Volunteer

Give Your Time.
Change a Life.

Although our volunteers come from all walks of life, they share one powerful bond: a desire to show up for their neighbors when it matters most. At St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio, that compassion turns into action every day – serving meals, preparing clothing, supporting our thrift store, and helping families remain safely housed.

There’s no single way to help, and no single skill required. Some volunteers cook. Some organize. Some lend professional skills. Others simply offer a steady, caring presence. However you choose to serve – on your own or alongside friends, coworkers, or a community group – you help bring hope, dignity, and stability to those who need it most.

SVdP Volunteer Opportunities

Man wearing SVDP green polo in food pantry holding big plastic tub

Food Assistance Programs

• Daily meal preparation and service
• Sorting and packing food boxes for monthly distribution
• Stocking, cleaning and assisting with SVdP food pantry operations

Old woman smiling while volunteering in SVDP thrift store

CARES Clothing Room

• Sorting, inspecting and organizing clothing donations
• Assisting individuals and families with clothing selection
• Creating a welcoming experience

SVDP thrift store cashier

Thrift Store & Donation Center

• Sorting, inspecting and pricing clothing and household goods donations
• Assisting customers at the store
• Supporting store operations with cleaning, stocking

group of people working on computers

Ready2Work
Workforce Development

• Facilitating or assisting with job-readiness or life skills workshops
• Mentoring/coaching participants during their job search and beyond

SVDP fundraiser basket raffle

Fundraising & Events Team

• Assist with planning and implementing as a member of the event committee
• Solicit sponsorships and auction/basket raffle items for the event
• Day of Event - Setup through cleanup

People painting wall

Property Repairs & Maintenance

• All "Handyman/woman" skills are needed and welcome
• Landscaping and lawn maintenance
• Facilities painting, repairs and improvements

Volunteer officer helping someone fill out paperwork

Office & Clerical Support

• Supporting daily admin office operations and staff
• Answering and returning phone calls
• Data entry, filing and preparing outreach and program materials

SVDP members smiling with arms around each other

Internships

• All "Handyman/woman" skills are needed and welcome
• Landscaping and lawn maintenance
• Facilities painting, repairs and improvements

Group of older people wearing SVDP attire standing behind table, smiling

Become a Vincentian

• Conference members are the heart and soul of the SVdP volunteer force
• Providing targeted, direct, local support to neighbors in need by building meaningful, trusting relationships

Volunteer F.A.Q.s

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to serve in the Dining Hall and must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone. Children age 14-16 may volunteer in other program areas, also accompanied with a parent or chaperone such as the CARES Clothing Room or Food Box building. Contact SVdP Northeast Ohio to learn more and schedule.

While younger children are not able to volunteer in our facilities, there are meaningful ways for families to get involved together through off-site projects and donation drives. Click here to learn more.

Yes. We regularly work with high school and college students who need service hours for classes, graduation requirements, or clubs. We’ll help you find an opportunity that fits your schedule and requirements.

There’s no minimum requirement. Whether you serve once or on a regular schedule, every hour makes a difference.

Whether you’re part of a business, school, church, or community organization, volunteering together is a powerful way to make a difference.

To explore opportunities for your group to volunteer, please contact the SVdP Northeast Ohio District Office at 234-223-2933 or SVdP@svdpneodistrict.org

Yes. Many of our volunteers, as well as staff, have firsthand experience with our programs. To ensure comfort and privacy for all, volunteers are not placed in the same service area where they are currently receiving assistance.

Yes. SVdP Northeast Ohio offers volunteer opportunities for many individuals needing court-mandated or agency-required community service hours. Please include the number of hours needed and any scheduling limitations on your volunteer application.

SVdP is happy to provide verification of completed service hours; however, volunteers must bring any required paperwork or official forms with them on their first day of service.

To get started, complete the volunteer application below and a member of the SVdP team will contact you with next steps.

Getting started is simple. Just complete the volunteer application by clicking on the volunteer button below, and throughout our website. A member of our team will follow up to learn more about your interests and help you get connected.

We need you!
Ready to join the team?

The first step for new volunteers is to submit an application
form by clicking the link below. Once you submit this form,
a staff member will contact you very soon to get to know you,
schedule a site visit or your first volunteer shift!

Additional Questions?
Contact SVdP Volunteer Services

Sean Keating
Program & Community Outreach Coordinator