Whether you are looking to give more of your time, choosing where you will volunteer in Wilmington can be a challenge. Of course the challenge is not for a lack of organizations, but just the opposite. The community has dozens of integral groups and programs. Here are some of our favorite groups to volunteer with in order to make a difference:

For the animal lovers and environmental enthusiasts:

If you have the free time to dedicate yourself to extensive training it will pay off in dividends at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Join volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate and release turtles back into the ocean. Take long walks on the beach at sunrise to record all turtle nesting sites. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is very reliant on its volunteers. As a volunteer you can do everything from special events, horticulture, educate visitors and even dive in and clean the tanks. Dog lovers will appreciate Paws4People, where volunteers train assistance dogs. At Poplar Grove Plantation you can volunteer around the barnyard, doing daily chores for rescue horses, chickens, goats and other farm animals. Horse lovers should also check out the Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program, where volunteers help those with disabilities interact with horses.

Environmentalists (and really anyone who loves Masonboro Island) get together under the umbrella of Masonboro.org. This organization brings school classes to the un-developed natural island for educational tours and cleans the island after July Fourth boating festivities. 

For human to human connection

Learn more about the many diverse opportunities for volunteering with the largest hospital in the area. From volunteer nurses, doulas, to greeting families and discharging patients, volunteering jobs await at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Hospice patients through Lower Cape Fear Hospice need volunteers for companionship, running errands and even bucket list fulfillment. Male volunteers are especially needed as most male patients prefer a male companion. The Cape Fear Volunteer Center connects people with needs. Volunteer for a number of different programs with adult literacy, be a “big buddy” or help with needs that arise like hurricane relief. 

Check out The Good Shepard Center if you want to volunteer in helping the homeless community. A Safe Place is the perfect place to volunteer your time with victims of human trafficking. 

For those who invest in kids and families

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity meets the housing needs of the community. It provides the chance of homeownership for families who wouldn’t otherwise afford it or qualify for a loan. With Habitat you can volunteer to help build homes but there are more opportunities beyond that as well. At Kids Making It, teach hands-on wood working, valuable vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills to at-risk, low income and disadvantaged youth.

If you love to feed others:

There are several organizations that need your help feeding the community, if that is your thing. Nourish NC packs up bags of food for the weekends (slipped into their backpacks at school discreetly) so they don’t go hungry. Nourish also cares for these children’s food needs during long school breaks with more substantial meals. 

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard serves those who are hungry in the Wilmington area through distribution of emergency food. This service is provided by volunteers in partnership with the community, without regard to race or religion and with care to preserve the dignity of the individuals being served.

Serving the troops:

With a military base nearby, there are many unmet needs for veterans and the actively deployed in the area. Step Up For Soldiers was founded locally in 2004 to help two veterans with wheelchair access in their homes after they were lost their mobility on a tour of duty. Today, the group comes together to fundraise and build, all to help veterans adjust to life at home after the loss of a limb or mobility changes. There are other ways to volunteer for the troops in Wilmington through local events with Wounded Warrior and the Raider Foundation.

For art lovers:

If you want to volunteer in Wilmington but don’t want to leave the arts behind, The Wilson Center and Thalian Hall both have opportunities. Both theaters have great volunteering programs. Volunteers usher visitors, assist visitors and run concessions. 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WILMINGTON? CHECK OUT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS GUIDE.