Volunteer Opportunities for Service Hours

Are you looking for inspiring ways to volunteer in the local community while fulfilling your school’s service hour requirements? We’ve talked to some great organizations in the area that rely on volunteers to help their wonderful programs run. Learn more about each opportunity and find one that might be a good fit for you depending on your interests.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) in City Park is a magical place for kids to learn about the mighty Mississippi River and wetlands, pretend to shop for iconic New Orleans foods in a mini grocery store and cook in the Creole Kitchen, climb into a giant bubble, and explore nature in the museum’s backyard, among other fun and educational activities. Volunteers, or “Playologists” as they’re called at LCM, are a big part of making this magic happen year-round, especially during special events and camps.

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 40 hours a year and attend an interview, tryout day, and orientation session.

Age requirement: at least 14 years old and currently enrolled in ninth grade
Website: lcm.org/about/volunteer/
Email: volunteer@lcm.org

“My favorite part of LCM was the process of interacting with the children and gradually becoming one of the children.”

Emilie (17), Benjamin Franklin High School

“The best part of volunteering was getting to see the kids each day and getting to know them. Each had a unique personality, which made it more fun and interactive for all of us. My days were filled with laughter. I will definitely be volunteering at LCM again!”

Caitlyn (16), Academy of the Sacred Heart

“The best part about volunteering at LCM was definitely being able to witness firsthand the imagination the kids have.”

Zamya (16), The Willow School

Ochsner Health

If you’re interested in a future career in healthcare, volunteering at one of Ochsner Health’s locations in and around New Orleans is a great way to get experience while helping others. You’ll have the opportunity to welcome patients and visitors as they arrive, help them navigate around the hospital, and support different departments depending on your interests.

This is a summer program—you can choose between the June or July session—and you must commit to at least 50 hours. Each session is three weeks long, four days a week (Monday–Thursday), and you’ll choose between mornings or afternoons. Applications will be available online between March and May. After applying, you’ll need to submit your immunization records along with two reference forms. You’ll also need to attend an orientation and training before starting.

Age requirement: high school students between 14–17 years old
Website: ochsner.org/giving/volunteer/junior-volunteer-program
Email: volunteerservices@ochsner.org

“I enjoy volunteering for Ochsner because it allows me to feel the impact of making a difference in the lives of the patients by greeting them with a smile and asking if anyone needs assistance. I have been volunteering for two years and enjoy learning and getting experience to one day become a sports medicine athletic trainer and hopefully work at an Ochsner hospital.”

Hannah Rose (15), Cabrini High School

Children’s Hospital

If you’re interested in volunteering at a hospital and specifically want to work with kids, Children’s Hospital is another great option. Whether playing with young patients while they’re waiting to see a doctor or helping families find their way around the halls, you’ll be able to connect with people as they experience stressful and difficult times.

Like Ochsner’s program, this opportunity is only offered during the summer. You must volunteer a minimum of 60 hours between June and August. Applications will be available online between January and April. After applying, you’ll need to submit your immunization records and complete an online training, in-person interview, and employee health appointment.

Age requirement: at least 16 years old
Website: chnola.org/community/volunteer/
Email: chvolunteers@lcmchealth.org

“Spending a part of my summer at Children’s Hospital was like stepping into an entirely different world. Every smile, wave, and greeting stuck with me as I walked along the halls. Children’s taught me the values of hope, strength, generosity, gratefulness, and kindness. I loved my time there and cannot wait to volunteer again!”

Trecia, Isidore, Newman School

“The volunteer program at Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a great way to help the community and grow as a person. You get the opportunity to see what doctors, nurses, and patients go through every day while having a support crew of like-minded people. It was an awesome time.”

Ally, homeschooled

Culture Aid NOLA

Culture Aid NOLA’s mission is to provide free groceries to the community with dignity, grace, and no questions asked. Anyone can pick up food from the two food distribution sites that pop up weekly, without having to provide an ID (which is required at most food pantries). Volunteers help by packaging groceries, greeting guests in line, distributing groceries, and cleaning up after folks pick up their groceries.

This is a pretty physical job, as you’ll be lifting heavy groceries and will be on your feet for the four-hour shift, so make sure you’re up for this type of work before signing up. There are two weekly shifts: Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. RSVP online to make sure there are spots available.

Age requirement: at least 12 years old, must be accompanied by an adult if under 15
Website: cultureaidnola.org/volunteer
Email: info@cultureaidnola.org

“I love volunteering with Culture Aid because you really get to meet all the people in the line, you’re handing the groceries directly to them, so you know that you are making a direct impact. And I feel like it’s really important that we do it without asking for personal information… It’s a good amount of trust and a great community that we’ve built here!”

Nicole (18), Metairie Park Country Day School

“I really enjoy working with Culture Aid NOLA because of the friendly people there. I also love supporting its mission of helping fellow New Orleanians.”

Ella (17), The Willow School

New Orleans Public Library

Are you interested in learning how a library runs? You can volunteer at one of the many New Orleans Public Library locations around the city. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to help with kids reading programs or special events in addition to shelving books.

Age requirement: 14–18 years old, must have parent/guardian consent to apply
Website: nolalibrary.org/youth/teens/
Email: awander@nolalibrary.org

“I love volunteering at my local library. Not only is it convenient and well suited for my schedule, it’s also a very calming environment, and I get to be around books all the time!”

Penelope (15), Benjamin Franklin High School

Glass Half Full

Recycling takes a village, especially glass recycling since it’s not a city-run recycling service. Glass Half Full is working to make glass recycling more enjoyable, equitable, and accessible for everyone in New Orleans. It’s a “glassroots” organization, so they rely on the community to make sure hundreds of thousands of pounds of glass don’t end up in landfills.

Sign up for a two-hour shift to help sort glass and educate recyclers at a drop-off location. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing, and bring gloves if you have them.

Age requirement: at least 16 years old unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
Website: weareglassroots.org/volunteer
Email: hello@glasshalffull.co

“I really like volunteering at Glass Half Full because I like seeing all the different people who drop off their glass and recycle. Everyone is so different, yet they all have the same goal, and it’s really amazing to see.”

Lauren (16), St. Mary’s Dominican High School

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon has two volunteering options for teens: the Counselor in Training (CIT) program and the Conservation Krewe program. The CIT program is focused on the Audubon Zoo camps, so teens should enjoy working with kids if they apply to be a camp counselor.

The time commitment is two weeks of summer camp and assisting with other events during the year. The Conservation Krewe program is a more regular placement during the year with four-hour weekly shifts where you’ll educate visitors about animals and wildlife conservation. Applications for the CIT program will be available online in January and for the Conservation Krewe program in the summer.

Age requirement: 14–17 years old
Website: audubonnatureinstitute.org/teen-volunteers
Email: youth@auduboninstitute.org

“Volunteering with the Audubon youth program changed my life. I am so appreciative of the support that allowed me to begin an adventure that improved me as a person. When I first began the program, I was extremely quiet and shy. As I continued in the program, the experiences and practices really helped me come out of my shell. I became a more confident and outspoken person, which has helped me in many aspects of my life. I am forever grateful for the education, experience, and friends I’ve made through this program.”

Alissa (17), Haynes Academy