Needs From: United Way of West Tennessee's Volunteer Hub

The READ Team began in 2014 and currently serves three Jackson-Madison County schools: Alexander, Arlington, and Lincoln.

The program pairs volunteer coaches with second grade students to help improve their sight word recognition. On average, students participating with The READ Team increase their sight word recognition by 290% in just one school year.

Alexander/JCM Elementary on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 

READ Team coaches have the flexibility to volunteer one day each week or both scheduled days at their assigned school. The program runs from September through April and follows the participating schools' calendar, observing the same holidays and school breaks as students.

Each Read Team Coach is required to attend a mandatory orientation or refresher (returning coaches) with our Head Coaches. 

CASA volunteers serve as trained advocates for children involved in the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Volunteers build supportive relationships with children, gather information from families and professionals, monitor case progress, and provide informed recommendations to the court to help ensure each child’s best interests, safety, and permanency needs are met.

The READ Team began in 2014 and currently serves three Jackson-Madison County schools: Alexander, Arlington, and Lincoln.

The program pairs volunteer coaches with second grade students to help improve their sight word recognition. On average, students participating in The READ Team increase their sight word recognition by 290% in just one school year.

Lincoln Elementary on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45-9:45

READ Team coaches have the flexibility to volunteer one day each week or both scheduled days at their assigned school. The program runs from September through April and follows the participating schools' calendar, observing the same holidays and school breaks as students.

Each Read Team Coach is required to attend a mandatory orientation or refresher (returning coaches) with our Head Coaches. 

Organization: Southwest Tennessee Development District Office of Aging and Disability (SWTDD)

A simple meal can mean so much more than food—it can provide comfort, connection, and peace of mind to a senior living independently. Join our team of Home-Delivered Meal Drivers and help ensure older adults in Madison County receive nutritious meals along with a friendly face each week.

We're looking for individuals who are:

Your weekly delivery is about more than a meal. For many seniors, your visit may be the only personal interaction they have that day. By volunteering, you'll help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected while providing reassurance that someone in the community cares.

One hour. One route. A lasting impact. Join us in delivering nourishment, independence, and hope to seniors throughout Madison County.

The READ Team began in 2014 and currently serves three Jackson-Madison County schools: Alexander, Arlington, and Lincoln.

The program pairs volunteer coaches with second grade students to help improve their sight word recognition. On average, students participating in The READ Team increase their sight word recognition by 290% in just one school year.

Arlington Elementary on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:40-10:40

READ Team coaches have the flexibility to volunteer one day each week or both scheduled days at their assigned school. The program runs from September through April and follows the participating schools' calendar, observing the same holidays and school breaks as students.

Each Read Team Coach is required to attend a mandatory orientation or refresher (returning coaches) with our Head Coaches. 

Join the Red Cross volunteer team to help communities during disasters such as: Home Fires, Tornadoes or Flooding.

Every day, people are forced from their home due to fires, storms or other disasters. You will work as part of an assigned team to provide immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster. Training is free, but the hope you bring is priceless.

Please note all volunteers must pass a background check for theft and violence.

Join Us! Apply at: www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Or Email GiveTime@redcross.org with questions.

Join the Red Cross volunteer team to help communities during disasters such as: Home Fires, Tornadoes or Flooding.

Every day, people are forced from their home due to fires, storms or other disasters. You will work as part of an assigned team to provide immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster. Training is free, but the hope you bring is priceless.

Please note all volunteers must pass a background check for theft and violence.

Join Us! Apply at: www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Or Email GiveTime@redcross.org with questions.

Join the Red Cross volunteer team to help communities during disasters such as: Home Fires, Tornadoes or Flooding.

Every day, people are forced from their home due to fires, storms or other disasters. You will work as part of an assigned team to provide immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster. Training is free, but the hope you bring is priceless.

Please note all volunteers must pass a background check for theft and violence.

Join Us! Apply at: www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Or Email GiveTime@redcross.org with questions.

Join the Red Cross volunteer team to help communities during disasters such as: Home Fires, Tornadoes or Flooding.

Every day, people are forced from their home due to fires, storms or other disasters. You will work as part of an assigned team to provide immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster. Training is free, but the hope you bring is priceless.

Please note all volunteers must pass a background check for theft and violence.

Join Us! Apply at: www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Or Email GiveTime@redcross.org with questions.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

Disasters are happening more often and hitting harder, which means the need for trained volunteers is more important than ever. If you've ever thought about stepping up and supporting Red Cross shelters, whether here in Tennessee or across the country, now’s the perfect time to get ready.

Volunteer now to be a shelter hero!

Here's what you'll do:

Qualifications:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve those in need.

The READ Team began in 2014 and currently serves in six Jackson-Madison County schools: Alexander, Andrew Jackson, Arlington, Isaac Lane, Lincoln, and Rose Hill. The program pairs volunteer coaches with second grade students to help improve their sight word recognition. On average, students participating in the The READ Team increase their sight word recognition by 290% in just one school year.

Coaches can choose to come once a week or to both of their days at their schools. The Read Team operates from September to mid-December and mid-January to April.

Are you a talented photographer with your own camera looking for a chance to practice your craft, give back to your community, and build your portfolio? We are seeking volunteer photographers to capture moments at United Way programs and/or events in multiple counties across West TN (mainly in Madison County).

This role is perfect for:

Responsibilities:

Requirements:

Benefits: 

We arelooking for volunteers who can pull the WOW Wagon to local neighborhoods and schools within our service area.

Drivers must be at least 18yrs old, provide their own vehicle with insurance, and consent to a background check.

Please note the background check process will take between 2-3 business days. We will reach out to you with those results and next steps. 

We need volunteers to help with set up, clean up, and day-of operations for the STAR Center's Dancing with the STARS fundraising event. You can volunteer for any combination of times during the week of the event. We will be setting up from 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and clean up will take place on Friday from 8 am to 12 pm.

Make a meaningful impact in your community by helping ensure local seniors have access to nutritious food!

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate volunteers to assist with our monthly food distribution in partnership with the Mid-South Food Bank. Volunteers play a vital role in helping us efficiently unload, organize, and prepare food for distribution to seniors in our community.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Schedule:
Every third Thursday of the month
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

What to Expect:
This is a hands-on, active opportunity that may involve light to moderate lifting, standing, and working as part of a team. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and willing to jump in where needed

Bingo & Popcorn with the Dyer County Office on Aging!

Looking for a fun and easy way to give back? Join us on Tuesdays from 10–11am at the Dyer County Office on Aging!

Volunteers will:

It’s a simple way to brighten someone’s day, share a laugh, and connect with our seniors. Just one hour makes a big difference!

Come for the service, stay for the smiles.

We are looking for volunteers who will influence the everyday life of a Club member through our three pillars of programming-Academic Success, Character and Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles. To continue to offer our youth the support and tools they need, we need passionate, engaging, high-energy, self-starter, fun, and ready to help our youth learn and grow volunteers like you. Popular areas include Homework Assistance, Science, The Arts, Sports & Recreation, Chef Club, Technology, and Education. Operating hours for the school year are 3:00-6:30 p.m., and Summer-9:00- a.m. 5:00 p.m.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service. 

Just 1 hour a week can make a life-changing difference for a student who needs extra support and one-on-one encouragement.

As a volunteer, you’ll help students:

Volunteer Details

Location: 1503 Osborne, Humboldt, TN 38343

Evenings, just one hour per week

Ages 16+ welcome

Background check provided at no cost to you

When you show up for a student, you show them what’s possible. ❤️

Sign up today and be the reason a student succeeds!

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

Boys and Girls Club of Jackson is looking for caring and committed tutors to help youth build confidence and succeed in Math and English. Just 4 hours per week can open doors of opportunity for a student who needs your support.

As a tutor, you’ll help students:

Volunteer Details

Locations:

Time: Weekdays, 2:30–4:30 PM

Requirement: Must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. 

Ongoing need, you can make a lasting impact!

Be the support that keeps a student moving forward.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

Just one hour a week can make a meaningful difference for a student who needs extra support, encouragement, and dedicated one-on-one time.

Volunteers will help youth strengthen essential skills in reading, reading comprehension, writing, cursive writing, and math, building both academic growth and personal confidence. By serving as a reading or math tutor, you’ll play a direct role in improving grades, increasing school engagement, enhancing social and emotional well-being, and supporting long-term life and career readiness skills.

Volunteer Details

Location: 119 Riverside Dr

Time Commitment: Evenings, one hour per week (4:30–5:30 PM, one day/week)

Volunteers Needed: 3

Ages: 16+ welcome

Background Check: Required, and fully covered by the organization

When you invest an hour in a student, you help open doors to their future—and show them what’s truly possible.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

Just a small commitment of time can create a lasting impact in the life of a young person. Volunteers with Team 4 Success provide encouragement, guidance, and meaningful support that helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether you’re mentoring, tutoring, or assisting with enrichment activities, you’ll help youth build confidence, strengthen essential life skills, and discover their potential in a supportive, positive environment.

Volunteers may also use creative talents—such as photography, videography, or social media—to help capture and share powerful moments that highlight student growth and program impact.

Volunteer Details

Location: Tiptonville, TN Time

Commitment: Flexible scheduling; program hours are typically 3:00–6:00 PM

Volunteers Needed: Multiple (ongoing and project-based opportunities available)

Ages: 18+

Background Check: Required (cost covered by the organization)

When you invest your time with Team 4 Success, you’re not just volunteering—you’re helping shape brighter futures and showing students what’s possible when someone believes in them.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

Just one hour a week can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. By volunteering with Child Evangelism Fellowship, you’ll provide encouragement, positive mentorship, and a safe space where elementary students feel seen, valued, and supported. Volunteers help children strengthen reading and listening skills through Bible reading, memory verses, and interactive activities—while also building confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Whether you’re leading a lesson, helping with activities, or simply offering encouragement, your presence helps students grow academically, socially, and spiritually—setting the foundation for lifelong character, school engagement, and community involvement.

Volunteer Details

Location: Madison County elementary schools & Boys & Girls Club of Humboldt

Time Commitment: One hour per week, weekdays (typically 4:00–5:00 PM)

Volunteers Needed: 15

Ages:

Good News Club volunteers: 18+

CYIA youth volunteers: Mature ages 13 through early college

Background Check: Required and fully covered by the organization

When you invest just one hour a week, you help shape a child’s confidence, character, and future—and show them they are deeply valued.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

Just a small amount of your time can create a meaningful moment for a child who needs extra care, encouragement, and inclusion. By volunteering with the Levi Miles Foundation, you’ll help children with disabilities and rare diseases feel supported, celebrated, and truly included in their community. Whether you’re assisting one-on-one at a kids camp, helping during a special event, or supporting a fundraiser, your presence brings joy, confidence, and connection to children and families.

Volunteers play an essential role in fostering social and emotional well-being while helping children build life skills such as communication, self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Every smile, interaction, and act of support helps create a more inclusive community where every child belongs.

Volunteer Details

Location: Community sites throughout West Tennessee

Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per quarter

Schedule: Weekends and flexible opportunities available

Volunteers Needed: Ongoing, 10 individuals

Ages: Most opportunities open to various ages

Fundraising event volunteers must be 21+

Background Check: Required (volunteer responsible for cost)

When you give just a little of your time, you help open doors to confidence, connection, and possibility for children and families—and help build a more compassionate, inclusive community for all.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

The Southwest Human Resource Agency's Head Start is dedicated to empowering families and fostering school readiness by providing comprehensive preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-old children. Their mission goes beyond education, they strive to equip families with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve lasting success.

We’re seeking passionate volunteers (ages 16 and up) to join us in a variety of roles including classroom support, campus assistance, professional services, recruitment, and committee participation.

Volunteers play a vital role in enriching children’s learning experiences through one-on-one interaction, reading aloud, and helping us extend our services to more families.

Opportunities are available across 25 sites in West Tennessee, with flexible weekday morning schedules and free training provided.

Whether you can give an hour or more, your time can make a lasting difference in a child’s future.

This opportunity requires a commitment from January- February 2026 through May 2026, as volunteer input is essential to supporting student achievement. Participants will receive a Volunteer Kit prior to beginning service.

Join us for a one-time volunteer project at the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson and help create a cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming space for local youth!

Volunteer Activities May Include:

Whether you have a green thumb or just want to lend a hand, your time matters, even for just a few hours!

Interested? Email: llopes@unitedway.tn.org

We’ll share upcoming dates and project details!

Together, we can help kids feel proud of the place they learn, grow, and dream big.

Serve with the Salvation Army of Dyer County

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? The Salvation Army of Dyer County has weekly opportunities for you to make a difference!

Kitchen Volunteers

Monday – Thursday | 5 AM – 1 PM

Help prepare and serve meals that nourish both body and spirit.

Thrift Store Volunteers

Tuesday & Thursday |  9 AM – 1 PM

Wednesday | 9 AM – 3 PM

Assist with organizing, stocking, and serving shoppers—all while supporting vital community programs.

Whether you lend a hand in the kitchen or the store, your time brings hope and kindness to those who need it most.

*For agencies, not volunteer opportunity for individuals* 

VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) brings together local agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups to coordinate disaster resiliency, response, and recovery efforts. By joining VOAD, your organization becomes part of a unified network committed to meeting community needs quickly and effectively when disasters occur.

Why Partner with VOAD?

Who Should Join?

Nonprofits, faith-based organizations, civic groups, government partners, and any agency that provides services related to disaster relief, community support, or emergency preparedness.

If your organization is looking to make a greater collective impact during times of crisis, partnering with VOAD is a powerful way to strengthen resilience in our community. Let’s work together to ensure we’re ready—before, during, and after disaster strikes.

VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) brings together organizations across the community to strengthen disaster resiliency, response, and recovery efforts.

When disasters strike, VOAD coordinates the response among partner agencies to ensure needs are met efficiently and effectively.

What Volunteers Do:

Training:

All volunteers will be trained by VOAD partner agencies to ensure they are equipped and prepared for deployment during disaster events.

If you're ready to step in when the community needs help most, this is a meaningful way to make a real impact.

Volunteer with the Art Club!

Time Commitment: 2:30–5:30 PM (available Monday-Thursday) 

We’re flexible and happy to work with your schedule! Join us weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, or even just once a semester, every bit of help makes a difference.

Location: Carnegie Center for Arts & History (305 E College St, Jackson, TN 38301) 

Overview

Step into a joyful afternoon of creativity, connection, and community! As an Art Club volunteer, you’ll experience a day in the life of our Dreamers and Makers, helping young artists (6th-8th graders) explore their imaginations in the studio and then sharing a warm, family-style dinner together.

You’ll be an extra set of eyes, hands, and heart- encouraging students, helping prep materials, guiding kitchen safety, and enjoying meaningful conversations over a home-cooked meal.

What You’ll Do

We’re Looking for Volunteers Who Are:

We Provide:

Link here to sign up: Contact Us | Dreamers and Makers

Help Fight Hunger at the Douglass Community Center!

The Douglass Community Center is looking for caring volunteers to help distribute food from the Mid-South Food Bank on the second Friday of each month.

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a direct impact in your community and connect with neighbors in need.

Next Distribution:

Friday, November 14

Volunteers arrive by 8:00 a.m.

Distribution typically wraps up by 12:00 p.m.

Come lend a hand, share a smile, and be part of something meaningful. Every box of food you help distribute makes a real difference!

Volunteers are needed to support the Weakley County Backpack Program, which provides nutritious weekend meals to students who may otherwise go hungry. Each Friday, food bags are placed discreetly into the backpacks of children from kindergarten through 12th grade,  including siblings at home, to help ensure they have enough to eat.

How You Can Get Involved

1st Tuesday of every month

12:00 PM

Dresden First Baptist Church — Family Life Center

All helping hands are welcome, individuals, families, civic groups, and local businesses!

What volunteers do:

❤️ Why Your Help Matters Even in a prosperous country, many children in our own community face food insecurity.

The Backpack Program is 100% volunteer-run and completely funded by private donations, which means your time and support directly help fill empty plates and hungry hearts.

Just one hour a month can make a HUGE impact. Together, we can ensure no child in Weakley County goes hungry.

When challenges like the government shutdown or the pausing of SNAP benefits impact our community, we have the power to step up and support one another.

We’re currently assessing where help is needed most and are building a list of volunteers interested in assisting with local food support efforts.

By signing up for this need, you’ll be added to our list to hear about opportunities to serve and make a difference.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisbon Lopes at llopes@unitedway.tn.org.