One-Time Volunteer Opportunities

Saint Louis University’s Center for Social Action promotes many forms of community engagement, from episodic service to more in-depth involvement. This list of one-time volunteer opportunities will help SLU students, faculty or staff make a difference based on your schedule and interests. Many are perfect for groups.

December

Missouri Botanical Garden

What: Volunteers are needed to help with our annual Garden Glow, an event that features more than two million dazzling lights, and transforms the iconic Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanted wonderland for families. Assist with activities, photo booths, general pathway traffic management, and more!
When: Evenings every day now through Jan. 3; shifts available anytime 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: 4434 Shaw Blvd. (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: Register below. For general questions or more information, contact Elisha Banh at volunteer@mobot.org or 314-577-5187.

AmeriCorps St. Louis Winter Shelter

What: Volunteers are needed to help with our temporary winter shelter for unhoused individuals in St. Louis, when night temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Help with set-up, meal prep and serving, hospitality and clean-up/maintenance.
When: Evenings any day the shelter is needed; shifts available from 3 p.m. overnight through 9 a.m.
Where: 1315 Ann Avenue (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: Register below. For general questions or more information, contact Jane Kersch at 314-772-9002, ext. 10 or jane@americorps-stl.org.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation

What: Volunteers are needed to help with the annual Winterfest, assisting with a variety of activity booths, s'mores station, ice skating and more!
When: Shifts available Noon - 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22 - Jan. 11.
Where: Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St. (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: Register below. For general questions or more information, contact Grace Teofilo Hilker at 314-881-8881 or grace.teofilo@archpark.org.

Cornerstone Center for Early Learning

What: Volunteers are needed to help set up for our Winter-Pop Up Shop, a free shopping event for our families to take some burden off of holiday shopping. Assist moving donated items from our basement to our conference room and then organizing those donations into a "store".
When: Anytime Noon-4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4
Where: 3868 Russell Blvd. (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: To register, or for general questions or more information, contact Michelle Campbell, 314-865-5244 or mcampbell@cornerstonecenterstl.org.

Midtown Community Services

What: Volunteers are needed to help set up for our annual Holiday Gala to raise funds for all of Midtown's programs. Help with set-up, registration, and silent auction.
When: Anytime 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Christy Banquet Center, 5856 Christy Blvd. (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: To register, or for general questions or more information, contact Nicole Plegge at 314-534-1180 or nicole.plegge@midtownstl.org.

Down Syndrome Association of St. Louis

What: Volunteers are needed for our annual Holiday Party for our families, helping with crafts, games, food and check-in.
When: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: 1201 Hanley Industrial Court (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: Register below. For general questions or more information, contact Susannah Egley at 314-833-7654 or susannah@dsagsl.org.

St. Agnes Home

What: Volunteers are needed to help with our Carmelite Christmas Market, raising funds to support our residents. Assist with set-up, organizing, selling items, and more!
When: Anytime 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: 10341 Manchester Road (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: To register, or for general questions or more information, contact Joanne Giljum at jgiljum@carmelitedcj.org.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

What: Volunteers are needed for our Supper with Santa, where guests will eat a delicious Pasta House dinner, visit Mrs. Claus’s Cookie Kitchen for cookies and cocoa, make crafts, and play games. Volunteers will assist with event set-up and tear-down, as well as various activity stations.
When: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. any day Dec. 12-14 or 19-21
Where: 15050 Faust Park (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: Register below. For general questions or more information, contact our Events Team at 314-577-0888 or bhevents@mobot.org.

City Garden Montessori School

What: Volunteers are needed for our Light Up City Garden holiday celebration. Help with setup, activity support, food and drink stations, and more!
When: 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18
Where: 4209 Folsom Ave. (Directions via Google Maps)
Contact: To register, or for general questions or more information, contact Kitty Nangle Lohrum at kitty@citygardenschool.org or 314-503-8233.