Volunteer
At Children’s Friend, volunteers are the heart of what we do.
Your time, skills, and passion help us make a lasting impact in our community. Whether you’re looking to give back, gain experience, or be part of something meaningful, we offer a range of opportunities to get involved.
Below is a list of our current opportunities; however, we are always open to suggestions and ideas for additional opportunities!
Host a Donation Drive
Ask your friends, family, and co-workers to donate items that are always needed by our most vulnerable children and families. We can provide a collection box for you (please note that only new, unused items will be accepted).
- Backpacks and School Supplies: Many of our Head Start & Child Care children will be moving on to kindergarten next year, and we want to send them with the tools they’ll need to succeed! We are looking for new backpacks and school supplies.
- Diapers, Pull-Ups, and Formula: These three items are a necessity for our young ones, and they go through them quickly. Our families with young children are always in need of diapers, pull-ups, and baby formula. All formula must be sealed, and all diapers and pull-ups must be packaged.
- Books: What child can’t benefit from reading? Our families are constantly looking for educational books and reading materials. Bilingual materials are encouraged!
- Clothing and Household Items: Clothing and household items are needed by families all the time!
Engage and Interact with Children
Volunteers who have personal contact with children may, in some cases, be required to complete security and background checks, including fingerprinting, BCI, CANTS, and multi-state sex offender background checks. It may take several weeks to obtain all the necessary clearances from State and Federal agencies.
- Classrooms: Volunteers help the staff in our classrooms. Tasks may include playing with the children, reading to the children, helping on the playground, helping during lunch and snack time, helping during nap time, playing games, and any other classroom activities.
- Activities: Volunteers plan age-appropriate activities to do with the children in our programs. Examples include reading a book and doing a related activity, having a scavenger hunt, arts & crafts, and educational activities.
For more information on available volunteer opportunities, please email us at fundraising@cfsri.org.