Hey Chicago readers and City Cast Chicago listeners have been writing in to get tips for how to better navigate the city.
One Northwest Indiana resident wants to volunteer more but needs help seeking out opportunities.
If you are bilingual like our question asker, put your Spanish skills to use.
- The city of Chicago, Chicago Cares, and the Chicago Refugee Coalition are partnering to coordinate ways to help the tens of thousands of new arrivals.
- Instituto del Progreso Latino is seeking volunteers to help assist adults with their English language skills. The Little Village organization is also looking for law students and professionals to help with a citizenship workshop.
Food pantries across Chicagoland need help with everything from packing items to deliveries.
- Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is seeking volunteers to work mobile markets and to deliver groceries to seniors. Kids as young as 8 are welcome to volunteer, too.
- Care for Real needs help assisting clients, unloading trucks, stocking shelves, and answering phones at its North Side pantries.
Volunteering outdoors can look different for everyone.
- Indiana Dunes National Park has one-time and ongoing opportunities for volunteers who can help maintain trails, clean up beaches, take care of critters, and educate guests.
- Openlands teaches Chicagoans how to take care of trees and helps bring birding to children.
- Chicago Park District is hosting Earth Day cleanups at parks across the city April 20.
- The Shedd Aquarium has action days that range from coastal habitation restoration to river planting at spots across the Chicago area.
Want more? The Honeycomb Project and Volunteering Untapped have regular events helping a variety of organizations. This Northwest Indiana Facebook page also connects individuals with groups in need of help.
—City Cast Chicago staff
