Opportunities From: HumanKind

HumanKind is looking for individuals, families, businesses, schools, churches, and community groups to help support children entering foster care through our First Night Backpack program.

When children are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, they often leave with very few belongings — sometimes carrying their items in trash bags. Our First Night Backpack program helps provide comfort, dignity, and essential items for a child’s first night in foster care by giving them a backpack or duffle bag filled with basic necessities and comfort items.

We currently have plenty of backpacks and duffle bags, but we need help collecting items to fill them, including:
• Pajamas (all sizes)
• New socks
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Age-appropriate books

Groups and volunteers can host donation drives and then come on-site to help assemble First Night Backpacks for children entering care. This is a meaningful hands-on opportunity that directly supports children during one of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity that works around your schedule? HumanKind is seeking creative volunteers who can give just a few hours a week or every other week to support our marketing and community outreach efforts!

Volunteer projects may include:
• Taking photos or videos of programs and events
• Creating social media reels and content
• Designing graphics and promotional materials
• Helping prepare for community & fundraising events
• Supporting storytelling and awareness campaigns

Whether you love photography, social media, design, video editing, or simply want to help share HumanKind’s mission, we can match opportunities to your skills and interests. Flexible scheduling available and this can be helpful in Lynchburg and Richmond, VA as well as some virtual options!

HumanKind is looking for volunteers to help support and grow our Ways to Work program through research, outreach, and creative projects. Ways to Work helps individuals and families gain access to reliable transportation and financial stability resources that can help them maintain employment, care for their families, and work toward long-term success.

Volunteers may assist with:
• Researching community resources and partnership opportunities
• Helping identify ways to grow program awareness and impact
• Creating flyers, promotional materials, and outreach content
• Assisting with organization and program support projects
• Supporting community engagement efforts

This opportunity can be completed in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-office options available. A computer can be provided for volunteers working from our Richmond office if needed. Flexible scheduling is available based on your availability and skill set.