Volunteers can support your organization in many ways beyond basic landscaping or yardwork. Think strategically about upcoming events, programs, and goals—volunteers can assist with admin tasks, program support, and more. Always take time to give them a tour and share your mission. Helping them understand your impact makes their experience more meaningful and can turn them into long-term supporters.
What to consider when creating a project for Day of Caring: Does my organization have a project that needs to be done? Can it be completed in 4-6 hours? What tools and materials are needed? How many volunteers will be needed to complete the project?
Below are ideas for projects that can be completed by projects of any size.
Landscaping
This can include planting, sprucing up flower beds, clearing overgrown areas, mowing, mulching, raking, planting grass seeds, power wash sidewalks, etc.
Gardening
Create a sensory or butterfly garden, build raised garden beds, or plan fruits and vegetables
Fencing
Volunteers can repair, replace, or install fencing. Wooden panels make the process easier.
Painting
There are all sorts of outdoor painting projects: walls, fences, playground equipment, outdoor furniture, re-painting parking lot lines and the school track markings, etc.
Revamping
This might include organizing, cleaning, painting, replacing the carpet etc.
Vehicle Washing
If you have service vehicles like buses or vans, get them washed and cleaned.
Prepare and Serve Meals
Volunteers can serve meals to clients in the lunchroom. Make it an official Lunchroom Appreciation Day!
Utilize Special Talents
Find out if project partners have special talents or training (skilled carpentry, plumbing, sewing, etc.) and put them to work!
Tutoring/Storytime
Volunteers can tutor students in any subject or do a Storytime with the kids.
After-School Projects
Volunteers can help students with their after-school activities like helping make posters for the football game or giving pointers and tips to students that play a sport.
Furniture Building
Volunteers can help assemble the furniture your agency needs for the office.
Window Cleaning
Volunteers can clean windows inside or outside for a building that shines like new.
Paint Murals
Have blank walls that could use some inspiration? Volunteers can paint murals indoors or outdoors.
Day with Clients
Have volunteers work with your clients, such as reading, creating finger-paints or art projects together, playing games, or sharing what they do.
Administrative Work
Have volunteers file or shred papers. They can also organize storage spaces and common areas, or stuff envelopes.
Special Event Preparation
Events are a task to put on! Volunteers can help with decorating/designing center pieces, helping with mass mailing, preparing materials, and stuffing envelopes.
Create Bulletin Boards
Use construction paper, cotton filling, fabric, ribbons, and glue to create a new bulletin board for classrooms or a library.
Organizing, Packing, or Distributing Food
If your agency provides meals or packs food for clients, volunteers can help assemble and/or distribute.
Wishlist
Sometimes volunteers are unable to participate in projects, but can donate food, meals, or materials to your agency.
Holiday Preparation
If there’s a holiday coming up (Halloween, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, etc.), volunteers can prep for any events your organization may have.
Letter Writing
Volunteers can assist with writing thank you letters to volunteers, donors, students etc.
Assemble Kits
With provided materials, volunteers can assemble hygiene, first-aid, or weather emergency kits for clients or community members.
Pet Care Projects
Volunteers can clean animal areas or make toys for animals.