Making a difference: Volunteer opportunities in West Tennessee – WBBJ TV

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State, and for good reason, as so many get involved in their communities and lend a helping hand.

If you’re looking for a way to give back we have some opportunities for you!

There are many organizations and non-profits benefiting local residents of West Tennessee and so many do it by partnering with members of our community.

Whether it is helping to build a home for an individual who meets the requirements of Habitat For Humanity or becoming a read team coach with United Way, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone.

For those that enjoy investing into the next generation, the Boys and Girls Club located in Humboldt has a variety of ways that locals can volunteer.

“Our Power Hour program, which is our tutoring program, and in that program we assist our kids with, you know, their homework. We have a great partnership with the school system in which they bring in some of their teachers and some of the community leaders in and assist our kids with their homework,” said Gladys Robinson, director for the Boys and Girls Club in Humboldt.

If you enjoy the arts or sports, and sharing your passion, there are other options that may peak your interest, such as ballet, tennis, cooking, theater and many more.

Robinson expressed a need in each area, so that the kids will have the greater opportunities to learn new skills and passions.

Robinson also shared how one helper was impacted by his time of volunteering.

“One of the things that he loves when he comes in, is he just loves to see how the kids changes from day to day. He said that he enjoys that he did that when he was in another state and so he wanted to do it here. And we have seen improvement in those kids that he has mentored,” said Robinson.

And another way to help local children is by packing the bus with RIFA.

Volunteers are needed in Jackson to help with loading donated groceries on to the bus, handing out the donated items list to donors and unpacking the bus at RIFA.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community, meeting new people and leaving a lasting impact.

RIFA’s Pack the Bus will be August 3, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

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