Opportunities From: Elkhart Helping Hearts

Get Your Hands Dirty for a Good Cause in 2026

Elkhart Parks & Recreation’s Root Crew is excited to host Community Green Days throughout 2026—hands-on, feel-good days dedicated to beautifying our local parks. On these planned service days, the Elkhart Parks & Recreation team provides all the tools, supplies, and guidance needed. All you need to bring is yourself, a few friends, and a passion for giving back to the places where you live and play.

Community Green Days are perfect for school groups, business teams, church groups, scouts, neighborhood associations, and anyone looking to make a positive impact together. These are open-house style events from 9 am to 3 pm, so you can drop in when it fits your schedule and stay as long as you’re able—every bit of help makes a difference.

Get outside, work alongside your community, and leave a lasting mark on our parks. Gather your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors and sign up today to be part of something meaningful! 

Locations TBD

Help us prepare trees for our Earth Day tree giveaway! This year, we are partnering with Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District and Michiana Master Gardeners' Association to prep trees for our Earth Day and their tree sale all at once! We will be working out at the Elkhart County 4 H Fairgrounds in Commercial Building F. We will be there from 8 AM - 4 PM--feel free to drop by whenever is convenient for you!

Trees range in size from 12 inches  to 5 feet. We'll be preparing the trees by covering the roots in moss, wrapping them individually, and adding a label. 

Typically, tree prep goes pretty quickly but since this is our first year doing this type of prep (instead of potting the trees) and because we have so many trees, we are planning for an all-day event and are happy to end early!

Please feel free to stop by whenever is convenient and help for 5 minutes or 500 trees--we appreciate however much help you are able to give!

Volunteer Soccer Coaches Needed!

The City of Elkhart Parks Department is looking for volunteer soccer coaches to help lead our youth leagues this season. You don’t need elite soccer skills—just a basic understanding of the game, a positive attitude, and a willingness to have fun with kids. Our leagues serve ages 3–4, 5–7, and 8–12, and your energy and encouragement make a huge difference.

This is a short time commitment with a big impact: just 4 practices and 3 games, all scheduled between 5:30–7:30 PM. Coaches must complete a background check (required to work with children), and it’s paid for by the Parks Department.

This opportunity is perfect for parents who want to coach while their child plays, high school seniors looking to earn community service hours, or anyone who wants to give back to our community and support local youth.

Step onto the field, build confidence, and help kids fall in love with the game. Volunteer today to coach one of our fun soccer leagues!

Registration to coach closes 3/23/26 so all backgrounds can be submitted by 3/24/26. We'll have a special coaches meeting on 4/21/26 @ 6pm. 

Help lead Earth Day-themed crafts and games for the kiddos! More details about the activity will be posted closer to the event.  

This shift includes a 9:30 AM volunteer orientation in the Visitor's Cabin. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

Help lead the Springs & Starters Exchange! Volunteers at this station help sort the seeds and starter plants (e.g. indoor/outdoor, sun/shade, etc.), calling out numbers to lead the exchange, assist guests with carrying plants to and from their cars, and whatever else is needed. If you have questions, feel free to email EECmail@coei.org or call 574-293-5070.

This shift includes an 11:30 AM volunteer orientation in the pavilion. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

Help us clean up the event! We'll be packing up supplies, folding up canopy tents and tables and chairs, and getting everything put away. Thanks to our trailers and UTV, there will be minimal lifting/carrying of heavy items (unless you want the workout) and folded tents/tables/chairs can be stacked next to the road to be dropped off and loaded into the event trailer.

This shift is usually super quick! The sooner we get items stashed inside, the sooner we can all go home (maybe even with extra food).

Love taking pictures? Come snap some shots of our Earth Day event! Check out all the different parts of the event--the tree giveaway, booths, Spring Seeds & Starters Exchange, and more Capture the family fun of the event for us to put up on our Facebook page and event marketing for next year.  

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a camera for the event. If you would like to volunteer for this activity, please bring your own camera. Photos can be sent via email, drop box, or memory card. We are happy to provide and SD card or thumb drive (please email EECmail@cityofelkhartin.gov or call us to let us know if you need one).

This shift includes an optional 9:30 AM volunteer orientation in the Visitor's Cabin. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

Help us hand out free trees! Volunteers will work with our city's Engineering team to provide information about available tree species, planting tips, and mapping where they plan on planting their trees (training and information will be provided).

This shift includes a 9:30 AM volunteer orientation in the Visitor's Cabin. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

Help us get set up for our Earth Day celebration! We will be putting up canopy tents, tables, chairs, and other materials before the event starts. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

If you are also volunteering for shifts during the event, there will be a 9:30 AM Volunteer Orientation in the Visitor's Cabin to prepare you for any event shifts.

Join InSPEC, the Invasive Species Partnership of Elkhart County, in one of their annual Weed Wrangles! Learn about the group, invasive and native plant species, and how to identify and remove invasive honeysuckle. We'll work on removing the invasive plant and planting native plants to restore our forest ecosystem on site. Tools and gloves provided.

This activity will be happening throughout the Elkhart Environmental Center's Earth Day event. Feel free to drop in and out of the activity at your convenience. Signing up for this activity does not mean that we expect you to participate for the entire event. This is just a convenient way for participants to submit waivers.

Join the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition & Elkhart Parks at Sterling Park to Celebrate Trails Day! 

A variety of projects are available and are generally suitable for all ages and skill levels. Projects for this day are subject to change based on weather conditions. We will focus on park beautification, which includes debris removal, planting seeds, and removing invasive species. Additionally, we are working on a creative project option to enhance the visibility and appeal of that section of the trail. The Parks Department Volunteer Program will provide all the tools and supplies needed. We ask volunteers to dress weather-appropriately and wear closed-toe shoes. 

Check out the Pumpkinvine Trials Coalition website here to sign up: Celebrate Trails Day Sign-Up

Parking volunteers are the event's first greeters! We provide bright vests for the shift (please return the vest once your shift is over). Volunteers greet cars on the drive in, hand out our event information, and tally the number of visitors in each car (using our ticket counter).  They also keep track of the amount of parking available in the lot (parking volunteers will have radios to make communication easier). They let cars know if they need to park in the overflow lot, and direct them to our excess parking area. 

This shift is quieter towards the end of the event. Shifts starting around 11 AM typically won't be as busy, but we still need a volunteer to help out--counting visitors is extremely helpful for us!  Meet in the Elkhart Environmental Center's Visitor's Cabin to receive the vest, ticket counter, and handouts.

This shift includes an optional 9:30 AM volunteer orientation in the Visitor's Cabin. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

We need a couple of volunteers to staff the Elkhart Environmental Center's booth at the event. We will have displays available to provide information about our site, events, and programming, and would like to have volunteers available to discuss the EEC with visitors. If you aren't familiar with the EEC, don't worry! Training is available and information will be provided

This shift includes an optional 9:30 AM volunteer orientation in the Visitor's Cabin. Please check in at the Environmental Center Visitor's Cabin.

Help us give our volunteers a break for lunch--sign up to be a floater! Floaters provide 15-30 minute breaks for volunteers at any station.

Each station will have a cheat sheet with all the info needed to keep things running smoothly. Volunteers are also welcome to attend the optional 9:30 AM volunteer orientation in the Visitor's Cabin before the event starts to get an overview of all the volunteer shifts. 

Help us prepare for our Free Fishing Clinic! We're giving away 400 rods/reels this year and we need help getting them all put together and ready for the big day. Drop by High Dive Pavilion any time between 12 PM - 5 PM to help--bring friends and family with you! 

No expertise or experience needed! We have experts on hand who are happy to teach!

Friday, June 5 is a backup day! If we do not finish prepping all the rods and reels on Thursday, June 4, we will be back on Friday. Please check our Facebook page for updates in case the Friday date is cancelled. 

Volunteers will teach kids about:

Examples and instructions are provided (see the basic tackle page below). Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8:30 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available.

Volunteers will teach kids about fishing regulations (e.g. size limits, bag limits, closed seasons, prohibited species).

Examples and instructions are provided (see the conservation page below). Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8:30 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available.

Volunteers at the fishing station will be helping to assemble fishing poles and assisting kids with fishing around the pond. We'd love to have some experienced fisherpeoples here to help the kiddos get a good start!

Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8:30 AM. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available

After kids have completed all of their stations and received their fishing poles, we hope they'll stick around to fish in the pond! We'd like to have some volunteers near the pond to help them get a good start with whatever they might need assistance with--casting, baiting, releasing a catch, etc. 

Orientation starts at 8:30 AM. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available

Volunteers will teach kids basic fishing knots (e.g. improved clinch, uni, palomar).

Examples and instructions are provided (see the knot tying page below). Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8:30 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available

Volunteers will teach kids how to cast a spinning rod and will cover safety talking points (e.g. keep control of the hook at all times, look behind you when casting, etc.)

Examples and instructions are provided (see the casting page below). Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8:30 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available

Volunteers will teach kids about how to become good stewards of the environment (e.g. not leaving trash behind, limiting take, helping to stop the spread of invasive species, etc.) and how to safely handle the fish (e.g. keep fish in water if possible, keep fish horizontal while supporting the belly of the fish, etc.).

Examples and instructions are provided (see the stewardship page below). Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8:30 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available

We would love to be able to serve ALL members of our community with this event, but we need YOUR help! If you are comfortable translating between English and Spanish for our visitors, we would love assistance at the registration table and for families who need translations as they make their way around the different stations.

Each station will be about 10 minutes. An optional orientation starts at 8:30 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please sign up for the Setup & General Helpers opportunity and leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available

Sign up here if you would like to help with:

For those helping during the event, we will pair you with the station that needs you the most. 

Examples and instructions are provided (see the stewardship page below). Each station will be about 10 minutes. Orientation starts at 8 AM and will cover all of the stations so volunteers can see how each one fits together. If you are not able to volunteer for the entire shift, please leave a note or send EEC staff an email (at EECmail@coei.org) to let us know when you're available.

Volunteer for Art Walk Wednesdays- Be Part of the Creative Energy!

Looking for a fun way to give back, get moving, and enjoy some local flavor? Join us as a volunteer at Art Walk Wednesdays, happening on the last Wednesday of each month (June-September 2026) from 4:30 to 8:30 PM in downtown Elkhart! Sign up for a 2-hour shift, or volunteer for all 4; every little bit helps!

Volunteers will enjoy a variety of tasks that help bring this vibrant community event to life:

This is a great opportunity to get in some extra steps, meet our amazing local artists and shop owners, and soak in live music while helping make this event unforgettable.

Whether you're passionate about art, love meeting new people, or just want to experience Elkhart in a whole new way, we'd love to have you on the Art Walk team!

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!

Adopt-A-Garden 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-Garden is all about park pride and stewardship. From planting seeds 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 sessions 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 neighbors.
 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 had adopters in the community create "free pick" gardens and teach others how to garden, all while building great relationships! 

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 garden. Grow your community. Be the difference.

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, park activation, 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 a growing list of groups who’ve stepped up—including companies who are adopting their second parks!

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.