Volunteer in Lake Forest & Lake County

Discover opportunities to give back to Lake Forest and the surrounding communities through volunteering.

  • Search based on your interests using the categories below.
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  • Scroll down further for an alphabetical list of all organizations.

Please note that the categories are broad and organizations may offer volunteer opportunities in multiple or additional categories. Please contact the organizations directly for complete and up-to-date information.

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All Organizations A–Z

A Safe Place

Mission Statement

A Safe Place is the leading advocate for eliminating domestic violence & human trafficking in northern Illinois.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

2710 17th St
Zion IL 60099

847.731.7165, ext. 1025

info@asafeplaceforehelp.org

A Safe Place website

Beacon Place

Mission Statement

Beacon Place is inspiring and guiding our neighborhood’s children and families toward a brighter tomorrow. At Beacon Place, we believe that we can bring the world to our families – through programs, experiences, and opportunities that open up a door to a brighter tomorrow.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

603 S McAlister Ave
Waukegan IL 60085

847.497.5787, ext. 1025

admin@beacon-place.org

Beacon Place website

Bernie's Book Bank

Mission Statement

Bernie's Book Bank creates pathways to success through book ownership. We empower children to gain knowledge, explore new ideas, and strengthen reading skills.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

917 N Shore Dr
Lake Bluff IL 60044

847.780.READ (7323)

Bernie's Book Bank website

Boys & Girls Club of Lake County

Mission Statement

The Club's mission is to inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to fulfill their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Please contact via webform only.

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

Administrative office

730 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Waukegan IL 60085

Service locations in Waukegan and North Chicago

Boys & Girls Club of Lake County website

Bravo Waukegan

Mission Statement

The mission of Bravo Waukegan is to provide Waukegan public school students with opportunities to grow through music. Bravo supports the music faculty and programs of the Waukegan schools and provides resources for well-supervised and creative after-school and summer music activities.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

400 E Illinois Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.722.5821

bravo@bravowaukegan.org

Bravo Waukegan website

CASA Lake County

Mission Statement

CASA Lake County is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, thoroughly trained CASA volunteers work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child's best interest in juvenile court.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Background check

Minimum commitment of 2 years

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

700 Forest Edge Dr
Vernon Hills IL 60061

847.838.6260

info@casalakecounty.com

CASA Lake County website

Catholic Charities: Lake County Services

Mission Statement

Our purpose is to partner with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties and to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need through service.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

721 N La Salle St
Chicago IL 60654

312.655.7700

volunteer@catholiccharities.net

Catholic Charities website

Catholic Charities: Youth Mentorship Program

Mission Statement

Our purpose is to partner with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties and to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need through service.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Minimum commitment of 2 hours per week for a year

Allowed Ages

ADULTS 21+

Contact

721 N La Salle St
Chicago IL 60654

312.655.7700

volunteer@catholiccharities.net

Catholic Charities Youth Mentor website

Community Action Partnership of Lake County

Mission Statement

Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

2424 Washington St
Waukegan IL 60085

224.412.8945

lisa.hayes@caplakecounty.org

Community Action Partnership of Lake County website

Elawa Farm

Mission Statement

Today, our mission is to steward a historic farm that enriches the greater Lake County community as a center for experiential learning to broaden access to education, nutritious food, and our local food system.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Waiver for youth up to 18 years old

Guardian presence for youth up to 16 years old

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

1401 Middlefork Dr
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.234.1966

info@elawafarm.org

Elawa Farm website

Fill a Heart For Kids

Mission Statement

Fill a Heart 4 Kids™ gives unaccompanied homeless youth, at risk, and foster children educational support, necessities and positive experiences to help their hearts heal and restore their dignity - so they can achieve Brighter Futures!

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

270 Market Square
Lake Forest IL 60045

margie@fah4k.org

Fill a Heart 4 Kids website

Forest & Found

Mission Statement

Practicing the Art of Charitable Thrift since 2014. Contributing to Over 30 Local Charities and Counting. With your help, we’re standing up to tough times.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

1363 N Western Ave
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.482.1705

forestandfound@gmail.com

Forest & Found website

Friends of Lake Forest Library

Mission Statement

The Friends of Lake Forest Library is a group of dedicated supporters and library enthusiasts. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to support the mission and services of Lake Forest Library, as well as to engage in related educational, charitable, and cultural activities.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS for the annual book sale

Contact

360 E Deerpath Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

friendslflibrary@gmail.com

Friends of Lake Forest Library website

Gorton Center

Mission Statement

Gorton engages and enriches all generations through vibrant social experiences and exceptional arts and culture.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

400 E Illinois
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.234.6060

Gorton Center website

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

Mission Statement

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) strives to ‘Let No One Sit on the Sidelines’ and operates under a mission to promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth, adults and military veterans who have a physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreation, fitness and competitive sports activities. GLASA offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS (contact GLASA for details)

Contact

27864 Irma Lee Circle #101
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.283.0908

volunteer@glasa.org

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association website

Heartland Animal Shelter

Mission Statement

Heartland Animal Shelter is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Wheeling, Illinois dedicated to finding permanent, loving homes for the dogs and cats in our care. While our animals await their adopters, our incredible team of volunteers provides the much-needed emotional care while our dedicated staff members make sure each animal is vaccinated, microchipped and spayed/neutered. Since 2002, Heartland has saved well over 14,000 lives and we will continue to be advocates for homeless pets until no more adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS 16+ with a waiver

Contact

Contact

586 Palwaukee Dr
Wheeling IL 60090

847.296.6400

info@heartlandanimalshelter.org

Heartland Animal Shelter website

History Center Lake Forest Lake Bluff

Mission Statement

Considered one of the most innovative museums in Lake County, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff is focused on researching and showcasing community history through a diversity of voices and experiences.

We welcome you to visit our permanent collection, experience fascinating programs, take our tours and see our special exhibits that celebrate all aspects of history.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS 16+

Contact

509 E Deerpath Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.234.5253

programs@lflbhistory.org

History Center website

Kid's Korner at the 19th Judicial Circuit Court

Mission Statement

The purpose of Kids’ Korner is to provide a safe and enjoyable waiting area for children who are in the Lake County Courthouse to testify in court or whose parents or guardians are conducting court business.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

18 N County Street (1st floor)
Waukegan IL 60085

847.377.3825

Kid's Korner website

Kiwanis Club of Lake Forest Lake Bluff

Mission Statement

Kiwanis Pledge: "As our Country's flag signify purity, valor, and justice; may we, as true Kiwianians, exemplify these virtues as we serve the children of the world."

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Membership

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS (contact Kiwanis for details)

Contact

P.O. Box 34
Lake Bluff IL 60044

847.234.2009

KiwanisLBLF@aol.com

Kiwanis Lake Forest Lake Bluff website

Lake County Center for Independent Living

Mission Statement

It is LCCIL's mission to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives as valued members of the community.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

377 N Seymour Ave
Mundelein IL 60060

847.949.4440

info@lccil.org

Lake County Center for Independent Living website

Lake Forest Caucus

Mission Statement

Since 1935 the Lake Forest Caucus Committee has been an organization of volunteers seeking volunteers to serve the City of Lake Forest.

The Caucus Committee recruits candidates for Mayor, Alderman, School Board 115, School Board 67 and a variety of boards and commissions. The City of Lake Forest has over 100 Lake Forest resident volunteers who serve on 22 boards and commissions. These City boards and commissions provide leadership, establish policy and oversee budgets while working hard to ensure an open and responsive government.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

736 N Western Ave
Lake Forest IL 60045

info@lakeforestcaucus.com

Lake Forest Caucus website

Lake Forest Open Lands Association

Mission Statement

Lake Forest Open Lands Association is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of our natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and our land.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS (Eco-Crew only)

Contact

350 North Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.234.3880

info@lfola.org

Lake Forest Open Lands website

Lake Forest Parks & Rec

Mission Statement

To facilitate the growth, development, and improvement of the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation facilities and offerings to the community.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

350 N Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

Contacts listed for each open position on the below website.

Lake Forest Parks & Rec website

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower immigrants and their families to become full participants in their community. Our work is guided by our organizational values, which include: collaboration and community building, education, excellence, equality of opportunity, stewardship, and respect for human dignity.

Volunteering Details

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

6 E Main St
Round Lake Park IL 60073

847.201.1521

1801 Sheridan Rd Suite #101
North Chicago IL 60064

847.201.1521

email megan@mamfrc.org for direct volunteer opportunities.

Mano a Mano website

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

Mission Statement

Northwestern Medicine is an integrated healthcare system that brings together physicians and researchers from award-winning facilities in the Chicago area. Each of the Northwestern Medicine hospitals has a unique story, but the system shares the same vision. Northwestern Medicine is committed to superior quality, academic excellence, scientific discovery and patient safety.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS for summer service

Contact

1000 N Westmoreland Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.234.5600

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital website

PADS Lake County

Mission Statement

PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

1800 Grand Ave
Waukegan IL 60085

847.689.0541

volunteer@padslakecounty.org

PADS Lake County website

Ragdale Foundation

Mission Statement

To embolden creative exploration and achievement. We give courage to and provide a setting for creative exploration and achievement by establishing a culture of excellence, generosity, and inclusivity within Ragdale’s historic campus and native prairie landscape—the essential qualities of our community’s 120-year legacy as a generative home of artistic production.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

1260 N Greenbay Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.234.1063, ext. 21

marita@ragdale.org

Ragdale Foundation website

Reading Power Inc.

Mission Statement

The need for reading intervention has never been greater. Due to Covid-19 learning disruptions, current early elementary students have never had a normal school year of uninterrupted, in-person learning. As a result, many are now performing two or more grade levels below expectation. Reading Power’s proven program of high-dose tutoring can accelerate reading skills growth and get students back on track. Become a tutor!

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Background check

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

11 N Skokie Highway Suite #206
Lake Bluff IL 60044

224.436.8060

kristin.fine@readingpowerinc.org

ReadingPOWER website

Roberti Community House

Mission Statement

Roberti Community House (RCH) has become a key gathering place for those residing in a distressed neighborhood of Waukegan providing a safe and welcoming haven for neighbors of all ages.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

919 8th St
Waukegan IL 60085

847.623.4221

roberticommunityhouse@gmail.com

Roberti Community House website

Rotary Club of Lake Forest Lake Bluff

Mission Statement

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community members.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Membership

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

PO Box 168
Lake Forest IL 60045

info@lflbrotary.org

Rotary of Lake Forest Lake Bluff website

Stepping Stones Network

Mission Statement

We are a network of trained professionals and compassionate individuals who partner with adults and nurture children impacted by commercial sexual exploitation as they take steps to interrupt the cycle of trauma, develop life skills and build a safe circle of support.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Info session

Volunteer application

Interview

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

224.789.3054

Stepping Stones Network website

The Mustard Seed

Mission Statement

Throughout the years, The Mustard Seed has seen the impact of our small store. It is our hope that by providing a market for beautiful gifts, sharing the fair trade story, and donating our profits, we can continue to help change the lives of women and children.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

Contact

202 E Westminster Ave
Lake Forest IL 60045

847.735.0211

lfmustardseed@gmail.com

The Mustard Seed website

Waukegan to College

Mission Statement

Waukegan to College creates brighter futures for students, families, and the community by preparing students to enroll in and graduate from college.

Volunteering Details

Requirements

Volunteer application on the website

Allowed Ages

ADULTS

TEENS

Contact

410 Grand Avenue
Waukegan IL 60045

224.572.9221

office@waukegantocollege.org

Waukegan to College website