Want to make a difference in your community, but not sure where to start? Join us Monday, April 27, 2026, at the first-ever Helping Hands Fair at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., to discover how your participation can spark change! This event brings together a variety of local organizations who need an extra hand.
Drop in between noon and 2 pm to meet representatives from local nonprofits and learn about volunteer opportunities that match your schedule and align with your passions. Whether you have a few hours a week or are looking to plug in to a one-time project, your time and skills can make a difference! Participating organizations include:
- Trans Lawrence Coalition, a trans-led organization seeking to protect & expand the social and political well-being of trans people in Lawrence, KS
- ALIVE Inc, supporting mental health through classes, resources, and community engagement.
- LINK, sharing home-cooked, nutritious meals with kindness in a safe and welcoming environment with families, the homeless, hungry, lonely, physically or mentally disabled, and the poor.
- Homeless Resource Center, day shelter, laundry, hygiene supplies, snacks, mail, phone access, meal services, and connection for those experiencing homelessness.
- Douglas County Legal Self-Help Center, free resources and support for anyone representing themselves in Douglas County District Court.
- Just Food, the food bank of Douglas County, supplying hundreds of families with fresh produce, dairy products, meat, bread and pantry staples.
- Ecumenical Campus Ministries (ECM), a justice-rooted, relationship-centered space in Lawrence that brings together students, neighbors, organizers, artists, and faith communities through free meals, educational events, workshops, and more.
- Ballard Center, providing affordable high-quality early childhood education and wrap-around supports to families through their food pantry, clothing closets, emergency assistance programs and other initiatives.
- Lawrence Community Shelter is Douglas County’s only emergency shelter and provides people experiencing homelessness with temporary shelter, wraparound support, and street outreach.
- Lawrence Pride is an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Loud Light engages, educates, and empowers individuals from underrepresented populations through voter registration, informative videos, coalition building, civic engagement, and encouraging youth voter turnout.
- Lawrence Meals on Wheels, Inc, serves hot, nutritious meals to people of all ages who have specialized diets and who are homebound.
- Midland Care Meals on Wheels, home meal delivery for seniors in Douglas, Jefferson, or Shawnee Counties.
- Douglas County CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to advocate for children under the protection of the court who have experienced abuse and neglect.
- Van Go, Inc. offers a variety of programs and support services to Douglas County youth, ages 14-24.
- Lawrence Kansas Juneteeth organizes and oversees Lawrence’s annual Juneteenth celebration.
- The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center provides 24/7 support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence.
- American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prepare for , prevent, and respond to emergencies.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Douglas County, a book gifting program for families with children ages 0-5.
Not able to attend the fair, but still interested in volunteering? Check out KawValleyVolunteers.org to view more volunteer opportunities.
Questions about this event? Email Gabby: gboyle@lplks.org.
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