Top 5 Volunteer Opportunities in Pittsburgh

Want to volunteer or intern at a great Pittsburgh non-profit? Whether you’re new to Pittsburgh and want to learn about the city’s charities, trying to change up your routine with some local charity work, or just want to volunteer or intern at a neighborhood non-profit, everyone knows that the best way to find the right place for you is from the people who’ve been there!

Here’s a list of volunteers’ and interns’ favorite Pittsburgh charities. Every non-profit on this list earned has an overall score of 4 or greater out of 5 on GreatNonprofits.org, and must have been reviewed by at least 10 volunteers. If your favorite Pittsburgh non-profit or volunteer gig is missing, find it on GreatNonprofits.org, write a positive review, and show your co-volunteers how to start adding reviews and get it on the list!

Global Links
“I became involved with Global Links when I moved to Pittsburgh about a year ago. I have been extremely pleased with volunteering at this organization! I have had great experiences with all of the staff and fellow volunteers. I love how you can actually see the difference being made each shift. Various items are sorted and packed and by the time you leave you’ve finished tons of boxes that are all set, just waiting to be shipped to hospitals in need. I also really appreciate their scheduling flexibility! My schedule is constantly changing, never the same each week. When I moved here there were other places I had looked into that required a very set schedule. Global Links has been amazing to accommodate me, which I was very happy with as I really enjoy helping out. It was also great to work with the staff to help set up donations through the hospital I work at. I’m excited that now my unit can help contribute our unused supplies as well!” –rsh2061

North Hills Community Outreach
“North Hills Community Outreach is highly organized and efficient in its use of donor resources to assist those in need. Its services are comprehensive, benefiting young and old. I feel assured that what I donate does maximum good. The staff is dedicated and conscientious and make me feel like a member of the team whenever I stop in. Volunteering is also easy and satisfying. Our region is truly blessed by this non-profit organization.” –Roger

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
“I have participated in the monthly distribution of Produce to People and I am very impressed by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s commitment to the individuals it serves. Prior to each distribution event, the volunteer co-ordinator sets the tone by reminding us of who our customers are and the importance of making each and every customer feel welcome so that she or he will return. A returning customer means a household that is helped; a customer who feels unwelcome may result in a child or adult going hungry. The events, from the volunteer side, are well organized and the volunteers are given explicit instructions about what is expected.” –Martha

Human Services Center Corporation
“I am a new intern at the Human Services Center. Although I don’t have much experience in the field the staff at HSCC have made me feel welcome and confident in my abilities. From my short time here I am able to see that teamwork is an important asset that everyone shares. By working together the HSCC team is able to provide services, fill gaps, and effectively help their clients.” –mem72

Operation Troop Appreciation
“I spent a saturday last fall, helping OTA of Pittsburg fill probably close to 2 tons of Christmas “Care Packages” to be sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The spirit and comraderie of the team and volunteers(myself) was congenial and uplifting. How could it not be? Such a worthwhile and noble effort to honor our troops in war zones-away from their families, friends and the country they so proudly serve, was inspiring. I will gladly give of my time, energy and resources to help in any way possible, to promote OTA and its mission in the future. ” –Bill