Chipride.org

ChiPride Volunteering + FarmWorks
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Chicago FarmWorks, 407 N. Albany Avenue, Chicago, 60612, United States
Heartland Human Care Services – Chicago FarmWorks
When: Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 407 N. Albany Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612
Total Spots Available: 30

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with Heartland Human Care Services – Chicago FarmWorks. Volunteers will perform a variety of tasks that will include weeding, laying down weed suppression fabric, shoveling compost, building grow beds, and potentially helping to care for some native plant areas.
Volunteers should wear weather appropriate attire suitable for working on an urban farm. We suggest these additional items:

Sunscreen
Hat and/or sunglasses
Water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized

Heartland Human Care Services will provide all farm work items on site (gloves, trowels, kneeling pads, etc.).

Heartland Human Care Services – Chicago FarmWorks Mission: For many low-income communities, affordable food, especially affordable healthy food, is in short supply. To help address this problem, Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS), in partnership with the City of
Chicago, NeighborSpace, Rush University Medical Center, Breakthrough Ministries, and Our Lady of the Angels Food Pantry, operates two urban farm lots in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood called Chicago FarmWorks. We are able to grow, harvest and distribute our produce with crucial support from our volunteers and our transitional job participants who are working to overcome many barriers to secure permanent full-time jobs. The produce we grow on our two farm lots goes to our food pantry partners, Breakthrough Ministries Fresh Market and Mission of Our Lady of the Angels food pantry, where it is distributed directly to hundreds of individuals and families each week.

ChiPride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

ChiPride Volunteering + Nourishing Hope
2025-08-16 09:00 - 11:30 | Nourishing Hope, 5151 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, 60640, United States
ChiPride Volunteering + Nourishing Hope
When: Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Nourishing Hope – The Hub, 5151 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Total Spots Available: 15

Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers as we help Nourishing Hope pack Home Delivery bags/boxes for their clients! Our group will be packing food in one of three lines: the produce line, dry goods line, or the dairy/freezer line. If needed, the shift may also include box making. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Moderate lifting required for some volunteers.
Nourishing Hope asks that all volunteers complete on online registration and waiver before the event. We’ll provide instructions for doing so after you register at the Chipride Volunteering website.

Location, Parking, and Public Transportation: Street parking is available but can be limited. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find parking. The Hub is easily accessible via public transportation.

Nourishing Hope Mission: Nourishing Hope through food, mental health and social services so that all of our neighbors can thrive. We provide a healthy and diverse range of groceries for our Chicago neighbors. We personalize food distribution – matching our guests with the food they want and need. We offer licensed, trained professionals working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, or other stressors, getting at root causes of mental illness. No insurance is required. We provide respectful assistance in navigating state and local resources available, while supporting a plan for a healthy, stable life. We work with our neighbors to overcome any obstacles.

ChiPride Volunteering Mission: ChiPride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

ChiPride Volunteering + EcoShip
2025-07-26 09:00 - 12:00 | EcoShip, 1947 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
ChiPride Volunteering + EcoShip
When: Saturday, July 26th, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: EcoShip, 1947 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Total Spots Available: 30

Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers as we help EcoShip prepare to move out of their retail facility in Chicago! Volunteers will help break down shelves (please bring gloves if you have them), pack packaging materials into totes and bags, and label items. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Moderate lifting required for some volunteers.

Location, Parking, and Public Transportation: Street parking is available but can be limited. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find parking.

EcoShip Mission: EcoShip is a 501(c)(3) that collects shipping materials from Chicagoland communities and distributes them to businesses and individuals for reuse. In 2021, founder, Aleksandra, began collecting packaging materials for her partner, Peter’s, e-commerce business. Using local Facebook groups, she drove around Chicago to gather items. Not before long, she had filled up her car and closet, and wondered if other small businesses could reuse the packaging as well. The idea of EcoShip was formed and by 2022, EcoShip was officially a nonprofit.

ChiPride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Chicago Pride Parade 2025!
2025-06-29 10:00 - 15:30
Chipride Volunteering + Chicago PRIDE PARADE 2025!
When: Sunday, June 29th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Parade Assembly Area (Sheridan & Broadway) at 10 AM
Total Spots Available: 100
Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with PRIDE Chicago. Chipride Volunteering will help coordinate and march in the Chicago Pride Parade!

What should we wear?
(Optional) Please purchase a Chipride Volunteering T-shirt and Hat from Raygun. A portion of this purchase goes directly to Chipride Volunteering.

Distribution Rules:
For safety reasons, no objects may be thrown into the crowd from floats, vehicles, or walking groups at any time during the parade.
For health and safety reasons, unwrapped food and beverage items may not be sampled or distributed along the parade route.
To avoid littering, leaflets and flyers should not be distributed along the parade route.
(Reference ‘Sampling Distribution and Regulations’ in the Rules and Regulations)

PRIDE CHICAGO Mission:
Our mission remains steadfast to inspire, educate, and commemorate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities in Chicago, while celebrating our diverse culture.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.
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ChiPride Volunteering + Shedd Aquarium Pride Night
2025-06-14 18:00 - 22:30
Shedd Aquarium + ChiPride Volunteering:
When: Saturday, June 14th, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Location: Shedd Aquarium – 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Description: Come visit ChiPride Volunteering at the Shedd Aquarium’s Pride Night! Our leadership team will have a table set up for guest to learn more about ChiPride Volunteering, what we do and how to get involved! If you would like, you can help up work the table and tell guests about our organization! Otherwise – simply enjoy the beautiful aquarium and celebrate Pride!

This is not the registration site for the Shedd Aquarium event – this is to volunteer with ChiPride Volunteering.
Everyone has to buy a ticket for the event ahead of time including volunteers.
Purchase a ticket at: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/shedd-pride-night

About the event: Join Shedd Aquarium and A Queer Pride in celebrating our vibrant and creative LGBTQ+ community! Kick off Pride Month festivities in style with a memorable Pride Night at Shedd featuring multiple DJs and an ocean-themed drag showcase. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to convene together to embrace the diversity of our community!

ChiPride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

ChiPride Volunteering + Alliance for the Great Lakes
2025-06-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Kathy Osterman (Hollywood Beach), 5800 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, 60660, United States
Alliance for the Great Lakes – Beach Cleanup
When: Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) Beach 5800 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60660
Total Spots Available: 40
Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with Alliance for the Great Lakes. Volunteers will work together to pick up and document litter on the beach. After the beach is cleaned up, all the items will be added up and weighed. Trash will then be thrown away while recyclable items will be recycled. Along with data from beaches from all the different coasts of the Great Lakes, the site’s documented beach clean up data is tallied and sent to Alliance for the Great Lakes. The data is collected and used in research on the pollution around the Great Lakes.
Volunteers should wear weather appropriate attire suitable for walking on the beach and in the surrounding park. We suggest these additional items:

Sunscreen
Hat and/or sunglasses
Refillable water bottle

Alliance for the Great Lakes will provide disposable gloves and trashbags.

Alliance for the Great Lakes Mission: To protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis, and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.
Each year, Alliance for the Great Lakes volunteers remove tens of thousands of pounds of litter from local beaches. About 85% of it is plastic. Together, volunteers have collected over 20 years of cleanup data. Scientists use this data to study the sources of plastic pollution, and this information helps decision makers make the case for policies that protect the lakes.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Nourishing Hope
2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:30 | Nourishing Hope, 5151 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, 60640, United States
Chipride Volunteering + Nourishing Hope

When: Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Nourishing Hope – The Hub, 5151 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Total Spots Available: 15

Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers as we help Nourishing Hope pack Home Delivery bags/boxes for their clients! Our group will be packing food in one of three lines: the produce line, dry goods line, or the dairy/freezer line. If needed, the shift may also include box making. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Moderate lifting required for some volunteers.

Location, Parking, and Public Transportation: Street parking is available but can be limited. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find parking. The Hub is easily accessible via public transportation.

Nourishing Hope Mission: Nourishing Hope through food, mental health and social services so that all of our neighbors can thrive. We provide a healthy and diverse range of groceries for our Chicago neighbors. We personalize food distribution – matching our guests with the food they want and need. We offer licensed, trained professionals working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, or other stressors, getting at root causes of mental illness. No insurance is required. We provide respectful assistance in navigating state and local resources available, while supporting a plan for a healthy, stable life. We work with our neighbors to overcome any obstacles.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Care For Real
2025-04-19 08:30 - 13:15
Chipride Volunteering + Care For Real

When: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 8:30 am – 1:15 pm
Location: Care For Real, 5339 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
Total Spots Available: 15

Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers as we assist Care For Real with outdoor food distribution at their pantry! You may be packing carts of food, bringing food outside to clients, packing bags, or stocking shelves. Distribution involves lifting bags and boxes that may weigh up to 30 lbs. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes as most roles take place outside.

Location, Parking, and Public Transportation: There is no on-site parking at our locations, and parking behind the Edgewater location is not permitted. Street parking is available but can be limited. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find parking. Both locations are easily accessible via public transportation.

Care For Real Mission: Care for Real’s mission is to foster a healthy and equitable community by helping neighbors and families overcome food insecurity with dignity. Through locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park, CfR provides food, clothing, pet food, referral, and additional services with compassion to improve the health and well-being of low-income residents to foster a stronger, healthier, equitable, and more stable community.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteer + Shedd Aquarium Skokie Lagoons
2025-04-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Shedd Aquarium – Skokie Lagoons, N Branch Trail System - Brown Paved Trl, Glencoe, IL 60022, Glencoe, IL, 60022, United States
Shedd Aquarium + Chipride Volunteering:
When: Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Skokie Lagoons – Forest Way Picnic Grove #1
Total Spots Available: 30
Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with the Shedd Aquarium. Help make room for native flora and fauna by using hand tools to cut and burn invasive brush like buckthorn. In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, restoring these habitats makes a positive difference for amphibians and other wildlife. Buckthorn outcompetes native plant species for important nutrients needed to thrive.
Shedd Aquarium Mission: Sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. A world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand and protect it.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Cornerstone Community Outreach
2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:00
Chipride Volunteering + Cornerstone Community Outreach Event
When: Saturday, March 29th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Cornerstone Community Outreach Office, 4615 N Clifton Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Total Spots Available: 15
Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and ally volunteers as we help Cornerstone Community Outreach organize donations for Spring! We’ll be helping staff organize and sort toys and other donated items, and we’ll make “diaper ready bags” for client children in need. Lifting of light boxes and taking them up and down stairs will be required.
Location: Parking, and Public Transportation: Street parking is available. Cornerstone Community Outreach is located near the Wilson Red Line stop.
What to Wear/Bring:
REQUIRED: Closed-toed shoes, work pants, comfortable clothing
OPTIONAL: Bottled water or other beverages

Cornerstone Community Outreach Mission: Addressing Homelessness, Providing Shelter, Accepting People, Finding Home
Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) is a Chicago homeless shelter and non-profit 501-c3 organization. We have a longstanding commitment to providing shelter and finding homes for Chicago families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Located in Uptown, Chicago, our programs provide shelter for single women, single men, intact families, and single parent/guardian families. On-site services also include casework, three meals a day, a food pantry, and a “free” store with donated clothes, baby, and household items.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Greater Chicago Food Depository
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:45 | Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL, 60632, United States
Chipride Volunteering + Greater Chicago Food Depository
When: Saturday, March 15th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Location: 4100 W Ann Lurie Place, Chicago IL, 60632
Total Spots Available: 40

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Volunteers will be packing food at the Chicago Food Depository! Come join us as we repack bulk products into family-sized portions, sort and categorize donated food items, glean fresh produce items and bread. This food will be distributed to food bank, soup kitchens and shelters across Cook County.
Info from the Depository:

Long pants, shirts that cover shoulders, and fully enclosed shoes are required.

Once you arrive, you will check-in with a member of our Volunteer Engagement Team, and from there you will be guided to our volunteer lobby and orientation room, which is a short walk from the Atrium entrance.
Free parking for volunteers is available in our new, expanded parking lot. There are over 300 parking spots available for all volunteers, visitors, and Food Depository staff. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis. You may also use street parking on Karlov Ave. and Ann Lurie Place, next to the Food Depository.

Greater Chicago Food Depository Mission: Our mission is to end hunger. To achieve our mission, we work in partnership with a network of community-based organizations and individuals. Together, we connect our neighbors with healthy food, lift our voices and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger – poverty, systemic inequity and structural racism. Together, we are greater. Together, we can end hunger.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Ignite Youth Shelter
2025-03-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Ignite – Belfor House, 3745 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Chipride Volunteering + Ignite Youth Shelter Event

When: Saturday, March 1st, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Belfort House, 3745 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Total Spots Available: 15
Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers as we help Chicago area youth in need! We will help beautify the grounds of Ignite’s Belfort House youth shelter in their first gardening project of the year. The Ignite community garden located on-site at Belfort House provides endless opportunities for volunteers and youth to contribute. Having a garden allows youth to see the benefits of growing food crops and learn how to care for and maintain their outdoor space. Gloves, equipment, and dirt/mulch will be provided. We will help with:

Clearing out weeds, bushes, and plant beds
Planting vegetables & flowers
Raking and Digging
Cleaning up grounds around the property

Location, Parking, and Public Transportation: Ample street parking is provided on S. Indiana Ave. Belfort House is about an 8-minute walk from the Indiana Green Line stop. Enter at the black gate in front of the bright orange building.
What to Wear/Bring:

REQUIRED: Closed-toed shoes, work pants, jacket for weather, reusable water bottle
OPTIONAL: A snack, sunscreen, bug spray

NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER OR COLD TEMPERATURES, WE WILL COMPLETE A SERVICE ACTIVITY INDOORS AT BELFORT HOUSE.

Ignite Mission: Ignite stands with youth on their journey to a home and a future with promise. Ignite envisions a world where all young people have the support they need to be defined by their potential, not their circumstances. Ignite is committed to advancing equity, confronting discrimination, and dismantling systemic barriers to housing which we believe is a human right.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + PAWS Animal Shelter
2025-02-16 12:00 - 15:00 | PAWS Medical Facility, 3516 W. 26th St, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
PAWS CHICAGO – Animal Shelter Event
When: Sunday, February 16th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: PAWS Medical Center – 3516 W. 26th Street Chicago, IL 60623
Total Spots Available: 20

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with PAWS Chicago. The visit starts with a short orientation followed by a service project. The service project may include things like cleaning, laundry, organizing donations, dishes etc. depending on our needs that day. Then we conclude with animal socialization time.

What should we wear?
For practical reasons and safety purposes please follow the following protocol:

All clothes should be washable and items you would not mind getting dirty. Please wear long pants (required) and preferably a long-sleeved shirt as well, as well as rubber-soled, closed-toed shoes/sneakers. If anyone is not wearing appropriate attire, we will not be able to allow them to have any animal interaction.
Avoid wearing perfume/cologne as some pets react negatively to new odors and avoid wearing dangling jewelry

Parking/Transportation:

Street (free and metered) parking is typically available, particularly on the side streets (just pay close attention to the signs). Please do not park in the bank parking lot directly behind the Center.
Public Transportation is a viable option — The CTA #60 Blue Island bus leaves you off 1/4 block from the Center (about a 45-minute ride from the Loop)

PAWS Chicago Mission:
To build No Kill communities – starting with a No Kill Chicago – that respect and value the life of every cat and dog.
To end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education.
To transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + The Friendship Center Chicago
2025-02-08 14:30 - 16:30 | The Friendship Center, 2711 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
The Friendship Center Chicago – Pantry Event
When: Saturday, February 8th, 2025
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: 2711 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Total Spots Available: 6

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with The Friendship Center Chicago. Volunteers will help restock The Friendship Center’s pantry after their staff have completed home deliveries of pantry items earlier in the day.
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

The Friendship Center Chicago Mission: The Friendship Center fosters hope and dignity in Chicago’s northwest side communities through access to food and vital resources.
The Friendship Center (TFC) supports the food-insecure populations of Chicago’s northwest side neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, and West Ridge. We are a welcoming, fresh food, full-choice pantry providing hot meals, home delivery, and pet food distributions. Our food-rescue program is one of the largest in the city of Chicago. We serve over 4,500 neighbors facing hunger each month.
TFC provides access to short and long-term needs for those at risk of being food insecure. By assisting with SNAP applications and/or making referrals to our community nonprofit and healthcare partners, we can connect folks with job training, counseling, legal advice, and underinsured healthcare to allow them to overcome other challenges they may be facing.
TFC has supported neighbors facing hunger since 1969. We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving all people equally regardless of religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, or gender orientation.
We are a proud partner of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and part of the larger Feeding America network of hunger relief organizations.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Share Our Spare
2025-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Share Our Spare, 3800 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60641, United States
Chipride Volunteering + Share Our Spare Event
When: Saturday, February 1st, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: The Sharehouse, 3800 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Total Spots Available: 30

Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers as we help Chicagoland area children in need! We’ll be sorting essentials (books, clothes, toys) and packing diaper orders for children and their families.
Share Our Spare asks all volunteers to consider bringing a gently used donation of children’s clothing, books, or small gear items (bassinets, strollers, pack n plays) or a brand new donation of bottles, diapers, wipes, or baby hygiene items (diaper rash creams, soaps, and lotions). This is not a requirement to volunteer with them.

Location & Parking: The Sharehouse is located at 3800 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood. The parking lot and the entrance is on Milwaukee Ave. You will see the Tierra Encantada daycare at the front of the parking lot. The front double doors to the building are located at the back of the parking lot. You will see the double doors next to a row of black mailboxes. When you enter the building, you will walk down the L shaped hallway to the end where you will see our doors to enter our volunteer space labeled with Share Our Spare decals. There is a parking lot on Kilbourn Ave at the back of our building where you will see taxis. PLEASE PARK ONLY IN THE MILWAUKEE AVE LOT. DO NOT PARK HERE THE TAXI COMPANY WILL TOW YOU.

What to Wear: We recommend wearing closed-toed shoes and dressing in comfortable layers as the temperature of our warehouse can fluctuate. Office attire is not recommended.

Share Our Spare Mission: Share Our Spare (SOS) believes every child deserves a strong start and every parent the opportunity to provide one. Each year, we help ensure more than 18,000 Chicagoland children – from birth to age 5 – receive the essentials they need for healthy development, by partnering with over 200 social service agencies across the area. Through these partnerships, SOS provides diapers, baby care items, clothing, books and other resources families in financial crisis often struggle to afford and social service agencies often struggle to find. While filling these critical gaps, we also are focused on educating, advocating and seeking solutions for improving the lives of children and families facing poverty in our region.
Here is why this matters: We know that 1 in 2 children in our city have an unmet diaper need, which impacts parents’ ability to go to school or work. We also know that the cost of diapers has increased 22% compared to the current 6% national inflation rate, resulting in even more financial hardship for our families. We also know that before factors of inflation that diapers cost 14% of our families’ income, which inhibits their ability to maintain financial stability, impacting health, housing and child well-being.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering LGBTQ+ and Ally Public Steering Committee
2025-01-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Chipride Volunteering Public Steering Committee

When: Saturday, January 18th, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Center on Halsted – 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60613
Total Spots Available: 50

Description: Join us as we gather community input from multiple stakeholders including volunteers and members of the public! This input will help guide Chipride Volunteering as we coordinate volunteer events and work to support nonprofits across the city of Chicago. We will review our past year’s success, and our strategic plan for the future to make Chipride Volunteering the most impactful it can be.
Participants will be engaged in structured discussions as well as networking conversations. Come ready to brainstorm, discuss, and plan for an optimistic future for Chipride Volunteering!

Special Note: This event takes place right after our cards event – please register for both separately if you plan on attending both events! It will be in the same room at the Center on Halsted.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteer + Center On Halsted: Card Making Event for LGBTQ+ Seniors
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Center on Halsted – Card Making Event for LGBTQ+ Seniors
When: Saturday, January 18th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Center on Halsted – 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60613
Total Spots Available: 35

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with the Center on Halsted. Volunteers will work together to create, design, and write cards for LGBTQ+ Seniors in our community. These cards will be distributed by the center to members around the Chicago LGBTQ+ community. Come join us and make someone’s day with a thoughtful card!
Join our wonderful and welcoming community of volunteers, meeting new people, and make a difference!

Center on Halsted’s deep commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community is reflected in both the mission and vision of the organization. The Center on Halsted advances community and secures the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland. The Center envisions a thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, living powerfully in supportive inclusive environments.

Chipride Volunteering + Brown Elephant/Howard Brown Event
2025-01-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Brown Elephant, 5404 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Brown Elephant – Howard Brown Health Event
When: Sunday, January 12th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Brown Elephant – Andersonville – Andersonville (5404 N. Clark St.)
Total Spots Available: 17

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with Howard Brown Health at the Brown Elephant store! Volunteers will assist store staff sort through the high volume of donations. Help categorize donations, add pricing labels, general cleaning and tidy up the store including the back-of-house. Provide customer service.

Dress: Casual attire is appropriate.
Arrival: Check in with Brown Elephant staff and inform them that you are a new volunteer group looking for Jaime Dahms or Matthew Gose.

The Brown Elephant Resale Shops: All proceeds support LGBTQ+ healthcare and fund care for the uninsured and under-insured at Howard Brown Health’s 11 clinics including Broadway
Youth Center. Get Involved | Video
Howard Brown Health Mission: Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. We are agents of change for individual wellbeing
and community empowerment.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + RCS Tuesday Grocery Distribution
2024-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 | All Saints Episcopal Church, 4550 N Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
RCS – Tuesday Night Grocery Distribution

When: Tuesday, December 17th, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 4550 N. Hermitage Ave.
Total Spots Available: 7
Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with Ravenswood Community Services. Volunteers will help set up, assist with the distribution of groceries in our client choice style pantry, package to-go dinners, and clean up at the end of the evening. Volunteers should be comfortable lifting 20 lbs and going up and down stairs. Help us during the holidays as we provide food to those in our community who need it most!

Ravenswood Community Services Mission: Neighbors helping neighbors. Ravenswood Community Services (RCS) provides meals and groceries to neighbors in need in the Uptown and Ravenswood communities on the north side of Chicago.
Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.
We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteering + Cornerstone Community Outreach
2024-12-14 09:00 - 11:00
Chipride Volunteering + Cornerstone Community Outreach Event

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Santa’s Workshop, 939 W Wilson – (next to Everybody’s Coffee)
Total Spots Available: 20

Description: Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we help the elves at Cornerstone Community Outreach prepare for the holidays! We’ll be wrapping holiday gifts for the clients of Cornerstone Community Center in the Uptown neighborhood. Help brighten the lives of those experiencing homelessness this holiday season!

Cornerstone Community Outreach Mission: Addressing Homelessness, Providing Shelter, Accepting People, Finding Home
Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) is a Chicago homeless shelter and non-profit 501-c3 organization. We have a longstanding commitment to providing shelter and finding homes for Chicago families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Located in Uptown, Chicago, our programs provide shelter for single women, single men, intact families, and single parent/guardian families. On-site services also include casework, three meals a day, a food pantry, and a “free” store with donated clothes, baby, and household items.

Chipride Volunteering Mission: Chipride Volunteering connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism. We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Chipride Volunteer + Queer Cookie Exchange and Cards for Hospitalized Kids
2024-12-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Chipride Volunteer + Queer Cookie Exchange and Cards for Hospitalized Kids
When: Sunday, December 8th 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Meeting House Tavern 5025 N. Clark St
Total Spots Available: 60

Description: Come celebrate the Holidays with Chipride Volunteering! We are hosting a Queer Cookie Exchange!
We will gather at Meeting House Tavern on the first floor and have cookie boxes ready to go to sample a variety of different cookies; our leadership team is providing a good base of cookies from local bakeries around the city. Not required but if you would like to, please bring a dozen of your favorite cookies if you’d like to contribute, from your favorite bakery or show off your baking skills and bring them homemade (please list ingredients for all cookies).
We will also be making cards for children that are terminally ill in hospitals across the country. We are partnering with Cards for Hospitalized Kids who will distribute these cards to children. We will provide all card materials, but if you’d like to bring some paper and card making materials that would be very much welcomed! (please no glitter…)
Come meet other LGBTQ+ and Allies in your community and learn about our organization and volunteering! Do not feel obliged to bring anything! We will have materials for everyone, the most important thing we want is you to come join us and have a wonderful time with others in our community!

Meeting House is a 21+ establishment.

Special Note: Please be mindful of any allergies others and you may have, ingredients will be listed, if you have an allergy please use extra precaution when selecting cookies. We will have some gluten free available!

Shedd Aquarium + Chipride Volunteering:
2024-11-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Shedd Aquarium – Skokie Lagoons, N Branch Trail System - Brown Paved Trl, Glencoe, IL 60022, Glencoe, IL, 60022, United States
Shedd Aquarium + Chipride Volunteering:
When: Saturday, November 16th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Skokie Lagoons – Forest Way Picnic Grove #1
Total Spots Available: 30
Registration opens on Wednesday, October 16 at 9 am

Description: Help make room for native flora and fauna by using hand tools to cut and burn invasive brush like buckthorn. In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, restoring these habitats makes a positive difference for amphibians and other wildlife.
Buckthorn outcompetes native plant species for important nutrients needed to thrive. Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers in Chicago to help make a difference in our natural world.

Shedd Aquarium’s Mission
Sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.
Shedd Aquarium’s Vision
A world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand and protect it.

PAWS Chicago + Chipride Volunteering - Animal Shelter Event
2024-11-10 12:00 - 15:00 | PAWS Medical Facility, 3516 W. 26th St, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
PAWS CHICAGO – Animal Shelter Event
When: Sunday, November 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 3 pm
Location: PAWS Medical Center – 3516 W. 26th Street Chicago, IL 60623
Total Spots Available: 25

Description: The visit starts with a short orientation followed by a service project. The service project may include things like cleaning, laundry, organizing donations, dishes etc. depending on our needs that day. Then we conclude with animal socialization time.

What should we wear?
For practical reasons and safety purposes please follow the following protocol:

All clothes should be washable and items you would not mind getting dirty. Please wear long pants (required) and preferably a long-sleeved shirt as well, as well as rubber-soled, closed-toed shoes/sneakers. If anyone is not wearing appropriate attire, we will not be able to allow them to have any animal interaction.
Avoid wearing perfume/cologne as some pets react negatively to new odors and avoid wearing dangling jewelry

Parking/Transportation:

Street (free and metered) parking is typically available, particularly on the side streets (just pay close attention to the signs). Please do not park in the bank parking lot directly behind the Center.
Public Transportation is a viable option — The CTA #60 Blue Island bus leaves you off 1/4 block from the Center (about a 45-minute ride from the Loop)

PAWS Mission:
To build No Kill communities – starting with a No Kill Chicago – that respect and value the life of every cat and dog.
To end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education.
To transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.

Tree House Humane Society + Chipride Volunteering
2024-10-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Tree House Humane Society, 7225 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL, 60645, United States
Tree House Humane Society + Chipride Volunteering:
When: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 12 – 3 pm
Location: 7225 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Total Spots Available: 15

Description: Volunteers will help build cat shelters for Tree House’s incredible Community Cats program. These shelters will provide a place for cat colonies across the city to reside. Volunteers will also help complete a number of varied tasks to support Tree House including landscaping, van washing and myriad other tasks throughout the shelter.
There will also be some kitty play time at the end of our work time.

Tree House Humane Society envisions a world in which every cat thrives.
MISSION
Tree House empowers communities of caregivers to protect, nurture, and support new solutions so no cat suffers.

To see other Chipride Volunteering events visit: https://chipride.org/
Chipride: Chipride connects Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and allies through unified volunteerism.

We strive to create a more inclusive city by centralizing opportunities that support a variety of nonprofits, fostering connection and driving positive change at a local level.

Lincoln Park Zoo Haunted Trail Event!
2024-10-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Lincoln Park Zoo – Halloween Scare Event!
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo (East Gate Pavillion)
Total Spots Available: 10

Description: Get ready to scare and roar!! Chipride volunteers will act as scare actors for the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Halloween Haunted Trail. This is an adults night out event, where we will dress up as scare performers and scare guests as they travel through the haunted trail.

Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience in the heart of Chicago and by advancing the highest quality of animal care, education, science, and conservation.

Alliance for the Great Lakes - Beach Clean Up!
2024-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Kathy Osterman (Hollywood Beach), 5800 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, 60660, United States
Alliance for the Great Lakes – Beach Cleanup
When: Saturday, October 19th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) Beach 5800 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60660
Total Spots Available: 25

Description: Volunteers will work together to pick up and document litter on the beach. After the beach is cleaned up, all the items will be added up and weighed. Trash will then be thrown away while recyclable items will be recycled. Along with data from beaches from all the different coasts of the Great Lakes, the site’s documented beach clean up data is tallied and sent to Alliance for the Great Lakes. The data is collected and used in research on the pollution around the Great Lakes.
Volunteers should wear weather appropriate attire suitable for walking on the beach and in the surrounding park. We suggest these additional items:

Sunscreen
Hat and/or sunglasses
Refillable water bottle

Alliance for the Great Lakes will provide disposable gloves and trashbags.

Alliance for the Great Lakes Mission: To protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis, and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.

For more events visit: https://chipride.org/events/
Chipride’s Mission and Vision: Click Our Story

Chipride Volunteering + The Friendship Center Chicago - Pantry Event
2024-10-05 14:30 - 16:30 | The Friendship Center, 2711 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
The Friendship Center Chicago – Pantry Event

When: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: 2711 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Total Spots Available: 6

Description: Come join local Chicagoan LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we help restock The Friendship Center’s pantry after their staff have completed home deliveries of pantry items earlier in the day. Help combat food insecurity, connect with other local volunteers and make a difference in your community.

Mission: The Friendship Center fosters hope and dignity in Chicago’s northwest side communities through access to food and vital resources.
The Friendship Center (TFC) supports the food-insecure populations of Chicago’s northwest side neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, and West Ridge. We are a welcoming, fresh food, full-choice pantry providing hot meals, home delivery, and pet food distributions. Our food-rescue program is one of the largest in the city of Chicago. We serve over 4,500 neighbors facing hunger each month.
TFC provides access to short and long-term needs for those at risk of being food insecure. By assisting with SNAP applications and/or making referrals to our community nonprofit and healthcare partners, we can connect folks with job training, counseling, legal advice, and underinsured healthcare to allow them to overcome other challenges they may be facing.
TFC has supported neighbors facing hunger since 1969. We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving all people equally regardless of religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, or gender orientation.
We are a proud partner of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and part of the larger Feeding America network of hunger relief organizations.

RCS - Saturday Pantry Volunteering Event
2024-09-14 08:15 - 11:30 | Ravenswood Elementary School, 4332 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
RCS – Weekend Pantry Volunteering Event
When: Saturday, September 14th, 2024
Time: 8:15 am – 11:30 am
Location: Ravenswood Elementary School, 4332 N. Paulina St.
Total Spots Available: 10
Registration Opens on Wednesday, August 14th @ 9 am
Description: The volunteer time is from 8:15-11:30am, and in that time volunteers unload pallets of groceries from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, set up the pantry, and distribute groceries. This pantry is outdoors year round, rain or shine, so volunteers are encouraged to come prepared for the weather.

To Learn more about Ravenswood Community Services visit: https://ravenswoodcommunityservices.org/

Chipride Volunteering + Urban Rivers - Riverbank Cleanup
2024-09-07 11:00 - 13:00 | The Wild Mile, 905 W Eastman St, Chicago, IL, 60642, United States
Urban Rivers – Riverbank Cleanup

When: Saturday, September 7th, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: The Wild Mile, Park Entrance behind the REI, 905 W Eastman St, Chicago, IL 60642
Total Spots Available: 20

Description: Join other LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers in Chicago as we help clean up Chicago’s Rivers!
Volunteers will perform trash pickup from the Wild Mile and the surrounding stretches of riverwalk and riveredge habitat. Their team will equip us with trash-pickers as well as bags or buckets, and give an informational introduction to aquatic plastic pollution and its impact on wildlife. We will begin the project with a walking tour of the Wild Mile, which lasts approximately 30 minutes and covers the history, ecology, and design of the park.
Volunteers should wear breathable clothing (such as dry-fit or cotton t-shirts). We suggest these additional items:

Sunscreen
Hat and/or sunglasses
Refillable water bottle

Urban Rivers Mission: Transforming city rivers into wildlife sanctuaries, to provide spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect with nature in new and innovative ways.
Look at a river running through any major city around the world and you will probably find the same thing — sheet metal walls where riverbanks used to be. These walls remove essentially any natural riverbank habitat for plants and wildlife to live. Since these walls simply cannot be removed from most cities, we are bringing back river habitat to urban waterways by building artificial floating gardens that can fit into existing river systems. These gardens are filled with native wetland plants that provide food, shelter, and overall high quality habitat for native wildlife — a sanctuary in the middle of the city.
These sanctuaries aren’t just for the fish, birds, and turtles. We are restoring life to the Chicago River for all by installing floating boardwalks for human communities to access and enjoy the river too.
At Urban Rivers, we believe that transforming urban waterways into wildlife sanctuaries is not only an important environmental mission, but also a critical social one. Access to nature and green spaces is not equally distributed in our cities, and historically marginalized communities have been disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation and pollution. We seek to target and transform historically degraded areas of the Chicago River into lush gardens and public walkways that benefit the communities around them, improving environmental quality and increasing access to nature.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to connect with nature. The Wild Mile is a public park with ADA accessible boardwalk. We host free school field trips, tours, and a variety of programs open to all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and abilities.
We recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential values that must continue to guide our work in transforming once inaccessible urban waterways into accessible community spaces for all.

Cradles to Crayons + Chipride Volunteering
2024-08-17 13:30 - 15:30 | Cradles to Crayons, 2500 W Bradley Pl., Chicago, IL, 60618, United States
Cradles to Crayons + Chipride Volunteering:
When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: 2500 W Bradley Pl. Chicago, IL 60618
Total Spots Available: 30
Description: Volunteers will receive a group registration link from Chipride Volunteering the week before the event.
A volunteer shift at Cradles to Crayons connects you to new and gently used donations that you will quality check, sort, package, and prepare to go to kids in our communities through our incredible network of Service Partners. The Giving Factory activities are broken up into specific stations, each one part of the larger “Quality = Dignity”. Throughout your shift you will be led by a Volunteer Leader who will provide instructions and be present with you during the entire shift to answer questions and provide any assistance you may need.

Additional Info From Cradles to Crayons:

Cradles to Crayons welcomes all volunteers ages 5 and older! Children between the ages of 5 and 15 require an adult present with them for the entire shift.
Pre-register in advance: It is crucial that all volunteers pre-register before coming to The Giving Factory—this is how we communicate essential information and reminders prior to your visit. Only pre-registered volunteers will be allowed inside The Giving Factory.
Arrive for check in 15 minutes prior to your shift time.
Our address is 2500 W Bradley Place. We are located in the back of the business complex. Please go to the back parking lot and look for our purple and yellow Cradles to Crayons signs.

Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. We supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.
Cradles to Crayons Vision: One day every child will have the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.
