Looking for a way to give back as a family? Across Chicago and the suburbs, families can roll up their sleeves and make a difference together — from helping animals and packing meals to collecting books for local kids.
Family Volunteering in Chicagoland
Kids Who Care at the Anti-Cruelty Society
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on select Saturdays, 2025
This monthly program gives families a hands-on way to volunteer at Chicago’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization. Kids ages 3-9 (with at least one parent or guardian) can help make enrichment toys, prepare snacks for small animals, create art for the adoption lobby and meet adoptable pets. Registration is required.
- Cost: $10 per family (covers one or two children plus adult)
- Address: 157 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: Families with kids ages 3-9, plus adult guardian
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor at the shelter; children may pass through animal areas
- Stroller-friendly options: Accessible
- Parking: Free parking available in private garage (entrance via Wells St., south of Grand Ave.)
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; elevators and ramps available
- Important info: Registration required in advance. Families with allergies or non-parent guardians should email learn@anticruelty.org before attending.
Bernie’s Book Bank
Varied times, Monday-Saturday, 2025
Families can help promote literacy by sorting, stickering and packing donated children’s books for kids across Chicagoland who need them most. Bernie’s Book Bank welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities, making it a great way for families to give back together.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 917 N. Shore Drive, Lake Bluff
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: All ages; family-friendly environment
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor warehouse
- Stroller-friendly options: Spacious, stroller-accessible facility
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; staff can accommodate varying abilities
- Important info: Registration required in advance for individuals or groups. Families can also donate new or gently used children’s books before or during their visit.
Cradles to Crayons Chicago – The Giving Factory
Varied times, Tuesday-Saturday, 2025
Families can volunteer together at The Giving Factory to help sort, inspect and package donated clothing, books and essential supplies for children across Chicagoland. Kids can see firsthand how their work directly supports other families in need.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 2500 W. Bradley Place, Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: All ages; family-friendly environment
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor warehouse
- Stroller-friendly options: Spacious, stroller-accessible facility
- Parking: Free parking available on site
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; staff can accommodate different abilities
- Important info: Registration required for all volunteers. Family, group and corporate sessions available. Families can also join the Teen Leadership Corps program for middle and high school students.
Common Kids at Common Pantry
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Common Kids gives children and families the chance to volunteer together while learning about food insecurity and empathy. Families can take part in hands-on activities like creating themed donation kits, making kindness cards, hosting lemonade stands or helping with school supply and holiday drives. Most events are geared toward kids ages 6-12, and teens often assist or volunteer independently.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 3908 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago (North Center)
- Age fit: Best for ages 6-12; teens welcome to assist or volunteer independently
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor pantry with opportunities for community-based projects
- Stroller-friendly options: Indoor space is small but accessible; off-site projects are flexible
- Parking: Limited street parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; contact staff for specific accommodations
- Important info: Advanced coordination is encouraged for group projects and kit donations. Families can email commonkids@commonpantry.org or sheal@commonpantry.org to plan visits or confirm volunteer times.
DuPagePads Volunteer Opportunities
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Families, teens and adults can make a direct impact by volunteering with DuPagePads to help end homelessness in DuPage County. Opportunities include serving meals, sorting donations, tutoring children, assisting clients with basic needs or helping with special events. Volunteers can also participate virtually or by donating needed items.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 601 W. Liberty Drive, Wheaton
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: Teens and adults; some opportunities available for families with younger children
- Indoor/outdoor: Primarily indoor volunteer activities, with some off-site options
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited, depending on volunteer role and location
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible at main facilities; contact volunteer manager for accommodations
- Important info: Registration and required trainings must be completed in advance through the DuPagePads Volunteer Platform. For questions, contact the Volunteer Manager at 630-682-3846 ext. 3500 or volunteer@dupagepads.org.
Feed My Starving Children
Varied times, Monday-Saturday, 2025
Families can volunteer together to pack nutritious meals for children in need around the world. Volunteers work assembly-line style to fill, seal, and box meal packets that will be distributed internationally. It’s a fun, hands-on way for kids and adults to make a global impact while learning about hunger relief.
- Cost: Free, though donations are encouraged to help cover meal costs
- Address: 742 E. Park Ave., Libertyville
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: Best for ages 5 and up; children under 18 must volunteer with an adult
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor packing warehouse
- Stroller-friendly options: Facility is accessible, but stroller use is limited due to workspace setup
- Parking: Free parking available on-site
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; accommodations available for volunteers with limited mobility
- Important info: Reservations are required for all sessions. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes and should not attend if experiencing any symptoms of illness. Group bookings are available for families, schools and community organizations.
Fill a Heart 4 Kids
Varied times, Monday-Saturday, 2025
Families, schools and community groups can volunteer through Fill a Heart 4 Kids to help foster and homeless youth across Chicagoland. The organization offers seasonal projects like Project Valentine, Project Lemonade, Project Warm and Project Elf, where volunteers assemble care packages, celebrate birthdays and create uplifting experiences for kids. These events are interactive and hands-on, making them ideal for children and adults to serve together.
- Cost: Free; donations of supplies or funds are encouraged
- Address: 1 Market Square, Lake Forest
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: Best for ages 6 and up; background checks required for those volunteering directly with children or tutoring
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly indoor activities; some outdoor service events seasonally
- Stroller-friendly options: Indoor volunteer spaces are accessible
- Parking: Free street and nearby lot parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; contact staff for specific accommodations
- Important info: Registration is required for all events. Group and corporate volunteer options are available. To volunteer, email info@fah4k.org for details or to schedule a service day.
The Humanitarian Service Project
Varied times, Monday-Friday, 2025
Families can volunteer together to support local children, families and seniors in need through the Humanitarian Service Project. Opportunities include packing food boxes, sorting donations, assembling birthday and school supply kits for kids, and helping distribute goods to families. Volunteers directly support programs that fight poverty and provide dignity through kindness and care.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 465 Randy Road, Carol Stream
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages; younger children can help with sorting and packing under adult supervision
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor warehouse with some community-based volunteer drives
- Stroller-friendly options: Indoor space is accessible and easy to navigate
- Parking: Free parking available on-site
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; accommodations available upon request
- Important info: Volunteers must schedule in advance. Families and groups can also organize donation drives for food, hygiene products, school supplies or toys. Call 630-221-8340 or visit the organization’s volunteer page to get started.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Varied times, Tuesday-Saturday, 2025
Families, individuals and groups can volunteer to help fight hunger across Chicago and Cook County. Volunteers assist with repacking bulk food into family-sized portions, sorting donated items, labeling products and helping distribute produce. The Food Depository also offers special Kids Day sessions twice a month for families with children ages 5-11.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago
- Area: Chicago (southwest side)
- Age fit: Best for ages 5 and up; Kids Day is designed for ages 5-11 with an adult; ages 11+ can join regular repack sessions
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor warehouse; some volunteer activities may involve light physical tasks
- Stroller-friendly options: Warehouse space is not ideal for strollers; older children can participate directly
- Parking: Free parking available on-site
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; accommodations available for volunteers with limited mobility
- Important info: Reservations are required in advance. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Groups of 30 or more must contact the volunteer team to schedule. Kid-friendly sessions are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Volunteers help brighten the lives of Chicago’s older adults by providing friendship, companionship and support. Opportunities include visiting seniors at home, driving them to events, helping with meals and assisting at celebrations and holiday gatherings. Volunteers can commit as often as they’d like and make a real difference through simple acts of connection.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 355 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago (west town)
- Age fit: Teens and adults; youth under 18 can volunteer with a parent or guardian
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly indoor activities with some driving or outdoor events
- Stroller-friendly options: Not applicable for most volunteer roles
- Parking: Street parking available nearby
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; programs can accommodate volunteers with different mobility levels
- Important info: Volunteers must attend an orientation and complete a background check before participating. Opportunities are flexible, and group or corporate volunteering can be arranged by contacting general@lbfechicago.org.
PAWS Chicago
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Families and animal lovers can volunteer with PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill animal shelter, to help care for dogs and cats, assist with adoptions, support community outreach and promote humane education. Volunteers can choose roles that match their interests, from walking dogs and socializing cats to helping at events or assisting in the medical center.
- Cost: Free; donations are welcome to support shelter operations
- Address: 1997 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago (Lincoln Park)
- Age fit: Best for ages 12 and up; younger children can participate through family volunteer programs
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly indoor, with some outdoor walking and event opportunities
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited due to animal care areas
- Parking: Street parking and nearby paid lots available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; volunteer roles vary by ability and comfort level
- Important info: Volunteers must complete an orientation and training before starting. Opportunities are available at multiple Chicago locations, including the Clybourn Adoption Center, the Little Village Medical Center and through off-site community events.
Phil’s Friends
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Phil’s Friends offers creative and meaningful volunteer opportunities to support individuals with cancer. Families can assemble care packages, color encouraging cards, make fleece blankets, sew port pillows or knit hats for patients. Volunteers can serve in person at one of the Hope Centers or complete projects from home, making it a flexible option for families with children.
- Cost: Free; donations of materials or funds are welcome
- Address: 213 W. Wesley St., Wheaton
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages; kid-friendly projects available for families
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor Hope Center locations or at-home volunteer options
- Stroller-friendly options: Hope Centers are accessible for families with small children
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; accommodations available for different abilities
- Important info: Registration or orientation may be required for in-person sessions. Volunteers can also mail handmade items or coordinate group projects through their schools, churches or clubs.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Families, individuals and groups can volunteer with Ronald McDonald House to support families of children receiving medical care. Opportunities include preparing home-cooked meals for residents, assisting at events and helping with family room hospitality inside hospitals. Volunteers create a comforting environment where families can rest and focus on their child’s healing.
- Cost: Free; donations are welcome to support family programs
- Address: Tripp Avenue at Airmail Road, Hines
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages; family-friendly meal programs available for children under adult supervision
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly indoor at Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms
- Stroller-friendly options: Houses and family rooms are fully accessible
- Parking: Free on-site or nearby parking available depending on location
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; all facilities are designed for full accessibility
- Important info: Registration is required. Volunteers can sign up for recurring shifts or one-time meal opportunities. Groups, schools, and corporate teams are welcome to host meals or support special events.
Share Your Soles
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Families, schools and community groups can volunteer with Share Your Soles to collect and sort new and gently used shoes for people in need around the world. Volunteers help clean, pair and prepare donated shoes for shipment, while schools and organizations can host their own shoe drives to expand the impact. It’s a hands-on, educational way for kids and adults to serve others together.
- Cost: Free; donations of shoes or funds are welcome
- Address: 11201 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago (Pullman Historic District)
- Area: Chicago (south side)
- Age fit: All ages; youth and families encouraged to participate
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor volunteer center with optional outdoor drop-off opportunities
- Stroller-friendly options: Facility is accessible for families with small children
- Parking: Free on-site and nearby street parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; staff can accommodate volunteers with limited mobility
- Important info: Advance coordination is required for large shoe drive drop-offs. Only clean, gently used shoes are accepted. For group or school participation, contact the organization to schedule delivery or pickup arrangements.
Share Our Spare
Varied times, Wednesday-Saturday, 2025
Families, teens and groups can volunteer at Share Our Spare’s Chicago Sharehouse to sort, organize and pack essentials for local children in need. Volunteers help bundle diapers, assemble clothing kits and prepare baby supplies for families served by partner agencies. It’s a hands-on way for kids and adults to give back together while supporting other parents in the community.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 3800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago (Portage Park)
- Age fit: Best for ages 8 and up; children must volunteer with an adult
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor warehouse setting
- Stroller-friendly options: Space is accessible but limited for strollers
- Parking: Free parking available on-site and nearby street parking
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; staff can make accommodations as needed
- Important info: Registration is required for individuals and groups. Volunteers may be assigned to different tasks based on current needs, including sorting diapers, organizing donations, and preparing care packages for families.
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Varied times, year-round, 2025
Families and individuals can volunteer across 70,000 acres of forests, prairies and wetlands to help restore natural habitats and keep local green spaces clean and welcoming. Opportunities include litter cleanups, trail watch patrols, native plant restoration, community science projects and nature center support. It’s a great way for kids and adults to spend time outdoors while protecting nature.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 6100 N. Central Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago (northwest side)
- Age fit: All ages; youth volunteers welcome with adult supervision
- Indoor/outdoor: Primarily outdoor volunteer activities; some indoor opportunities at nature centers
- Stroller-friendly options: Many volunteer areas and trails are stroller-accessible
- Parking: Free parking available at most preserve sites
- Accessibility: ADA accessible sites available; accommodations provided upon request
- Important info: Registration through the GivePulse platform is required before volunteering. Some programs, such as community science or tree care, include training. Group and youth volunteer opportunities are available, and volunteers can earn rewards by logging service hours.
The Honeycomb Project
Varied times, year-round, 2025
The Honeycomb Project makes family volunteering easy and meaningful with monthly community projects designed for kids and parents to do together. Families can help assemble meal kits, clean up parks, stock community fridges or join DIY projects from home through Honeycomb at Home. Teens can also apply for the year-long Leadership Corps program to mentor younger volunteers and lead service events.
- Cost: Free; donations encouraged to support supplies and programs
- Address: 1030 W. North Ave., Suite 303, Chicago
- Area: Chicago (near north side)
- Age fit: All ages; best for ages 5 and up with a parent or guardian
- Indoor/outdoor: Mix of indoor and outdoor volunteer projects
- Stroller-friendly options: Most in-person events are accessible and family-friendly
- Parking: Paid street and garage parking available nearby
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; accommodations available upon request
- Important info: Registration is required through a My Hive family account. Projects fill quickly and open for sign-up on the 15th of each month. Families can also join virtual volunteer opportunities anytime through Honeycomb at Home.
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