Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Be able to answer that question by saying, “I volunteer with children at Kaleidoscope!”

Kaleidoscope’s mission cannot be accomplished without your involvement. During the past year, over 300 people, organizations, and foundations believed in our mission and helped to make a difference in the lives of children. People and groups shared their time and talents by volunteering with the children and staff.

Many volunteer opportunities exist at Kaleidoscope - adults and older teens are invited to get involved with children. One-on-one attention with adults is essential to the emotional and social development of children. Kaleidoscope attempts to provide as many opportunities as possible for the children to have long-term connections with caring adults. All volunteers are provided training and on-going support. One-time group opportunities are also available! If interested, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (612) 871-9268 or volcoord@kaleidoscope-kids.org.

Kids’ Place, our school year program, volunteers are asked to serve one or more hours per week during program time, Monday – Friday, 1:45pm – 5:30pm. Length of commitment varies (see Group and Individual opportunities below).

Summer Kids volunteers are asked to serve one or more hours per week during program time, Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 4:00pm, for eight weeks.

Times are somewhat flexible for any of our volunteer opportunities. We can also work with you to create a special position that fits your specific talents and interests. Please call if you have scheduling concerns, a new idea, or to discuss your specific involvement.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer groups such as corporations, youth groups, confirmation classes, clubs, or other organizations can provide much needed help for Kaleidoscope by providing kids with fun and exciting activities. Here are some of the possible events or projects you could organize:

• Party Mastermind: Do you like to plan parties? Help organize and carry out special events such as birthday, holiday, and theme parties. Help set up, provide treats and prizes, plan games and activities, and help clean up afterward. You’ll love seeing the smiles on kids’ faces!
• Meal Crew: Supply a meal for one of our Families Together nights, when parents and children gather to share a meal and participate in a fun activity. Volunteers needed on various weekday evenings between 4:30pm – 7:00pm.
• Summer Breakfast Crew: Be the first friendly faces the kids see! Supply breakfast for 130 kids, help serve and clean up afterwards. Volunteers needed on summer mornings between 8:15am – 9:45am.
• Cleaning Crew: Help clean, prepare rooms, and update bulletin boards for our programs. You can come anytime and we will provide all of the cleaning supplies. We recommend coming over winter break, spring break, the first 2 weeks in June, or the end of August/beginning of September. If you prefer another time, we would love to have you come anytime! Individuals are also welcome to come clean.

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

• Snack Server and Game Guru: Greet the children as they arrive after school and serve them snacks. Play games and hang out with them until classes begin. Volunteers needed Monday through Friday between 1:45pm – 3:15pm.
• Classroom Companion: Assist teachers with and participate in homework help, academic and recreational activities while building relationships with children in grades prekindergarten through 8th. Volunteers needed Monday through Friday between 2:30pm – 5:30pm.
• Hobby Hero: Share a special skill or interest you have with a small group of children. We are looking for volunteers to share crafts, music, cooking, and dance activities, as well as many other talents. Volunteers needed on Fridays between 3:30pm – 5:30pm.
• Career Buddy: Open doors for children by educating them about different careers. Come share information about your profession and answer kids’ questions. Times vary based on individual schedules.
• Summer Breakfast Buddy: Be the first friendly face the children see in the morning by welcoming them and serving breakfast one day (or more) a week between 8:15am – 9:45am.
• Summer Lunch Buddy: Visit with the kids during their midday break and serve lunch one day (or more) a week between 11:30am – 1:30pm.
• Summer Classroom Companion: Assist teachers with and participate in academic and recreational activities one day (or more) a week. Volunteers are needed Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 9:30am – 11:30am and 12:30pm – 4:00pm.
• Summer Field Trip Chaperone: Accompany children on special day trips and assist staff in supervision every Wednesday during the summer.