Volunteering with the United Food Bank in Phoenix helps provide meals to families and individuals facing food insecurity across Arizona. Families with kids as young as five are invited to volunteer to sort and pack food and assemble emergency food bags. It’s a rewarding way to give back, strengthen the community, and make a real impact on hunger relief efforts.

The Valley of the Sun United Way strives to end poverty, hunger, and homelessness in central Arizona. There are many volunteer opportunities available through United Way and its partner agencies, including projects that can be completed at home or at various community locations. Sample family-friendly volunteer opportunities include wrapping gifts for holiday toy drives and sorting books and food for distribution.

With a wide range of services across the Valley, there are many ways to share your time, talent, and skills. Explore various service opportunities and find the right fit, whether you are volunteering alone, with your family, or with a group!

Volunteering with St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix helps fight hunger by providing meals to individuals and families in need across Arizona. Volunteers assist with sorting, packing, and distributing food donations in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Their efforts make a direct and meaningful impact on reducing food insecurity and supporting the local community.

The Arizona Humane Society’s youth programs teach compassion, responsibility, and kindness toward animals through interactive and educational experiences. Programs like Read Fur Fun allow kids to read to shelter pets, helping improve their reading skills while comforting animals awaiting adoption. These opportunities inspire young people to become advocates for animal welfare and build empathy through hands-on learning.

Youth for Troops provides family-friendly community service opportunities for all ages with a goal to support veterans and deployed service members. Volunteer opportunities could include assembling care packages, writing appreciation cards, decorating boxes, making plastic mats, and holding flags for patriotic events and funerals.

Youth volunteering at Ryan House in Phoenix offers a meaningful way to support children with life-threatening conditions and their families. Young volunteers help with recreational activities, special events, and creative projects that bring joy and comfort to patients. Through their service, they learn empathy, compassion, and the importance of giving back to their community.

Volunteering with The Welcome to America Project helps support refugees as they begin new lives in the United States. Volunteers assist by delivering donated furniture, household goods, and essentials to newly arrived families, helping them feel at home. The experience promotes cultural understanding, compassion, and community connection for both volunteers and the families they serve.

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue is one of the few pet rescues in the Valley that allows children under the age of 16 to be a part of their volunteer programs. They recognize the importance of instilling the values of compassion and responsibility at a young age, which is why kids ages 7 to 15, who are accompanied by a parent, can volunteer with their dogs and cats. 

Volunteering at the Hilliard Food Pantry helps provide nutritious food and essential support to individuals and families facing hunger in the community. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, packing groceries, and distributing food to clients in a welcoming environment. 

Volunteers at the Columbus Zoo assist with educational programs, special events, and guest services to enhance the zoo experience. The ZooAid Program is open to kids entering grades 8-12 and focuses on the customer service side of the Zoo, so teens will be interacting with guests while learning about animals. It’s a fun and fulfilling way to connect with animals, people, and the mission of protecting the natural world.

Volunteering with United Way of Central Ohio connects community members to meaningful projects that address local needs like education, housing, and financial stability. Volunteers contribute their time and skills through various events, drives, and mentoring opportunities, thereby strengthening the community.

Volunteering with Meals on Wheels helps deliver nutritious meals and companionship to seniors, supporting their independence and well-being.

The Book Buddies Program is a great way for kids to practice their reading, while also showing some love to the felines waiting for their forever home. Children must be at least six years of age to participate.

Volunteering with the Grateful Acres Pets Sanctuary & Adoption Junior Advocate Program gives young people a meaningful way to champion animal rescue and welfare in their community. Participants assist with awareness-raising, social media advocacy, and light volunteer tasks, while also learning about responsible pet care and adoption. It’s a fun, educational opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a positive impact on homeless pets.

The Broad Street Food Pantry supports neighbors by providing healthy meals on their tables with respect and dignity for all. They welcome youth volunteers.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a high‑energy indoor entertainment venue featuring wall‑to‑wall trampolines, foam pits, and other active zones where kids can bounce, flip, and play in a supervised setting.

From dodgeball to battle beam, digital experiences and more - there's a perfect type of play for every high-flying pro at Altitude.

Get Air Trampoline Park offers wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slamball, ninja obstacles, and more!

Play City strives to create a memorable experience for every child who visits by offering a variety of inflatable bouncy houses, slides, a three-level play structure, and other interactive play equipment that caters to every child’s interests and age groups.