Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in the community and help out. It’s also a great way to add on to your resume. Finding a place and getting started can be the hardest part. These are some options.

Maybe you had the opportunity to help out at Goodwill during Project Impact or maybe you just enjoy shopping for clothes at a low price, but either way you’re probably familiar with the store. Goodwill has several volunteering opportunities. The steps you need to take are simple and few, starting with filling out their online application and attending a volunteer orientation within 30 days of your application’s submission. After orientation, you can begin volunteering two days after your location has been assigned. Volunteer tasks include pre-sorting donations, facility upkeep, clerical work, special events and special group projects.

Goodwill’s volunteer page can be found at: lincolngoodwill.org/volunteer-opportunities

If you’d like to work in a medical environment and gain experience, Bryan Health, a nonprofit health system, offers many volunteering positions. For college students though, they ask for a minimum commitment of three consecutive months. Bryan Health has wide variety of service areas to volunteer in including clerical, family support, delivery, information, patient support and patient transportation. To volunteer at Bryan Health, you’ll need to fill out their application form, immunization history form, and a parental consent form (if you’re younger than 19).

Bryan Health’s volunteer page can be found at: bryanhealth.com/volunteer/

If you’re interested in the arts and want a more long term position, you could consider applying for the Student LIEDers program at the Lied Center. A commitment is needed to usher for at least six events between the months of September and May. Student volunteers are tasked with greeting patrons, distributing programs and seating patrons, and helping to provide aid in emergency situations. To apply for a volunteer position at the Lied Center, you’ll need to submit an application and attend orientation in August if accepted.

The Lied Center’s volunteer page can be found at: liedcenter.org/support/volunteer

Not all volunteer opportunities involve working with people. The Cat House is an adoption facility and no-kill shelter for Lincoln cats. It was started in 1998 and since then they have made provided a home for cats until they can can be adopted, no matter how long that may take. Volunteer tasks include taking care of the cats, facility cleaning and maintenance, transportation, and much more. Volunteers can work at the shelter, or even do some work for home as well. To volunteer at The Cat House, you’ll have to fill out an application online, or contact them by phone or email.

The Cat House’s volunteer page can be found at: thecathouse.org/volunteer/

Amanda McCarter is a junior studying biomedical science.

Volunteer Opportunities in Lincoln

Questions or comments?