From risking my life for a futon to hard-learned lessons (I think we all remember the rent check debacle.) to barbeques in the park, the city of Chicago has given me many noteworthy memories, so I decided that it was about time I gave something more than just my rent payments, which only benefit my landlord.

After combing the net and asking around for any recommendations for volunteer opportunities, I created a list of my favorite organizations sorted by type. (A special thanks to Alena for all of her wonderful suggestions.) Now, I just have to figure out where to begin.

Animals:
• Trio Animal Foundation: Trio Animal Foundation is an animal shelter that takes in sick, injured and abused animals. They nurse them back to health and place them in loving homes. They are always looking for volunteers to walk and spend time with the animals during their recoveries.
• PAWS: PAWS is a no-kill shelter that takes in animals until they are able to find a home. All volunteers undergo a training program and choose among various tasks to be done at the shelter from animal care to community outreach.

Hunger Relief:

• Bread for the World: Bread for the World is a movement that focuses on easing the burden on the world’s hungry by writing, calling and visiting members of Congress and other decision-makers. Volunteers for this movement will focus on raising awareness through lobbying, generating media attention and other community outreach methods.
• Greater Chicago Food Depository: Specializing in feeding the hungry in Chicago, the Greater Chicago Food Depository is constantly in need of volunteers for basic food packaging and loading as well as for administrative tasks and community outreach.

Shelters:

• R.E.S.T.: R.E.S.T. is a shelter providing emergency and permanent housing for homeless adults in Chicago. They are in constant need of volunteers to perform all kinds of tasks from cooking and serving to repairs, tutoring, professional aid and even medical assistance in the RESTCare Clinic.
• Inspiration Corporation: Inspiration Corporation is an organization that focuses on helping homeless and low-income individuals find housing, get support and learn skills for better employment. Volunteers here can expect to do everything from tutoring to serving food to administrative tasks and outreach.

Youth:

• National Runaway Switchboard: The National Runaway Switchboard (1-800-RUNAWAY) is a national communication system that helps to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. Volunteers can work as crisis line workers, street team members or administrative assistants.
• Helping Children of Abuse: This not-for-profit organization focuses on teaching children how to cope with, survive and escape abusive situations through non-violent means. Volunteers can participate in a range of services from basic needs to specialized services and community outreach.

Of course, this is only a sample of the many volunteer opportunities available. If you would like to get involved, check out idealist.org, npo.net or even Loyola’s “Take Action!” volunteer section for a great list of volunteer organizations. How do you give back to your community?