Donate clothes, buy from local farmers, and more—five ways to volunteer this April

While volunteering online may suit some, you may be looking for things a bit more tangible. From donating unwanted items like old phones to taking a walk and logging it—there are many ways you can help a community in need.

Make sure you register on the Global Days of Service website before starting a project so that you are counted as a volunteer.

Make an appointment to give blood

The American Red Cross has a constant and ongoing need for blood and platelet donations. They are currently accepting people who are healthy and have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Register here

Donate unwanted items

Project Beauty Share provides personal hygiene, cosmetics, and beauty products to non-profit organizations that serve women and families overcoming abuse, addiction, homelessness, and poverty. Donate anything from unused makeup to hotel shampoos and lotions. Register here

Second Chances provides clothing to homeless and very low-income people in Cambridge and Somerville. Donate anything from clothes to hats to towels. Register here

Telehealth For Seniors provides seniors and low-income communities with devices, instructions, and free tech-support to connect them to their physicians via TeleHealth. Donate any front-facing camera-enabled devices. Register here

Catie’s Closet accepts new and gently used clothing, undergarments, and outerwear for youth and teens. They also accept new full-size toiletries and feminine products. Register here

Sew or knit a blanket

Project Linus provides homemade blankets to ill, traumatized, and children in need. Join the movement and knit or sew a blanket for kids in hospitals, shelters, or social service agencies. Register here

Buy food from local farmers

The Food Project sells local vegetables and fruits straight from farms at the farmers’ market in Lynn. Help the community by purchasing your fruits and vegetables from The Food Project’s Farmer’s Markets. Register here

Take a walk or go for a run

Charity Miles lets you turn a neighborhood jog or weekend hike into a fundraiser for good. Just choose a charity and get moving! For every mile you log, you help to earn money for your chosen charity. Register here

How to register

The Global Days of Service site works similarly to an e-commerce website as it allows you to individually add projects to your shopping cart. To checkout, please click on the shopping cart displayed on the right-hand side.