Needs From: Love the 'Ham

We are in need of volunteers to help with maintenance throughout Pride Fest. This position involves picking up trash, checking restrooms to make sure they remain clean, and potentially helping with general tasks that come up, like setting up equipment. Please note that this position requires the ability to walk the festival grounds, stand for long periods of time, bend, and lift objects. Ideally, we would like to schedule volunteers in pairs for two hours shifts so that no one is working alone.

We are in need of volunteers to help set up equipment for the Pride Fest drag show taking place at 8pm on Saturday, September 20. This position requires the ability to walk, stand for long periods, bend, and lift heavy objects.

We are in need of volunteers to help ensure that Pride Fest remains a fun, safe event for all. The safety patrol volunteer position involves walking the grounds and monitoring for any potential issues, such as alcohol in prohibited areas, alcohol consumption by minors, unattended children (during family friendly hours), potential protestors, and general inappropriate behavior (ex. heckling). Volunteers in this position will work in pairs and will alert designated persons of any potential issues; we do NOT ask that volunteers intervene in unsafe situations. Please note that this position requires the ability to walk the grounds and stand for long periods of time.

Emergency Community Safe Room at the Library Basement During Severe Weather

Effingham, IL—The City of Effingham and the Emergency Management Agency will activate an Emergency Community Safe Room during severe weather events. The shelter, located in the basement of the Effingham Public Library, will provide temporary refuge to residents seeking safety from storms or other hazardous weather conditions. Shelter activation will be based on criteria including tornado warnings, dangerous wind speeds, or other hazardous conditions as determined by the National Weather Service and the City’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Once activated, announcements will be made through local radio, TextMyGov, and social media. The emergency sirens will also be sounded to alert residents who are outside to take shelter. Upon arrival, all shelter guests will be asked to sign in and follow posted shelter rules, including no weapons, no alcohol or drugs, and respectful behavior. Families will be kept together, and basic supplies, including water, blankets, and charging stations, will be available. Pets are allowed if leashed or crated.

EMA Reminds You: ALWAYS BE PREPARED! There may not be time to reach a shelter, or it may not be immediately available.

Community volunteers are vital to the shelter’s success. Individuals who wish to volunteer for the City of Effingham Emergency Community Safe Room Operations must sign up before volunteering.

After receiving your application, a background check will be conducted.  After that, you will be notified of upcoming training sessions which will focus on shelter operations and safety protocols.

We need 4-6 volunteers to work as ushers at our Annual Vision Dinner. If you think this is a good fit for you, please resond for more information. 

We need 4-6 volunteers to help us at the registration desk at our annual Vision Dinner. If you think this is something you can help with, please respond for more details. Might require some training.

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Are you a passionate parent who believes in the power of education and wants to help shape the future of Crossroads Montessori School? We're currently seeking a volunteer board member who bring care, curiosity, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to our small nonprofit school community.

As a board member, you’ll:

Attend quarterly board meetings (virtual or in person)

Help with school governance, fundraising, and strategic planning

Support the school’s mission to provide accessible, student-centered Montessori education

Collaborate with other community-minded individuals to guide Crossroads during its inaugural years

We welcome a variety of skills—finance, law, fundraising, education, marketing, community engagement—or simply a thoughtful, grounded voice at the table. You do not need prior board experience to apply. We especially encourage parents and community members who are excited to grow something meaningful from the ground up.

Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings (1.5-2 hours) + optional projects between
Location: Mix of in-person (Effingham) and virtual

Board members undergo a basic background check as part of our volunteer screening process.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved and have a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you!

We welcome volunteers to support our students and school in a variety of ways, including:

Volunteers play a vital role in shaping our students’ educational journey and enriching their learning experiences. Join us in making a lasting impact on the next generation!

All volunteers who work directly with students will be asked to complete a basic background check prior to their first session. We’ll guide you through the quick and easy process when you sign up!

Join us as a Thursday Morning Assistant at Crossroads Montessori School! Our small, multi-age classroom thrives with the help of caring adults who can offer an extra pair of hands. This volunteer opportunity is especially important because our regular morning helper (our director’s mother!) is unavailable on Thursdays.

As a Morning Assistant, you might help with:

Greeting students as they arrive

Supporting work time

Helping students with materials or transitions

Light classroom organization or prep

Occasional reading, art, or nature-based activities

No Montessori experience needed—just a calm, patient presence and a willingness to support children ages 7–17 in a nurturing learning environment.

Located in Effingham at Crossroads Montessori (1901 S 4th St, Suite 215)
Timeframe: 8:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Weekly on Thursdays (volunteer for one day or sign up regularly!)

We’d love to welcome you into our school community!

Support our students by donating snacks, ingredients, or cooking supplies for classroom use! These items help fuel learning, enrich hands-on lessons, and build our food awareness curriculum.

You can sign up to:

Donate fresh fruit, cheese sticks, crackers, or shelf-stable snacks

Drop off ingredients for a planned classroom cooking activity

Bring baking or food prep supplies (e.g., flour, oil, parchment paper)

After signing up, you’ll receive a follow-up email with:

Suggested items based on upcoming needs

Drop-off instructions and preferred timing

Any allergy-related restrictions to be aware of

Whether it’s a one-time donation or part of your regular volunteer hours, we’re grateful for your support!

Join us for our monthly Community Cleaning Day as we care for and refresh the learning environment at Crossroads Montessori!

These work days are a great opportunity to:

Contribute volunteer hours

Support a clean and calming classroom space

Connect with other families and staff in a relaxed setting

Volunteers will help with tasks like vacuuming, wiping shelves, organizing shared areas, and restocking supplies. All cleaning materials will be provided. Feel free to stay for the full time or just as long as you’re able.

These cleaning days are recurring throughout the school year. You’ll be notified of specific dates and times after signing up, or feel free to contact us if there’s a particular month you’d like to help.

We welcome parents, grandparents, high school students, and siblings. Thank you for helping us care for our space!

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30am & 12:30 - 4:00.

Foster families for dogs/cats or puppies/kittens are needed.

We're able to save animals, care for them & place them in loving homes because of generous community members.  

If you are interested in providing a safe, temporary home for dogs/cats or puppies/kittens - contact us today! 

Love cats? You'll enjoy this!

Cat care is very basic and consists of cleaning cages and dishes, giving them clean bowls and new food and water, cleaning out litter boxes, giving medicine when needed, and socializing with them. We would love to take in more cats, but until we get more volunteers, we are not able to do so.   

There is one shift per day, approximately 2 hours beginning around 7:30 or 8am. 

You will never do Dog/Cat Care alone. If you don't partner with someone, you will be paired and it's a great way to spend time with friends and family, meet new people and animals! 

You do not have to have a repetitive time/date - schedule is flexible and communicated over email. 

Application is required.

Love dogs? You'll enjoy this!

First shift dog care consists of cleaning their indoor kennels and the Dog Room, walking each dog, cleaning dishes, feeding them breakfast and giving them new water, giving medicine if needed, and socializing with them.

You will never do Dog/Cat Care alone. If you don't partner with someone, you will be paired and it's a great way to spend time with friends and family, meet new people and animals! 

You do not have to have a repetitive time/date - schedule is flexible and communicated over email. 

Application is required. 

Love dogs? You'll enjoy this!

Second shift dog care consists of cleaning up messes in the indoor kennels and the Dog Room, walking each dog, afternoon meals and water, and socializing with them.

You will never do Dog/Cat Care alone. If you don't partner with someone, you will be paired and it's a great way to spend time with friends and family, meet new people and animals! 

You do not have to have a repetitive time/date - schedule is flexible and communicated over email. 

Application is required. 

Love dogs? You'll enjoy this!

The Late shift dog care consists of Tuck-In, which is very basic, and cleans up any messes and takes them out to their kennels to do their business and brings them back in to get ready for bed.

You will never do Dog/Cat Care alone. If you don't partner with someone, you will be paired and it's a great way to spend time with friends and family, meet new people and animals! 

You do not have to have a repetitive time/date - schedule is flexible and communicated over email. 

Application is required. 

Are you looking for a deeply meaningful and rewarding service opportunity to impact children in your own community?

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer whose role is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Effingham County Court System.

We are in need of engaged community members, like you, to be a volunteer advocate for our children! Volunteers complete a 30-hour online guided learning from the comfort of home to learn their role and skills needed. You do not have to have any prior experience in child welfare or court systems. We will teach you everything that you need to know. We only ask that you be willing to make a commitment of 5-7 hours a month and stay with your appointed child(ren) until they reach a safe, loving and permanent home. 

Learn more and fill out an application here: Volunteer : How To Help : CASA for Children

Questions? Respond Below and a representative will reach out to you!

Qualifications:

 Age 21 or older
 Possess emotional maturity, stability, and common sense
 Be objective and flexible
 Exhibit self-assurance and assertiveness
 Be able to keep information confidential
 Have the ability to interview, observe, listen, and analyze written material
 Be able to write clearly and concisely
 Have the ability to make decisions and set goals
 Be willing to commit to the program for a minimum of 18 months
 Ability to submit and pass a background screening and fingerprint process
 Have computer and internet access and knowledge

Responsibilities:
1. Gather information about the case
- Interview the child and all relevant parties to the case.
- Review appropriate records and reports – DCFS, schools, health care, etc.
- Participate in case conferences concerning the child
- Observe the child and significant others

2. Report findings to the Court:
- Provide a written report containing factual information
- Provide the Court with as clear a statement as possible to what is in the child’s best
interest. Consider available placement alternatives for the child including, but
not limited to, relatives, foster care, and group homes
- Reports are submitted directly to immediate Supervisor in a timely manner.

3. Ensure representation of child’s best interest:
- Attend all Court proceedings to see that all relevant facts are presented (every 3-6 months)
- Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
- Attend ACR’s (administrative case review), IEP’s (individual education plan), and any
other meetings regarding the child/ren (annually)
- Continue contact with the child (monthly), family, or others to monitor progress.

4. Complete training:
-Complete 30 hours of virtual pre-service training sessions (done on your own schedule)
- Complete12 hours of in-service training per year (books, movies, podcasts, trainings etc. that are relevant to foster care)

5. Consult with the CASA office:
- Review the case plan and set goals
- Discuss preliminary findings
- Review progress in the case
- Review court report
- Consistent contact with Supervisor

6. Submit volunteer information monthly:
- Log volunteer service hours/contact logs via Optima online platform
- Log in-service hours (continuing education) via Optima online platform

We are always looking for new volunteers!

We have volunteers opportunities to work one-on-one and group with clients, childcare, special events, facilitating group classes, clerical assistance. You can volunteer weekly, monthly or as needed. 

Please respond and a representative will reach out to you! 

We are always looking for new volunteers! We have several departments that we can always use more help in. If you would like to volunteer, respond and a representative will contact you to submit a volunteer application and set you up in a department that interests you!

Long-distance trips with passengers are available for collection and distribution in locations 15 minutes to 2 hours away. The typical event duration is 2 - 6 hours per trip. 

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30am & 12:30 - 4:00.

Local and long-distance trips with passengers are available for collection and distribution in locations 15 minutes to 2 hours away. The typical event duration is 2 hours per trip. 

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30am & 12:30 - 4:00.

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30am & 12:30 - 4:00. Must be able to lift up to 30lbs.

As an indirect service volunteer, you can help with fundraisers and events, and any other opportunity that does not directly interact with survivors or their families. Anyone can be an indirect volunteer! Respond to speak with a representative for current opportunities and to share your interests.

General light construction, painting, repairs, etc.

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

General light cleaning, wipe down baseboards, wash windows, clean cat trees, etc.

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

Love cats? Here's the purrfect job for you! Spend an hour or more brushing, socializing, and caring for around 100 cats here at Jim's Corner Cattery!

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

Local trips for spay runs or medicine pick-ups in Effingham, or litter runs to Newton or Shelbyville. SUV or Truck required for spay or litter runs.

Scheduled is as needed - requests are usually scheduled one week in advance.

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

Handy with arts & crafts? Have a heart for feral cats? Please help us help them by making cat homes from your home or workshop.

Instructions are provided. Homes are made from 13-gallon totes, straw, and styrofoam coolers (we provide). Construct at your convenience at any time.

Are you a natural at spreading news, influencing your followers, crafting creative messages, videos, or graphics? Let's work together to share what's happening at Jim's Corner Cattery! 

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

Are you passionate about events and eager to help a great cause? Do you find satisfaction in contributing your time, effort, and/or money to support the facility and its nearly 100 resident cats?

Help plan and volunteer at large initiatives or host your own! Have a bake sale, plant sale, yard sale, or lemonade stand with proceeds going to support Jim's Corner Cattery. 

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

Write grants to secure funds for our privately funded 501(c)3 organization. 

Volunteer Application, Social Media Release, and Waiver of Release & Liability forms required.

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30am & 12:30-4pm

Counter Help is a light-duty physical position.

Do you love helping out where it's most needed?

Volunteers get to help out with whatever is needed, from filing, cleaning, scanning, and other projects happening at the time. Respond to explore opportunities and lend a helping hand to a valuable asset in our community that provides a global impact. 

After initial training, hours are flexible during library hours Mon-Thur 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-6pm, and Sat 9am-1pm.

Do you love details, organization, and a worthwhile project to invest your time and energy?

Volunteers get to help continue the work of scanning, storing, and organizing records and information for generations to come. 

After initial training, hours are flexible during library hours Mon-Thur 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-6pm, and Sat 9am-1pm.

Does history, searching, investigating, and coming upon clues and treasures thrill you? 

Volunteers get to help research, add to the volumes of records, and share what they’ve learned from requests submitted.

Training provided. 

Prepare supplies for crafts, supervise students during naturalist-led trail walks and supervise students in the exhibit room, read to students, assist students during craft activities, etc.

PAVE's Festivals and Events Action Team is working to make Effingham County more connected in the sense of knowing what's going on throughout the county on any given day. There is already so much going on that they want to highlight those events and better promote the county. The Action Team is also working on their first "Countdown to Christmas" which would be an advent calendar for Effingham County. This idea is in the beginning stages, but Action Team members are excited about a new way to get people out into the community and visit our local shops!

Zoom is always an option.

PAVE's Childcare Action Team utilizes the Childcare Research Committee, which will be folding into this Action Team next month. The Childcare Research Committee has worked with childcare facilities to provide gap scholarships as well as conduct increased capacity programs. This Action Team realizes how large of a concern childcare is in Effingham County as well as the state and nation. If you are interested in joining this Action Team, please reach out! Zoom is always an option.

PAVE's Housing Action Team is currently working to address the housing need in Effingham County. With collaboration from Effingham County, the City of Effingham, and Lake Land College, the Action Team is analyzing housing in the past in order to better prepare for the future. If housing is an interest for you, we'd love to have you on this Action Team! Zoom is always an option.

PAVE's Workforce and Education Action Team is currently working on coordinating with the Effingham Parks District on a summer camp weeks that highlight woodworking and robotics, working with Lake Land College to assess the need for GED and ESL students, and is also working towards a voucher program for interview attire. The Workforce and Education Action Team is one of PAVE's most active groups and is doing great things! This Action Team meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 10 am. Zoom is always an option.

The Parks & Recreation Action Team is currently supporting the Evergreen Bark Park, the skate park, and the new sports complex. They meet monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 am where they discuss projects, fundraising, and other PAVE matters. There is always a Zoom option.

Volunteer position to champion Dementia Awareness in Effingham County - possible opportunities would include speaking to groups and organizations in the community to increase awareness of dementia versus normal aging.  Help caregivers communicate better with people living with dementia and increase awareness of assistance that is available.  Training is provided.  Hours vary.

Activity Level: Low-Moderate

Time Commitment: Drop-in as desired; May-October

Person Power: Age 13-Adult / All Experience Levels

Help keep our grounds beautiful! Volunteers help grow and maintain plants. With staff supervision, prepare planting beds, plant, weed, prune and deadhead, water, and harvest. Training and tools provided.

Activity Level: Moderate-High

Time Commitment: Two visits/month

Person Power: Age 13-Adult / All Experience Levels

Volunteers help carry out annual trail maintenance in late spring and summer to prepare the trails for hikers. The work involves cutting trees that have fallen across the trail and maintaining and improving water diversions to prevent erosion. Great for couples and families. Training, safety gear, and tools provided.

Activity Level: Moderate-High

Time Commitment: As Needed

Person Power: Age 13-Adult / All Experience Levels

Workdays are announced as needed for specific tasks like painting, building, clean-up, etc. Training and tools provided.

Maintenance workers make sure any mechanical devices in the Museum are in working order.

Monitor and maintain trails, construct footbridges and benches, trim trees, mow grass, etc.

All volunteers must complete a Background Check, TB Test, and Physical.

Training is provided.

Are you a natural at software and love working with computers?  Then, work with the Love the 'Ham team by assisting with setting up and managing organizations/agencies' online profiles and needs on the Love the 'Ham platform.  You will work directly with the agency representatives to tailor their profiles and needs to their requirements.

*Agencies requesting assistance will be referred as needed

Do you love social media, photography, reporting, meeting people, and seeing life-change first-hand?  Work with the Love the 'Ham team by promoting and recording success stories of events and organizations' work throughout Effingham County.  You can inspire others to get involved by sharing stories/photos/videos of what's happening and providing updates of our partner agencies.

Often there is need to restore artifacts to their original condition or appearance.

Creates displays and exhibits.

Teach a skill—Whether you have one hour or more, you can share your skills! Teach a one-time workshop or series or start a limited-time special interest club in an area like sailing, knitting, fishing, and more!

Help with Projects—Serve as an advisor or mentor to a 4-H member regarding project work. Help them set goals and create plans to complete their projects!

Share Your Experiences—Become a guest speaker or short-term instructor and share your experiences. Talk about your career path, share your educational path, or share how you got where you are today.

Judge Projects - Serve as a judge for 4-H exhibits, competitions, or performances, providing encouragement and ways to improve.

Use Your Tech Skills! Help develop curriculum or project sheets, help create marketing tools, graphic design, social media, and more. Whatever skills you have, we'd love to put them to use!

Help with Programs - Volunteer at 4-H programs like after-school, summer, camps, or meetings. Help with one meeting or program, or help for a season -- whatever fits your schedule!

Open the Visitor Center, greet visitors, answer the phone, and complete miscellaneous assignments.

Docents are volunteer educators who serve in three distinct capacities: 

Regular hours docent - Special Events docent - Substitute docent

All docents share their knowledge of local heritage.

Greeters provide a friendly welcome to Museum visitors during regular hours or during special events.

Clerical work involves entering data into the computer, especially maintaining membership information.

Supervise rooms during special events.

Volunteers make sure everything is clean and sanitary.

Performs data entry regarding artifacts.

EARS is in need of an adoption coordinator to assist in placing foster dogs/puppies or cats/kittens with their "fur-ever" families.

If you are interested, email ears2urescue@gmail.com to learn more.

Help with the annual banquet and other fundraising ideas, grant writing, etc.

Serve on a Board! Sit on a local advisory or governing board. Advise on program priorities and growth strategies to help shape the program's future.

Help lead a club - Help make it a great club experience by assisting a leader with organizing meetings, helping to arrange speakers or helping with meeting logistics!

Give the gift of life!

Did you know that every donation has the potential to save three lives? Not only improving the health and well-being of others, blood donation helps you! When you arrive, your blood pressure, pulse, and iron levels are checked, which can help detect potential health issues. Some health risks for conditions such as iron overload, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease are lowered by donating blood. It may also reduce stress and improve your mood. The Red Cross often offers fun incentives for each donation, too.  It's a win-win!

Click RESPOND to have a Red Cross Representative contact you, or view EVENTS for local blood drives near you that align with your schedule.

Assist with food pantry distribution at a variety of locations from 15 minutes to 2 hours away with a 2 hour event. Shift duration is from 2.5 to 6 hours per trip.

Food Pantry Distribution Assistant position may be light duty or physically demanding. 

You  may ride the bus or drive separately.

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30 am & 12:30-4 pm

Food Pantry Warehouse position may be light duty or physically demanding. 

Food Pantry Hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9-11:30am & 12:30-4pm

Food Pantry Clean-Up is light duty physical position.

Activity Level: Low-Moderate

Time Commitment: As Needed

Person Power: Age 17-Adult / All Experience Levels

As a Volunteer Site Host, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring a positive experience for visitors at our site. Your primary responsibility will be to welcome and assist visitors, provide information about the site, and ensure their safety and comfort upon check-in. Training provided.

Activity Level: High

Time Commitment: Weekly visits

Person Power: Adult / Knowledge of land management

Be the eyes and ears at camp. Take responsibility for monitoring and reporting issues and tackling minor land management issues with guidance from board member(s). Work independently and/or lead a group of volunteers. Training provided.

Activity Level: Low-Moderate

Time Commitment: Occasional; Hourly shifts; Year-Round

Person Power: Age 13-Adult / All Experience Levels

Do you like working with people? Special events require volunteers to serve as greeters, traffic control, activity helpers and more. Training provided.