Wondering how to get involved in the community this summer? We’re spotlighting 5 volunteer opportunities around Charleston that will give you hands-on experience bettering the city we love. These organizations are looking for new volunteers, and there’s no time like summertime to give back.

📚 Charleston Friends of the Library: The Friends of the Library is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting and improving Lowcountry libraries. Opportunities to get in the mix include book sales, branch library book pickups + office assistance. Shoot them an email and book it to the library.

🌊 Charleston Surfrider Foundation: Dive into the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation to protect our beaches and waterways. You can get involved + promote ocean-friendly gardens and restaurants, sweep the beaches, and help eliminate cigarette butt and plastic pollution.

Surfrider Foundation beach sweep | Photo by @charlestonsurfrider

🐾 Charleston Animal Society: The first animal organization in SC, this group helps prevent local animal cruelty. You can help out by walking and socializing dogs, assisting with adoption events, and caring for cats and kittens — and that barely scratches the surface. Get started with an application.

💚 The Green Heart Project: This organization creates learning projects and school programs on gardening to educate kids and enrich the community. You can lend a hand at the new Urban Farm at Enston Home. If you’re interested in getting your hands dirty, send them an email.

The Green Heart Project | Photo by @pecheney

📖 South Carolina - Reading Partners: Reading Partners is supporting local literacy through its reading programs and currently accepting summer volunteer applications. You can tutor students to help hone their reading skills — giving them the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

What about opportunities throughout the year? Check out 40+ ways to give back in the Lowcountry.

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