There is no better exercise for your heart, than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.
-Bernard Meltzer

Volunteers can help a child
Many children come to Boys & Girls Town because they suffer from the effects of abuse or neglect. They are hurting from disappointments at home, in foster homes or in other group facilities. These children have many needs. One of their most important needs is the understanding and support of caring adults.

Volunteers are an essential part of helping these troubled children.  Through the caring and support that volunteers help us provide, children can learn about trust. In learning to trust, our children can experience the joy that comes when they lower their defenses and let someone care about them. They can start to develop healthy, positive relationships with others, which can give them a hope for their future.

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Volunteering Helps You
Volunteering helps you share your skills and learn new ones, relieve stress and gain perspective about the challenges and satisfactions experienced by Boys & Girls Town children. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of others that truly are in need.

If you’d like to give the gift of your time and talents – we’re here to help you find a meaningful and convenient volunteer experience. Your experience will be interesting, safe and an effective use of your time and skills.

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
-Dr. Albert Schweitzer

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering means sharing your time, skills or talents in the following ways:

• Literacy Tutors
(St. James Campus – direct contact with children):   
Volunteers will meet one-on-one with children during the school day to help them with reading and literacy skills.

• School Events
(St. James Campus – direct contact with children): 
Help lead a fun group activity, cooking food, or provide an “extra” to school events.   

• Birthday Gifts
(St. James Campus – indirect contact with children):   
Make a child’s special day something to remember.  Volunteers will meet once a month to choose and wrap gifts for children in residence. 

• Holiday Helpers
(St. James Campus – indirect contact with children): 
Ho! Ho! Ho! Help children enjoy the holidays by selecting and wrapping gifts.

• Clerical Assistance
(All Campuses – indirect contact with children):
Assist with needing filing, mailings, fund raising event support, special holiday needs, and other essential office needs.

Group Volunteers
Service organizations, fraternities & sororities, and church groups are all welcome to take advantage of volunteer opportunities at Boys & Girls Town. There are many special events and projects that require volunteer help. Contact your local campus at the contact information listed below to find out how your group can get involved with Boys & Girls Town of Missouri.

Corporate Partnerships
Boys & Girls Town offers volunteer opportunities to corporate individuals and groups. Not only do these partnerships in caring meet the needs of children at Boys & Girls Town, they may enhance visibility in the community for the company. Additionally, they may serve to build leadership skills in the employees involved. There are many short-term activities and projects that require volunteer help. Contact your local campus (contact information listed below) to find out how your business can get involved with Boys & Girls Town of Missouri.

Special Event Volunteers
Throughout the calendar, Boys & Girls Town holds special events to which help support and enhance programs for our children. Volunteers are needed to serve on planning committees, to help us prepare materials, and to assist us on the day of the event. There are a variety of these events in each region throughout the year. Please call your local campus for information on events needing volunteers.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
-Aesop

Join Our Volunteer Program
All volunteers are asked to complete an initial application and screening form followed by a personal meeting with your regional volunteer contact. After screening and selection of a volunteer position, volunteers attend orientation, and will receive on-the-job training with Boys & Girls Town staff.

Boys & Girls Town offers tours of our facilities to businesses and organizations interested in our volunteer program, as well as special orientations for member groups.

For more information regarding volunteer opportunities contact:

Boys and Girls Town of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.