Updated September 2026
Kids can volunteer with several Minnesota nonprofits, sometimes starting as young as age 5. The right opportunity depends on your child’s age, the work they want to do and whether an adult can join them.
I put this list together after asking Give Me The Mike readers where children younger than 10 could volunteer in person. The suggestions gave families a place to start; I’ve since checked the organizations’ volunteer pages for current age guidance. Always review the requirements and available shifts before signing up, since duties and openings can vary.
Minnesota Volunteer Opportunities for Kids and Families
Arc’s Value Village — Bloomington, New Hope and Richfield
Ages: 8 and older.
Young volunteers can help sort donations, organize clothing and get items ready for sale at Arc’s Value Village thrift stores. Children ages 8–15 need an adult chaperone, and volunteers must sign up before arriving. See youth requirements and shifts.
Every Meal — Roseville
Ages: 8 and older for food bag packing.
Every Meal volunteers pack food bags for Minnesota children. Packing events take place at its Roseville volunteer center, and youth volunteers need a signed release form. Check the listing for the shift you want: other roles can have different age requirements. Browse volunteer shifts.
Feed My Starving Children — Chanhassen, Coon Rapids and Eagan
Ages: 5 and older.
Families hand-pack meals that Feed My Starving Children sends to partners serving children around the world. Children younger than 18 must volunteer with an adult, and the organization has specific adult-to-child ratios for youth groups. Reservations are required. Find a packing session.
Kids ’n Kinship — Dakota County
Kids ’n Kinship offers volunteer opportunities for individuals, couples and families in communities including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount. Its mentoring program involves a longer commitment, while other volunteer opportunities can vary. Explore volunteer options.
Also on Give Me The Mike…
17 Minnesota nonprofits providing a platform for the Black community
Loaves & Fishes — Locations Across Minnesota
Ages: 8 and older.
Families can help at community meal sites, with tasks assigned by age. Children 12 and younger need direct, one-on-one adult supervision; volunteers 15 and younger may handle cold food. Choose a location and review its needs before registering. Explore volunteer opportunities.
Metro Meals on Wheels — Twin Cities Metro
Ages: Children can accompany an adult volunteer driver.
Metro Meals on Wheels encourages drivers to bring their children or grandchildren on meal deliveries. A route can be a manageable first volunteer experience for a family, but the adult handles the driving and should check with the local program about the route. Learn about family volunteering.
Open Arms of Minnesota — Minneapolis and St. Paul
Ages: 6 and older for listed farm opportunities; 8 and older for regular kitchen opportunities.
Open Arms prepares and delivers meals for Minnesotans living with serious illness. Children ages 6–7 can help at Open Farms or accompany an adult driver on deliveries; children ages 8–11 can also help in the kitchen with an adult. New volunteers, including children and their supervising adults, must attend orientation. Read the youth volunteer requirements.
Related: How Open Arms prepares and delivers 600,000 free meals a year
Second Stork — St. Paul
Second Stork packs essential supplies for families bringing a newborn home. It offers group packing events and collection drives, including opportunities for school and community groups. Ask which activity fits your child’s age before signing up. See ways to volunteer.
Additional ideas
- Food shelves will gladly welcome young volunteers. Check with the one in your neighborhood.
- Check with your child’s school. The school might have a partnership with an organization.
- Contact nearby senior centers or nursing homes.
- Have your kids collect hygiene items and make kits for a nonprofit. Make sure to check with the organization before you start collecting so you gather what they need.
- Head to a Special Olympics Minnesota event and cheer on the athletes!
- Check out Doing Good Together, which lists volunteer opportunities for families. You can also subscribe to receive their ideas every month.
Do you know of a Minnesota nonprofit offering in-person volunteer opportunities for kids? Let me know!
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
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