Room in the Inn

Multiple Projects and Shifts Available

Room in the Inn provides a welcoming, safe space for those experiencing homelessness, built on love and respect. Lend a hand with projects that directly support their mission!

Girls Inc. 

Saturday, January 18, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Sunday, January 19, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Monday, January 20, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Get your hands dirty for a great cause! Girls Inc. needs volunteers to prep their urban farm for the spring. Tasks include moving mulch, breaking down cardboard for the garden, and organizing their greenhouse. This is a great way to support a mission that inspires and empowers young girls in Memphis.

Thistle & Bee

Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19 | 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Thistle & Bee is transforming lives, and you can be part of their journey! Help paint walls, organize supplies, and clean their new clinic space. Your efforts will directly support survivors of trafficking as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Shelby Farms Park

Ongoing | Open Availability

Take part in the Helping Hands project, an ongoing effort to pick up 2,025 pieces of litter by the end 2025. By volunteering, you’ll contribute to keeping one of Memphis’ most cherished green spaces clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Memphis City Beautiful

Saturday, January 18 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join Memphis City Beautiful and MidtownMemphis.org for their Shade is Cool Campaign. Volunteers will plant native trees near Madison and Angelus, helping to create greener, more inviting spaces in our city. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, and get ready to dig in!

Wolf River Conservancy

Saturday, January 18 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This MLK Day of Service event will focus on preserving T.O. Fuller State Park, a historically significant site for the African American community. Volunteers will assist with hiking trail restoration, playground surface renewal, and invasive species removal. 

Mid-South Food Bank

Friday, January 17 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join the Mid-South Food Bank to pack meal boxes for the Care Like King Days of Service. Your time and effort will help fight hunger and ensure families across Memphis have access to nutritious meals.

Outreach Volunteer with Catholic Charities of West Tennessee

Ongoing | Mondays Through Thursdays | 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Catholic Charities offers a welcoming opportunity for volunteers to distribute food and hygiene items to our most vulnerable neighbors. As a volunteer, you’ll assist with organizing and handing out essential items while building a stronger, more compassionate community. 

Climbing Hold Power Washing with Memphis Rox

Ongoing | Multiple Shifts | 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

For a volunteer opportunity that combines physical activity with community service, look no further than Memphis Rox. Volunteer to power wash climbing holds at this unique community climbing gym, helping to keep their routes clean and ready for climbers.

Court Watch Session with Just City

Ongoing | Mondays Through Fridays | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Public accountability is vital in ensuring fairness and justice for all. With Just City’s Court Watch program, you can become an advocate for transparency in Shelby County courts. Volunteers attend court sessions, observe proceedings, and track important details to highlight areas where improvements are needed.

Food Pantry Friend

Ongoing | Multiple Shifts | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Food Pantry Friends help keep shelves stocked, clean, and organized and assist with sorting donations, bagging groceries, and unloading deliveries from local businesses. Your time will provide healthy food options to those facing food insecurity, and you’ll be an integral part of making sure the pantry runs smoothly.

Volunteer Orientation with Germantown Animal Shelter

Saturday, January 4 | 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Are you an animal lover looking to make a paws-itively great difference in the lives of furry friends? Germantown Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers to help care for their pets while they wait for their forever homes. Attend an orientation session to learn how you can help and become part of a team dedicated to finding loving homes for all the shelter’s animals.

Girls on the Run Spring '25 Virtual Coach Information Session

Wednesday, January 15 | 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Girls on the Run Memphis needs enthusiastic volunteers to guide and inspire third through eighth grade girls during after-school programs. Coaches do not need to be runners themselves; they help the girls develop confidence, healthy habits, and a sense of community, all while creating lasting memories. 

National Mentoring Month Mixer: Paint & Sip

Tuesday, January 21 | 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate National Mentoring Month? Join MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies’ TEAMmates for a 21+ paint and sip event, where you’ll unwind with a glass of wine and a brush in hand while connecting with other mentors in the community.

2025 Unsheltered Point-In-Time Count: Surveyor Volunteer

Wednesday, January 22 | 3:15 to 8:00 a.m.

Help create a snapshot of homelessness in Memphis during the Unsheltered Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. Volunteers are essential in identifying and surveying people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, gathering crucial data that will play a key role in efforts to end homelessness in Memphis. You’ll work in teams to distribute care bags, gather data, and offer support to those in need. 

Let’s honor Dr. King’s vision by making January a month of action and impact. Whether you’re planting trees, packing meals, or prepping a garden, your efforts will help create a stronger, more connected Memphis. Explore even more volunteer opportunities on Volunteer Odyssey’s full calendar here. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of service, community, and meaningful change!