(Arizona chapter, now Hope Ignites Phoenix) https://hopeignitesphoenix.org/ Organization Mission "To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others." Age Restrictions Volunteers are generally adults; program serves youth ages 12–18. Application Process Contact the organization at (602) 266-4873 or via hopeignitesphoenix.org. Description of Service Volunteers support scholars through mentoring, tutoring, and preparing after-school snacks or meals; help chaperone or lead college tours; assist with holistic support activities in the program's family-style homes; and contribute short- or long-term help with events, fundraising, or administrative needs. Firsthand Experience

https://btarboretum.org/ Organization Mission "To inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research and conservation." Age Restrictions Student volunteers must be at least 14; adult volunteer group "Los Voluntarios" is open to adults (50+ hours/year commitment). Application Process Apply through the Arboretum's volunteer program; seasonal on-site Host Volunteer roles (Oct–April) apply via an online form. Description of Service Volunteers lead educational tours, work in the retail nursery (including watering plants), staff visitor admissions and the gift shop as cashiers, support the Education Department with programs and school field trips, and help maintain the garden's plant collections. Seasonal live-on-site "Host Volunteers" work about 20 hours/week on visitor services and light facility upkeep in exchange for an RV site with utilities. Firsthand Experience

https://www.boysteamcharity.org/ Organization Mission A volunteer service organization dedicated to developing an altruistic spirit in young men through active participation of parents and sons in philanthropic projects in their communities. Age Restrictions Teammates (youth) join in grades 7–12, alongside a parent volunteer ("Coach"). Application Process Join through a local league/chapter based on zip code or school (Arizona chapters include Ahwatukee, Biltmore, Central, Cactus, Camelback, North Valley, Roadrunner, San Tan, Sonoran Fiesta, and Catalina Foothills). Description of Service Parent-son pairs volunteer side-by-side on hands-on projects assigned by partner charities — such as weeding and harvesting community gardens, cleaning up lake shorelines, organizing teaching supplies, or building "dream bedrooms" for children in need. Teams also attend regular grade-level and general membership meetings, sometimes featuring guest speakers, and each family must contribute a set number of volunteer hours per year. Firsthand Experience

https://www.boxedupproject.org/ Organization Mission A youth-led nonprofit that creates grief toolboxes to help kids and teens process and express feelings of loneliness, sadness, and grief. Age Restrictions Not formally published; welcomes youth and adult volunteers alike. Application Process Get involved via the Boxed Up Project website or Instagram. Description of Service Volunteers help assemble grief toolboxes by selecting and packing items like books, journals, art supplies, comfort cards, photo albums, and stuffed animals; source and donate supplies; and help distribute completed boxes to partner organizations such as Ryan House, Hospice of the Valley's New Song Center, Stepping Stones of Hope, and the Navajo Nation. Firsthand Experience

https://www.bourgadecatholic.org/ Organization Mission "Bourgade Catholic High School assists students in discovering and developing their God-given potential through a college preparatory curriculum and the teachings of Jesus Christ." Age Restrictions Generally adult volunteers/mentors, as this is a school for grades 9–12. Application Process Contact the school directly through its "Volunteer/Donation Opportunities" page. Description of Service Volunteers support school events, fundraising campaigns (Golden Eagle Challenge, Legacy Gala, Golf Classic), and mission trips — including past trips that helped build homes for families in need in Arizona and Mexico. Volunteers may also assist with campus ministry activities, tutoring, or alumni engagement efforts. Firsthand Experience

https://borderlandsproducerescue.org/ Organization Mission "To rescue produce and in turn improve the quality of peoples' lives, by addressing their most basic of needs — accessibility to nutritious fresh produce and living in a healthy environment." Age Restrictions Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Application Process Sign up for a specific weekly P.O.W.W.O.W. market shift or special event via Idealist/JustServe. Description of Service Volunteers arrive as early as 4:00–6:00 am to sort rescued produce into boxes, set up and stage produce for pickup, and help distribute roughly 70 lbs of fresh produce to community members at weekly markets in exchange for a $15 donation. Volunteers who complete a full shift typically receive a free produce box themselves. Firsthand Experience

(formerly LLS) https://bloodcancerunited.org/ Organization Mission "Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families." Age Restrictions Not specified; roles vary from patient-facing to remote/skills-based. Application Process Apply to become a trained volunteer through the "Volunteers in Action" portal, or browse the Blood Cancer United Volunteer Portal for local opportunities. Description of Service Volunteers provide direct peer support to patients, caregivers, and families through the First Connection Program; help organize and staff fundraising campaigns and athletic/competitive events like Light The Night; lead or join local committees; and contribute professional skills (marketing, finance, event planning) or serve on a local chapter's board of trustees. Firsthand Experience

https://www.svdpmt.org Organization Mission A Catholic lay organization dedicated to person-to-person service, giving priority to "the poorest of the poor" — serving the homeless, hungry, sick, disabled, elderly, and children. Age Restrictions Not formally published; accepted case-by-case. Application Process Contact the Volunteer Coordinator directly to discuss available shifts and interests. Description of Service Volunteers staff the front desk (one 3.5-hour shift/week), assist in the Payee Office helping manage Social Security recipients' accounts (accounting/QuickBooks skills), deliver bread donations and food boxes to families in need, work in the two thrift store locations, and help run seasonal programs like the Billings Christmas Toy Store and the annual Friends of the Poor Walk. Firsthand Experience

https://bhhslegacy.org/ Organization Mission To increase community access to healthcare, improve community health through education, develop and expand Arizona's healthcare workforce, and strengthen community efforts that impact health — serving Greater Phoenix and the Tri-State region. Age Restrictions Not specified for volunteers. Application Process Reach out via bhhslegacy.org, particularly around Backpack Buddies events. Description of ServiceVolunteers help pack supply boxes and load the "Connection Express" bus with backpacks and school supplies, and staff seasonal Backpack Buddies distribution events — helping students shop for uniforms, shoes, hygiene items, and school supplies, and supporting on-site health, vision, and dental checks. Firsthand Experience

(working with underprivileged children via the Moriah Cooperative partnership) https://benderperformingarts.com/ Organization Mission Bender Performing Arts (BPA) uses dance and music "to help make great kids and great people," partnering with the nonprofit Moriah Cooperative to provide funding and services to students with special needs and their families. Age Restrictions Programming serves children from about 2½ years old through adult; the Moriah Cooperative partnership serves children up to age 18. Application Process Not a formal volunteer application process — support happens mainly through donations to the Moriah Cooperative and attending/volunteering at community events like BPA's Family Fall Festival. Interested volunteers should contact BPA directly at (602) 971-9170. Description Serving the North Phoenix community since 1974, BPA offers dance, music, and musical theater classes, and partners with Moriah Cooperative to provide guidance, communication support, and learning resources for children with special needs and underprivileged families, funded in part by volunteers and community donations. Firsthand Experience