Opportunities From: Elkhart Helping Hearts

Looking to log hours for court-ordered community service or other required volunteer hours? The Elkhart Environmental Center is always accepting new volunteers! We typically have volunteer opportunities year-round (most activities are outdoors).

We offer volunteer hours Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM while staff are available. If we have evening or weekend events happening, we typically offer volunteer opportunities during those extended times as well (check out www.facebook.com/ElkhartEnvironmentalCenter or www.elkhartindiana.org/eec to see our upcoming calendar). 

Hours are flexible based on staff availability. Please schedule hours before arriving.

FAQs:

Do I need to schedule before volunteering?Yes. We have a small staff and sometimes we are called away for meetings or errands. If you are planning to volunteer with us, we want to make sure someone is here to check you in. You can schedule ahead of time, or you can call before you leave to ensure that staff will be available when you arrive. How do I schedule hours to volunteer?You can register here and enter in your preferred date/time in the popup window. Please keep in mind that staff must approve this request before you are officially scheduled to volunteer with us. After you submit your request, you will be notified when staff approve it. If your request is denied, staff will reach out with other options. You can also call/email us with the date(s)/time(s) you would like to volunteer. You can even call/email before you leave--but please make sure you have connected with staff before you arrive at the EEC. W How old do I have to be to volunteer?We accept volunteers of all ages! However, any volunteers under 16 will need a parent/guardian present with them while they volunteer. Any volunteers under 18 will need a parent/guardian to sign their volunteer waiver.How do I get there?Google/Apple Maps will sometimes send people to our back gate on Perkins St, which is for restricted use only. Once you are only Lusher Ave, go as far east as possible and you will end up in our parking lot.What should I wear/bring?Dress for the weather/working outside. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle with you. A refrigerator/microwave are available if you would like to bring any food with you. Gloves, tools, sunscreen/bug spray will be provided.I am scheduled to volunteer but can't anymore--what do I do?We understand that life happens. If you are able to send us a quick email or phone call to let us know, we appreciate the heads up. 

Adopt-A-Park with Elkhart Parks & Rec!
Whether you’re a party of one or a powerhouse crew of 100, you can make a real difference right here in Elkhart by adopting a park!

Adopt-A-Park is all about park pride and stewardship. From picking up litter and pulling invasive plants to beautifying green spaces with a little elbow grease—every action, big or small, helps create a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming park for everyone.

 1-hour cleanups or full-day projects—YOU choose the impact.
 It’s instantly rewarding—step back and see the change you made!
 Perfect for families, friend groups, coworkers, teams, clubs, and businesses.
 Get ready for teamwork, smiles, and maybe even some friendly competition!

This program is open to all ages and abilities, and there are plenty of ways to get involved. We’ve already got 3 corporate partners, 4 nonprofits, and a growing list of small groups who’ve stepped up—including one company that adopted their second park in 2025!

Want to start your own ripple effect of community service and make a lasting impact? Let’s talk!
 Email: mandi.null@coei.org
 Call/Text: 574-350-1817

Adopt a park. Grow your community. Be the difference.

Want to kick off your Saturday with fresh air, community spirit, and the buzz of downtown Elkhart coming alive? Join us at the Elkhart Parks Farmer’s Market—voted Best Downtown Elkhart Activity!

As a Set-Up Volunteer, you’ll hang out with us from 7:30 am – 9:30 am and help bring the market to life:
    Pop-up tents, tables, and chairs
    Add those finishing touches with displays and accessories
    Greet vendors, point them to their spaces, and assist with check-in

After your shift, the market is yours to explore! Shop local goods, snag tasty treats, and soak in the atmosphere you helped create. 

    Bonus: Complete 5 volunteer shifts and score a FREE event shirt!

Be part of the energy. Be part of the market. Be part of Elkhart

Farmers Market Ambassador 

Love chatting with people, spreading good vibes, and making someone’s day? This role is for you! As a Farmers Market Ambassador, you’ll be the smiling face that greets guests at the market.

Here’s what you’ll do:
    Welcome guests with a friendly hello
    Share punch cards and help folks redeem prizes
    Keep the market experience fun, upbeat, and welcoming

The market runs from 9 am – 1 pm. Shifts are flexible in 2-hour increments—you choose how much time you’d like to give!

After your shift, wander the market to shop for goodies, taste local treats, and soak up the community atmosphere.

Bonus: Complete 5 volunteer shifts and earn a FREE event shirt!

Be the reason people love coming to the market

Farmers Market Wrap-Up Crew 

Short on time but big on impact? This is the perfect role for you! As a Wrap-Up Crew Volunteer, you’ll be the behind-the-scenes hero who helps the market end as smoothly as it begins.

Here’s what you’ll do:
    Take down directional signs around the market
    Fold up tents, tables, and chairs
    Carry supplies back to storage and load the shed

This shift is only about 1 hour and 15 minutes—just enough time to lend a hand without taking up your whole day. Plus, you can shop the market before your shift and enjoy all the fresh finds! 

Although this task is small, the impact is HUGE—your help keeps our market running smoothly week after week.

Bonus: Complete 5 volunteer shifts and earn a FREE event shirt!

Sign up today and join the Wrap-Up Crew that keeps the market shining!