How important are volunteers?
In fiscal year 2026, more than 1,200 volunteers provided over 10,410 hours of service to our agency. That time is valued at $291,481.59 and represents thousands of moments of hope, compassion, and support for our neighbors. We literally couldn’t do the work we do, without our volunteers.
Sign Up Today
-
Step 1: Submit a volunteer application
-
Step 2: Meet with the volunteer coordinator
-
Step 3: Match with meaningful work
-
Step 4: Background check (if applicable)
-
Step 5: Volunteer Orientation
-
Step 6: Have fun volunteering at Catholic Charities!
It may seem like a lot of steps, but usually you breeze through them in 2-4 days. We can’t wait to meet you!
Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you have a few hours or a whole week, your time makes a big difference in our community.
The Market
At The Market, volunteers unload trucks, stock shelves, sort donations, bag groceries, and help neighbors find the items they need. They also assist with pushing carts of groceries to vehicles and creating a welcoming environment. As our kitchen program grows, volunteers will have opportunities to help prepare and serve warm meals.
Time Commitment: Weekly/Bi-weekly/Monthly
Age Requirement: 14 unless accompanied by parent or guardian
Location(s): Kansas City office
Drive for Us
Community partners donate food or supplies that need picked up and delivered to the Market. Drivers assist with loading and unloading food in compliance with food safety requirements and assist with clean up. Driving to our St. Joseph office is also sometimes needed.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: Weekly/Bi-weekly/Monthly
Age Requirement: 21
Location(s): Kansas City office
Blessings Abound Thrift Store
At the Thrift Store, you can sort donated items, repair or improve donations, assist customers, merchandise donated items on sales floor, clean store and serve as cashier.
Shifts: Varies (minimum 1-hour shift). Monday - Saturday from 8am to 6pm
Time Commitment: One time/Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: Minor volunteers must have their parents sign the online volunteer waiver when creating an account. Volunteers under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Blessings Abound Thrift Store 13637 Washington Street, Kansas City, MO 64145
Receptionist
Our volunteer receptionists are the smiling faces and backbone of the agency! They comfort and support those who walk through our doors, who often come to us in crises. This support role will answer calls, take messages, communicate between clients and case workers and be a positive face to greet and help others.
Shifts: Call for available times.
Time Commitment: Weekly/Bi-Weekly
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Kansas City, Rockhurst, and St. Joseph offices
Maintenance/Grounds
Catholic Charities moved into a new location in the fall of 2024 and also have a property in St. Joseph. We need assistance with renovations and the basic upkeep of our building and the grounds. Depending on your skill set and interests, we have plenty of opportunities to assist with lawnmowing/landscaping electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, carpentry and general maintenance.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: One time/Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 14. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Kansas City and St. Joseph offices
Eyeglass Mission
Sorting and cleaning and distributing eyeglasses during prep sessions. Supporting the clinicians during the clinics where clients come and get their eyes tested and fitted for glasses!
Shifts: Varies (minimum 2-hour shift)
Time Commitment: As needed
Age Requirement: 14. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Kansas City and St. Joseph offices
Workforce Development
Work with groups and individuals assisting clients in creating resumes, job interview preparation, job search help and advice for job seekers.
Shifts: Varies, Monday – Thursday (minimum 2-hour shift)
Time Commitment: Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Kansas City and St. Joseph offices
Volunteer Services
Help the volunteer team do their best to provide the agency with meaningful opportunities for the community to volunteer. You may find yourself doing a variety of tasks like data entry, assisting with events, recruiting volunteers, community events and agency activities.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Kansas City and St. Joseph offices
Marketing Department Assistant
You can help film/photograph events, help give out marketing collateral and keep it up to date, data entry or other marketing tasks.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: One time/ Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Kansas City office
Hope Ball
Each winter our agency hosts the Hope Ball, an enchanting and fun evening that raises funds to support our agency and the clients we serve. There are many ways to get involved such as event setup and decorations, guest services and check in, program entertainment, logistics and program coordination, clean up and breakdown.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: As needed
Age Requirement: 14. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Varies
Driving for Hope Golf Tournament
Each summer our annual golf tournament is a fun way to get some sunshine and raise funds and awareness for Catholic Charities. You can get involved by working the registration and check-in areas, maintain hospitality areas (food and drinks), assist with planning, sponsorships, course setup, special activities and contests.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: As needed
Age Requirement: 14. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Varies
Special Events or Projects
We have a variety of needs that pop up every month. These projects can range from painting a newly renovated new home for expectant mothers to writing thank you notes for a special donation, to setting up for a special event. This is the perfect volunteer role for someone who wants to participate but cannot commit to a regular schedule. You will receive emails throughout the year with various opportunities to serve.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: As needed
Age Requirement: 14. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Kansas City, Rockhurst, and St. Joseph offices
Senior Housing
There are various volunteer opportunities at our Senior Housing properties. Spending time with seniors, assisting with technology needs, monthly BINGO, arts and crafts, gardening in the summer, special events and more! Visit residents one-on-one. Play board games or cards, read books or reading scripture (bible study). Celebrate birthdays or holidays with residents. Lead arts and crafts sessions, organize BINGO, trivia, or puzzle games. Help with gardening in community spaces. Help residents use smartphones or tablets and assist with social media or email. Troubleshoot simple technology issues. Decorate for seasonal celebrations and help serve at holiday parties. Seasonal fun like pumpkin decorating or an ice cream social in the summer or winter cookie decorating!
Shifts: varies
Time Commitment: One time/ Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Saint Charles Place 3240 Pear Street, St. Joseph, MO 64503
St. Patrick’s Manor 514 Northland Dr. Cameron, MO 64429
Red Bridge Place 11300 Colorado Ave. Kansas City, MO 64137
Shining Star
Are you interested in making a child’s Christmas just a bit brighter? Each year, we receive thousands of donations of gifts for children who are enrolled in our programs. We use volunteers to help sort and organize the donated gifts to get them ready for pickup.
Shifts: Varies (annually in the fall/winter)
Time Commitment: As needed
Age Requirement: 14. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location(s): Kansas City and St. Joseph offices
Parish Bulletin Tracker
This role involves reviewing parish bulletins on a monthly basis to track the presence of Catholic Charities messaging and to provide brief insights into parish activities. The position includes a monthly check-in with the Parish Outreach Manager to discuss findings and trends. This is an opportunity to see non-profit marketing and learn to create summary reports.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: One time/ Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Kansas City office
Volunteer Cleaning Technician
This role helps maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe environment for clients, visitors, volunteers, and staff. This role supports daily housekeeping tasks in high-traffic areas and common spaces throughout the facility.
Shifts: Varies
Time Commitment: Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly/As needed
Age Requirement: 18
Location(s): Kansas City and St. Joseph offices
Professional Volunteers
Professional Volunteers can often make an especially meaningful impact by volunteering their expertise. If you have a special skill or talent you want to share but is not listed, please contact us.
- • Accounting and bookkeeping
- • Graphic design
- • Photography
- • Videography
- • Web development
- • Information technology support
- • Legal assistance (where appropriate)
- • Grant writing
- • Translation and interpretation
- • Human resources
- • Musical performances
- • Project management
- • Public speaking or training
- • Musical performances
Also consider...
-
Creating Meal Kits
Help bring hope to your neighbors by shopping for ingredients and assembling ready-to-make meal kits.
Learn more for Creating Meal Kits -
Creating Care Kits
Share comfort and support by creating care packages with basic necessities for your neighbors.
Learn More for Creating Care Kits -
Hosting a Food Drive
Invite your friends, family, and community to join you in providing food and support for neighbors facing hardship.
Learn more for Hosting a Food Drive
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot, and together we can do great things. ”