YLD Volunteer Opportunities
Make new friends, explore Chicago and do a Mitzvah while you’re at it. YLD and JUF’s TOV Volunteer Network host a plethora of volunteer opportunities perfect for young adults who enjoy spending time with peers and getting involved in the Chicago community.
2008 Merry Mitzvot Projects
The Young Leadership Division in cooperation with the TOV volunteer network would like to offer the community some very exciting volunteer projects.
To sign up for one of the below projects or receive additional information on these and other projects, please click here.
The ARK
Today, nearly 5,000 people are dependent on the ARK for survival. The services offered to those in need include medical, dental and eye care; legal and social welfare services; and clothing, food and shelter. All ARK services are free of charge and are offered with dignity.
Help clients of The ARK celebrate Chanukah at the Pauline and Jack Deutsch Chanukah Party. Set the tables, assemble goody bags for party attendees, serve food and distribute goody bags to the 1,000+ guests, and clean up at the ARK's Pauline and Jack Deutsch Chanukah Party.
Date: Sunday, December 21
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Set up), 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Assemble goody bags), or 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Serve lunch and clean up)
Location: The Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, Chicago
Volunteers: 12 per shift
The Campus Kitchen at Northwestern University
Prepare holiday meals to be delivered to homebound senior citizens, low-income families, a women’s shelter and at-risk youth.
Date: Monday, December 8
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, December 10
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, December 14
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Date: Monday, December 15
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: 1820 Chicago, Evanston
Volunteers: 8 per shift
Deliver prepared holiday meals to homebound senior citizens, low-income families, a women’s shelter and at-risk youth. Delivery volunteers must drive their own personal vehicles and we recommend at least 2 volunteers per car.
Dates: Tuesday, December 9, Thursday, December 11, Sunday, December 14, Tuesday, December 16, or Thursday, December 18
Time: 3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location: 1820 Chicago, Evanston
Volunteers: 3 cars per shift
Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving
Sort and take inventory of toy donations, process gift request forms and fill orders. Some lifting, carrying and standing required.
Dates: Sunday, December 7, or Sunday, December 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1455 W. Hubbard, Chicago
Volunteers: 8 per shift
Franciscan Outreach Association's Marquard Center
Serve dinner, help prepare meals for the following evening, and help with general clean up.
Dates: Thursday, December 25, or Thursday, January 1
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: 1645 W. LeMoyne, Chicago
Volunteers: 8 per shift
Inspiration Corporation
Serve a restaurant-style meal to Inspiration Cafe guests.
Date: Monday, December 22
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (dinner)
Date: Wednesday, December 24
Time: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (breakfast)
Date: Thursday, December 25
Time: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (breakfast), or 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (dinner)
Location: Inspiration Café, 4554 N. Broadway, Chicago
Volunteers: 10 per shift
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
Work one-on-one with an athlete at a KEEN sports session. Activities include playing with basketballs, jump ropes, scooters, parachutes, hula-hoops and more. Shift time includes training.
Date: Sunday, November 23
Time: 2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Location: High Ridge YMCA, 2424 W. Touhy, Chicago
Volunteers: 10
Spertus Institute
Spertus invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the multifaceted Jewish experience. Through its innovative public programming, exhibitions, collections, research facilities and degree programs, Spertus inspires learning, serves diverse communities and fosters understanding for Jews and people of all faiths, locally, regionally and around the world.
Lead children's crafts, games and activities, monitor the galleries, help with coat check, usher and assist with food service at Spertus' annual Something Else!: a Jewish Community Festival.
Date: Thursday, December 25
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., or 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan, Chicago
Volunteers: 35 per shift
