For those of us who like to give back to our Southern Arizona community, volunteering is a great way to contribute. Often, organizations are met with a surplus of volunteers during the holidays, and not enough year-round. Here are just a few of the Tucson organizations that take volunteers.

Pima County Drug Court
The Pima County Drug Court is an alternative court system that allows addicts to receive treatment for their drug problems instead of just normal monitoring. The court believes that offering people treatment increases their chances of living substance free. Volunteers can assist the court and participate in giving Tucson citizens a second chance at life. On August 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., a volunteer informational session will be held in the Legal Services Building Conference Room on the fourteenth floor.
520.740.5525

Casa de los Niños
Casa de los Niños is a non-profit crisis center for children and a prevention support center for families. Currently, the organization is running out of beds for all ages. According to the organization’s website, they have received requests to find homes for a 2-year-old boy and a 4-month-old girl, but have no more foster homes for children of these ages. The organization is always looking for more volunteers or for more foster families.
www.casadelosninos.org.

Make Way for Books
Make Way for Books is an organization that is focused on early literacy through their resource center. According to the organization, children who have quality early childhood education are more likely to read and thrive better in school. Volunteers with the organization are needed for storytime readings, blue book house deliveries, and special events. Volunteers can help make a difference in educating Southern Arizona’s youth.
www.makewayforbooks.org.

Habitat for Humanity Tucson
Habitat for Humanity is an organization that aims to end poverty housing by creating opportunities for home ownership of low-income families. The Tucson organization has served 734 families through their many homeownership programs. Volunteers are needed to help build the homes in the allotted time frame. Volunteers can help build or work in the HabiStore, which sells new and gently used building and home improvement materials.
www.habitattucson.org.

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a voluntary health organization that aims to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. The organization works at this goal by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer. While many can make a difference by donating to the organization, others can volunteer at special events or in the patient services programs.
www.cancer.org.