The Best of 2018: Volunteering in and Around Portland, Oregon

Fall has launched us fully into the holiday season. For some, this is a time of fun and excitement. But for many, it remains a season of need. As shoppers are out and about buying gifts and decorations and food for holiday dinners, many families and individuals in the Portland Metro area also are seeking places to serve and volunteer. Although the holiday season draws a lot of volunteers to various organizations, the needs remain year-round. There are many worthy groups to support, so it can be hard for individuals to choose a good fit. With that in mind, we have compiled a guide to the best mentoring and volunteer programs in Portland, Oregon, and surrounding areas.

1. Great Life Mentoring. As part of Columbia River Mental Health Services, this award-winning organization across the river from Portland seeks to match vulnerable children with loving, long-term mentors. Their mentors develop strong bonds with the children they serve, and Great Life Mentoring enjoys tremendous success with its program. With a 98% mentor retention rate, they set the standard for mentoring programs nation-wide but they are right here, near Portland, Oregon. Reach out today to learn how you can join the Great Life Mentoring team.

2. Michelle’s Love. This organization serves single mothers undergoing cancer treatment in and around Portland, Oregon. They seek to provide practical, loving help to moms and their children by providing meals, rent assistance, and house cleaning. By covering these needs, Michelle’s Love provides the moms the opportunity to focus on their treatment and wellness. Volunteers serve by cleaning houses, preparing meals, and collecting financial donations.

3. The Pongo Fund. If pet and animal welfare is your passion, consider The Pongo Fund. This group provides food for pets to alleviate the financial burden for their owners. Many Portland area individuals live with food insecurity, and they share what little they have with their pets. This isn’t healthy for the animals or their owners. The Pongo Fund has a volunteer-run warehouse of pet food for those in need. They also provide mobile veterinary services and assist in getting pets spayed or neutered.

4. Capes and Crowns Foundation. Through their one-of-a-kind no-cost photography sessions, this unique organization brings joy to the lives of children who are experiencing cancer or other serious illnesses and special needs. The Capes and Crowns Inspire sessions capture the children’s personalities and dreams while offering a break from the trauma of treatments and illness. From photographers to hair and makeup stylists to character performers, volunteers fill critical roles for this organization. Started in Portland, Oregon, Capes and Crowns is taking their services on the road in 2018 and 2019 with photo shoots in Seattle, LA, Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, Boston, and New York.

5. JOIN. For those who are passionate about addressing homelessness, serving with JOIN might be the right fit. This successful Portland volunteer program seeks to help those who are homeless transition into permanent housing. This organization strives to be inclusive, flexible, and organically evolving to meet the changing needs of homelessness. They offer outreach and advocacy to help residents in and around Portland, Oregon to secure safe and stable housing. JOIN also serves the homeless through its day center that offers snacks, showers, clothing, a mailing address, and a safe refuge during the day. The day center and outreach teams would love to talk with you about joining their volunteer efforts.

We all know that need is not limited to the holidays, and if you are looking for a way to volunteer near Portland, OR, we hope this helps guide you toward a worthy organization to connect and serve with during the coming months and years.