There are many ways to make a positive impact on the life of someone else. You might be surprised to find that your life gets better, too.
Please contact the Office of Civic Engagment for more information on any of the opportunities you see here. If you're ready to get involved, please use the sign-up form. Note that there may also be an opportunity to transform your service experience into a work-study position!
Location: 190 Welles St, Forty Fort, PA 18704
Children aged 7 to 14 years in the Wilkes-Barre area are on a waiting list for big brothers or sisters. Bigs help Littles with homework, have fun together, and talk. The time commitment is a minimum of one hour per week.
Contact the Civic Engagement office (civicengagement@wilkes.edu email link) for additional information and how to sign up. Background checks will be required.
Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds simple, decent homes to sell to families in need. Wilkes University works with Habitat for Humanity throughout the year to coordinate Saturday service days to support the build efforts throughout Luzerne County. Student clubs and organizations can coordinate with the civic engagement office to fill all the slots or individuals can sign up on their own. Email the Civic Engagement Office at civicengagement@wilkes.edu email link for specific dates each semester.
This is an outdoor food distribution that takes place in Kingston, PA, less than 2 miles from campus. The distribution takes place every third Thursday of the month and runs from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and is held outdoors. Volunteers can sign up for the block of time that works best for them but typical slots are 9-11, 11-1, and 12-2. Contact the Civic Engagement Office at civicengagement@wilkes.edu email link to sign up and get details on parking.
Blood drives are hosted 2-3 times each semester and volunteers are invited to support the events through marketing/outreach and day of support. There are financial incentives available through the Red Cross if a club or organization achieves a certain number of successful donations. Contact the civic engagement office for additional details and dates for the year.
Volunteer at the women’s shelter on a weekly, monthly or semi-regular basis based on your availability. Volunteer activities can include cleaning, organizing, cooking and can extend into programming for the residents. This assistance program is run through Volunteers of America and is located near campus in Wilkes-Barre. You’re also encouraged to join the women for a meal and games! This opportunity is open to groups and individuals. Background checks will be required. Contact the civic engagement office to connect with Ruth’s Place staff.
A veterans cemetery located in Plymouth, PA, that is happy to host student groups for outdoor cleanup days. Contact the civic engagement office for more information.
Students can volunteer during the school year to help with homework and after school activities. Volunteers can also be utilized throughout other spaces in the YMCA such as the welcome desk and/or workout facilities. Background checks and First Aid/CPR certification are required. Contact the civic engagement office to see what opportunities are available each semester.