Today marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a commemorative day in which we hopefully think about ways we can help our community and those less fortunate. Here are just a few ways to live his message today. 

Being a part of the community and being an active volunteer is something everyone should strive to do. It brings warm feelings of giving to yourself – and, most importantly, warm feelings of receiving to those in need. If you put "volunteer more" on your resolutions list this year, this is the guide for you. We compiled a list of places in need of volunteers in January and February so you can start to gather ideas and give back! These are by no means the only places to help and volunteer in the area, so wherever you prefer to put your time and energy, get out there and help those in need however you can during these difficult times. 

Zion Rock Food Pantry
Saturdays, 9-12:15 p.m.
10230 W. Fond du Lac Avenue
Contact: Katie, Volunteer@FriedensPantry.org

Help at the Zion Rock Food Pantry! Food will be unloaded and stocked on the shelves. You'll help guide people through the pantry, sort food, restock shelves and other things. Bring a group and the work may get wrapped up ahead of schedule, but individuals are also welcome. Wear comfortable clothing. For more volunteering info, click here. 

Food Pantry Assistance at Hope House
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m
209 W Orchard Street
Contact: Cheryl, hopehouse@friedenspantry.org

Sign up to help assist community members through the pantry.

The Women’s Center
728 N. James Lovell St.

Adults age 18 and older are welcome to help at this Community Advocates branch, which has helped people reclaim their lives after domestic violence, addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and poverty for 40 years in Milwaukee. Help includes answering calls on the MWC crisis line to aiding with administrative work to monitoring children at the emergency shelter and more. For more information on how you can help, click here. 

Read with Me at Next Door
5310 W. Capitol Dr.
Contact: Martina Stevens, mstevens@nextdoormke.org

Share your love of reading with children ages 2-5. Next Door Milwaukee provides the books; adults age 16 and older provide the enthusiasm and time. Reading is done one-on one during the child's library time. For other ways to help Next Door, click here. 

Meta House
2625 N Weil St.
Contact: Laura Jacobson, ljacobson@metahouse.org

Help connect Meta House to other community leaders, or the person involved in funding or support of local charities at your company. Offer to speak to your group, club, service organization or professional association about Meta House (or invite them to come and speak). Your connections could help  to continue to provide our essential, comprehensive services to women and children.

Volunteer @ MPS
Various times and locations
Contact: Click here for application

Milwaukee Public Schools is excited to get community members, alumni, businesses, faith based organizations and families involved in making a difference in the lives of students this academic school year. MPS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities such as volunteering in a classroom, lending a hand in the school cafeteria or providing career support to high school students.

Hospice Volunteer at Horizon
Ongoing
11400 W. Lake Park Dr.

Become one of hundreds who are helping to bring the comforts of home to Horizon Home Care & Hospice patients and families by being a companion or serving behind-the-scenes.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, (414) 935-0241 or volunteer@milmission.org

Volunteers at the MRM work on whatever is needed at the time: cleaning classrooms, sorting clothes, working in the courtyard, wrapping presents and more. You must first confirm with the Volunteer Coordinator by the first of that month if you would like to participate. Other volunteer opportunities including Cross Trainers Academy, Joy House, Equip and more are available on the website.

Salvation Army
Various times and locations
Contact: Nancy Zompolas, nancy_zompolas@usc.salvationarmy.org or (414) 302-4300

There are many volunteer opportunities at the Salvation Army’s Worship and Community Centers and homeless shelters. There are also bell ringing opportunities or host a collection drive. For general volunteer information, visit their website.

Habitat for Humanity
Contact: Beth Van Gorp, bvangorp@milwaukeehabitat.org or (414) 316-5615

Volunteers for Habitat age 16 and over in the construction sector help build or repair homes for families. Currently, building, rehabbing and repairing is underway for 100 homes in the Midtown neighborhood. No construction experience is necessary as volunteers will receive specific, day-of training for each shift. Basic tools and safety equipment are provided by Habitat but you are welcome to bring your own tools and safety items. Other opportunities besides construction are available, including donations center volunteering, surveying, office and filing, and youth volunteering.

Riverwest Food Pantry
1250 E Burleigh St
Contact: volunteer@riverwestfoodpantry.com

Come volunteer and help unload trucks, assist with the distribution of food, and even harvest fresh produce for the community. Volunteer opportunities are available on several days of the week, with hours on the pantry's website.

Wisconsin Humane Society
4500 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Contact: info@wihumane.org or (414) 264-6257

While the Humane Society is currently unable to accept new volunteers due to the CDC's COVID guidelines, keep an eye here on volunteer opportunities to help improve the lives of animals in the future at the Milwaukee Campus, Ozaukee Campus, Racine Campus, Green Bay Campus and more. Sign up for a six-month commitment for two-three hours each week. Volunteers, age 18 and older, come in for a regularly scheduled recurring shift on the same day and time each week.