Volunteering as a family is a great way to introduce children to the difference one person can make! Families can volunteer together at a variety of our ongoing monthly programs, annual events and special youth projects. 

To get started, every family member should complete our quick online Orientation.  After orientation, you and your family can volunteer at any of our age-appropriate Family Friendly programs. Please make sure your child(ren) meet the minimum age requirements on each project.

Look for these symbols when signing up for programs to determine if your child meets our minimum age requirement. The number in the circle is the minimum age a youth must be to attend the project.

Let the Team Coordinator know you are coming with a child or teen, and bring a youth waiver with you to the project. Remember, children younger than 16 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian to attend our Family Friendly volunteer programming.

Upon request, Chicago Cares creates customized volunteer projects to help celebrate birthdays, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other life milestones. Depending on the size of your volunteer group and type of volunteer project, a donation to Chicago Cares is requested in return for the development and leadership of the activity as well as the cost of project supplies. To find out more about these special opportunities, please contact Senior Manager, Corporate Relations Barbara Khalouf at 312.780.0800 ext. 147 or barbara@chicagocares.org.

To learn more about Chicago Cares' Family Friendly Programming,  please contact Chicago Cares Youth in Service Program at youthinfo@chicagocares.org or call 312-780-0800 ext. 122.