The Volunteer Center of Reno County, a United Way agency, is a central clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in Reno County. Area non-profit and governmental organizations have submitted the following requests for help. To pursue one of these or one of our other many volunteer opportunities listed with THE VOLUNTEER CENTER, call 665-4960 or e-mail volunteercenter@hutchcc.edu.
HUTCH REC will be needing volunteers to help with preparing for the Gingerbread House decorating event at Memorial Hall. Volunteers are needed to help build the gingerbread houses November 30-December 4, 2026 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Volunteers are needed on the day of the event as well, December 5, from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to prepare the hall by putting out candy on tables, making sure each placement has a house, and putting icing into cups. Volunteers may also be table monitors to monitor a table and clean up, place a new house when someone is done, and make sure supplies are kept full on the table. Volunteers can also help with the supply line and make sure supplies are kept full on tables. Volunteer guest attendants are also needed to direct guests to the proper areas in Memorial Hall. Volunteers are also needed from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. to help with clean up.
FRIENDS OF THE ZOO is looking for volunteers to assist in the gift shop. Volunteers will greet guests, provide general information about the Zoo, assist customers with gift shop purchases as well as fish food and train tickets, receive membership registrations, renewals and dues as well as other contributions/donations, serve as a cashier, operate the cash register and make change, maintain knowledge about products and services in the gift shop, guide guests in being careful with unpurchased gift shop items, answer the gift shop phone which may include a short intake for wildlife rehabilitation, straighten merchandise, dust, sweep and restock displays, and help with mailings and other tasks during slow periods. Volunteers are needed especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months. Shifts are available from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. or the whole day from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with a lunch break.
ROBERT J. DOLE VA MEDICAL CENTER serves veterans at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, KS. Volunteer drivers assist Veterans in attending much needed medical appointments by driving vans donated by Disabled American Veterans from Hutchinson to Wichita. Veterans often have no other way to make it medical appointments without the help of caring volunteers. Volunteer van drivers are needed from 7 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. once a week, or once or twice a month if not available for once a week. Volunteers must pass a driver’s physical, have a good driving record and a valid driver’s license and insurance.
ELMDALE SENIOR CENTER is holding their annual Christmas Dinner on 12/8/26, and volunteers are needed to help serve food and drinks as well as clean up plates and put up tables and chairs. Volunteers are needed from 5:15 p.m.-8 p.m., but might be done before 8 p.m.
THE SALVATION ARMY is needing volunteers to pack Christmas food boxes on December 11, 2026 from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Volunteers will be putting in food items assembly line style and will be on their feet while volunteering. Volunteers are then needed to distribute the food boxes out of The Salvation Army drive through style on December 18 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 12 p.m.-2 p.m., or 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
THE SALVATION ARMY is also looking for volunteers to help set up their toy shop on December 15, 2026 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-3 p.m., or on December 16 from, 2026 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Volunteers are then needed December 18 to distribute the toys to families from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 12 p.m.-2 p.m., or 2 p.m.-4 p.m. (whenever all the toys are distributed). Volunteers will be moving around and assisting patrons with picking out toys and getting things to their cars.