With the hustle and bustle of winter holidays far behind us, summertime is a unique opportunity to shine a light on the incredible impact of volunteering and the nonprofit sector here in Salt Lake City. People are extra vigilant during those holiday months to give back, but now is the time when nonprofits and underserved communities still need crucial support.
Recognized as the “Most Charitable State in America” by WalletHub, Utah is no stranger to the benefits that volunteering brings to people in need, the community and those who volunteer. When individuals and businesses invest their time and resources into local nonprofits, all benefit. For businesses, volunteering represents an investment in the community, fosters team-building and boosts employee morale. For individuals, engaging in volunteer work improves overall well-being, builds connections, and can even advance your career.
Several nonprofits in our city are doing remarkable work and welcome your support this summer.
The Family Support Center
The Family Support Center is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that provides education, resources and support to strengthen families, protect children and prevent abuse. Their programs support over 850 children and parents in Utah each year. Last year, their LifeStart Village helped 60 families escape homeless and abusive situations.
The Family Support Center has several ways to get involved. You can volunteer, host a donation drive or fulfill individual donation items on their wishlist. Find more information on their website.
Humane Society of Utah
Have a love for animals? The Humane Society of Utah provides many volunteer opportunities for a variety of needs, including general support, events, office assistance, and of course cat, dog and small animal care.
The Humane Society of Utah has been around since 1960, with the goal of keeping pets and people together and to quickly move each animal to their most appropriate outcome. They save the lives of over 7,000 animals each year. Check out their website for more information.
Utah Food Bank
Did you know that over 300,000 Utahns are at risk of missing a meal today? The Utah Food Bank works to distribute food to people facing hunger across the state, and they have been fighting hunger statewide for over 100 years.
Take a group to sort food donations, assemble food boxes, repackage bulk food into family-sized amounts or label food for distribution. Or, organize a food drive and collect food on a larger scale. Visit the Utah Food Bank website for more details on how to get involved.
Junior Achievement of Utah
One way to help young people see their potential and get an early start on career preparation is to get involved with Junior Achievement of Utah. This organization provides kids with opportunities to make the connection between what they are learning in the classroom and how it applies to the real world. Their programs teach about financial literacy, innovative thinking and workplace readiness.
You can donate, volunteer or become a company partner with JA. Visit their website to learn more.
There are so many ways that Utahn’s can volunteer, help those in need and support our communities. You can explore additional opportunities on UServeUtah’s website.
The Salt Lake Chamber is dedicated to supporting our members in finding meaningful volunteer opportunities. We encourage you to find an organization with a mission you care about so you can give back to your community and make connections. These experiences will uplift those in need as well as enrich our own lives.
