Reno County Opens Doors to Dozens of Volunteer Roles

Finding the right way to volunteer just got simpler in Reno County, Kansas, where a central clearinghouse is connecting caring residents with dozens of opportunities to make a difference.

The Volunteer Center of Reno County, a United Way agency, has compiled volunteer needs from nonprofit and government organizations across the community. Whether someone has an hour a week or a full afternoon to give, there's a spot waiting for them.

Local elementary schools need helpers during lunch and recess, where volunteers open milk cartons and supervise playtime for energetic Pre-K students. The Hutchinson Public Library is searching for creative souls to help budding writers polish their stories and build confidence in their craft.

For those who love connecting with neighbors, Meals on Wheels needs drivers to deliver hot lunches to homebound residents. Pairs of volunteers pick up meals from Wesley Towers and complete routes of 10 to 15 deliveries between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., bringing both nourishment and a friendly face to people who might otherwise go days without seeing someone.

The Reno County Museum welcomes greeters to share local history with visitors, while the Soup Kitchen looks for hands to help prepare and serve meals to those facing hard times. Rise Up Reno Prevention Network seeks reading mentors for first through third graders, offering 30 minutes of one-on-one attention that can change a child's entire relationship with learning.

One standout program, Circles, takes a relationship-based approach to ending poverty. Volunteers called Circle Allies are matched with families, meeting at least once monthly to offer encouragement, guidance, and genuine friendship as families work toward self-sufficiency.

The Ripple Effect

These volunteer roles do more than fill immediate needs. When someone reads with a struggling student, that child's improved literacy can lift their entire educational trajectory. When a homebound senior receives a warm meal and conversation, their health and mental wellbeing improve. When a family in poverty gains allies who believe in them, they're more likely to break free from financial hardship for good.

The volunteer positions span age groups too, with some roles open to 16-year-olds while others require background checks for working with vulnerable populations. Training is provided where needed, and the Volunteer Center staff helps match people's skills and schedules with the right opportunities.

Interested residents can reach the Volunteer Center at 665-4960 or volunteercenter@hutchcc.edu to explore the full list of ways to serve.

When a community makes volunteering this accessible, everyone wins.