Care for a Cause: 8 Ways You Can Volunteer in Grand Forks

If you care about your community, volunteering can be a great way to connect with new people and make a difference. Blue Zones Project has found people who volunteer lower their rates of cancer, heart disease, depression, and decrease their healthcare costs. Each of us has a cause that is close to our heart. Here are some ways you can match your cause with an organization Grand Forks.

Photo from Altru Health System

NICU Cuddlers: If you’re a compassionate caregiver, spending some time cuddling babies in the NICU at Altru Hospital might be for you! NICU Cuddlers are trained adult volunteers who give comfort to newborns by holding them and soothing them.

The Downtown Development Association hosts several events each year including the Downtown Street Fair and Average Person Winter Olympics. Volunteers can set aside as little as a half hour to help set up or take down the events. Without volunteers, it would be difficult to keep our favorite community events going.

Sign up to volunteer with the DDA here! 

The TEARS Talk & Walk each fall brings together people who are passionate about mental health. Volunteering at the TEARS Talk & Walk can help you gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to people who need help with their mental health. This powerful event can help inspire you to spread kindness and care in our community.

Anyone who is paws-itively passionate about their furry friends, should consider Journey Home Animal Rescue. My dog Moira was fostered with this organization after being rescued. Her dedicated foster mom spent months caring for Moira and her puppies before we were able to bring her home. If fostering is too much of a commitment, you can sign-up to walk a dog that is waiting for a foster home.

Environmentalists can make a visible impact by volunteering to clean-up the highway. For an hour and a half, volunteers remove bags full of trash to help keep our city clean and green!

The Big Event is the largest annual single-day community service event completed by UND Students, faculty and staff in Greater Grand Forks. The UND team does everything from yard work, painting, to working with nursing home residents. Learn how the Hawks help the community soar each spring.

Northlands Rescue Mission plays a vital role in our community, offering shelter to those in need and meeting a record number of requests for food. They also provide essential clothing and hygiene products to their clients. Volunteering with the Mission isn’t just about giving back—it’s about connecting with individuals during a critical juncture in their journey. Learn more about volunteering at Northlands Rescue Mission.

There are seniors who are depending on volunteers for their nutrition. You can help feed older homebound adults through the Meals on Wheels program at the Grand Forks Senior Center. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. You can even choose which day you would like to deliver. Learn more about Meals on Wheels at the Grand Forks Senior Center.

Your time is a precious gift eagerly sought after by numerous organizations in Grand Forks. Whether you adore animals or are passionate about feeding people in need, there are plenty of opportunities available to you. By investing in your community, you not only gain the chance to forge new friendships and enrich your experiences but also to leave a lasting impact on your hometown. Get ready for a fulfilling journey—happy volunteering!