Volunteer Opportunities
Every day, children, teens, senior citizens and families come to the Y to learn, grow and thrive. But we need people like YOU to help us make their experience even better and create lasting impact on our community.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for being interested and willing to help volunteer with the YMCA. We could not do all the wonderful work in our communities as we do without you!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our opportunities have changed from what we usually have available. But we still have opportunities where you can make a difference!
Read our Volunteer Handbook 2021!
FAQ’s
What is the age requirement to volunteer at the Y?
All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. All volunteer roles have an age requirement and ages to volunteer in roles may vary.
What other criteria do I have to meet to become a volunteer at the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Richmond is responsible for protecting the children and other vulnerable people we serve. For this reason, we are required to perform a background check before volunteering in certain roles. You will also have to complete a variety of other forms through the volunteer website when you sign up.
Do I get a free membership?
We do not offer complimentary memberships for volunteers.
How many hours do I have to volunteer?
Volunteer commitments vary per location and by opportunity. Please discuss your availability with your branch volunteer coordinator.
Is there a dress code? What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required at all volunteer locations. A volunteer shirt will be provided on your first day of volunteering.
Do you accept court ordered community service?
We accept court ordered volunteers only at certain branches and for certain opportunities. Court ordered volunteers are never permitted to work directly with children.
Does volunteering at the YMCA count towards community service hours required by my school?
Yes! By volunteering at the YMCA you will gain volunteer time toward the hours you are required to complete for school. You will also gain valuable experience.
For more information, contact Liz Harris, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, at volunteer@ymcarichmond.org
How You Can Help?
Summer Camp Build Projects
This summer we’re working to safely engage children in summer camp activities. In order to safely spread our camp participants out while eating, we need picnic tables to accommodate our groups outside. This opportunity can be done at home with a group, neighbors, family, or on your own! Would you like to give back but not interested in building something? Consider donating to the fund and any money raised will go back towards a picnic table.
Learn more about our picnic table and bench builds.
Blood Drives
Several of our locations host blood drives through the American Red Cross on a regular basis. Giving blood helps several lives at once and is a quick process!
Visit the American Red Cross to register and for more information. Pre-registration is required; no walk-ups allowed.
Food Drives
The Tuckahoe Family YMCA hosts a Food Drive the third Wednesday of every month to benefit Welbourne United Methodist Church’s Food Pantry. A table will be located at the old entrance by the flagpoles to drop off items for the Food Drive, and you can drop off all day long!
High Demand Items:
- Canned chicken/tuna
- Canned fruit
- Canned veggies and beans
- Cereal(all kinds)
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce (no glass please)
- Jelly (plastic containers please)
- Peanut butter
- Individual snacks
- Crackers (Saltines, Ritz, Graham, etc)
- Kid snacks-fruit snacks, pudding cups,
- Pop-tarts, small snack packs, raisins, jello
- Canned Ravioli/spaghetti O’s
- Toilet paper
Thank you for your support of our community! For questions or more information, please contact Leslie Beck-Long at becklongl@ymcarichmond.org.
Friendly young woman sorting canned food donations for charity drive