Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Winston-Salem to support with your time. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a health care enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 20+ ways to get involved in the Twin City.

If you want to help your neighbors in need

Samaritan Ministries | Help Winston-Salem’s only soup kitchen serve food from the kitchen daily.
Bethesda Center for the Homeless | Sign up your group to serve breakfast to our neighbors in need, or donate winter clothes.
Winston-Salem Rescue Mission | Serve meals, donate clothes, provide medical services, or mentor men through the addiction recovery program.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC | Gather your group and host food drives or fundraising events to support the food bank with providing food to neighbors experiencing hunger.
H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem | Gift your time to help sort food, nurture the garden or assist with meal prep and cooking.

If you're an animal lover

Forsyth Humane Society | Help with tasks such as cleaning, community outreach, or providing comfort to an animal in need.
The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem (AARF) | Socialize with cats, design event flyers, or foster pets in need of a temporary home.

For the outdoorsy types

Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful | Participate in clean-up events, beautification projects, and educational activities to keep our streets and neighborhoods looking fresh.
Gateway Nature Preserve | Whether you're looking to plan events or like getting your hands dirty weeding and watering, your help keeps trails along Salem Creek beautiful and clean.

If you're passionate about helping families

Family Services of Forsyth County | Read to children, support teachers, and serve as event volunteers to help build healthy families.
The Parenting PATH | Make an impact on families through building strong bonds between parent/child relationships whether that's through performing administrative tasks or coaching on effective parenting.

For natural-born teachers and mentors

Dress for Success Winston-Salem | Empower women to achieve economic independence through providing resume feedback, networking skills, or donating business clothes.
LEAD Girls of NC | Facilitate discussions to empower young middle school girls at select campuses during the school year.
Hispanic League | Serve on the committee for initiatives like Fiesta! or facilitate educational programs for Hispanic students in Forsyth County.

If you live and breathe Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Ambassadors | Connect with others who are also passionate about our city and help plan big events like the WS Holiday Parade or plan city tours with those who are new to the community.

One of the Forward 2045 draft plan takeaways is to remove barriers to nutritious and affordable food options in underserved communities. | Photo via City of Winston-Salem + Forsyth County

If you’re passionate about supporting local community groups

United Way of Forsyth County | Get connected with other local non-profit through this organization and find multiple areas to give your time to.
Mixxer Community Makerspace | From administrative to maintenance tasks, this creative space relies on volunteers to run smoothly. Trainings are provided for each post.

The artsy types

The Arts SHAC | Use your skills to set up pop-up booths at various art events or sort through inventory to make sure the organization continues it mission of providing accessible and affordable supplies to everyone.
Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, Inc. | Sign up to serve with the social media marketing team, grant writing team or serve as a chair board for the organization.

If you're interested in health care

Cancer Services, Inc. | Help fundraise, landscape office space, or write encouraging notes to patients.
Senior Services, Inc. | Deliver hot meals to senior residents, take on administrative duties like one-on-one calls, or spend time with local seniors.
Crisis Control Ministry | Help fill orders and assist clients as they receive their medication or serve as an advocate to help determine their needs based on information you collect.
The Shalom Project | Teams of licensed doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and interpreters can share their skills to meet the healthcare needs of individuals and families.

For the handy individuals

GreeNest | Take on tasks like sorting, cleaning, and organizing furniture and household goods for individuals and families transitioning to sustainable housing.
Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County | Work on home repairs for seniors and veterans in selected neighborhoods, unload trucks, stock shelves or organize warehouse items.

Looking for another cause you're passionate about? HandsOn Northwest North Carolina can match you with a nonprofit based on your interest. Find more volunteer opportunities in Winston-Salem.