Giving back to the community doesn’t have to end with the holiday season. In Eugene, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities that cater to different interests and commitment levels. From working with animals to helping young students, volunteering is a great way to engage with the community while giving back.

ToolBox Project

2235 Adams St, Eugene, OR 97405

The ToolBox Project is a “volunteer-driven tool-lending library” open to all residents of Lane County. They also hold pop-up “Fix-it Fairs” to empower people to build community, surrounding repair, reuse and sustainability. 

Several volunteer opportunities within the ToolBox Project are offered for people with all skill sets. Currently, ToolBox Project is looking for Tool Librarians. In this role, volunteers help check in and check out tools to community members, keep the ToolBox storefront organized and ensure the inventory is kept secure for the next group of borrowers. Prior knowledge of tools is not required to take on this position, and you’ll leave with a great knowledge of handy tools.

Other volunteer openings include Landscapers and gardeners to maintain the storefront garden, outreach and communications volunteers work to spread the word about the project and maintain community relations, fundraising and grant writing volunteers for event coordination and tool repair and maintenance volunteers.

Volunteer applications can be found on the ToolBox Project website, www.eugenetoolboxproject.org

The Cat Sanctuary:

Just outside of West Eugene down OR-126

The Cat Sanctuary is the ideal volunteer spot for any cat-lover! This local nonprofit provides a loving and safe home for cats that are deemed as not adoptable, including elderly cats and those with physical and behavioral disabilities. The Cat Sanctuary provides educational outreach on the importance of spaying and neutering cats to prevent overpopulation. 

There are 40-50 cats and kittens at the sanctuary at any given time. This means that volunteers are critical to the Cat Sanctuary’s operation . Volunteers help with socializing kittens, cleaning beds and cat boxes, setting up food, changing water, and helping administer medication. The Cat Sanctuary has a wish list needed items including gift cards, cat food, litter, toys and cleaning supplies for those who want to help but are unable to donate their time. To learn about volunteer opportunities, visit The Cat Sanctuary website, https://thecatsanctuary.org/.

Eugene Science Center:

2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97401

The Eugene Science Center is home to engaging exhibits, a planetarium and programs for the community. They provide opportunities for young students to engage with science in an accessible and welcoming environment, including enrichment labs. Volunteer opportunities are abundant at the Eugene Science Center. They are actively looking for volunteers to assist with exhibit design and set up. Volunteers are wanted with experience in carpentry, electrical and mechanical engineering and graphic design. Volunteers can also work as exhibit guides. These guides greet guests, present interactive demonstrations and assist with guest interactions. Planetarium presenters, summer camp counselors and general behind-the-scenes volunteers are also needed at the Eugene Science Center.

For more information on volunteering with the Eugene Science Center, email [email protected].

Duck Corps:

Looking for volunteer opportunities on campus? Duck Corps provides students with easily accessible volunteer opportunities in Eugene along with the opportunity to engage with like-minded students. Duck Corps teams are divided into five categories: public health, education, sustainability, human rights and poverty alleviation. These opportunities are available to all students and transportation is provided.

Students are now able to apply for Winter 2024 Duck Corps teams. This term’s projects include volunteering at the Shelton McMurphy Johnson House Museum, the Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley, the HIV Alliance, Hearth and Table, Monroe Middle School Lunchtime Mentoring, Everyone Village and Food for Lane County. Registration closes on January 12th or until spaces are full. 

Applications for Duck Corps can be found on the Holden Center website.

Looking for more volunteer opportunities in the Eugene community? Check out VolunteerMatch.com and the official City of Eugene website to find specialized, local organizations looking for volunteer work.