AZCEND volunteers Judy Noecker, left, and Mary Patterson help prep food for a cart as part of the organization’s food bank program. AZCEND is one of dozens of places people can volunteer in Chandler.
Independent Newsmedia/Jason W. Brooks
AZCEND volunteer Pete Hines waits for a cart to be loaded up on one of the organization’s recent food distribution days. AZCEND is one of dozens of places people can volunteer in Chandler.
Courtesy of Chandler UMC
Wilma Ellis helps out with a food program on behalf of the Chandler United Methodist Church. CUMC is one of dozens of places people can volunteer in Chandler.
As demand appears to be rising for low- or no-cost food, a need for volunteers at places like AZCEND’s Chandler food bank grow as well.
AZCEND’s food bank, located in the Pueblo Viejo neighborhood on the edge of downtown Chandler, is one of dozens of places people can volunteer within or near the city.
AZCEND chief executive officer Jenna Cooper said the organization she now runs is about to celebrate its 60th birthday as a food pantry and says it needs volunteers to run all of its programs.
“They’re absolutely critical,” Cooper said, regarding volunteers. “We see volunteers of every age and other demographic. It really varies in how they get to us as volunteers. We have retirees and widows who actually have community and some friends here as fellow volunteers, so they’re here very regularly. And we have some younger volunteers that are her more episodically, sometimes as a group, like a sports team or a college group.”
Cooper said it’s important to note that some younger volunteers are not necessarily there as part of a structured assignment or class requirement.
“We had an Arizona State University freshman who, just the other day, wanted to volunteer to get to know their new community a little better,” Cooper said.
The nonprofit states it distributed 18,664 food boxes that included 1.3 million pounds of food in 2025, accounting for 1,131,827 meals to East Valley residents.
AZCEND has rent utility payment assistance programs, emergency shelter and heat relief programs, hot meals, personal management coaching, early childhood literacy and senior social programs.
Cooper said the AZCEND programs in place now were built through the efforts of Trinity Donovan, her predecessor, who led the organization for more than 15 years, and the volunteers themselves.
Other places to volunteer in Chandler include the following
Aster Neighbors program through Aster Aging
Volunteers provide rides to medical appointments, help with grocery shopping, friendly visits, and more for homebound seniors in Chandler as part of Aster’s Neighbors program.
Contact: Learn more and complete a volunteer application at asteraz.org/services/neighbors.html
Chandler Museum
From helping with exhibits, collections and programs to events and community outreach, the museum, located just south of the Chandler Fashion Center mall, is continually looking for new volunteers.
Volunteers age 18 or older are needed for planning and staffing special events, learning with visitors, guiding tours, caring for artifacts and the oral history collection administrative support.
The museum asks for a minimum of six hours per month for at least six months.
Volunteer information sessions are held regularly. The museum has an internship program as well.
Contact: Inquire in person at the museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler, or complete a volunteer application online by clicking here.
Chandler United Methodist Church, I-HELP program
On the second Monday and fourth Sunday of each month, the Chandler United Methodist Church hosts its Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, or I-HELP, guests.
Each guest receives includes an evening meal, bag lunches, breakfast and a place to stay the night. I-HELP is a homeless lodging program through AZCEND.
To learn more, inquire at the church, 450 E. Chandler Heights Road, or contact Betty Ingram at bettyingram13@gmail.com or visit chandlermethodist.org/ministries.
Matthew’s Crossing
Volunteers at the Matthew’s Crossing food bank must be at least age 12 and meet a few other requirements, depending on their role.
The secular organization has been around for more than 20 years.
Contact: Matthew’s Crossing, 480-857-2296, at info@matthewscrossing.org or in person at 1368 N. Arizona Ave. Unit 112, Chandler.
The food bank also has frequently asked questions, instructions, requirements for volunteers and types of roles and their duties listed at matthewscrossing.org/volunteer/.
Rowell Ranch Farm Sanctuary
Rowell Ranch Farm Sanctuary hosts volunteers who help with its animal operations.
Ninety-minute volunteer orientations are held periodically at the ranch, 12602 E Via de Palmas, Chandler. The next two start at 7:30 a.m., Saturdays, Nov. 7 and 21, with the ranch asking for a donation of $10 or more per volunteer at orientation to ensure seriousness.
Orientation includes a 30-minute briefing and about an hour of hands-on volunteering, teamed up with an experienced volunteer to get right to work. A signed waiver, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes are among what’s needed.
Contact: Learn more about volunteering and sign up by clicking here.
City of Chandler’s Let’s Pull Together program
Throughout the year, volunteers are needed to help with basic yard care, painting, neighborhood cleanups and home repairs for elderly residents, persons with disabilities, veterans, and households experiencing hardships.
The Let’s Pull Together Volunteer Program evolved to connect Chandler residents in need with those willing and able to help them.
Most projects can be completed in just a few hours. Volunteers must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Call Priscilla Quintana at 480-782-4363 or Tawna Mower 480-782-4362 to learn more.
Art Masterpiece through Chandler Unified schools
Art Masterpiece is a volunteer-led art enrichment program that introduces Chandler Unified elementary school students to a wide variety of artists, styles and cultures. Volunteers — known as “art guides” — are parents or community members who bring art into the classroom through engaging lessons and hands-on projects that inspire creativity and an appreciation for art.
There are also projects like making copies for teachers or helping at a fundraiser or event. Ask a CUSD elementary school’s front office about what help they need or how to connect with the school’s parent-teacher organization or booster club.
No prior experience in art or teaching is required — enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to engage with students matter most.
Art Guides commit about one hour a month and, in return, enjoy the rewarding experience of bringing art education to curious and appreciative learners.
A one-time training course will show volunteers everything they need to feel confident leading lessons.
There are several ways to volunteer at the city’s downtown, Sunset, Basha and/or Hamilton libraries — especially for teens.
The library’s adult volunteer program is currently full and staff asks people to check back later for future availability.
The teen volunteer program is detailed at tinyurl.com/3hscr8y5, where exact age parameters, other requirements and the application process can be found.
Volunteer sessions line up with the local school year — either by semester, quarter, or during summer break.
A commitment to a consistent weekly shift is essential.
An overview meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14 at the Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
Contact: Reach library staff with questions at 480-782-2800 or infodesk@chandlerlibrary.org.
Salvation Army food pantry
The Salvation Army Chandler Corps food pantry areas of ongoing help include restocking shelves, unloading food and putting away new items, filling food boxes for clients, assisting a case manager with food distribution to clients, stacking water for clients, helping unload delivery trucks, assisting arriving clients, sweeping, mopping and cleaning out food pantry areas and disinfecting surfaces.
Examples of times and days of greatest need include 7 a.m. Wednesday deliveries and helping with a senior program 8-11:30 a.m. on the second Monday of each month. Wear proper attire for volunteering, such as closed-toe shoes and nothing revealing or offensive.
Contact: The Salvation Army Chandler Corps, 85 E. Saragosa St., downtown Chandler. Call Capt. Stephanie Philpot at 480-963-2041 or email loren.philpot@usw.salvationarmy.org for more information.
Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
These are great ideas. Remember that you can find more projects at www.justserve.org. Just enter your zip code. You can sort by locality, interests, and skills you can share.
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jgfullmer
These are great ideas. Remember that you can find more projects at www.justserve.org. Just enter your zip code. You can sort by locality, interests, and skills you can share.
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