5 rewarding volunteer opportunities in Charleston, SC where you can give back to the community

By Mark A. Leon

1. Volunteer at the South Carolina Aquarium through their Anchor Volunteer Program. You can engage with guests in education, work behind the scenes in animal care, or assist with conservation efforts. Benefits include an Aquarium membership, field trips, and recognition events. The four categories of volunteer support include: Conservation, Education, Animal Care and Partner Volunteers.

2. Volunteer with the Historic Charleston Foundation for their annual Festival of Houses and Gardens or at their house museums. Volunteers receive benefits like museum tickets, tour admission, and lectures based on hours served.

3. Participate in The Great Charleston Cleanup organized by Keep Charleston Beautiful. You can coordinate a litter sweep with a group, adopt a block to clean, or request a DIY litter cleanup kit as an individual.

4. Volunteer with Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center to advocate for mental illness and health awareness. Opportunities may include peer support, outreach events, and educational programs.

Specific areas of focus:

• Participating in various anti-stigma community events
• Assisting with administrative and scheduling needs
• Assisting our I.T. department and more
• Working with our Mobile Crisis Unit
• Assisting with our Annual Mental Health Conference

5. Volunteer with the Charleston Parks Conservancy by assisting with sustainability efforts like composting and recycling at their events like Brunch in the Park or Picnic in the Park. You can help divert waste from landfills. Volunteer opportunities fall under: Gardening, Programs & Events, Water in the Parks and Corporate & Community Events.

By volunteering with these organizations, you can contribute to environmental conservation, historic preservation, mental health advocacy, and community beautification efforts in Charleston.

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