Get Involved

There are real ways to help. Here's where to start.

Ready to make a difference?
Whether you want to volunteer your time or donate supplies, Boulder has real opportunities to help. Scroll down to find what fits you.

Volunteer Opportunities
Donation Guide

Volunteer

Find the right opportunity for you.

  • Circle of Love — Welcome to teens. Help prepare and serve free meals at the Boulder Bandshell three times a week. No formal training required.
    📍 Boulder Bandshell | Mon, Wed, Fri at 12:15pm | circleoflove.org

    TGTHR — Volunteer opportunities for teens supporting youth experiencing homelessness. Contact them directly to ask about current needs.
    📞 303-447-1207 | tgthryouth.org

    EFAA — Volunteers needed for food bank sorting and distribution. Check their website for current age requirements and availability.
    📞 303-442-3042 | efaa.org

    Always call or email an organization before showing up to volunteer. Requirements and availability change.

  • Boulder Bridge House — Specialized volunteer roles in front desk support, fundraising, and board committees. Most general spots are currently filled — contact them to get on a waitlist.
    boulderbridgehouse.org

    Community Food Share — Volunteers needed for food sorting, distribution, and mobile food bank support across Boulder County.
    📍 650 S. Taylor Ave, Louisville | communityfoodshare.org

    Mental Health Partners — Volunteer and internship opportunities for those with relevant backgrounds.
    mhpcolorado.org

    SPAN — Volunteers needed for crisis support, legal advocacy, and community outreach. Training required.
    📞 303-444-2424 | spancolorado.org

  • What works:
    Organize a drive around specific, current needs. Always call the organization first and ask what they actually need right now — needs change by season and by week.

    Most needed items year-round:
    Socks, underwear, hygiene products, travel-size toiletries, reusable bags, handwarmers, and non-perishable snacks.

    How to run a successful drive:
    Pick one organization and one category of items. Set a clear start and end date. Promote it with a specific goal — "100 pairs of socks by Friday" works better than "donate anything." Drop off directly to the organization rather than leaving items unattended.

    Organizations that welcome drives:
    TGTHR, Circle of Love, EFAA, Community Food Share

  • Do:
    Call ahead and confirm your visit. Follow the organization's guidelines. Listen more than you talk. Respect people's privacy — never take photos of people you're serving without explicit consent. Show up when you say you will.

    Don't:
    Show up unannounced expecting to help. Share photos or stories of unhoused individuals on social media without consent. Treat volunteering as a photo opportunity. Make assumptions about people's situations.

    Remember:
    The most valuable thing you can offer is consistency. Organizations need reliable volunteers more than one-time helpers.

Donate

Find out what's needed and where to bring it.

  • These items are consistently needed by Boulder organizations:

    Clothing:
    Socks (most needed), underwear, warm layers, hats, gloves, sturdy shoes and boots

    Hygiene:
    Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, razors, hand sanitizer

    Food:
    Non-perishable snacks, peanut butter, canned goods with pull tabs, granola bars, instant oatmeal

    Other:
    Reusable bags, handwarmers, sleeping bags, small backpacks, bus passes

    Always confirm current needs with the organization before donating — needs change seasonally.

  • These items are commonly donated but often go unused or create extra work for organizations:

    • Used or worn-out clothing

    • Shoes in poor condition

    • Opened or partially used hygiene products

    • Perishable food items unless specifically requested

    • Large furniture without checking first

    • Electronics without prior arrangement

    • Holiday-specific items outside of the holiday season

    The rule of thumb: If you wouldn't give it to a friend, don't donate it.

  • TGTHR — Clothing, hygiene items, and household goods for youth ages 12–24.
    📍 1440 Pine St, Boulder | tgthryouth.org

    EFAA Food Bank — Non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and household supplies.
    📍 Boulder location — call for current hours | 📞 303-442-3042

    Community Food Share — Non-perishable food and household items.
    📍 650 S. Taylor Ave, Louisville | communityfoodshare.org

    Circle of Love — Hygiene items, handwarmers, gloves, and socks accepted at meal distributions.
    📍 Boulder Bandshell | Mon, Wed, Fri at 12:15pm

    HomeAhead — Small furniture and household essentials for people transitioning out of homelessness.
    📞 Call ahead to confirm donation hours | homeahead.org

  • Financial donations go further than goods donations in most cases — organizations can purchase exactly what they need when they need it.

    Boulder organizations accepting donations:

    TGTHR — Supports youth ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness.
    tgthryouth.org/donate

    Boulder Bridge House — Funds employment programs and community meals.
    boulderbridgehouse.org/donate

    EFAA — Supports families with emergency housing, food, and case management.
    efaa.org/donate

    Community Food Share — Every $1 provides 3 meals.
    communityfoodshare.org/donate

    SPAN — Supports domestic violence survivors with shelter and advocacy.
    spancolorado.org/donate

    All listed organizations are Boulder County nonprofits. Consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility.