What is National Volunteer Week? Plus 9 ways to give back

Personal Growth

Mar 13

Written By Calm Editorial Team

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA

If you’re hoping to give back to your community this year, National Volunteer Week is a great time to start. Explore when it is, plus 9 ways you can get involved.

Maybe you’ve seen the flyers before: a food drive needs extra hands, or a park clean up needs volunteers. Events like these are happening in most communities all the time, but even if you want to help, it can be tough to know where to start, or how to fit them into your busy life.

National Volunteer Week highlights these everyday chances to give back. Observed each April, the week recognizes the role volunteers play in their communities and encourages more people to get involved. It also highlights a benefit many people overlook: that volunteering can support mental health by building social connections and a sense of purpose.

We’ll get into what National Volunteer Week is, when it happens, and a few practical ways you can jump in and support your community.

What is National Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week is a time to highlight the role volunteers play in helping their communities. In many places around the world, volunteers support food banks, schools, shelters, and many other local programs, and National Volunteer Week is a time to thank and support them.

The week itself began in 1974 after a presidential proclamation and today, Points of Light, a nonprofit group, helps lead the national effort to promote volunteer service.

At its core, National Volunteer Week shares a simple message: when people give their time, skills, or care to others, communities grow stronger and more connected.

When is National Volunteer Week in 2026?

In 2026, National Volunteer Week takes place from April 19-25th.

The week usually falls in the second half of April each year. During this time, many communities host service projects and volunteer events. Some groups also hold appreciation events to thank the people who give their time.

For people who want to start volunteering, this week can be a helpful place to begin. Many nonprofits share new volunteer roles or offer short projects so people can try volunteering for the first time.

What are the mental health benefits of volunteering?

Research shows that volunteering can support both mental and physical health. People who volunteer often report higher life satisfaction and stronger social ties. Even better, these benefits don’t require a big time commitment… just helping once in a while can build connection and support well-being.

Some of the most common benefits of volunteering include:

A stronger sense of connection: Volunteering can help people meet others and spend time together. Working toward the same goal can build trust and a sense of belonging.
A greater sense of purpose: Helping others can remind people that their actions matter. Even small acts of service can create a sense of meaning.
Improved mood: Acts of kindness can lead to positive feelings. Many volunteers say they feel happier or more hopeful after giving their time to a good cause.
A break from daily stress: Time spent helping others can offer a mental break from work and other pressures.

How to volunteer in your community: 9 ways to give back

National Volunteer Week can be a good time to try volunteering, or even to simply familiarize yourself with the groups in your area. Here are a few ways you can start giving back to your local community.

1. Support a local food bank or meal program

Many communities rely on volunteer-assisted food banks to help families get the food they need. Tasks are usually simple and clear, which makes them a good option for first-time volunteers. Activities could include sorting donated food, packing grocery boxes, handing out meals, and/or helping at a community pantry.

Local food banks, churches, and mutual aid groups often post volunteer openings on their websites or social media pages so do keep an eye out if it’s a cause you’re interested in

💙 Giving back often starts by feeling grateful for what you have. Explore 7 Days of Gratitude with Tamara Levitt on the Calm app.

2. Volunteer a skill you already have

Volunteering doesn’t always mean physical work. Many nonprofits need help with everyday tasks that require specific skills like. So if you know basic design you could help a shelter create posters for an event. Or if you work with spreadsheets you might want to volunteer to help a small nonprofit organize its donor list.

Many skill-based roles can be completed from home or on a flexible schedule. This can make them a good fit for people with limited time.

This type of volunteering often includes:

Designing flyers or social media posts
Writing or editing newsletters
Tutoring students in math or reading
Translating documents for different languages
Helping with legal or financial questions

💙 Unsure how to begin something new? Explore Saying Yes to Life on the Calm app.

3. Volunteer with animals

Animal shelters and rescue groups often rely on volunteers to help care for animals. These roles can be a good fit for people who enjoy spending time with pets. Common tasks include walking dogs, cleaning kennels, preparing food, and/or helping at adoption events. Sometimes volunteers are needed to simply spend time with animals so they become more comfortable around people and therefore more likely to be adopted or fostered.

If you’re hoping to carry your good deeds beyond the day, you can even look into affiliated foster programs to help pets in need temporary homes while waiting for their forever-families.

4. Join a neighborhood clean-up

Community clean-ups are one of the easiest ways to volunteer. Many cities organize events to remove litter, improve parks, or care for green spaces. Tasks often include picking up trash, planting trees, spreading mulch, or clearing walking trails. Most events provide tools and supplies, so volunteers only need to show up.

Clean-ups can also be social. Neighbors work side by side for a few hours, which can help you get to know the people in your area and make you feel more connected. Double win!

5. Support youth programs or mentor a young person

Young people often benefit from support outside their families, especially teenagers who may be convinced that their parents don’t understand them.

Many youth programs rely on volunteers to mentor kids with school work, test prep, or other extracurricular activities like sports or music. This steady support can help build confidence and improve learning. Schools, libraries, youth centers, and groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters often offer mentoring programs so they can be good places to connect with.

6. Help seniors in your community

Many older adults face challenges with mobility or social isolation. Volunteers can help with simple tasks and provide friendly company that makes all the difference for the older generation.

A weekly chat, shared activity, or help with errands can build connection and reduce loneliness for seniors. Community centers, faith groups, and aging services programs often organize these efforts.

Volunteer roles may include:

Delivering meals through programs like Meals on Wheels
Driving older adults to medical appointments
Helping with light household chores or yard work
Visiting senior centers or assisted living facilities

7. Participate in one-day volunteer events

If you’re eager to volunteer but aren’t able to commit to a long-term program, one-day volunteer events can be a good place to start. These events are common during National Volunteer Week. A single project may include packing care kits, sorting donations, cooking community meals, or helping clean green spaces.

These types of events also allow volunteers to try different causes before choosing a longer-term role, which can be a great option if you’re not sure where to invest your time in the future.

8. Practice informal volunteering in everyday life

Volunteering doesn’t always mean joining an organization. Small acts of help can also strengthen a community. This might mean, walking a neighbor’s dog, helping an elderly neighbor with groceries or medication pick-ups, or even helping out a friend with childcare or yard work.. These actions may seem small, but they can build trust and care within a neighborhood.

9. Volunteer remotely or online

Remote volunteering has become more common in recent years. Many groups now offer ways to help online. Volunteers may mentor students over video calls, translate documents, or help manage online support groups. Some people also volunteer with crisis text lines or peer support programs.

Other projects might include transcribing historical records or helping map areas after natural disasters. Remote volunteering can be helpful for people with limited mobility, caregiving duties, or changing schedules who want to support important causes without leaving home.

National Volunteer Week FAQs

What month does National Volunteer Week happen?

National Volunteer Week takes place in April each year in the United States and Canada. The week usually falls in the second half of the month.

During this time, many communities host service events and volunteer projects. Some groups also hold events to thank the people who give their time. Because the weather is often warmer in April, many activities take place outdoors. These may include park clean-ups, tree planting, or other community events.

Does volunteering really make a difference?

Yes, volunteering can make a real difference in communities. Many nonprofit groups rely on volunteers to help run their programs.

Volunteers may help hand out food, mentor students, care for animals, or support local events. They may also help people who are going through a hard time.

Can volunteering positively affect my mental health?

Absolutely! Volunteering can help support your mental health in several ways. Research links volunteering with higher life satisfaction and lower stress. Helping others can also create a sense of purpose. Spending time with other volunteers or people in the community can also help reduce feelings of loneliness if your own social network is small or limited, making you feel more connected

How can I celebrate National Volunteer Week?

Many people celebrate National Volunteer Week by giving their time to a cause they care about. This might include joining a local service project or helping at a community event. Scroll up for more ideas.

Some people also celebrate by sharing volunteer opportunities with friends or coworkers to help spread the word.

I’ve never volunteered before, how do I start?

A good first step is to think about causes that matter to you. This might include helping people, animals, schools, or the environment. Many groups list volunteer roles on their websites. Local food banks, animal shelters, libraries, and community centers often welcome new volunteers.

Short or one-day events can be a good way to start. These allow people to try volunteering without making a long-term commitment.

How can I volunteer in my community if I’m busy?

Volunteering can still fit into a busy schedule. Many groups offer short or flexible options. Some people join one-day events or volunteer on occasional weekends. Others choose remote roles they can do from home.

Informal acts of help also matter. Running errands for a neighbor or helping at a school event can be meaningful ways to support a community.

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Calm Editorial Team