Maybe you have some extra time or are in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Charlotte to support. Whether you’re an animal lover, an outdoorsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — here are 25+ ways to get involved in the Queen City.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

Agape Acres | Become a mentor for youth with special needs youth with a rescue horse to bring hope, love, and encouragement to their lives.

Boys to Men Foundation | Support, mentor, and provide a strong male role model in the lives of boys from ages 9 to 17.

Camping with Cradle | Hike with kids while teaching them about the environment, teamwork, and self esteem.

Wayfinders | Be paired with a Wayfinders scholar while nurturing a child’s potential and helping them navigate life’s challenges.

The Salvation Army's welcomes volunteers during the holiday season for the annual Red Kettle Campaign. | Photo by CLTtoday

If the holidays are your favorite time of the year

Charlotte Rescue Mission | The faith-based program needs volunteers to coordinate donation drives and tutor at learning centers.

Nourish Up | Join the team of neighbors helping neighbors by grocery shopping and delivering prepared meals to people in need.

Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte | Provide a well-balanced meal for families returning from a long day at the hospital.

HOPEMatch Holiday Program | Share your skills, from creative services and administrative aid to event planning, to help Charlotte-area families seeking financial support.

Dilworth Soup Kitchen | Join the nonprofit's mission to combat food insecurity by providing a nutritious meal to your neighbors.

Salvation Army | Choose from serving meals at the Center of Hope, ring the iconic bell to collect monetary donations, or help shoppers with Angel Tree adoptions at SouthPark and Carolina Place Malls.

Supporters of veterans

Operation Decisive Victory | Donate time to assist and uphold a strong quality of life for our local veterans.

The Independence Fund | Join the mission to provide the best care to our nation’s wounded, ill, and injured vets.

Veterans Bridge Home | Work directly with visitors and staff to welcome visitors or be a "Battle Buddy" — receiving training to help someone experiencing mental health issues.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has 22 open branch locations across the county, with the Main branch under construction in Uptown. | Photo by CLTtoday

Self-proclaimed bibliophiles

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library | Help students improve their reading ability, host programs and events, and move books so customers have access to the latest materials.

York County Library | Oversee group art projects, play a key role in the Teen Advisory Board, and oversee peer interaction during the annual "Back to School" program.

If you want to stay in your home

American Red Cross | Assist in areas like disaster services, fundraising, and recruitment.

American Cancer Society | Support fundraising events, advocate for cancer survivors remotely, volunteer at events in person, or become a driver.

Family Support Network of North Carolina | Explore virtual opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of those with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

If you have a passion for supporting members in the disabled community

The Arc of Gaston County | People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have opportunities to serve meals at soup kitchens, stocking food pantries, prepare and delivering meals to seniors, and much more,

Trusted Parents | Provide emotional relief for parents and caregivers while supporting their loved ones living with special needs.

Ensure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag with your phone number and address in case it ever gets lost.
| Photo by CLTtoday

If you’re an animal lover

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue & Sanctuary | Find one of numerous offered roles including food prep, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, and feeding songbird chicks.

CMPD Animal Care & Control | Help staff by retrieving animals from the adoption kennels, put a dent in critical laundry quotas, and ensure the animals receive proper exercise.

The outdoorsy types

ArtPop Street Gallery | Help with annual programs, community clean-ups, events, and day-to-day operations.

Beds for Kids | Volunteers are always welcome inside warehouse to accept and stock donated furniture for this Charlotte-based nonprofit or go out on a furniture delivery for a Charlotte-area family.

The Bulb | Get dirty while planting seeds in the field, sort food items for farmers markets, or distribute food in the community.

Wing Haven | Work alongside the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary gardening team to care for a special heirloom rose garden.