Help local first responders prepare for real-world emergencies by serving as a mock disaster victim. Volunteers are needed to bring the scenario to life during an upcoming CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. Costumes, makeup, and chaos provided.

⏳ Sign-up details coming soon - check back regularly! 

Partnering with the West Chicago Public Library, NHS members can join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and play an active role in shaping teen programming and library services throughout the year. This is a leadership-focused, ongoing opportunity ideal for students looking to make a consistent impact in the community.

Volunteer activities include:

• Attending monthly TAB meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.

• Contributing projects and kits for teen programs, displays, and events

• Assisting with preparation and execution of library events

How to get involved:
Visit the library's Teen Services webpage to access the application. TAB is open to students in grades 6–12, including those residing in Carol Stream and Winfield.

📍 Location: West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
⏰ Time: Monthly weekday meetings (Sept–May); each meeting earns 1 hour of service
👉 Learn more or apply here: https://wcpld.info/young-adult/tab

Held on the third Saturday of each month, Breakfast with Baby is a faith-based ministry serving local families with children under 3. Volunteers help serve food, assist guests, supervise play areas, and distribute essential baby items.

📍 Location: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1244 W Army Trail Rd, Carol Stream
⏰ Time: 7:00–10:00 a.m. (some shifts vary)

👉 Sign up for the next event here: https://www.oursavior.com/Volunteer

Support our neighbors in need by volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Students help sort, pack, and distribute food across the region — no experience necessary, just a willingness to serve!

📍 Location: 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134
⏰ Time: You choose the shift!

👉 Sign up for the next event here: https://www.volunteer-northernilfoodbank.org/

Partnering with Almost Home Foundation, an all‑volunteer, no‑kill animal rescue group in Elk Grove Village, NHS members can assist with animal care, adoption events, and sanctuary upkeep.

Volunteer options include:

• Dog walking and handling at the kennel

• Cat socializing, feeding, and cleaning at PetSmart adoption center

• Administrative support, data entry, mailings, event coordination

• Facility maintenance and cleaning

How to get involved:
Fill out the volunteer application on the Almost Home Foundation website, and you’ll be contacted when roles become available. Note: Because their kennel is under renovation, selected students may be placed on a waitlist.

📍 Location:162 S Gary Ave, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
⏰ Time: Shifts vary, but are two-hours long

👉 Sign up to volunteer here: https://almosthomefoundation.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-application/

Help provide groceries to families in need through Neighborhood Food Pantries. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, stocking shelves, and helping guests during pantry hours. Friendly faces and kind hearts always welcome.

📍 Locations:

• West Chicago Pantry (123 Fremont St) – Multiple weekday and Saturday shifts available
  
  

• Carol Stream Pantry (Lutheran Church of the Master) – Tuesday, Thursday, and 2nd/4th Friday shifts available

⏰ Time: Shifts vary by location – check the calendar!
📝 Start here by completing the volunteer application: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/14427561
👉 Learn more or sign up here: https://neighborhoodfp.org/volunteer

The Teen Volunteer Program at the Carol Stream Public Library is open to high school students (grades 9–12) who want to support their community while earning service hours. Volunteers assist with library programs, special events, and other tasks that keep the library running smoothly.

To get started, students must complete an application and attend an orientation session. Please note: service hours are given at the discretion of library staff, and court-mandated service is not accepted.

📍 Location: 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
⏰ Time: Varies based on library needs and volunteer availability
👉 Apply to volunteer here: https://www.cslibrary.org/teens/volunteering

Support global health initiatives by volunteering with Project C.U.R.E., an international nonprofit that delivers life-saving medical supplies to developing countries. NHS members can help sort, pack, and prepare donated medical equipment for shipment to communities in need.

Volunteer options include:

• Sorting and packaging medical supplies in the warehouse

• Preparing shipping containers for international delivery

• Light equipment maintenance (no experience required!)

📍 Location: 10305 Argonne Drive, Suite 200, Woodridge, IL 60517 (just 20-25 minutes from the high school!)
⏰ Time: Shifts typically available Monday–Friday (9 a.m.–12 p.m. / 12–3 p.m.) and Thursday evenings (5:30–7:30 p.m.)
👉 Sign up to volunteer here: https://projectcure.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/Chicago#_

Make a lasting impact through Anderson Humane, where dedicated volunteers help care for cats and dogs, support shelter and wildlife operations, and assist at adoption events and clinics. This opportunity requires more commitment than most—but offers equally meaningful rewards.

Volunteer options include:

• Cat Care: Feed, clean, socialize, and care for cats at various locations including South Elgin and Geneva Petco.

• Dog Care: Walk, socialize, and reinforce basic manners with dogs awaiting adoption (South Elgin & Bloomingdale Petco).

• Shelter & Wildlife Support: Assist with dishes, laundry, outdoor weeding, and behind-the-scenes support (Elburn Forest Preserve and other sites).

• Clinic Assistance (18+): Support surgical recovery, cleaning, and vaccine clinics at the South Elgin location.

📌 Note: All volunteers must be at least 16 years old, complete the Virtual Safety & Protocols training, and pay a $35 membership fee, which includes a volunteer t-shirt and name tag. Volunteers must maintain regular activity to keep their membership active. For students using the opportunity for school service hours, a signed agreement from a parent and teacher is required.

📍 Locations: South Elgin, Geneva Petco, Bloomingdale Petco, Algonquin, Elburn Forest Preserve & more
⏰ Time: Shifts vary by location and role
👉 Learn more and apply: https://ahconnects.org/volunteer/

Make a global impact without leaving Illinois. Volunteers at Feed My Starving Children hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children around the world. It’s high-energy, hands-on, and incredibly rewarding.

📍 Location: 555 Exchange Court, Aurora, IL 60504
⏰ Time: You choose the shift!
👉 Sign up for a packing session here: https://www.fmsc.org/volunteer