Last Updated: May 2, 2012

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Kishwaukee United Way

Day of Caring
Event Description: Sign up to assist area non-profit organizations with day-long projects that will give you hands-on experience and knowledge of how United Way donations are used in the DeKalb community.
Date(s) of Event: Thursday, June 21
Contact Information: Dawn Littlefield, 815-756-7522 or dawn@kishwaukeeunitedway.com 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

American Red Cross

Organization Services: Assistance for disaster victims as well as healthy and safety education.
Volunteers Needed For: Clerical aides, disaster team members and health and safety team members.
Contact Information: 2727 Sycamore Road, Suite 2A, DeKalb IL 60115; 815-756-7339
Website: www.dekalbredcross.org

Art Attack

Organization Services: Organization celebrating the world of art.
Volunteers Needed For: Assistance with several art shows and craft fairs throughout the year, also general volunteering answering phones 8-10 hours a week in 2-week intervals.
Contact Information: Susan at 815-899-9440
Website: http://www.sycamoreartattack.org/

Barb City Manor

Organization Services: Retirement center for senior citizens
Volunteers Needed For: host card or game parties for residents, present entertainment or educational programs for residents.
Available Volunteer Times: Monday-Sunday, 9 am-noon, 1 pm-5 pm, and 6 pm-8 pm. Individuals are only able volunteer one hour to 90 minutes within the time increments given.
Contact Information: Maureen Gerrity at 815-756-8444 (M-F 9 am-4:30) or contact mtgbcm@yahoo.com

Ben Gordon Center

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of DeKalb County

Organization Services: One-on-one tutoring and mentoring of school-aged kids
Volunteers Needed For: Positive, stable role models for the children who want and need a friend
Contact Information: Courtney Denison at 815-758-8616 (ext. 204) or cdenison@realsolutionstoday.org
Website: http://www.realsolutionstoday.org/

Byron Museum of History

Organization Services: Local museum
Volunteers Needed For: exhibit research and development, special events, guiding tours, maintenance
Available Volunteer Times: Tuesday-Saturday, morning or afternoon
Contact Information: Kira Halvey, Volunteer Coordinator at 815-234-5031 (10 am-4 pm on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday) or kira@byronmuseum.org

Children Home and Aid Society (Health Families Illinois Programs)

Organization Services: Support for expectant mothers, newborns, and early parents
Volunteers Needed For: General office and clerical work
Contact Information: Margo Sutorious at 815-895-0137
Web site: http://www.childrenshomeandaid.org/Page.aspx?pid=183

Children’s Learning Center

Organization Services: Low-income family and child preschool and before/afterschool program
Volunteers Needed For: Reading books to children and helping develop writing skills
Contact Information: Shannon Alamia, Curriculum Director at 815-756-3506

Community Coordinated Childcare

Organization Services: Parent skills education, and financial assistance for child-care
Volunteers Needed For: Spanish translation needed for parent education courses. Volunteers will be asked to put into writing what they hope to gain from their experiences.
Contact Information: Micki Chulick at 815-758-8149 (ext. 232)
Website: http://www.four-c.org/

Conexion Comunidad

Organization Services: To provide a connection for services to the Latino(a) community by offering information, education, resources, and services
Volunteers Needed For: Provide assistance and support with economic/community development, education, health/human services, and legal issues
Contact Information: 637 North 11th Street, DeKalb, IL 60115; Contact Kristina Garcia, Board President, at 815-758-2125 or kgarcia@nabatco.com

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Organization Services: Non-profit organization which advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children.
Volunteers Needed For: Assist and support child through their court case. For more precise description of responsibilities visit http://www.casadekalb.org/_site/volunteer/descrip.html
Contact Information:  Jill Olson at 815-895-2052 or fill out an application at the website listed below 
Website: http://www.casadekalb.org/

DeKalb American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

Organization Services: A youth soccer program that promotes the following philosophy: open registration, everyone plays, balanced teams, positive coaching, good sportsmanship, and player development.
Volunteers Needed For: Coaching a team - you can select the age group you would like to coach and can have your child on your team. Don't know the rules? Start with a younger team!  We also provide you with coaching manuals, training sessions and with other resources to help get you started. This way, you can select when your child has practice!  And you get to spent quality time with them that you'll cherish. Coaches receive a team shirt, coach gift as well as a team plaque and a complimentary professional photo of you with your  child(ren). Assistant Coach - you can partner with a friend or neighbor - even your spouse! - to help coach a team. All assistant coaches need to be registered with AYSO. Assistant coaches receive a coach gift. Referee - We are always in need of referees.  Have a knowledge of soccer?  Want some extra exercise to help keep you warm and in shape in those brisk fall mornings?  Run with the kids.  Referees receive an appreciation gift and a complimentary uniform.
Contact Information:  Kristi Radtke at kradtke8@hotmail.com or 815-593-0680
Website: http://www.dekalbayso.com

DeKalb Area Women's Center

Organization Services: Educational, cultural, arts, & service organization which advocates for women.
Volunteers Needed For: Gardening, cleaning, renovating historic building, newsletter, production, program/event planning & attendance, fundraising, and art gallery assistance.
Contact Information: Anna Marie Coveny, 815-758-1351

DeKalb County Hospice

Organization Services: Provide home for the elderly
Volunteers Needed For: Help with special events, and friendly visiting
Contact Information:  2727 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb, IL 60115; 815-756-3000 ask for Val Heintz
Website: http://www.dekalbcountyhospice.org/volunteer/index.html

DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center

Organization Services: Provide care of the elderly
Volunteers Needed For: Help with special events, friendly visiting
Contact Information: Kathy Vickers, 815-758-2477 (ext. 166)
Website: http://www.dekalbcounty.org/RNC/RNC.html

DeKalb High School

Organization Services: Public school
Volunteers Needed For: Tutoring, working in library, filing
Contact Information: Doug Miller or Judy Henderson for tutoring at 815-754-2100

DeKalb Park District

Organization Services: Local park district
Volunteers Needed For: specialized parties around the holidays, helping and teaching children in: swimming, gymnastics, and other special events
Contact Information: Colleen Bellmont at 815-759-8560

Egyptian Theatre

Organization Services: Local theater
Volunteers Needed For: Concessions, ushering, maintenance, stage, and clerical
Contact Information: Alex Nerad at 815-758-1215
Website: http://www.egyptiantheatre.org/volunteer.html

Ellwood House

Organization Services: Local historical site
Volunteers Needed For: Museum guide
Contact Information: Gerald Brauer or Donna Gable at 815-756-4609 
Website: http://www.ellwoodhouse.org/

Family Centered Hospice

Organization Services: Hospice care in patient facilities and homes
Volunteers Needed For: Provide friendly visiting to end of life hospice patients
Available Volunteer Times: Flexible, set your own schedule, 1-2 hours a week
Contact Information: Peggy Jensen, Volunteer Coordinator, 630-282-1122 (M-F 9-5) or pjensen@familyhhs.com
Website: www.familyhhs.com

Family Service Agency of DeKalb County

Organization Services: Big Brothers & Big Sisters (BBBS), Center for Counseling (CFC). Children Advocacy Center (CAC), Senior Services Center (SSC)
Volunteers Needed For: Mentors for BBBS, family advocates, for CAC, develop and assist in activates with seniors citizens for SSC
Contact Information: 815-758-8616

Head Start

Organization Services: School
Volunteers Needed For: Bus monitoring and classroom assistance
Contact Information:  Mary Racine or Lisa Annen at 815-748-3713

Hope Haven

Organization Services: To provide shelter and meals to the homeless, to assist the homeless in moving into stable housing and to advocate for the rights of homeless individuals and families.
Volunteers Needed For: Preparing and serving meals, general cleaning, children's activities, office help, and emergency call list 
Contact Information: Lesly Wicks at 815-758-5765
Website: http://hopehavendekalb.com/volunteers/

Housing Authority of DeKalb County

Organization Services: Providing affordable housing
Volunteers Needed For: Volunteer within various areas
Contact Information: Michelle Perkins at 815-758-2692
Website: http://www.dekalbhousing.com/

Juvenile Mentor Program

Organization Services:
Volunteers Needed For: Support in young person’s to succeed with the guidance and friendship of an adult volunteer. Volunteers must be committed for at least one year.  
Contact Information: Bobbie Gillatt at 815-895-7199
Website: http://www.dekalbcounty.org/Court/Csvs_jv.html

Kishwaukee Education Consortium

Organization Services: Teaching Aid
Volunteers Needed For: Teachers aid for at-risk students
Contact Information: Phil Colgan or Donna Larson at 815-754-9504

Kishwaukee Hospital

Organization Services: Community hospital
Volunteers Needed For: gift shop, clerical, recycling, re-stocking, visitor's desk, patient orientation/delivery
Contact Information: Paula von Ende at 815-756-1521 (ext. 3372) or pvonende@kishwaukeehospital.org

Kishwuakee Family YMCA

Organization Services: Teaching Aid
Volunteers Needed For: Teachers aid for at-risk students
Contact Information: Melissa Gallahger at 815-756-9577

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association

Organization Services: Enriching the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful recreation experiences
Volunteers Needed For: Programs consist of a variety of activities including assisting at bowling, swimming, cultural arts, social groups and Special Olympics sports.
Contact Information: Suzie Zeeh at 815-758-6663, ext. 122 or szeeh@dekalbparkdistrict.com
Website: http://www.dekalbhousing.com/

Kishwaukee United Way

Organization Services: works with others to advance the common good by focusing on sustaining basis needs and developing programs to create lasting changes in DeKalb County
Volunteers Needed For: Assorted tasks for partner organizations
Contact Information:  Dawn Littlefield at 815-756-7522
Website: http://kishwaukeeunitedway.org/ (Click 'Volunteer' -> 'Volunteer Solutions' to find local volunteer opportunities)

Mothers Connected

Organization Service: Babysitting and miscellaneous
Volunteers Needed For: Assistance with babysitting, miscellaneous
Contact Information: Evangelical Free Church of DeKalb-Sycamore at 815-759-8729. When contacting the church, inform them you want to volunteer with Moms Connected, and they will connect you with correct individuals.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Organization Services: Program to nurture mothers with young children
Volunteers Needed For: Volunteers to look after children every other Monday 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Contact: 815-758-0643
Address: First Lutheran Church 324 N. 3 rd. St., DeKalb IL 60115

Opportunity House, Inc.

Organization Services: Helping people with disabilities
Volunteers Needed For: Work with developmentally disabled and some with mental illness
Contact: Carol Parsons at 815-895-5108
Address: 202 Lucas St., Sycamore, IL 60178
More Info: http://www.ohinc.org/

Pine Acres Rehab and Living Center

Organization Services: Home for elderly and rehabilitations
Volunteers Needed For: Help with group activities, assist with meals, and visit residents.
Contact: Corrine Tierney at 815-758-8151
Address: 1212 South 2nd St., DeKalb, IL 60115

DeKalb Area Retirement Center

Organization Services: Retirement home for elderly.
Volunteers Needed For: Miscellaneous
Contact: Joan Launer at 815-756-8641

Safe Passage

Organization Services: Provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual violence.
Volunteers Needed For: Answer hotline, receive/organize donations, and help plan special events, help with fundraising, yard work/cleaning, assist with community education, and assist with support groups in child/teen programs.
Contact: Amanda Shremes or Becky Salsberry at 815-759-7930

Salvation Army

Organization Services: Serving those in need throughout the community
Volunteers Needed For: Kettle-ringing during holidays, work summer camp for at-risk children, office work, and organizing food pantry donations
Time(s): Food Pantry volunteers needed Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-12:30pm and on Thursday evenings beginning at 4:30pm
Location: 830 Grove Street, DeKalb
Contact: Jennifer Warren at 815-756-4308

St. Joseph Services

Organization Services: A non-profit organization that offers free ESL (Basic English skills) classes to adults
Volunteers Needed For: The ESL tutor will be teaching English to a class of up to 20 eager adult students from 1:45-3:00 one day a week. All training and curriculum will be provided. Take the opportunity to observe a class to see how rewarding your volunteer time can be. Give the gift of literacy to hard working, busy families in their workplace.
Location: Downers Grove and Bolingbrook
Contact: Yolanda Iglecias at yiglecias@stjosephservices.org or 773-278-0484

Sybaquay Girl Scout Council

Organization Services: Activity Organization for girls
Volunteers Needed For: Miscellaneous
Contact: Shannon Haley at 847-741-5221

TAILS Humane Society

Organization Services: TAILS Humane Society is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation and animal abuse. 
Volunteers Needed For: Cat cleaning and socializing, dog walking, lil critters care, pet adoption assistants, general shelter cleaning, and fundraising 
Contact Information: Courtney Marshall, Volunteer Coordinator, at 815-758-2457 ext. 10103 or email her at cmarshall@tailshumanesociety.org
Website: http://www.tailshumanesociety.org/Volunteer  

Unity Hospice

Organization Services: Provides support and help to people with a variety of life-limiting conditions when symptoms no longer respond to curative treatment.
Volunteers Needed For: People-oriented, office-oriented, and creative opportunities 
Contact Information: 1201 South 7th Street, Suite 101, rochelle, IL 61068; 866-568-6489; volunteer information provided on website below.
Website: http://www.unityhospice.com/westernillinois.html  

University Honors Program

Birthday Boxes
Organization Services: Creating birthday presents and hosting birthday parties for youth (ages 1-18) in the DeKalb County area who would otherwise not be able to celebrate their birthdays.
Volunteers Needed For: Collecting donations (drop-off donations at the Honors Office in the Campus Life Building), creating birthday boxes
Contact Information: Lauren Sikes at lsikes@niu.edu
Website: Facebook page "NIU Birthday Boxes" http://www.facebook.com/groups/186666194732059/

Voluntary Action Center

Organization Services: Volunteer Center
Volunteers Needed For: Office work, develop volunteer programs
Contact: Tom Zucker at 815-758-3932