Safehome volunteers are truly the backbone of our organization. For more than 40 years, community members have rallied around our mission and pitched in to ensure that survivors continue to have a place to turn. 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to communities across the globe. Due to COVID-19, new safety measures were introduced, resulting in our Volunteer Program undergoing changes to ensure that volunteers, clients, and staff remained safe. We were able to continue some socially distanced volunteering opportunities (clocking 7,439 hours served by our amazing volunteers!) but overall the program was limited.
We are excited to present new opportunities for YOU to safely get involved with our mission. Check out below and reach out to brandi.cook@safehome-ks.org to learn more about any opportunity that peaks your interest!
Spring Opportunities
Household Item Drive
It’s spring cleaning season! Help create household kits that support our clients as they transition to their
new housing situations. Pack a laundry basket with the following items: bathroom cleaner, hand towels, bath towels, toilet paper, hand soap, Q-Tips, Kleenex, and a lovely note from your volunteer group!
Egg Hunt
A small volunteer group can help celebrate springtime with an egg hunt for the children at our shelter! The group will hide eggs filled with candy, baskets (with activities), and games.
Mother’s Day Giftshop
We want to make sure that Mother’s Day is special for our clients. Get a group together to make some special gifts for survivors. Some ideas include plants and painted pots, tote bag/towel decorating, framed art creation, greeting cards, etc. We will then pair these gifts with a brunch for mothers at Safehome to enjoy!
Summer Opportunities
Summer Fun Day Activity Bags/Boxes
Did you know on any given day Safehome has more children in our shelter than adults? Collaborate with our Children’s Center to help make sure they have have things to do this summer! Ideas could include: books, STEM activities, games, scavenger hunts, etc.
Garden Tending
Helping out with Safehome’s garden is an ongoing volunteer opportunity, available all summer long!
Ready, Set, Read
Collect new and gently used books for children and adults. Create bookmarks to give away with the books to make them special!
Back to School Drive
Volunteers can pack and purchase school supplies for in-shelter and outreach clients. Items will need to be collected, packed, and ready for pick-up by August 15th.
Fall Opportunities
Self-Care September
Self-care is essential. Volunteers can help provide a pampering experience for residents with a special self-care pack.
Packs may include: journal/nice pen, bubble bath, facial masks/supplies, aromatherapy mist, nail care kit, herbal tea, and lotion.
Be The Love with Safehome
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Head to the Be The Love webpage to see how you can get involved.
Pumpkin Patch and Trunk or Treat
Volunteers can set-up a decorated pumpkin patch, hand out candy, and more to celebrate Halloween!
Keep Them Warm Sheet and Comforter Drive
Volunteers can put together move-in kits for winter clients at the shelter. This would include twin
size sheets, comforter, and warm socks.
Thanksgiving Food Drive & Activity Bags
Volunteers and donors can contribute to the annual Thanksgiving food drive and would have the opportunity to create Thanksgiving activities for the kids in shelter and to send out with outreach bags. Items that may be included are coloring sheets, art supplies, cards games, sensory items, books etc.
Tailgate Party
Grab your crew and plan a fun filled tailgate experience for our residents and children. Bring you grill and your cornhole and create a fun sporty party for residents and their children.
Winter Opportunities
Holiday Gift and Food Drive
Volunteers can engage with us for another holiday essential with a Holiday Food Drive! Add an extra sparkle to the season while providing holiday eats for Safehome families. A volunteer group provides/serves a special Christmas meal for shelter families. Donors and volunteers come together to make the holidays special by providing gifts for outreach clients and their families.
Anytime Opportunities!
Chalk It Up!
Do you love to draw? Grab your sidewalk chalk and your creativity and head on over to the children’s playground and create an epic maze of possibilities. From hopscotch to four- square, and everything encouraging in between, leave your artistic flare and some messages of hope for our residents and children to read.
Safehome Sundae Bar
Are you looking for a “sweet “ way to give back? Sign up to host a Sundae Bar at Safehome! You and your group can have fun providing all the fixings for a one-of-a-kind sundae bar.
Sponsor a Survivor’s Room
Did you know that survivors staying at Safehome’s shelter are given all new items for their rooms that they are then able to keep when they find safe housing and move out? While the individuals we serve are healing from the trauma of escaping an abusive relationship, we want their space to feel like home. You and your group can stock up a survivor’s room with all of the cozy necessities like pillows, twin size sheets & comforter, bath mats, towels, etc.
Breakfast in Bed
Who doesn’t like being treated to breakfast? Get your group together and plan a breakfast buffet fit for a Queen and her children.
Be The Love Birthday Boxes
Want to be a Birthday hero? Make someone’s day by making their special day, well…special!!
Step 1: Get a small box with a lid (think small shoe box)
Step 2: Assemble your items (suggestions by age-group below)
Children 1-12
Decoration (banner)
Non-perishable snacks (candy, salty snacks)
Coloring books, Art Supplies, Book
Craft, Activity/Game
Small Toy or Gift (boy or girl)
Card Addressed from You
Children 12-18
Decoration (banner)
Non-perishable snacks (candy, salty snacks,
soda)
Gift card (Target, Wal-Mart, restaurant)
Small Gift (headphones, make-up, nice throw
blanket)
Card Addressed from You
Adults
Decorations (banner)
Non-perishable snacks (candy, salty snacks,
soda)
Gift card (Quik Trip, Target, Wal-Mart,
restaurant)
Small Gift (headphones, make-up, self-care
items)
Card Addressed from You
Step 3: Wrap and decorate your box and lid separately. Coordinate a drop-off with brandi.cook@safehome-ks.org