Volunteering is a great way to serve others, gain experience and make a difference in someone’s life. It’s a great opportunity for college students to get some hands-on experience, because they’re busy staying busy and much more. If you are from the Lubbock area and looking to serve, consider these agencies.
1. Meals on Wheels
(806) 792-7971
Meals on Wheels volunteers will deliver hot meals to senior citizens and disabled persons. With Lunch on Wheels volunteers, you’ll brighten someone’s day who doesn’t see another all day. You can also volunteer to help with fundraising and office work. Friendships are always needed to serve the people of the community. A one hour orientation is required and you must be available around 11 am on weekends. You can offer as often or as little as you like.
2. Freedom House of Lubbock
http://www.childrenshome.org
(806) 762-0481
The Lubbock Children’s Home serves as a home for children who are in foster care and are abused/neglected. They have a sponsorship program where you mentor a child or a member through one-on-one visits and recommend the rides. There are also other ways that serve children to take away institutions, teaching class or art, and more you need to pass background check . It is an excellent opportunity to really make a difference in a child’s teen life.
3. CASA Lubbock
http://www.lubbockcasa.org/
(806) 763-2272
If you would like to advocate child abuse or neglect, then CASA is a wonderful opportunity to serve. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), you will visit groups with the child or sibling, attend frequent CPS meetings, visit frequent family monitors, and possibly testify at hearings. You must attend volunteer training and have no criminal record. It is a great resource for social work/psychology/law students to gain experience or for anyone who wants to help a child.
4. My Father’s house
http://www.myfathershouselubbock.org/
806-799-0990
My Father’s House offers shelter and life skills and education and support to women in need. There are many volunteer opportunities available. Be one of the mentors in which you are with the student/resident in the program and provide advocacy, support, encouragement and a role model. If you want to help a woman, this is a great service.
5. Hospice of Lubbock
http://www.hospiceoflubbock.com/
(806) 795-2751
If you think you can comfort and help someone who is terminally ill, consider volunteering as a hospice. They need volunteers to help with visits, as well as office work, fundraising, and help in the thrift store.
6. Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Lubbock
http://www.bigbrothersbigsistersoflubbock.com/
(806) 763-6131
Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most powerful volunteer opportunities. You will truly make a difference in a child’s life. As a Big Brother/ Big Sister, “little” you will have a mentor and you should spend an average of 1-2 hours a week with him/her They also have a “Big Couple” who mentor the boy. There is also a “BIg Lunch Buddy” program where you have a lunch hour with your little one at least once a week. If you have some free time and would like a great role model and friend for a child, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program is great.
7. Heart & Lubbock‘s claws
(806) 543-6368
Hearts and Wings is an organization that helps people and children with special needs to therapy with a little horse. Volunteers are needed to feed, groom, and water the horses. This is a great opportunity for families (or individuals) to help organize the best.
(806) 744-8877
The Ronald McDonald House provides temporary lodging for families from the town while a critically ill child receives treatment. They need volunteers to help prepare the tables, cook the meals, and help with chores. If you would like to help families, this is the perfect place to serve.
9. Salvation Army
(806) 765-9434.
The Salvation Army provides food, counseling, clothing and more for the homeless and needy/individuals in Lubbock. Volunteers are needed to help serve the evening meal from 5-7pm daily. If you would like to help those in need, consider the Salvation Army.
10. Promise
(806) 744-5035
Family Promise provides temporary shelter for families with children. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to support families in crisis situations.
11. South Plains Food Bank
(806) 763-303
The South Plains Food Bank helps thousands of families each year by providing food, nutrition, and education. They need volunteers to help distribute and package food, as well as help in other areas. If you have a few hours to spare, it’s great to serve at the food bank.
12. Contact Lubbock
http://www.contactlubbock.org
(806) 765-7272.
Contact the Lubbock crisis/emergency hotline serving the South Plains area. If you are a good listener and like to comfort others, this is a great opportunity. Volunteers must complete 30 hours of training. This is an excellent way to help others and gain valuable experience.
13. Lubbock Rape Crisis Center
http://www.lubbockrcc.org/
(806) 763-3232
The Rape Crisis Center of Lubbock provides advocacy and assistance to people who are victims of sexual assault. Volunteers are needed to respond to the film, provide support at the hospital, accompany victims to court hearings and more. If you want to make a difference and gain valuable experience, the Raptus Center is for you.
14. Women’s Protective Services Lubbock
http://www.wpslbk.org
(806) 748-5292
Women’s Protection Services provides emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and much more to women who have been abused. Volunteers are needed for a variety of services including answering the hotline, helping out at the shelter, and more. They help men and women who have been abused. If you would like to serve individuals in this matter, this is a great tool to check out.
15. Gender and Outreach Center of Lubbock
http://www.lubbockparentconnection.org
(806) 747-5577
The Family Guidance and Outreach Center provides support and counseling for children, has classes, helps clients find referrals and more. Volunteers are needed to mentor mothers, educate them on Shaken Baby Syndrome, help with fundraising and much more. If you want to make a difference in your family, give them a call.
These are just a few of the opportunities available. Volunteering benefits not only the community, but also the volunteer. If you are willing to give a few hours of your time, you will improve the lives of others and yourself. You can give a priceless gift to others!
