Many people uphold MLK Day as a day of service, and it is an opportunity to recognize and meet the critical needs of our community. For those who are not active volunteers but are interested in helping their community, we’ve compiled this list of local and regional organizations currently seeking volunteers.
Canton Township Volunteer Opportunities
If you are looking for fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunities in the Canton community, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at leisure@cantonmi.gov or call 734-394-5191.
Township Recommended Opportunities
These organizations (some of which are described below) serve the Canton community and welcome volunteers to assist with their programs and activities. Also included are services available for seniors.
Plymouth-Canton Community Literacy Council
The Community Literacy Council is always seeking dedicated adults, aged 18 and older, to volunteer as tutors in basic literacy or English as a second language. Tutors may choose to work with students one-on-one or in a small conversation group setting.
You do not need a degree in education to become a CLC tutor. If you love to help people, are patient and have a good sense of humor, then becoming an English tutor may be your calling. Tutors are encouraged to commit to a minimum of one year of service.
Call 734-589-0011, email info@plymouthcantonliteracy.org or visit the CLC website to learn more.
Friends of the Rouge
Volunteers make it possible to restore and protect the Rouge River right here in southeast Michigan. No special skill or experience is required. There are one-day and long-term volunteer projects available.
Call 734-927-4900, email friends@therouge.org or visit the Friends of the Rouge website for more information.
AARP
AARP volunteers in Canton feel like they get as much as they give. Find out about virtual volunteering, explore different volunteer roles or fill out a volunteer interest form to let AARP know how you might like to help.
Learn more on the AARP website.
P.B.J. Outreach
P.B.J. (Peanut Butter and Jelly) Outreach, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and clothing to impoverished and marginalized individuals residing in the Detroit metropolitan area. The organization unites volunteers and equips them to obtain, prepare and distribute food and clothing while creating an awareness of P.B.J.'s obligation to serve others.
Visit the P.B.J. Outreach website for more information.
Zaman International
Zaman International serves marginalized women and children in our local communities, meeting their basic needs to break the cycle of poverty. They empower the households they serve through training and vocational programs, providing urgent assistance while promoting self-reliance.
Individuals over the age of 16 are eligible to volunteer, while anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a chaperone aged 21 or older to participate.
Call 313-551-3994, email volunteer@zamaninternational.org or visit the Zaman International website to learn more.
Open Door Food Ministry
Help in-need families by distributing food, helping with the Open Door job bank, packing groceries and cleaning. All ages are welcome to join this community-wide effort.
Call 734-397-1777 ext. 2011, email stevendarr@sbcglobal.net, or visit the Open Door Food Ministry website for more information.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Join the fun and volunteer at any one of the nine St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores. Youth and church groups, social groups, corporate teams and individuals are welcome to volunteer.
There are several areas where support is needed, including greeting customers, receiving incoming donations, sorting, tagging and hanging donated items, testing electronic appliances, arranging the sales floor and stocking products.
Call 313-393-2930 or visit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul website to learn more.
Michigan Humane
Whether you wish to support Michigan Humane at an adoption center, its administrative office, or at special events, the Michigan Humane Volunteer Program provides a wide variety of opportunities for concerned, caring individuals to help change the lives of animals.
One-time and long-term volunteer opportunities are available. Individuals between the ages of 14-18 can volunteer with a parent or guardian.
Call 866-648-6263, email mail@michiganhumane.org or visit the Michigan Humane website for more information.
Canton Goodfellows
Join Canton residents who support the Goodfellows' goal of “No Child Without a Christmas” through sponsorships and volunteering. Their busiest time of the year is September through mid-December.
Call 734-664-1044, email cantongoodfellows@gmail.com or visit the Canton Goodfellows website to learn more.
The Corner Health Center
Have extra time on your hands? Want to become involved in the community? Need volunteer hours for a university class? Take a look at the volunteer opportunities at the Corner Health Center to start making a difference today. Individuals must be 18 years or older to volunteer.
Call 734-484-3600 or visit the Corner Health Center website for more information.
The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor
The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor is one of the nation’s first hospital-based farms working to improve health outcomes and increase access to healthy foods. The Farm serves our community by improving access to fresh food, nutrition education, and therapy.
It grows a variety of vegetables on the grounds of the hospital and relies on volunteer help to plant, weed, trellis, trim, and harvest produce that is donated to patients and healthcare providers, as well as sold to community members at their Farm Stand inside the hospital.
Individuals must be 15 years or older to volunteer. One-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities are available. No farming or gardening experience is required.
Call 734-712-4667, email farmvolunteers@trinity-health.org or visit The Farm at Trinity Health website for more information.
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