Through the Charles River Watershed Association’s Canoeing for Clean Water program, volunteers set out on the river in canoes and pull invasive water chestnuts for an extremely rewarding experience. Volunteers have a great time exploring the Charles while helping restore the river’s natural ecosystems.

Samplers needed: This work involves being outside on the beach, collecting and sieving sand samples. Fair warning: the work is conducted outside, in sometimes cold (or hot) weather, and can be a bit tedious, but it is very important! This is the first study of its kind in New Hampshire. The time commitment will vary…

We are looking for help in maintaining and expanding our monofilament fishing line recycling program. We can use help with this project in contacting marinas, installing bins, promoting their usage and monitoring them (removing fishing line and filling out a short data sheet) throughout the summer and fall.

We are also looking for volunteers to work indoors to help sort the samples once they are collected. This involves sorting the inorganic and organic material, and classifying the microplastics into different categories and filling out a data sheet. Training is provided on-site.

In response to the pandemic, Boston Cares has worked with our community partners to identify ways volunteers can support local needs from the safety of their own homes. Opportunities include DIY projects at home, virtual/phone support, tutoring, and capacity building roles, with more needs being added regularly.

During the school year we need groups to help us build weekend food bags. These bags will be distributed on a weekly basis to elementary age children that are at extreme risk and do not have access to enough healthy food on days they are not in school such as weekends and vacation weeks.

The constant flow of donations makes the Thrift Shop a busy and exciting place to volunteer. Most volunteers find their own niche at the shop, be it sorting clothes, displaying items, marking housewares, helping at the register or keeping the shop appearance appealing to our customers.

You can teach your children about giving back when you make a holiday giving basket and put an item to donate to the Food Pantry aside for each day of your holiday celebration.

Are you looking for ways to have your group or children give back? If so, your family or group can volunteer to purchase and prepare snack bags for children right here in our community.