Looking for a way to get involved + make an impact in our city? Start by volunteering. It seriously pays off – not only in the lives of the people you help – but in your own personal growth. When you give your time, you can really make a difference in someone else’s life and better the Columbia community as a whole.

3x as many people volunteer in the Fall vs. the Spring, on average, according to United Way of the Midlands. Fall is the time that most organizations run campaigns, but also the time all of us are most committed (think: cuffing season for volunteering). Plus, the weather is perfect for some outside work.

Our readers often ask us how they can volunteer – so we dug into United Way’s Columbia Volunteer Center, which acts as an online resource for all nonprofit agencies in the Midlands to post their needs or projects as they arise. (The Center connected 1,674 residents to volunteer projects last year, who collectively served 4,884 hours.)

Here are 15 of the coolest volunteer opportunities we found:

Upcoming

South Carolina Pride | Friday, Oct. 19 (multiple shifts from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.) + Saturday, Oct. 20 (multiple shifts from 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.) | help set up, tear down + facilitate the weekend-long pride festivities on Main St.

South Carolina Pride | Photo by @streetsandeatsofsc

South Carolina Pride | Photo by @streetsandeatsofsc

Buddy Walk | Sunday, Oct. 21 | the Buddy Walk was started in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and happens in Columbia every October to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month; help with event set up + execution

Feed an Officer Campaign | Friday, Dec. 14 | serve police officers as they serve us, in memory of fallen Forest Acres Police Officer Greg Alia; email info@serveandconnect.net for more info

Famously Hot New Year | Monday, Dec. 31 | set up, tear down + facilitate S.C.’s largest NYE party

Fall Clean Up Recycling Day | Saturday, Oct. 20 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) | bring electronics, paper, scrap metal, hazardous household waste + pesticides for recycling

Breaking Barriers Employment and Resource Fair | Friday, Oct. 19, Monday, Oct. 22 + Tuesday, Oct. 23 | help stuff envelopes, set up the event space + direct attendees on the day of the event

Gala with a Bite | Friday, Oct. 26 (multiple shifts from 10 a.m.-12:30 a.m.) | assist with decor/set up, help facilitate the event or check out auction items

BB&T/Samaritan's Feet Shoe Distribution | Saturday, Nov. 3 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) | volunteer to help provide new socks + shoes to local children in need

YLS at Home Works | Saturday, Oct. 20 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) | join the Young Leaders Society in repairing homes around Columbia; tasks include painting, basic construction work, plumbing, caulking, house cleaning, roofing + yard work – as well as spending time with the homeowners

Ready, Willing, and Able course | Monday nights (6:30-7:30 p.m.) Oct. 8-Nov. 12 | help facilitate small group discussions and act as team leaders/facilitators for a series of hour-long classes on personal + professional development

Ongoing

Halcyon Hospice | run errands, prep meals + provide companionship to hospice patients

Palmetto Trail Work Days | help clean up the Palmetto Trail

Palmetto Trail | Photo by @palmetto_trail_pcf

Super Service Saturday | lead + assist weekly teen recreational programs at The S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice by playing games + participating in activities

Volunteer Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Trauma | answer calls on the 24-hr crisis hotline + accompany survivors to the hospital; provide support services to survivors of sexual assault and abuse (volunteers must complete training + commit to at least one year of service)

Whether you’re volunteering one day a month or one day every week for a year, you’re part of the change that’s making Columbia a better city to live in.

-Shayla, COLAtoday Fall intern