Find Your Way to Give Back.
Looking for a way to give back? Start here. Explore volunteer opportunities from our nonprofit partners, support local programs by donating items they need most, or connect with our community partner, The Volunteer Center, to find short-term or long-term volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. If you have questions about how to get involved, the Volunteer Center is your go-to resource for guidance and support.
Connect with the Volunteer Center
Looking to volunteer but not sure where to start? Our partner, the Volunteer Center, matches community members with meaningful opportunities across Reno County. From one-time projects to ongoing roles, they make it easy to find a volunteer experience that fits your schedule and interests.
Featured Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to get involved right away? Explore these featured volunteer opportunities shared by our local nonprofit partners.
Youth Mentors Needed
Rise Up Reno runs a school-based mentoring program that pairs caring adult volunteers with K‑12 students from participating Reno County schools. Mentors typically spend one hour or less each week during school hours, meeting with students for activities like reading, tutoring, or just hanging out and listening. There are several ways to get involved — you can be a one-to-one mentor, a lunch or breakfast buddy, help in the classroom, or support reading skills through their “Read With Me” program. Rise Up Reno also offers a “WatchD.O.G.S.” option for fathers and father-figures who want to volunteer in school activities.
Drivers Needed
Hutchinson Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious, home‑delivered meals to homebound individuals in Hutchinson, Kansas, supporting their health and independence. Volunteers typically commit about one hour per week to deliver meals on a rotating schedule; standby drivers also help fill in when regular volunteers aren’t available. The organization relies on community support, including corporate volunteers from companies like Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Cargill, and Wesley Towers.
Food Bank Volunteers
Help out at the Food Bank of Reno County and make a real difference in fighting hunger in our community. Volunteers assist with sorting, packing, and distributing food donations at the pantry. It’s a hands-on, meaningful opportunity to support local families in need and contribute to a vital resource that serves thousands of Reno County residents each year.
Become a Big
Become a Big through Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters and change a young person’s life by offering consistent friendship, encouragement, and support. Bigs typically spend a few hours a month with their “Little,” doing simple, everyday activities like playing games, watching a movie, or hanging out — whatever helps build a genuine connection. The process includes a brief info session, enrollment (with background check and training), and a minimum one-year commitment to the match.
Volunteer as an Ally with Cirlces
Volunteers, known as Allies, provide the foundation of support for Circle Leaders. As an Ally, you listen, ask questions, offer guidance, and serve as a true friend and supporter. Working alongside one or two other Allies, you help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to achieve their goals — and in turn, gain a deeper understanding of poverty in your community.
Holiday Giving & Volunteer Opportunities
The holiday season brings extra needs for families across Reno County — and extra ways for you to make a difference. From donating gifts and essentials to helping with seasonal volunteer projects, there are many ways to spread hope and kindness this time of year. Explore these opportunities to support our nonprofit partners and brighten the season for local families.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
- Christmas Assistance Distribution (2 hour shifts): December 18th
- Bell Ringing for the Holiday Season: Sign up at www.registertoring.com. Questions? Call (620) 663-3353
- Annual Thanksgiving Dinner: November 26th - Call (620) 662-6468 to sign up and learn more
- The Refugee Project Overnight Shelter for Families: December 1 - March 2026. Volunteers needed. Email folmhutch@gmail.com for more information or to get involved.
Holiday Wish Lists
The easiest way to donate items is to drop them off at Avenue A School or Shadduck Park between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM while school is in session. Donations can also be dropped off at the United Way office.
Fun!:
- Legos, Blocks
- Sports Balls
- Puzzles
- Uno
- Board Games
Safety:
- Band-aids
- Sunscreen
- Ice Packs
- Hygiene Products (Deodorant, Feminine Products, etc.)
General Supplies:
- Kleenex
- Paper Towels, Paper Plates, Plastic Utensils
- Clorox Wipes
- Ziploc Bags
- Laminator Sheets
- Aloe Vera Spray
- Bottled Water
- Packaged Snacks and Dietary- Specific Snacks (egg-free, gf, etc.)
- Clothing in Youth Sizes
Everything listed is specifically for client use. Most of the items on our wish list are things that we need year round - however if a donation is intended specifically for survivors in shelter or Jean's House, we are asking that folks bring in their donations by Friday, 12/19 if possible - but 12/23 at the latest so we have time to get goody bags together to give to our clients. For questions, please call BrightHouse at (620) 665-3630.
Everyday Essentials:
- Trash cans – indoor sizes
- Lightbulbs - all watts
- Storage Totes
- Batteries – all sizes
- Air fresheners
- Ant traps
- New bath towels
- Toilet Paper
- Liquid Hand Soap
Cleaning Supplies:
- Antibacterial Wipes
- Pledge furniture polish
- Swiffer replacement pads
- Swiffer liquid solution
- Dishwasher pods
- Paper Towels
Hygiene Products
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
Laundry Items:
- Laundry soap and Dryer sheets
- Laundry baskets
Bedroom Items:
- New Pillows
- New Twin- or Full-Size Sheets
Kids Items:
- New toys - all ages
- A year worth of game pass
Furniture:
- Loveseat
We are currently in need of snacks and drinks for children and teens. Individually packaged snacks work best. Teens are allowed soda, and popular options include Dr. Pepper, Root Beer, Sprite, and Pepsi/Coke.
We also need new blankets. Softer blankets are preferred, and weighted blankets are especially helpful for children experiencing anxiety. All ages enjoy receiving them.
For drop-offs, please contact Betty Bachman or Megan Smyth at 620 888 6332 to arrange a time, or we can pick up donations if needed. Please include your name and address so we can send a thank-you note.
Fuel cards and gift cards are also very useful. They are provided to families in crisis or to children who have interviews during lunch or dinner, which can last 2–4 hours.
Donate Christmas presents to a child or family in need
Present turn-in party: Dec. 12 from 5-7pm at Eagle Media in Hutchinson
Questions: 620-662-4486 or randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com
Christmas gift assistance for teens ages 13–18
Registration required to receive assistance
Distribution Dates: December 15–19
Donations Accepted: hoodies (sizes X–2X), PJs, socks, board games, card games, etc.
Questions: 620-669-0159
Supports youth who have aged out of foster care
Donations accepted at Grace Episcopal Church
Questions: 620-680-1368
Gift tree available at The Medicine Shop to support seniors in need
Questions: 620-888-4821
The Lighthouse, a co-ed apartment building for young adults ages 18 to 22 who are experiencing homelessness. You can help support this project by donating items from their Amazon wish list, providing essentials that will make these apartments a safe and welcoming home for the youth they serve.
KCSL Healthy Families is seeking the following items to support parents and children. All items should be brand new unless otherwise noted:
- Baby bottles, sippy cups, diaper bags (gently used items accepted)
- Baby socks (gently used items accepted)
- Baby wipes
Contact: Eva Patterson at 620 200 0634
The office has moved to:
811 E. 30th Street, Suite C (back side of the Social Security building)
Staff are typically available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
This holiday season, Noel Lodge and Fox Run Transitional Housing are looking for gifts for their guests. Practical items like underwear, socks, gloves, and stocking caps are always appreciated, as well as small treats that can brighten someone’s day, such as wallets, beauty products, or make-up. Children’s toys for boys or girls are also welcome. With roughly 25 guests at Noel Lodge on Christmas Eve, including men, women, and a few children, and a similar breakdown at Fox Run, every donation helps bring comfort and cheer to those who need it most.
Donations requested: monetary gifts, home goods, hygiene items, books, etc.
Questions: 620-669-9024 ext. 4016
Embrace the Spirit of Giving this Holiday Season! Our Adopt-a-Client Program is back, and we need your help to make this Christmas extra special for people we serve here at TECH! This season, you have the power to bring joy, warmth, and festive cheer to someone’s life. By joining our Adopt-a-Client initiative, you’ll have the chance to make a direct impact on the lives of those we serve.
How it works:
1) Sign up to be a Secret Santa for one of our amazing clients.
2) Receive a Wishlist filled with their favorite things and holiday wishes.
3) Select thoughtful gifts that will light up their holiday season.
4) Drop off your gifts at our Administrative Offices by December 10th.
***Want our elves to shop for you!? No worries! You can make a cash/check/credit card donation HERE and we will shop for someone special from the list! Just let us know that’s your preference.
Spread the love, spread the joy! Together, let’s create magical moments and unforgettable memories.
Your generosity will not only make this Christmas special but will also remind our clients that they are cherished and valued members of our community.
Ready to make a difference? Email tmiller@techinc.org and we’ll get you matched with a deserving individual in need. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember for everyone!