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Community Service Opportunities

Looking to give back to your community?

Here is your chance to volunteer! The following opportunities are available to Harper College Harper Promise students looking for hours to fulfill scholarship requirements, or just looking to give back. Once you have completed your hours, be sure to log them in the MyHarper Portal Promise Tracker. A walkthrough of how to enter your service hours can be viewed in the video below.  Hours are due the Friday before Finals week each semester. 

If you are in high school, please contact your high school student services department in regards to opportunities available for you to complete your hours. 

Listing of Harper service opportunities for students

Please click through to find opportunities available at Harper College assisting with Harper offices and events. Please note, you are not limited to these opportunities.

  • Contact person:Jeff Moy 
  • Date of service: Flexible - any time during the week
  • Location of Service: Harper College Makerspace - Building H
  • Description of opportunity:

    The MakerSpace is in need of assistance in creating gift boxes for an event coming up. This easy task allows a volunteer to learn about the MakerSpace while creating gifts for a Foundation event. Easy opportunity to knock out a few hours!

  • Sign up information: Email Jeff Moy for more details and location information. 
  • Contact person:Kristyn Meyer 847-925-6468
  • Date of service: Complete at home, anytime between September 18th and December 1
  • Location of Service: Harper College
  • Description of opportunity: Thank-a-thon volunteers will support the Harper College Educational Foundation's efforts to thank donors who support Harper students. In addition to funding the Promise program, these donors also support other student scholarships and Harper College programs. Participants will assist in writing thank you notes and creating short videos (scripts and materials will be provided). In past years, approximately 10 thank you notes/videos = 1 hour of volunteer work. Hours are available September through December.

    Volunteers will pick up materials from the Foundation office on the Harper College campus and can complete these tasks on their own schedule. For questions, please contact Kristyn Meyer at kmeyer@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6468.
  • Sign up information: Click here to sign up
  • Contact person:Amie Granger 847-925-6741
  • Date of service: Fridays throughout the semester, 8:45a-1:00p
  • Location of Service: Harper College
  • Description of opportunity: Harper's Community Relations hosts campus tour experiences for students in 4th - 8th grade. Tour guides are needed to bring groups to different activities located across campus. All tour guides will receive training before their first tour dates. Tours are on Fridays from 8:45 am - 1 pm. Volunteers will receive a Subway box lunch. For many students this is their first experience on a college campus. We provide a great experience and have fun! 
  • Sign up information: Click here to sign up
  • Contact person:Teagen Reid - 847-925-6266
  • Date of service: Fall 2023
  • Location of Service: Harper College
  • Description of opportunity: Access & Disability Services (ADS) is looking for students willing to volunteer their time to attend classes where we have a student who needs notes taken for them. The volunteer would attend the in-person class when the instructor is lecturing to take notes. They would then upload the digital notes or take pictures of handwritten notes and upload them. The volunteer notetaker would not be responsible for any coursework and would not receive credit for the course. We are looking for reliable, responsible, and good notetakers to assist our students in ADS.
  • Sign up information: Click here to apply to serve as a notetaker

Listing of external service opportunities for students

The following organizations have requested volunteers for their organization or event. These opportunities are not affiliated with Harper College, but can count toward your Harper Promise service hours.

  • Contact person: Kathy Scheuing
  • Date of service: See below for a variety of events throughout the semester
  • Location of Service: Clearbrook Respite - Arlington Heights
  • Description of opportunities:

    Upcoming Event - Clearbrook 5K Run/Walk
    2023 Step it Up for Clearbrook Volunteer Information
    There are many ways to volunteer at Step it Up for Clearbrook on Saturday, September 23. Here are a few of the areas you can help:

    T-shirt Tent: Distributing t-shirts to walkers/runners
    Course Marshalls: Direct walkers/runners along the route
    Water stations: We have 2 water stops throughout the route
    Food Tent: Hand out food to walkers/runners
    Fun Zone: Face painters and crafty people are needed for this family-friendly area.
    Set-up/Tear-down: This is a great workout!

    Ongoing opportunity 1 -
    Clerical Work
    Volunteers assist with various clerical work such as scanning and filling, document destruction, etc.

    Ongoing opportunity 2 - Adult Day Programs
    Volunteers assist with various activities to enhance our individual productivity and socialization. Would be helping them learn the IPad, playing board games, and doing arts and crafts. All volunteers must be vaccinated to volunteer.

    Many special events throughout the term - see link for details
  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here.
  • Contact person: Rachel Heneghan
  • Date of service: Beginning January 2024
  • Location of Service:See link
  • Description of opportunities:

    STUDENT AMBASSADOR:
    *MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the community for families At-Risk *MAJOR related to working with At-Risk population
    *CONNECT with Community Leaders, Mayors, Police, Educators, Resource centers, and Service providers to support Autism Awareness *Comfortable working virtually
    *Research and identify resources and service providers
    *Make phone calls and follow-up with email
    *Use templates to record data and document results
    *Attend weekly virtual meetings (TBD per semester)
    *Self-motivated and self-paced to meet deadlines
    *Bring a fun and self-driven attitude to the program

  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here.
  • Contact person: Roger Reaume
  • Date of service: Thursday evening into Friday mornings
  • Location of Service: First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
  • Description of opportunities:

    I am managing a PADS site, we assist the homeless every Thursday eve into Friday morning October through April. We have a need for set-up and 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts to assist our team.

    We have had many Harper students come through the program in the past. Generally students would contact me initially and register on our sign-up genius. Most people work 1-2 times a month for about 3-4 hours. Very easy and safe.

    Please recommend that everyone initially contacts me. Email or phone is fine.
    Rodger Reaume
    FUMCAH - PADS site director
    cell 630-220-0914

  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here.
  • Contact person: Michele Wisgowski
  • Date of service: Whenever snowfall
  • Location of Service: Please contact for location information
  • Description of opportunities:

    Person with disability needs assistance with snow removal throughout winter months at home.

  • Sign up information: Please email with interest, the sooner the better to get ready for snowfall
  • Contact person: Melissa Grandt
  • Date of service: December 2, 2023, 6:00-11:00am
  • Location of Service:See link
  • Description of opportunities:

    Did you know that it takes a lot of volunteers to put on the Santa Hustle? Groups, Teams, Charities and individuals are welcome to be a part of the excitement of this holiday tradition, benefiting Cal's Angels.


    Volunteers help make the Santa Hustle possible for the athletes to compete in a fun, safe, and organized way. We believe that those of you who give your time and energy to help support the Santa Hustle should be treated as well as, if not better than, the participants.


    We work hard to make sure that you receive the resources necessary to be a successful volunteer, that you’re safe, as comfortable as possible, and that you have a great time outside with us and the participants in Chicago, Illinois!

  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here.
  • Contact person: Melissa Grandt
  • Date of service: Saturday, October 28th
  • Location of Service: 345 N. Eric Drive, Palatine
  • Description of opportunities:

    Did you know that it takes a lot of volunteers to put on the Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Dash? Groups, Teams, Charities and individuals are welcome to be a part of the excitement of this holiday tradition.


    Volunteers help make the Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Dash possible for the athletes to compete in a fun, safe, and organized way. We believe that those of you who give your time and energy to help support the Halloween Hustle should be treated as well as, if not better than, the participants.


    We work hard to make sure that you receive the resources necessary to be a successful volunteer, that you’re safe, as comfortable as possible, and that you have a great time outside with us and the participants in Palatine, IL.

    See below for full details and how to sign up!

    Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here.
  • Contact person: Lauren Chilvers
  • Date of service: Mondays or Tuesdays throughout the term
  • Location of Service: 1111 Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove
  • Description of opportunities:

    Help count toys for children in crisis. OMNI Youth Services holds a toy drive every year. OMNI partners with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide home-based services that keep children safe while strengthening families and helping them stay together. We need to get an accurate inventory of what has been donated so far. This opportunity is scheduled based on your availability. It is only available on Monday - Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm. The address is 1111 Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove, IL.

  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here.
  • Contact person: Matt Sheehan 
  • Date of service: Various opportunities through the year
  • Location of Service: Palatine Park District
  • Description of opportunity:
    We provide a number of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Each opportunity will list the opportunity, expectations and additional information needed. Please register on our volunteer website and make sure to create a profile, sign the volunteer waiver, consent to and submit a background check and read and sign off on the volunteer manual. Here are some upcoming events we need your help!
  • Sign up information: Click here for more information and to sign up - Participants can create a profile and then sign up
  • Contact person: Lauren Scudieri
  • Date of service: Throughout semester
  • Location of Service: Gigi's Playhouse
  • Description of opportunity: The 1:1 Literacy tutoring program provides individual instruction based on the interests and inspirations of each student. Our trained tutors provide motivating and purposeful lessons designed to keep our students engaged and learning both during sessions and when extending activities at home.

    The 1:1 Math tutoring program uses a multi-sensory, strength-based approach to build confidence and success for our students. Our research-based curriculum encompasses a variety of strategies and techniques to ensure that every student can be successful when learning math. 
  • Sign up information: Click here for more information and to sign up
  • Contact person: Andrea Rodriguez andrea.rodriguez@ghh1.com 224-209-0354
  • Date of service: Multiple available
  • Location of Service: Guardian Hospice
  • Description of opportunity:
    Volunteers will be visiting Hospice patients at Nursing Home or Assisted Living to provide patient with companionship. Most volunteers play music, play games, read a story, sit outside with patient or whatever brings patient comfort.
    Office help is also available for those uncomfortable with entering a facility.
    Helping Bereavement coordinator with phone calls or letters.
  • Sign up information: Please call 224-209-0354 if interested to discuss
  • Contact person: Donna Adam - donnaadam@cleanupgiveback.org
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the semester
  • Description of opportunity: Clean Up – Give Back facilitates trash cleanup campaigns that are helpful to the community and the environment. We establish chapters for on-going cleanup. We operate a national “Flexible Service Programs” that allows individuals to earn service hours for work, school or court.
  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, Click Here
  • Contact person: Sara Vasilev - svasilev@mylifechoice.org 847-777-8888
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the semester
  • Location of Service: LifeChoice Hospice  and Palliative Care - Wheeling
  • Description of opportunity: Hospice volunteers have the opportunity to meet and work with local hospice patients. Patients are visited at their family home or nursing home. Volunteers can work with patients to provide companionship, play music for them or assist them with writing cards to family and friends. There are many different activities a hospice volunteer can participate in. For volunteers who may not feel comfortable working directly with hospice patients yet, you can assist hospice staff with administrative tasks in our office in Wheeling.
  • Sign up information: Click here to sign up
  • Contact person: Anastasia Malhotra a.malhotra@journeystheroadhome.org 847-963-9163
  • Date of service: Ongoing
  • Location of Service: Journeys the Road Home
  • Description of opportunity: Clothing Closet is available weekly for volunteer hours. We offer clothing to our clients from our closet with donations we receive daily. Your role would be to help organize the closet. Shifts are Monday-Friday either 8:30-11:00 am or 12:30-2:30pm.

    Food Pantry is available weekly for volunteer hours. We offer food from our pantry to our clients and people in need with donations we receive. Your role would be to help organize the pantry by date of food expiring, bag food requests from clients, and to put new donations away. Shifts are Monday-Friday either 8:30-11:00am or 12:30-2:30pm.

    PADS overnight shelters are available for volunteer hours. We host through various church networks a few different sites that people experiencing homeless can come stay, get a meal, and rest overnight weekly. Each night has various shifts started around 5pm all through 7am the next morning. If you are a night person who wants to help your community this is a great option for you
  • Sign up information: Click here to find opportunities
  • Contact person: Amy Diaz - adiaz@nwsra.org 847-392-2848
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the semester
  • Location of Service: Northwest Suburban Recreation Association
  • Description of opportunity: At NWSRA, children and adults with disabilities make friends, have fun, be included, go new places, learn new things, and celebrate their lives! Formed in 1974 to provide recreation services to individuals with disabilities, NWSRA is an extension of 17 member park districts within the northwest suburbs of Chicago. NWSRA is the largest of all special recreation associations and is a leader among peers with over 14,000 program registrations in more than 2,000 programs annually.

    We are always seeking volunteers to assist in our therapeutic recreation programs. These programs range from sports, fitness, arts, crafts, music, and general leisure. During your volunteer interview, you will discuss what type of programs interest you the most! We want to make this a great experience for you as well.


    Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. The Volunteer Coordinator will contact you as soon as possible through e-mail to confirm that you have been accepted to the volunteer team and that you have been placed in your preferred program. Volunteer applications are processed once per week, please allow at least 5 business days for your application to be processed. 
  • Sign up information: Apply here
  • Contact person: Erin@Allcommunityevents.com 
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the semester
  • Description of opportunity: All Community Events hosts races in the area all throughout the fall season. This opportunity allows you to gain some volunteer experience to add to your resume. Some examples of tasks are assisting with registration, helping at a water station, and more!

  • Sign up information: Email Erin for more information and to sign up
  • Contact person: feralfelineproject@gmail.com 
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the semester
  • Description of opportunity: Our Adoption Center is located in the Petco at 49 W Rand Rd, Arlington Hts. General tasks include but are not limited to:

    *Socializing kittens and cats
    *Light kennel cleaning
    *Basic care such as feeding and grooming

    Tasks will coincide with comfort level

    Our TNR Program is in the field. You will work along side a senior Trapper, they are your mentor. You will learn how to:
    * humanely trap, sterilize and return feral (wild) cats.
    You would also be speaking to people in the community on the benefits of TNR under the guidance of your Mentor.

    To Volunteer please complete the Volunteer Application under the Documents Tab on our website www.feralfelineproject.org

  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here
  • Contact person: Katie Evans - khevans@mchenrycountyil.gov  
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the year
  • Description of opportunity: Volunteers have the opportunity to help shelters animals by walking dogs, playing with cats, or helping with special events & photography. Volunteers are needed during the day on weekdays and Saturdays.

    All volunteer opportunities will take place at the McHenry County Animal Control building, at 100 N. Virginia Street in Crystal Lake
  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here
  • Contact person: deb@purrfectcatrescue.com
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the year
  • Description of opportunity: This volunteer opportunity is to take care of our no-kill, cage-free kitties and the shelter. You may tidy the cat and kitten areas, feed and water them, clean litter boxes, and generally make sure all the areas are clean.

    You may sign up for a standard, weekly schedule or just grab shifts as it fits your schedule. If you are interested, please go to the website, click "Volunteer" and then click "Volunteer Application" . We will then reach out and provide you an online signup link for a quick and simple signup experience.

    Available Days / Hours:
    Weekdays - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Weekends (Sat and Sun) - 9:00 am-noon
  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, click here
  • Contact person: Halie Reyes halier@frisbieseniorcenter.org  
  • Date of service: Ongoing throughout the semester
  • Description of opportunity: The Once & Again Resale Shop is looking for volunteers to assist with sorting, pricing, and organizing donations. Profits go to supporting the Frisbie Senior Center's mission of providing support to older adults. Hours are Tues-Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, however shifts can be adjusted to the volunteer's schedule
  • Sign up information: For more information and to sign up, email Halie at halier@frisbieseniorcentor.org 

If these opportunities do not work with your schedule, you can view a list of local volunteer organizations here. These organizations often need volunteers on an ongoing basis. An additional source of volunteer opportunities throughout the northwest suburbs can be found here. Finally, this site provides online options for students looking to get community service hours. 

In need of volunteers?

Are you in need of volunteers for a project or event you are hosting this semester? Promise Scholars can be a great resource.

 

Questions?

hpromise@harpercollege.edu

 

Last Updated: 9/29/23