholic Charities Emergency Food Pantry. Helping sort donations, pack grocery bags, stock shelves, or assist clients directly supports those in need.

Food pantry volunteers provide compassion along with food assistance. Treating clients with dignity through friendly conversation is often just as valued. You could also help with local food drives, picking up donations from community partners. Rolling up your sleeves at a food pantry means no one has to go hungry. Your efforts give access to healthy, nourishing food that struggling families otherwise couldn’t afford.

Help Build Homes with Habitat for Humanity

If you’d like volunteering that gets you up and active, consider swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity. Habitat builds affordable homes for local families in need of decent, stable housing. Volunteers of all skill levels, from carpentry pros to total novices, are welcomed to construction sites. Painting, installing siding, building walls – there’s a task for every ability to help a house take shape!

Can’t commit to regular build days? Habitat’s ReStore needs volunteers to sort and organize donated furniture and home goods for resale. Either way, you’ll contribute sweat equity to the cause of providing affordable housing. With a helping hand from volunteers like you, families gain strength and self-reliance through shelter.

Help Animals Find Homes

The Coulee Region Humane Society provides a safe haven for homeless pets and relies on volunteers to help care for the animals. Hands-on roles involve walking dogs, socializing cats, feeding animals, and cleaning kennels to give the pets enriching care. Even just spending time cuddling with a lonely cat or dog brightens their day and aids adoption chances.

Volunteers with experience training dogs can provide behavioral enrichment. Grooming animals, photographing adoptable pets, fostering animals, and supporting adoption events are other ways to aid the shelter. However you choose to get involved, you’ll be improving rescued animals’ lives and supporting their search for forever homes.

Assist Nature Centers & Trails

Nature lovers will find fulfilling volunteer opportunities through La Crosse’s scenic parks and trails. Groups like the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, La Crosse County Parks Department, and the North American Squirrel Association seek helpers to construct and maintain woodland trails and outdoor recreation spaces. You’ll work alongside others to enhance access to the natural beauty surrounding La Crosse.

Volunteer naturalists are also needed to lead interpretive programs at sites like the Myrick Park Center and the La Crosse River Marsh. Share your expertise teaching outdoor skills, identifying species, stargazing, tracking animals, or exploring ecology. Help connect people to the restoring powers of nature right in La Crosse’s backyard.

These are just a sample of the diverse volunteer opportunities to enrich lives in La Crosse. Whether you mentor youth, comfort seniors, nurture animals, feed hungry neighbors or build homes, your unique talents can make a difference! There are roles to fit every schedule or interest. When you volunteer, you uplift individuals and strengthen bonds across the whole community. Match your skills and passions to needs, and see how volunteering enriches your spirit too. Get involved today – La Crosse needs you!

Coach Youth Sports with the YMCA

If you love sports and enjoy working with children, consider volunteering as a youth sports coach at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA. The Y offers a wide range of youth sports programs and relies on volunteer coaches to share skills, instill teamwork, and mentor kids. Serving as a supportive coach builds confidence, character, and lasting memories for young athletes.

The Y needs volunteer coaches for sports like soccer, flag football, volleyball, and basketball. Coaches typically commit for one practice per week and games on weekends. No prior coaching experience is required – the Y provides training and support. All you need is enthusiasm for motivating kids and teaching the basics of the sport in an encouraging, inclusive way.

As a volunteer youth coach, you’ll focus on building skills, teamwork and sportsmanship rather than winning. Teach kids to encourage each other, resolve conflicts, and gain self-esteem through effort and growth. Your guidance helps them gain skills beyond Xs and Os that will serve them on and off the playing field.

Provide Meals with Mobile Meals

Delivering meals with Mobile Meals of La Crosse County directly serves homebound seniors and disabled community members who struggle to access or prepare meals. Routes involve picking up pre-packaged meals and following a route sheet to deliver to 8-12 clients’ homes. These nutritious meals and friendly visits sustain clients living independently.

Beyond delivering food, you’ll provide a vital safety net, monitoring clients’ well-being. Your daily meal delivery may be their only human contact, brightening lonely days. Just an hour or two of your time nourishes bodies and spirits for isolated older adults in need.

Help at Local Animal Shelters

The Coulee Region Humane Society relies on volunteers to care for rescued pets awaiting adoption. Hands-on roles like walking dogs, feeding animals, cleaning kennels, and providing attention and socialization enrich animals’ days and support adoption chances. Volunteers also groom pets, take photos, assist at adoption events, and foster animals.

Even just spending time petting lonely cats and dogs offers comfort. Share your talents to help the shelter provide quality care and match pets with loving homes.

Mentor Youth

Being matched with a young person to meet regularly for guidance and support through mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters powerfully influences youth. As a mentor, you’ll provide an empathetic ear, model positive choices, nurture strengths, and inspire mentees to reach their potential.

Mentoring provides at-risk youth an invaluable anchor. Your encouragement could motivate a struggling child or open a teen’s eyes to future possibilities. If you relate well to young people, mentoring fosters growth in ways both big and small.

Help Build Homes

Swing a hammer for families in need! Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing in La Crosse through community volunteer efforts. Construction volunteers of all skill levels are needed to paint, install siding, build walls, and complete projects. Or help sort supplies and furniture at the Habitat ReStore.

Volunteering provides hands-on experience while working alongside others to tangibly improve lives through shelter. Your efforts contributing sweat equity help hardworking families achieve housing stability.

Read to Children at the Library

The La Crosse Public Library seeks enthusiastic volunteers to read children’s books aloud at story times and events. Bring tales to life through expressive reading and character voices for an enthralled audience. Acting out stories with puppets or props adds interactive engagement.

Volunteers also read to kids one-on-one or in small groups, fostering literacy skills and modeling reading enjoyment. Help instill an early love of books that blossoms into lifelong learning.

Assist Nature Centers & Trails

Volunteer with the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, La Crosse County Parks, or area nature centers to construct and maintain scenic trails and outdoor recreation spaces. Or share your expertise through leading educational programs teaching outdoor skills, identifying species, stargazing, animal tracking, and exploring nature.

Your efforts enhance access to the restorative beauty of La Crosse’s natural spaces and inspire environmental stewardship. If you love nature, lend a hand conserving it for all to enjoy.

These examples only scratch the surface of the many ways to contribute time and talents in La Crosse. Whether you coach youth, comfort seniors, nurture animals, build homes, share meals, mentor kids, or conserve nature, your unique passions and abilities can enrich lives. Match your interests to a volunteering role that fits your schedule. Uplifting individuals strengthens bonds across the whole community. Get involved today – La Crosse needs you!

Help the Elderly with La Crosse County Aging Unit

One rewarding way to make an impact in the La Crosse community is by volunteering with the La Crosse County Aging Unit. This county agency provides a range of services and programming aimed at helping local seniors maintain independence and quality of life. Volunteers are needed to help support these vital programs assisting the elderly.

As a volunteer, you may be matched with a homebound senior to provide friendly visits and companionship. Loneliness and isolation are common issues for the elderly. Having a caring volunteer stop by to chat makes a world of difference brightening their days and keeping them engaged with the community. You’ll form meaningful connections along with providing cheerful company.

The Aging Unit also needs volunteers to help out at area senior dining centers, where older adults gather for nutritious meals and social activities. Volunteers assist with serving meals, leading activities or games, cleaning up, and interacting with seniors. You’ll help ensure a warm, welcoming atmosphere and make sure activities run smoothly.

Coach Youth Sports

Share your enthusiasm for sports and kids as a volunteer youth coach at the YMCA. Help teach soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football and more while prioritizing skill-building, teamwork and sportsmanship. Guiding young athletes to build confidence and character is rewarding for coaches and kids alike.

No experience is required, as the Y provides training and support. Just bring positive energy and a passion for motivating kids through sports. Make a difference mentoring young athletes on and off the field.

Deliver Meals to Homebound Seniors

Consider delivering meals to homebound seniors through Mobile Meals of La Crosse County. Volunteers follow routes to bring nutritious meals and friendly visits to isolated older adults. Beyond delivering food, you’ll provide a vital safety net and social link for seniors living independently.

Just an hour or two a week of your time makes a tangible difference brightening days and sustaining health for vulnerable community members. Meet a pressing need while enjoying meaningful interactions.

Mentor At-Risk Youth

Change a young person’s trajectory for the better by becoming a mentor. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters match volunteer mentors with youth in need of guidance and support. Meet regularly to share activities, conversations, and model positive choices.

As a mentor, you’ll provide an invaluable listening ear, nurture strengths, and motivate mentees to reach their potential. Mentoring provides at-risk youth an essential anchor to avoid dangerous behaviors and situations.

Help Out Local Animal Shelters

The Coulee Region Humane Society welcomes volunteers to help care for homeless pets awaiting adoption. Hands-on roles like walking dogs, feeding cats, cleaning kennels and providing affection enrich animals’ days and support adoption chances.

Even just spending time petting lonely animals provides comfort. Share your time and talents so homeless pets can find loving forever homes.

Lend a Hand at Area Food Pantries

Volunteer with local food pantries like the La Crosse Area Hunger Task Force, Place of Grace, or Catholic Charities. Help sort donations, pack grocery bags, stock shelves or assist clients. You’ll provide compassion along with meeting critical food needs for hungry families in our community.

Support your less fortunate neighbors by ensuring no one has to go without nourishing food. Make a tangible difference right here in La Crosse.

Read to Children at the Library

The La Crosse Public Library seeks enthusiastic volunteers to read aloud to kids at recurring story times and events. Foster literacy and instill a love of books by dramatically bringing stories to life. Acting out tales with puppets makes reading interactive and engaging.

Volunteers also read one-on-one or in small groups, helping shape young readers through personalized attention. Inspire learning through the magic of books!

These examples illustrate the diverse ways you can contribute time and passion to build community across La Crosse. Whether you coach youth, comfort seniors, deliver meals, mentor kids, aid animals, stock food pantries, or share stories, your efforts uplift lives. Match your talents to make an impact – La Crosse needs you!

Give Art Lessons at the Pump House Regional Arts Center

If you have a passion for art and enjoy working with aspiring young artists, consider volunteering to teach at the Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse. As a non-profit community arts organization, the Pump House relies on volunteer art instructors to help further its mission of providing access to arts education and experiences.

Volunteer art teachers are needed to lead classes and workshops across mediums like painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry-making, textiles, sculpture, photography, and more. Share your expertise guiding students of all ages and abilities through creative projects and skill-building exercises. Make art approachable and fun while nurturing artistic talent and self-expression in your community.

No formal teaching experience is required. As a volunteer art instructor, you’ll work with Pump House staff to develop engaging lesson plans tailored to students’ needs and experience levels. All you need is a desire to foster creativity and mentor budding artists of all ages.

Coach Youth Sports

If you love sports, kids, and physical activity, volunteer to coach youth athletics at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA. Programs need volunteer coaches to help teach and mentor kids in sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football and more.

Focus on building skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-esteem through positive motivation. The Y provides training and support – no prior coaching experience needed. Make a difference in young athletes’ lives on and off the field.

Provide Companionship to Homebound Seniors

Loneliness is a real issue for many elderly community members. The La Crosse County Aging Unit connects volunteers to visit homebound seniors for companionship and friendly conversation. Simply spending time chatting brightens isolated seniors’ days and keeps them engaged.

You’ll form meaningful bonds while providing joyful company and monitoring seniors’ wellbeing. Helping the elderly maintain social connections and quality of life is profoundly rewarding volunteer work.

Mentor At-Risk Youth

Change a young person’s trajectory through mentoring. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters match adult volunteers with youth in need of guidance and support. Meet regularly to share activities, conversations, and model positive behaviors.

As a mentor, nurture strengths, encourage wise choices, and motivate mentees to reach their potential. Your steadying influence provides at-risk kids an essential anchor. Make a lifelong difference in a child’s future.

Help Care for Shelter Animals

The Coulee Region Humane Society welcomes volunteers to help care for homeless pets awaiting adoption. Walk dogs, play with cats, clean kennels, assist with grooming, photograph pets, and provide affectionate human interaction.

Even just spending time petting animals provides comfort and socialization. Use your talents to enrich rescued animals’ days as they await forever homes.

Lend a Hand at Area Food Pantries

Volunteer with local organizations like the La Crosse Area Hunger Task Force, Place of Grace, or Catholic Charities to help distribute food to those in need. Sort donations, stock shelves, pack grocery bags, assist clients, and more. You’ll meet urgent needs providing compassion along with nourishing food.

Ensure community members don’t go hungry by graciously serving during a challenging time. Make a tangible difference right in your own backyard.

These are just a few examples of the many ways you can share your passion and skills to help others through volunteering in La Crosse. Whether teaching art, coaching youth, visiting seniors, mentoring teens, aiding animals, delivering meals, or building homes, your efforts strengthen bonds across the whole community. There’s a fulfilling role for everyone – make an impact today!

Make La Crosse Beautiful with Keep La Crosse Beautiful

If you want to volunteer for an opportunity that directly enhances La Crosse’s environment and community aesthetics, consider getting involved with Keep La Crosse Beautiful. This nonprofit organizes cleanups, beautification projects, recycling initiatives, and educational programs aimed at litter prevention, waste reduction, and sustainability.

Volunteers are needed for the Adopt-A-Park program which partners groups with a city park to regularly maintain. Duties involve picking up litter, reporting issues, light landscaping, and taking pride in your adopted outdoor space. Help keep neighborhood parks clean and inviting for all to enjoy with weekly commitment from your team.

You can also join inCleanup & Beautification events happening multiple times per year. These bring volunteers together to tackle litter hotspots with community-wide cleaning efforts. Or get your hands dirty at one of the many gardening events – planting flowers, maintaining planter boxes, pruning trees, and more.

Teach Art Classes

Share your artistic talents and inspire creativity in others by teaching art classes at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. Volunteers lead workshops across mediums like painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and more. Foster artistic development and self-expression in students of all ages and abilities.

Bring your passion for art to make it approachable and fun for aspiring community artists. If you love art and enjoy mentoring budding creatives, volunteer to nurture talent at the Pump House.

Coach Youth Sports

Volunteer to coach youth athletics at the YMCA and make a positive impact mentoring young athletes. Programs need coaches to help teach sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Focus on building skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-esteem through encouragement.

No experience required – the Y provides training and support. Just bring enthusiasm for motivating kids through sports. Lead practices, run drills, cheer on players, and serve as a caring role model.

Provide Companionship to Homebound Seniors

The La Crosse County Aging Unit matches volunteers to visit isolated seniors in their homes for friendship and conversation. Simply spending quality time chatting helps the elderly feel engaged, uplifted, and connected to community.

As a companion volunteer, you’ll form meaningful bonds and monitor wellbeing. Your caring company brightens days and improves quality of life for the hidden vulnerable in our community.

Help at Local Food Pantries

Support hungry families in La Crosse by volunteering with food pantries like the La Crosse Area Hunger Task Force, Place of Grace, or Catholic Charities. Help sort donations, pack groceries, stock shelves, assist clients, and perform other duties to meet urgent nutritional needs.

Ensure struggling community members have access to healthy, nourishing food. Make a tangible difference serving during a challenging time for many neighbors.

These examples illustrate just some of the many ways you can contribute time and passion to uplift others in La Crosse. Whether you clean parks, teach art, coach youth, visit seniors, stock pantries, build homes, or deliver meals, your efforts empower individuals and strengthen community. Get involved today!