Volunteer from Home Activities for Portland Nonprofits

Looking to give back on MLK Day? Or maybe you’re interested in finding a new way to help our community this year. With many in-person opportunities cancelled, nonprofits have developed volunteer from home activities as a way for us to continue giving back to the organizations who support the vulnerable in our communities.

I’ve gathered a list of volunteer from home activities at Portland nonprofits. Opportunities include creating care kits, gathering essential items, sewing masks, making treats and toys, and much more. There really is something for everyone, no matter your age or skill set.

Keep in mind many of these opportunities require you to purchase your own supplies. If it is too expensive for you to do alone, call on our friends and family to help out. Each person can choose an item to gather. Then you can either have everything delivered to your home or you can host a backyard package party where everyone pitches in to assemble.

There are many creative ways to get around having to take on the full cost yourself. Chances are, your friends and family are looking for an opportunity to give back, too.

If these projects seem like too much for you to take on, donating to a nonprofit is one of the best ways you can give back. Whether is it $5 or $500, your donation gives a nonprofit the flexibility to designate your gift to the highest need. For nonprofits that purchase a lot of essential supplies, they can get more items for less by working with their suppliers and buying in bulk.

All of these opportunities below do have specific instructions and some of them require you to sign up for a date to deliver your items. Please click the link provided to learn more.

If your favorite Portland nonprofit has a volunteer from home opportunity that isn’t listed below, send me a message.

Volunteer from Home Activities for Portland Nonprofits

Blanchet House

Blanchet House (pronounced Blan-shay) is a nonprofit social services organization located in downtown Portland. The organization provides food, clothing, and housing programs to people in need.

Volunteer from home opportunities:

Make care kits: Pack care kits from home containing essential items like socks, rain ponchos, and snacks for people experiencing homelessness.
Make sack lunches: This is a fun and meaningful project to do at home with your kids or friends. You can make as few as 10 or as many as 100 sack lunches containing a sandwich, piece of fruit, and wrapped snack.
Collect clothing and sleeping essentials: They need adult-sized clothing for men and women appropriate for sleeping outdoors in the cold and rain. Warm and water-resistant items are best.

Get instructions and more information.

Lift UP

This organization’s mission is to reduce hunger and improve the lives of low-income residents of Northwest and Downtown Portland. Lift UP’s vision is a Portland where everyone has access to healthy food and opportunities to connect
with others.

Volunteer from home opportunities:

Write a card or letter with a positive message will brighten the day of clients who receive grocery deliveries.
Create artwork (photographs, drawings, paintings) for clients who receive grocery deliveries.

Get instructions and more information.

Meals on Wheels People

Meals on Wheels People is dedicated to ensuring no senior will go hungry or experience social isolation. Its mission is dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors, and assisting them in maintaining independence, by providing nutritious food, human connections and social support.

Volunteer from home opportunities:

Friendly chat: Help alleviate the social isolation that many seniors experience through our new Friendly Chat program! Friendly Chat aims to provide socialization and human connection for seniors through a friendly chat phone conversation.
Wellness check calls: Assist in making structured safety calls to homebound seniors to check in regarding their welfare.

Get instructions and more information.

Oregon Humane Society

Oregon Humane Society is an animal shelter located in North Portland. Its mission is to foster an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals through education, legislation and leadership.

Volunteer from home opportunities: