Give back to the communities that need it most this summer 

With so much to enjoy and take advantage of this summer season, there are also so many ways to give back to our communities. From soup kitchens to park clean ups, these organizations are grateful for a small amount of time spent in service to others.  

The Cincinnati Parks are some of the most beautiful natural areas in the region to spend time in, but they also require support from volunteers to keep them maintained and accessible for everyone. There are opportunities to get dirty and help lay mulch or cut back invasive honeysuckle, plan community events, and get involved with administrative duties. The parks have a wide variety of short-term or long-term tasks and will help train volunteers in any skills needed. Attend the Stowe House Gardening and Invasive Removal event at Stowe Park July 11 from 9-11 a.m. to help remove invasive species and integrate native plants at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House to start taking part in conservation efforts.  

St. Vincent De Paul – Cincinnati’s mission is to help neighbors in need with food pantries, house visits and clothing when they need it most. Volunteers are a large part of why it is able to help and support as many people as it does. It has many different locations in the Greater Cincinnati area for community members to pitch in. It accepts volunteers with the food pantry, thrift stores, community event planning, pharmacy and seasonal events.  

The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission is based out of Covington, Kentucky, and offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in many different areas. Giving back could look like teaching a class on budgeting or nutrition, helping with a food drive or reading books to children with a Head Start Center. There are many ways to offer time and skills to people in need.  

Lebanon Food Pantry and Free Clothing Store offers free groceries and clothing to those in need in Lebanon. Volunteers can help by loading and unloading deliveries at the food pantry, donating non-perishable food items or necessities such as liquid soap, diapers and gently used clothing. The food pantry is located at 190 New St.  

Our Daily Bread is a soup kitchen based in Over-the-Rhine that needs volunteers to help prepare meals Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon. Volunteers can work at the food pantry serving meals, cleaning tables and preparing the kitchen. Our Daily Bread also needs off-site volunteers willing to help plan food drives, bake treats and make sandwiches to deliver. This is an excellent opportunity for larger groups or those with limited time to make a difference in the community.