Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in Volunteering!
Whether you’re looking to lend a hand at one of our annual events or serve alongside one of our 27 partner agencies, there are countless ways to give back and create lasting change in our community. Your time and talents can make a meaningful impact on local families, children, and individuals in need. Join us in building a stronger Smith County—one act of service at a time! Scroll down to explore current volunteer opportunities and find the perfect way to get involved.
Serve United is April 25-26, 2025!
Formerly the Day of Caring, Serve United will carry on the legacy with less heat and more opportunities for volunteers to serve. We hope you and your team will join us!
- Project submissions for nonprofits are open until April 4.
- Volunteer sign-ups open March 1 and close April 16.
- Teams may participate in any and as many shifts as they wish to.
- “Away” projects will be available to complete at your business for those who cannot leave to volunteer.
Serve United Schedule
Friday, April 25, 2025
8:30 am – 11:30 am: First volunteer shift
Noon – 1 pm: Luncheon Celebration for both shifts
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Second volunteer shift
Saturday, April 26, 2025
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast Kickoff Event
9:00 am – Noon: Official volunteer shift
Afternoon opportunity to complete any unfinished projects
Please contact Community Relations Director Kaley Sullenger at ksullenger@uwtyler.org with any questions or concerns!
See you in April!
Volunteer at one of our Partner Agencies!
Our agencies need regular, dependable volunteers to run smoothly. Some agencies may need just a weekly or monthly commitment of a few hours. Others may need higher and longer commitments. If you are interested in the opportunities with our partners, please reach out to their volunteer staff. For more information on the agency itself visit our partner page: https://uwsmithcounty.org/local-programs/
Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County
3531 S. Broadway, 75701
Volunteer: https://alzalliance.org/getinvolved/
Phone: 903-509-8323
Email: info@alzalliance.org
American Red Cross: East Texas Chapter
320 E. Reick Rd., Tyler, Tx 75703
Volunteer: We have various disaster relief volunteer opportunities and potential positions focused on facility management, health and safety, service to the Armed Forces, and professional specialties like photography, IT, and more. Check out our current volunteer opportunities near you: https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/north-texas/volunteer.html
In-Kind Donations: emergency supplies, snacks, bottled water, or Gatorade
Phone: 903-581-7981
Email: karen.holt@redcross.org
The Arc of Greater East Texas
5520 Old Bullard Rd, Ste. 111,75703
Volunteer: https://www.arcofsmithcounty.org/volunteer/
Phone: 903-597-0995
Email: info@arcofsmithcounty.org
Bethesda Health Clinic
409 W. Ferguson St., 75702
Volunteer: Clinic volunteer applicants must be 18 years or older, willing to commit to 6 consecutive months of service, and able to work 4 hours per week. Hangers of Hope volunteer applicants must be 16 years of age or older unless accompanied by a chaperone who is also a volunteer: https://bethesdaclinic.org/volunteer/
In-Kind Donations: Donate gently used items to Hangers of Hope!
Phone: (903) 596-8353
Email: ahoppers@bethesdaclinic.org
Boy Scouts of America: E. Tx Area Council
1331 E Fifth St, 75701
Volunteer: https://www.scouting.org/about/volunteer/
Phone: (903) 597-7201
Email: etac@etexscouts.org
CAMP V
3212 W Front St, 75702
Phone: 903-566-1010
CASA for Kids of East Texas
3616 Westway St, Tyler, 75703
Volunteer: CASA volunteers are everyday people committed to making a difference for children in an overburdened foster care system. Judges appoint volunteers to guide one child or one set of siblings through the system to a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers research case records and speaks to each person involved in a child’s life. They monitor the progress of the child and family throughout the case and advocate for the child’s current and future needs in court, school, and agency meetings. Their independent evaluations allow the court to make better-informed decisions.
https://casaforkidsofet.org/how-to-help/become-casa-volunteer/
In-Kind Donations: https://casaforkidsofet.org/donate-inkinditems/
Phone: 903-597-7725
Email: info@casaforkidsofet.org
Champions for Children
4883 Hightech Drive, 75703
Volunteer: Volunteers are needed for office and special events.
https://championsforchildren.org/donate/
In-Kind Donations: Children’s books and toys (new), regulation toys (fidget toys), teaching supplies (paper)
Email: jj@championsforchildren.org
Phone: 903-592-1454
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith Co.
3015 S SE Loop 323, 75701
Volunteer: Children’s Advocacy Center has flexible and meaningful opportunities for those interested in volunteering their time and unique talents toward restoring hope to children who have been abused. Volunteers are needed at special events, and collection drives.
https://cacsmithcounty.org/volunteer/
In-Kind Donations: New car seats, pack-n-play cribs, diapers, cleaning products, gift cards, new toys, games, books, new stuffed animals.
Suspect Abuse? Call The Child Abuse Hotline (800) 252-5400
Phone: (903) 533-1880
Children’s Miracle Network
100 E. Ferguson, Suite 800, 75702
Volunteer: https://www.christushealth.org
In-Kind Donations: New children’s toys, activities, Crayola crayons, coloring books, stuffed animals.
Phone: 903-606-3863
Christian Women’s Job Corps
310 W Ferguson St, 75702
Volunteer: Volunteers keep our program running. We depend on their expertise, dedication, and knowledge to serve women in our community. There are a variety of roles you can volunteer in. Jobs for Life Teachers and Assistants have the gift of teaching and a passion for sharing how to communicate positively! Computer Teachers and Assistants prepare women for a career with one-on-one assistance. Receptionists are the first point of contact as they answer phones and greet guests. Employment Coaches ideally have HR experience and assist students with technical aspects of job searches. A Kitchen Angel prepares and serves lunch for our students. A Journey Partner is a Christian mentor who supports and prays for students.
https://cwjctyler.org/application-for-volunteer-service/
In-Kind Donations: Office/school supplies
Phone: (903) 592-4693
Email: info@cwjctyler.org
East Texas Crisis Center
2401 Hughey Dr.,75701
Volunteer: Volunteers make a difference in the programs and services of the East Texas Crisis Center. The East Texas Crisis Center adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct regarding clients, co-workers, students, and volunteers. We require any volunteers and staff who will directly contact clients to complete a 40+ hour training program. Training is held twice a year and is usually completed over two months.
https://etcc.org/volunteering/
In-Kind Donations: toiletries, diapers, wipes, children’s books, toys, school supplies, etc.
Contact internalops@etcc.org (903) 579-2515
Phone: (903) 509-2526
Email: info@etcc.org
East Texas Food Bank
3201 Robertson Rd, 75701
Volunteer: Volunteers are welcome at our Volunteer Center at the East Texas Food Bank, at our Resource Centers in Lufkin, Longview and Tyler as well as our mobile distributions throughout our service area. To find available opportunities, visit
www.EastTexasFoodBank.org/volunteer.
In-Kind Donations: Non-perishable food donations are accepted at our warehouse during normal business hours. We are located at 3201 Robertson Road in Tyler.
Phone: 903.597.3663
The Fostering Collective
201 Winchester Dr, 75701
Phone: (903) 253-9144
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
9126 US-271, 75708
Volunteer: https://www.gsnetx.org/en/get-involved/become-a-volunteer.html
In-Kind Donations: Hygiene items, small toiletries, flashlights, and sleeping bags (new items).
Events: https://www.gsnetx.org/en/discover/
activities/event-calendar.html
Contact: https://www.gsnetx.org/en/discover/
Phone: 903-526-2007
Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc.
409 W. Locust, 75701
In-Kind Donations: Donate gently used items to the Goodwill Stores! https://goodwilleasttexas.com/
Phone: (903) 593-8438
Email: general@goodwilletx.com
Habitat for Humanity of Smith County
822 W Front St, 75702
Volunteer: https://smithcountyhabitat.org/volunteer/
There are many ways that volunteers carry out our mission in Smith County. Volunteers help build homes and paint the exterior of our rehabitat homes. They also lend their expertise to Habitat’s organizational committees. We aim to help you find a volunteer job that suits your skills, interests, and schedule. Keep in mind that we’re flexible. You can volunteer regularly, for a one-time project, or drop in as you’re available. We welcome you to volunteer as an individual or with a group from your company, school, faith community, or civic organization.
In-Kind Donations: Donate to the re-store
Contact: https://smithcountyhabitat.org/contact/
Phone: (903) 595-6630
Meals on Wheels Ministry
3001 Robertson Rd, 75701
Volunteer: Volunteers are a diverse group of individuals. They are business owners, retirees, students, professionals, and stay-at-home moms. The one thing that they all have in common is a dedication to serving the ill, disabled, and older residents of East Texas. All it takes is an hour to change the life of a older or disabled person in need!
https://www.mealsonwheelsetx.org/
In-Kind Donations: fans, pet food, car/boat/RV, blankets, towels, non-slip socks, activity books, hygiene items, etc.
Phone: (903) 593-7385
Email: mow@mowmet.org
Mentoring Alliance
1909 S Broadway Ave, 75701
Volunteer: If you love kids and are passionate about building relationships, mentoring could be a great fit for you. Being a mentor can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life – one that will impact a child today and tomorrow. We are excited to help you take the next step in investing in a child’s life!
https://thementoringalliance.com/become-a-mentor-the-mentoring-alliance/
Phone: (903) 593-9211
Next Step Community Solutions
305 S Broadway Ave Suite 200, 75702
Volunteer: Due to ethics and privacy laws surrounding the work we do, there are limited volunteer opportunities within our organization.
In-kind donations: School/office supplies to help with implementing program curriculum.
Phone: 903-939-9010
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
402 W Front St, 75702
Volunteer: Volunteering at PATH is a one-of-a-kind experience based on compassion, respect, and dignity. During your volunteer shift, you will be responsible for various tasks, including but not limited to those listed below. Through your efforts, PATH can offer hope and help our needy neighbors. We are so grateful for all our volunteers and look forward to the time we get to spend and serve together. All volunteers must schedule in advance – no “walk-in” volunteers are accepted. Volunteer with the food pantry, casework, reception, community homes, or special projects!
https://www.pathhelps.org/getinvolved/
In-Kind Donations: Food, personal toiletry items, diapers & formula, skilled and unskilled construction labor and seasonal items (fans, coats and blankets).
Phone: 903-597-PATH (7284)
Email: info@pathelps.org
PAVE East Texas
1530 SSW Loop 323, Rm 120, 75701
Volunteer: Our volunteers serve in many capacities. We have tutors who help students with basic literacy, Math, ESL, and GED preparation. Volunteers help with conversational English for ESL students. Other volunteers help with one of our special events or book programs.
https://www.paveetx.org/volunteer
In-Kind Donations: Office supplies (paper), dry erase, spiral notebooks
Phone: (903) 533-0330
Email: info@paveetx.org
Salvation Army
633 N Broadway Ave, 75702
Volunteer: The Salvation Army offers one-time opportunities, group opportunities, and ongoing opportunities for volunteers.
https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/tyler/volunteer
In-Kind Donations: Donate to the Salvation Army Thrift Store!
Phone: 903-592-4361
Smith County 4-H
1517 W Front St #116, 75702
Volunteer: 4-H students are leaders. They pursue passions. They solve problems and tackle everyday challenges. And YOU are the key to their success! We need adult volunteers to mentor 4-H youth, lead local clubs, and run events. No experience necessary – we’ll train you! But you must be at least 18 years old – or 21 years old to chaperone overnight trips – and pass a criminal background check outlined in the Extension Volunteer Standards to learn about what goes into working with youth under 18. You decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and schedule, such as: Lead community clubs, school-based or after-school programs and camp settings Serve as chaperone, board member, event judge or camp counselor. Create community service opportunities for youth in your area.
In-kind Donations:
Books or DVDs on topics such as agriculture, STEM, or life skills.
Craft and Project Supplies such as markers, colored pencils, paints, sketchbooks, fabric, yarn,beads, microscopes, magnifying glasses, and lab equipment.
Technology and Equipment such as laptops, tablets, or computers , Digital cameras or video equipment, or Projectors and screens.
Outdoor and Agricultural Equipment, Safety Equipment, or office supplies.
Phone: (903) 590-2980
Texas Ramp Project
P.O. Box 832065, Richardson, 75083
Volunteer: Volunteers are needed for local builds on the weekends as well as administration, marketing, IT, fundraising, etc.
https://texasramps.org/volunteer/
In-Kind Donations: Building materials: lumber, screws, levels, hammers, gloves, drills, bits, etc.
Phone: 214-558-0339
Email: info@texasramps.org
Tyler Day Nursery
2901 W Gentry Pkwy, 75702
In-Kind Donations: Children’s books, diapers, wipes, and toys.
Phone: 903-592-4861
Email: tdnexd@gmail.com