April is National Volunteer month. Here are five places to give back your time and talents in Columbia.
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri
The Food Bank in Columbia is a member of Feeding America and serves 100,000 people each month across 32 counties in Missouri. Volunteers help package food at the Food Bank or help people shop in the Central Pantry.
Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture
CCUA is a farm in Columbia that grows produce for local food banks and helps people start their own gardens. They also have a Veterans farm which partners with the Truman VA to provide a paid apprenticeship program through the VA’s transitional work program. Volunteers usually help in the gardens and assist with growing food.
City of Refuge is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting refugee and immigrant families in the Columbia community. They offer a basic needs program, school navigation, counseling and professional development. Volunteers help with community events and sorting donations for families.
Second Chance is the largest animal rescue group in mid-Missouri. They match dogs and cats with new homes and help these animals get adopted. Volunteers help with animal care, fostering, fundraising, events and more.
Rainbow House has two main facets. Primarily, the Rainbow House Children’s Emergency Shelter provides temporary housing for children in foster care or experiencing homelessness. The second facet is the Rainbow House Regional Child Advocacy Center which provides advocacy and therapy for children who have experienced abuse. Volunteers assist with office work, meal prep, activities, provide tutoring, organize donations and serve as a mentor for children.