Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our community, meet new people, and make a real difference here in St. Joseph, MO. Whether you’re looking for a service project for the whole family, a way to give back on weekends, or a place to donate your time during the holiday season, St. Joe has countless organizations doing incredible work every single day.
From fighting food insecurity to supporting families in crisis, helping animals, or assisting our local shelters, this guide highlights some of the best places to volunteer around town, including notes on which locations offer kid-friendly opportunities.
If you’ve been wanting to get involved but weren’t sure where to start, this list makes it easy.
Second Harvest Community Food Bank
What They Do: Second Harvest is the largest distributor of food and serves 19 counties across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, providing food assistance to families, seniors, and individuals in need.
How They Make an Impact: Volunteers help sort donations, pack boxes, assist with mobile food distributions, and support special events. Their work directly increases food access for thousands of local households each year.
Kid-Friendly? Yes — often ages 10+ with an adult.
How to Get Involved: Visit their volunteer portal at shcfb.org and sign up for an upcoming volunteer shift. They post all available dates and requirements online. Group sign-ups are available too.
The Crossing Outreach/The Crossing Thriftstore
What They Do: Supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship through meals, clothing, outreach, and housing assistance.
How They Make an Impact: Volunteers help with meal service, donation sorting, clothing distribution, and general outreach.
Kid-Friendly? Sometimes — especially donation sorting.
How to Get Involved:
Call 816-558-2515 or stop by 618 S. 6th Street to ask about current volunteer needs. They welcome individuals, church groups, and families for sorting days.
St. Joseph Animal Shelter
What They Do:
Provides care, medical support, and adoption services for lost, abandoned, or surrendered pets.
How They Make an Impact:
Volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, clean kennels, assist with events, and help with adoption days.
Kid-Friendly? Yes, often with a parent/guardian (age minimums vary).
How to Get Involved:
You can fill out a volunteer application on the City of St. Joseph website or visit the shelter at 701 Lower Lake Road to get started. Calling ahead is recommended.
Pivotal Point Transitional Housing
What They Do:
Supports families transitioning out of homelessness by offering safe housing, education, and goal-setting programs.
How They Make an Impact:
Volunteers organize donations, help with childcare during classes, assist with events, or share professional skills.
Kid-Friendly? Typically limited to donation-related tasks.
How to Get Involved:
Visit pivotalpointstjoseph.org and click “Volunteer” to fill out their form. They will follow up with current opportunities and next steps.
Salvation Army
What They Do:
Offers meal programs, youth programs, emergency support, and seasonal services such as Christmas assistance.
How They Make an Impact:
Volunteers serve meals, sort donations, ring bells, organize Christmas gift distribution, and help with events.
Kid-Friendly? Bell ringing is great for families.
How to Get Involved:
Go to centralusa.salvationarmy.org/stjoseph and check volunteer options, or call 816-232-5824 for current needs (especially around holidays).
Open Door Food Kitchen
What They Do:
Serves hot meals every single day of the year to anyone in need.
How They Make an Impact:
Volunteers prepare meals, serve, clean, and support kitchen operations — a very direct way to help.
Kid-Friendly? Usually ages 13+ with supervision.
How to Get Involved:
Call 816-364-1131 to schedule a shift or visit their website odfk.org to check open volunteer dates. Groups and families are welcome.
Community Missions (Homeless & Outreach Services)
What They Do:
Provides emergency shelter, outreach, meals, and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
How They Make an Impact:
Volunteers assist with donation sorting, meal prep, administrative support, and special events.
Kid-Friendly? Typically no — except donation sorting.
How to Get Involved:
Visit communitymissionscorp.com for volunteer information or call 816-390-8884 to ask about current needs. Donation organization days are a great entry point.
Final Thoughts
St. Joseph is full of organizations doing incredible work, and every one of them relies on volunteers to keep their mission moving forward. Whether you want to serve meals, support families, walk a shelter dog, or help organize donations, there’s a place in our community where your time truly matters. Volunteering doesn’t just help others — it connects you with your neighbors and strengthens the heart of St. Joe. If you end up volunteering at any of these locations, I’d love to hear about your experience. Send me a message or tag me on social @athomeinstjoemo so we can keep spreading kindness together.
If we missed your favorite spot, email me at danielledalton@stjregroup.com or text 913-707-1705 so we can add it. And don’t forget to follow At Home in St. Joe MO on Facebook and Instagram for more local guides!
