AGAINST THE ODDS Spring Into Volunteering

By Brittany Nay

This spring and beyond, lend a helping hand to families and furry friends throughout St. Louis with these noteworthy causes.

American Red Cross

Answer the Greater St. Louis Chapter’s call for volunteers at fire responses and blood drives.

“Our volunteers love that they are able to help make a difference in the lives of people in the local community,” says Beth Elders, executive director of the Greater St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. “Whether [that means volunteering] after a disaster like a home fire or flood, helping our military members and veterans or assisting at a blood drive.”

American Red Cross, 10195 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, 314-281-7968, redcross.org/volunteer

Animal Protective Association of Missouri

Be a dog walker, foster a pet or help with laundry and dishes at the Animal Protective Association’s Olivette and Brentwood locations. The Brentwood center also needs cat room attendants, as well as morning cat and dog room cleaners.

“Volunteering helps us connect even more pets with people,” notes KT Stuckenschneider, APA director of marketing.

Animal Protective Association; 1705 S. Hanley Road, Brentwood; 10521 Baur Blvd., Olivette; 314-645-4610; apamo.org/get-involved

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri can create an enduring relationship for an adult and a young person, according to Kristen Slaughter, the BBBSEMO interim chief executive officer and chief operating officer.

“You’ll be a part of their lives as they grow and flourish,” Slaughter says. “And you’ll experience the fulfilling joy of partnering to shape who they will be in the future.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, 501 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314-361-5900, bbbsemo.org/volunteer

Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri

Help form future leaders as a program role model for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.

“I was a Girl Scout in my youth, and I love that I get to be a part of that experience for this current generation of girls,” shares Danielle Lombardo, Girl Scout program role model. “There are so many opportunities for program role models, from outdoor exploration to building robots!”

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, 2300 Ball Drive, St. Louis, 314-592-2300, girlscoutsem.org

Operation Food Search

Feed your neighbors at Operation Food Search, where individuals and groups can pack boxes of food, assist at nutrition education classes in the community and harvest produce from local farms.

“There is a meaningful activity for everyone,” says Jocelyn Fundoukos, OFS director of communications. “Our dedicated volunteers make a huge impact on our work, contributing thousands of hours every month and saving us over $1 million each year.”

Operation Food Search, 1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-5355, operationfoodsearch.galaxydigital.com

St. Louis Arc

Coach sports, attend dances and assist with cooking classes and special events at St. Louis Arc, a nonprofit empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Volunteers have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we support,” notes Megan Eader, volunteer manager at St. Louis Arc. “We are committed to finding the right fit for you and the people we support.”

St. Louis Arc, 1177 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, 314-569-2211, slarc.org/get-involved/volunteer