Volunteer Opportunities: adventures in kindness abound
File Photo - Blake Anghilante finds some low spots in the outfield and fills them at Kramer Field several years ago as he volunteered at the little league fields. Many hands make light work.
Volunteer Ventures, a column by Emily Whitfield
Emily Whitfield
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 12, 2025 —
The Columbia Gorge runs on volunteers.
From community meals to art galleries and farmers markets, hundreds of residents quietly give their time each week to keep local programs thriving and sometimes, afloat. The opportunities are as diverse as the people who fill them — and the rewards, science says, goes far beyond the hours they spend helping. Send your volunteer opportunities to Emily at gallery@thedallesartcenter.org
Volunteering builds strong social connections and can create a sense of purpose and community — especially in small communities like ours, where every helping hand has a visible impact.
If you’re retired, new to town, or just looking to make a difference, there’s a place for you to pitch in. Below are a few organizations currently welcoming volunteers across The Dalles area. Check back with Emily and CCCNews as new opportunities are posted.
The Dalles Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June through October).
About: A vibrant community market supporting local growers and makers.
Volunteer opportunities include market setup, community outreach, vendor support, and event coordination.
Contact: secretary.tdfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Mid-Columbia Senior Center
About: A community hub for seniors offering social, educational and wellness programs.
Volunteer opportunities include front desk assistance, bingo games, leading classes, mentoring, peer support and Meals on Wheels.
Website: https://mid-columbiaseniorcenter.com
The Dalles Main Street
About: Dedicated to revitalizing and promoting downtown The Dalles through events, design and business support.
Volunteer opportunities include assisting with community events, joining committees or serving on the board.
Contact: exdirector.dallesmainstreet@gmail.com
The Dalles Art Center
About: A nonprofit art center fostering creativity and cultural connection.
Volunteer opportunities include front desk assistance, event support for exhibit openings and auctions, and committee participation.
Website: https://thedallesartcenter.org
St. Vincent de Paul
About: Provides food, clothing and assistance to those in need across The Dalles.
Volunteer opportunities include Food Bank, Community Meals, Home Visits, Hope Warming Place, Publicity and the Back-to-School Program.
More information: https://svdpthedalles.org/volunteer
Community Backpack Program
When: Thursdays at the Food Bank on Crates Way.
About: Provides weekend food support for local children through filled food bags sent home each week.
Volunteer opportunities include filling and organizing food bags for distribution.
More information: https://facebook.com/kidsmatter2012
The Dalles Civic Auditorium Theatre — Civic Kids Program
About: Civic Kids is a performing arts program serving children ages 8 to 13 through musical theatre, summer camps and workshops.
Volunteer opportunities include mentoring and instructing students in music, dance and acting; assisting with costume, prop and set design or construction; and operating lights and sound equipment.
A background check is required for volunteers working with children.
Contact: Robin Ott, Civic Kids Director, at tdcivicauditorium@gmail.com
Website: https://thedallescivic.com
The Salvation Army Family Services Center — The Dalles
About: Provides year-round and seasonal support to local families through food, outreach and community programs.
Volunteer opportunities include Food Pantry assistance, seasonal support for summer camp, back-to-school, Christmas gifts and food, and Emergency Disaster Services.
Phone: 541-296-6417
Website: https://thedalles.salvationarmy.org
Volunteer portal: https://RegisterToRing.com
Mosier Community School
About: A community-focused K–8 school that welcomes volunteers to support learning, events and enrichment programs.
Volunteer opportunities include lunchroom help (daily, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), classroom support, Skate Night, after-school clubs, Mosier Holiday Fair, Teacher Appreciation Week, Made for Mosier events, the end-of-year field day, and teacher wish-list support, including the SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) reading program.
Requirements include a background check and volunteer forms (Volunteer Application, Criminal History Verification and Proof of Insurance).
Contact: Daphne Flud at fludd@nwasco.k12.or.us
District information and forms: https://nwasco.k12.or.us
