Chicago Cares envisions a city where we’re all active participants, fully invested in the city we call home and the success of all of our neighbors. We see a future where all Chicagoans work together across divides to improve the quality of life for everyone and set our city on a path toward long-term change.
To realize this vision, we plan 200 volunteer projects open to the public every month, hundreds of corporate volunteer programs every year, and annual events like Serve-a-thon.
Check out some of our big events:
October
Find Your CauseJune
Serve-a-thonSeptember
September to RememberThese projects are in need of more volunteers! Sign up now:
October 16
Read-with-Me at the Boys & Girls ClubOctober 17
Read-with-Me Junior at HGSOctober 18
Healthy Start at Oakley SquareOctober 21
Art Around the World at McCormickOctober 21
Explore Chicago at Dulles ElementaryDid you know that volunteers have better odds of finding employment? Or that volunteering can enrich your sense of purpose? For sure, volunteering is a great way to develop yourself both personally and professionally. Volunteers learn and practice leadership skills, and are challenged to think about life beyond their own neighborhood and experience. That is […]
We understand that not everyone can commit a full day to volunteering so we’re offering an alternative. The Chicago Cares staff needs help making sure that the day runs smoothly and that’s where you come in. Sign up to be a Roadie. Roadies work in shifts. Choose from a morning shift, 6:30 AM – 9:30 […]
We are so excited to be just a little over a month away from Chicago Cares’ Serve-a-thon on June 24th! Haven’t signed up to participate yet? There’s still time! You can register here to be a part of a city-transforming day, but hurry – registration closes June 16th, or when the event reaches capacity. Did […]
By Nicole Amling Fran Smith has spent her whole life working and volunteering for social service organizations, doing what she can to help those who are less fortunate. Volunteering keeps her grounded, helping her remember that everyone has challenges in their lives and that we need to support one another. Eight years ago, she started […]
By Nicole Amling When you ask Shawn about his favorite part of volunteering at The Night Ministry’s Open Door Shelter, an interim housing program for homeless youth, the answer is easy. “It’s interacting with the kids and the other volunteers. I love getting to know them and building relationships,” says Shawn. Once a month, Shawn […]
By Alex Baird When Lisa Jung graduated college and moved back to Chicago in 2010, she wasn’t sure where her career would go, but one thing was clear: Volunteering would be part of the fabric of her life. “I’ve always been a very firm believer that in order to better the community you have to […]
