Phoenix’s size means the volunteer landscape is vast — from food banks serving one of the country’s largest metros to desert-conservation organizations unique to the Southwest. The Valley’s strong transplant population means volunteer organizations are experienced at welcoming newcomers. Here’s how to get involved.
Food Security Organizations
St. Mary’s Food Bank — founded in Phoenix in 1967 as the world’s first food bank — serves as the Valley’s primary food distribution hub. Volunteers sort and pack food at the massive Phoenix distribution center, and the organization’s Community Kitchen provides culinary training for adults seeking employment. The scale of the operation means shifts are available daily.
United Food Bank serves the East Valley, providing volunteer opportunities closer to Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler residents. Desert Mission Food Bank in North Phoenix serves the Sunnyslope and surrounding communities.
Housing and Community Development
Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona builds and renovates homes throughout Maricopa County. The Desert Building model uses construction techniques adapted to the Arizona climate, and volunteers learn skills specific to desert construction. The ReStore locations accept donated building materials and home goods.
Homeward Bound provides transitional housing and support services for homeless families, and volunteers assist with children’s programming, life-skills education, and community events.
Youth and Education
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona operates one of the largest mentoring programs in the state. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley welcome volunteers across their 30+ locations, providing after-school programming and summer activities in communities throughout the metro.
Read Better Be Better focuses on childhood literacy in underserved Phoenix schools, training volunteers to serve as reading coaches for elementary students.
Environmental and Desert Conservation
Desert Botanical Garden welcomes volunteers for garden maintenance, educational programming, and event support. Arizona Trail Association coordinates trail maintenance along the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail, with volunteer workdays near the Phoenix metro.
Salt River Wild Horse Management Group coordinates volunteer efforts to protect and manage the wild horse herds along the Salt River east of Phoenix — a uniquely Arizona volunteer experience.
How to Find Opportunities
Valley of the Sun United Way and HandsOn Greater Phoenix serve as the metro’s volunteer clearinghouses, maintaining searchable databases and organizing community-wide service events. The annual MLK Day of Service and 9/11 Day of Service events provide structured group experiences.
For more on Phoenix community life, explore our free things to do guide and best neighborhoods.