Needs From: Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

Volunteer: Museum School Volunteer

We are looking for some volunteers to help with Museum School during the week. Museum School is a week of lessons and activities at our various locations teaching 3rd graders about their community, local history and science. This is a free learning experience offered to schools around the state. 

We are looking for at least one volunteer each day of Museum School, which runs through the school year, to assist with lessons, aiding in crosswalk safety and helping the children stay focused in group settings. The hours are 9:30-2, either Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday. Partial days or shifts are acceptable as it may be too much of a time commitment.

Retired persons would be a great fit for this opportunity.

Agency: Grout Museum District

We are looking for some volunteers to help with Museum School during the week. Museum School is a week of lessons and activities at our various locations teaching 3rd graders about their community, local history and science. This is a free learning experience offered to schools around the state. 

We are looking for at least one volunteer each day of Museum School, which runs through the school year, to assist with lessons, aiding in crosswalk safety and helping the children stay focused in group settings. The hours are 9:30-2, either Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday. Partial days or shifts are acceptable as it may be too much of a time commitment.

Retired persons would be a great fit for this opportunity.

Agency: Grout Museum District

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50701

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Kitchen Help

We are looking for a volunteer to offer help to our cook so she can do her job in a timely manner and be done in a 8 hour shift. This would be a great help to our cook and to help our center run smoothly.

Responsibilities: Assisting with prep and clean up for lunch.

Qualifications include basic experience cleaning, prepping food and kitchen help.

Agency: Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center

We are looking for a volunteer to offer help to our cook so she can do her job in a timely manner and be done in a 8 hour shift. This would be a great help to our cook and to help our center run smoothly.

Responsibilities: Assisting with prep and clean up for lunch.

Qualifications include basic experience cleaning, prepping food and kitchen help.

Agency: Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50613

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Weekend Waterer Volunteer Opportunity

Help keep our gardens thriving! Weekend Waterers play a vital role by ensuring our plants stay hydrated during the hottest days. Volunteers will assist with watering garden beds, containers, and newly planted areas. Perfect for those who enjoy peaceful mornings or quiet evenings among the flowers. Training and equipment provided just bring your love for plants and a willingness to get a little wet!

Agency: Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

Help keep our gardens thriving! Weekend Waterers play a vital role by ensuring our plants stay hydrated during the hottest days. Volunteers will assist with watering garden beds, containers, and newly planted areas. Perfect for those who enjoy peaceful mornings or quiet evenings among the flowers. Training and equipment provided just bring your love for plants and a willingness to get a little wet!

Agency: Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50701

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Cedar Valley Food Pantry Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank! We appreciate your support of our mission of supporting everyone experiencing food insecurity throughout northeast Iowa. Help make a direct impact in the community by assisting in the Cedar Valley Food Pantry and helping feed the community. Pantry volunteers will assist pantry staff in stocking shelves, sorting produce, sorting food donations, and assisting community members with their shopping if needed.

To sign up immediately through our website, please visit NEIFB Volunteer Website and locate "CVFP Morning, All Day, Mid-Morning, or Afternoon Shifts" on the calendar. Sign up through VolunteerHub and start receiving notifications for your volunteer time! For questions or assistance with signing up, please contact Raechel Miller at rmiller@neifb.org.

Location: 1605 Lafayette Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50703

Cedar Valley Food Pantry Volunteer

2-6 Hours | 8:45am-11:00am, 9:00am-3:00pm, 11:00am-1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:30pm

You must wear closed toe shoes. 

Agency: Northeast Iowa Food Bank

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank! We appreciate your support of our mission of supporting everyone experiencing food insecurity throughout northeast Iowa. Help make a direct impact in the community by assisting in the Cedar Valley Food Pantry and helping feed the community. Pantry volunteers will assist pantry staff in stocking shelves, sorting produce, sorting food donations, and assisting community members with their shopping if needed.

To sign up immediately through our website, please visit NEIFB Volunteer Website and locate "CVFP Morning, All Day, Mid-Morning, or Afternoon Shifts" on the calendar. Sign up through VolunteerHub and start receiving notifications for your volunteer time! For questions or assistance with signing up, please contact Raechel Miller at rmiller@neifb.org.

Location: 1605 Lafayette Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50703

Cedar Valley Food Pantry Volunteer

2-6 Hours | 8:45am-11:00am, 9:00am-3:00pm, 11:00am-1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:30pm

You must wear closed toe shoes. 

Agency: Northeast Iowa Food Bank

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Agency Requirement: >16 years old

Zip Code: 50703

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Front office

Helping veterans in need with resources.

Answer phones, greet guest, simple data input in the computer.

Qualifications:

Someone who likes to interact with people, positive attitude.

Agency: Americans For Independent Living

Helping veterans in need with resources.

Answer phones, greet guest, simple data input in the computer.

Qualifications:

Someone who likes to interact with people, positive attitude.

Agency: Americans For Independent Living

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50702

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Mentoring Elementary Students

The purpose of our mentoring program is to increase student belonging. Meeting with community mentors helps students feel connected and empowered.

We match mentors to elementary students in kindergarten through sixth grade. As a mentor, you would meet with one assigned student once each week at school during the day for 30-45 minutes. Most often, this occurs during lunch/recess time (between 11:00-1:00). Mentors chat with students while they eat lunch and then go to a different area of the school to play board games. Mentors are expected to connect with the students personably and get to know the kids. This is not a time for academic tutoring, but rather a time for students to connect with caring, responsible adults. Games and materials will be provided. We expect mentors to dress appropriately for a school setting, to be punctual, and to communicate with us if they will be gone.

We welcome community volunteers of all ages and life stages. There are no specific knowledge or skill requirements. The school district requires all mentors to complete a district volunteer form before beginning. This includes a background check.

Agency: Orchard Hill Elementary School

The purpose of our mentoring program is to increase student belonging. Meeting with community mentors helps students feel connected and empowered.

We match mentors to elementary students in kindergarten through sixth grade. As a mentor, you would meet with one assigned student once each week at school during the day for 30-45 minutes. Most often, this occurs during lunch/recess time (between 11:00-1:00). Mentors chat with students while they eat lunch and then go to a different area of the school to play board games. Mentors are expected to connect with the students personably and get to know the kids. This is not a time for academic tutoring, but rather a time for students to connect with caring, responsible adults. Games and materials will be provided. We expect mentors to dress appropriately for a school setting, to be punctual, and to communicate with us if they will be gone.

We welcome community volunteers of all ages and life stages. There are no specific knowledge or skill requirements. The school district requires all mentors to complete a district volunteer form before beginning. This includes a background check.

Agency: Orchard Hill Elementary School

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50613

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Communications Volunteer

The Communications Volunteer will assist the Development team in the creation of agency publications and social media. They will lend support to FOF's social media goals and work to engage target markets.

What You Will Do:

Create social media content for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn and any other identified platforms the agency uses Conduct research and comparison regarding best practices and innovative ideas to enhance agency social mediaParticipate on the Social Media Committee to lend creative ideas and brainstorming to our postings Assist in the filming and editing of agency promotional/ informational videos Audit media posts for demographic representationProofread and edit content as needed

Agency: Friends of the Family

The Communications Volunteer will assist the Development team in the creation of agency publications and social media. They will lend support to FOF's social media goals and work to engage target markets.

What You Will Do:

Create social media content for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn and any other identified platforms the agency uses Conduct research and comparison regarding best practices and innovative ideas to enhance agency social mediaParticipate on the Social Media Committee to lend creative ideas and brainstorming to our postings Assist in the filming and editing of agency promotional/ informational videos Audit media posts for demographic representationProofread and edit content as needed

Agency: Friends of the Family

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50702

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Over The Edge

We’re looking for enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to help make this high-energy event a success! Whether you're checking in participants, cheering on rappelers, assisting with gear, or helping with logistics, your support will help create a safe and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Participant Check-InGear & Staging AssistanceRopes Volunteer (no experience needed!)PhotographyEvent Setup & Tear Down

Be part of a thrilling, community-driven eventSupport local nonprofits and programsMeet new people and have funGet a free event t-shirt and snacks!

Must be 16+ (some roles 18+)Comfortable being outdoors and on your feetFriendly, flexible, and ready to help

Agency: Cedar Valley United Way

We’re looking for enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to help make this high-energy event a success! Whether you're checking in participants, cheering on rappelers, assisting with gear, or helping with logistics, your support will help create a safe and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Participant Check-InGear & Staging AssistanceRopes Volunteer (no experience needed!)PhotographyEvent Setup & Tear Down

Be part of a thrilling, community-driven eventSupport local nonprofits and programsMeet new people and have funGet a free event t-shirt and snacks!

Must be 16+ (some roles 18+)Comfortable being outdoors and on your feetFriendly, flexible, and ready to help

Agency: Cedar Valley United Way

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 26, 2025

Zip Code: 50701

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Friday Night Live Server/Bartender

Volunteer and help make our Friday Night Live events fun and unforgettable for residents and guests. 

In this roll, you will help our staff put on a great night of music, food and fun. Tasks include Bartending or Serving throughout our live music events on Friday Nights here at NewAldaya Lifescapes. Have fun socializing with guests, help us provide a great experience and listen to some great music along the way. 

Must be 18 years old.

Please Email: klunn@newaldaya.org for more details 

Agency: NewAldaya Lifescapes

Volunteer and help make our Friday Night Live events fun and unforgettable for residents and guests. 

In this roll, you will help our staff put on a great night of music, food and fun. Tasks include Bartending or Serving throughout our live music events on Friday Nights here at NewAldaya Lifescapes. Have fun socializing with guests, help us provide a great experience and listen to some great music along the way. 

Must be 18 years old.

Please Email: klunn@newaldaya.org for more details 

Agency: NewAldaya Lifescapes

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50613

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Community Art Show - Coat Check

Friendship Village is hosting a community art show Thursday, October 16th from 5:30-7:30pm. We would love to show the community how art can be practiced and enjoyed at any age. We will be highlighting our residents artists, and are also inviting local artists to display their pieces for all to enjoy.

Our coat check area will help elevate the evening and make outside guests feel welcome and cared for. Coat check attendants will greatly help the evening run smoothly and add a touch of class by taking, organizing, and returning coats to guests.

Agency: Friendship Village

Friendship Village is hosting a community art show Thursday, October 16th from 5:30-7:30pm. We would love to show the community how art can be practiced and enjoyed at any age. We will be highlighting our residents artists, and are also inviting local artists to display their pieces for all to enjoy.

Our coat check area will help elevate the evening and make outside guests feel welcome and cared for. Coat check attendants will greatly help the evening run smoothly and add a touch of class by taking, organizing, and returning coats to guests.

Agency: Friendship Village

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 50702

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Blood Drive Volunteers--we need you urgently!

Blood Donor Ambassador: Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  The need for blood is constant and so is the need for volunteers at our Blood Drives to help save lives. Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you’re greeting donors, answering questions or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support. 

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Agency: American Red Cross - Nebraska-Iowa Region

Blood Donor Ambassador: Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  The need for blood is constant and so is the need for volunteers at our Blood Drives to help save lives. Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you’re greeting donors, answering questions or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support. 

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Agency: American Red Cross - Nebraska-Iowa Region

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50701

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: International Family Friendship Program

Become a Host Family with the UNI International Family Friendship Program!  Want to make a global impact without leaving home? Become a host family for the International Family Friendship Program and connect with international students right here in the Cedar Valley!

By sharing a meal and spending time together just once a month, you’ll help students learn about American culture—and you’ll get to learn about theirs, too. It’s a meaningful, flexible way to build cross-cultural friendships that last a lifetime.

Agency: UNI International Engagement|Culture & Intensive English Program

Become a Host Family with the UNI International Family Friendship Program!  Want to make a global impact without leaving home? Become a host family for the International Family Friendship Program and connect with international students right here in the Cedar Valley!

By sharing a meal and spending time together just once a month, you’ll help students learn about American culture—and you’ll get to learn about theirs, too. It’s a meaningful, flexible way to build cross-cultural friendships that last a lifetime.

Agency: UNI International Engagement|Culture & Intensive English Program

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50613

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Add Descriptive "Tags" to Historical Photos; Date photos (fully online activity)

Agency: Fortepan IA-- a public photo history platform featuring curated Iowa family snapshots

Agency: Fortepan IA-- a public photo history platform featuring curated Iowa family snapshots

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50613

Allow Groups: No