Volunteering in your town has numerous benefits, from the personal to societal. It addresses local needs, provides a sense of purpose, combats loneliness and strengthens community ties.

Yet, sometimes, finding an entry point to getting involved is challenging. Which nearby organizations need help, and what volunteering is best suited for your interests, availability and skills?

To navigate ways to volunteer in Yarmouth — a commitment that can range from a single morning spent in the community garden to a whole season coaching youth Nordic skiing — check out these four organizations that are eager to hear from you.

CARE FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that connects Yarmouth residents in need with resources through an array of programs. YCAN volunteers distribute food through the Yarmouth Community Food Pantry, give children gifts through Project Holiday and warm clothes with Operation Bundle Up, and provide help with heating costs through the town’s general assistance program.

Volunteers are most needed for YCAN’s Rides Program, which offers free rides to Yarmouth residents who either temporarily or permanently cannot drive. Rides given by volunteers, arranged for Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., bring residents to local shopping areas, medical appointments, Merrill Memorial Library, the YMCA and more.

If you are interested in becoming a Rides Program volunteer, reach out at [email protected] or 207-844-3242. For general volunteer inquiries, contact YCAN at 207-844-3517 or [email protected].

COACH THE YOUTH

Do you know your way around a baseball field or basketball court and like connecting with children?

Yarmouth Community Services relies on volunteer coaches for its youth sports program. It is currently seeking head coaches, assistant coaches and team helpers for its youth soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse and Nordic skiing teams and Ramblers Running Club.

Those interested in volunteer coaching should fill out this application and will have to authorize a background check.

GARDEN FOR GOOD

Volunteers plant, maintain and harvest the robust community food garden section of the Yarmouth Community Garden, which also has a renters’ garden and children’s garden.

Under the direction of a community plot coordinator, last year volunteers raised a record 4,400 pounds of produce to donate. The hyper-local produce is delivered to those in need at the Yarmouth Community Food Pantry and three local senior housing communities.

Garden volunteers welcome anyone to join them to prep, water, weed and harvest the plot throughout the summer, with no experience required. Volunteers work in the garden from 8 a.m. until noon on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

SHARE HISTORY

At the Yarmouth History Center, volunteers can work behind the scenes to preserve history or with the public to present it.

The organization trains museum docents to give tours, interpret special exhibits and assist at lectures and public and school programs.

Volunteers can also help in the Yarmouth History Center’s collections with data entry, photographing changes around town and conducting and transcribing oral history interviews.

No experience in teaching or historic knowledge is required, just enthusiasm for learning and sharing. To learn more, contact 207-846-6259 or email [email protected].

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Is there another way you volunteer in Yarmouth that you would like to share? Please leave a comment below.