Needs From: United Way's Volunteer Center

About Reflection Riding: Reflection Riding is a local nonprofit -part public park, part nature center, part wild lands, and all outdoor learning. Reflection Riding restores the vital connection between people and nature. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, regardless of where they live or their economic status.

Volunteer Details: Support our Native Plant Program by volunteering in our nursery area. Tasks may include starting seeds, caring for baby plants, beautifying the nursery gardens, cleaning pots, restocking the sales area, and assisting with special infrastructure projects. Projects change based on weather and the needs of our plants—specific details will be shared the week of the event. Volunteers should be comfortable walking, standing, squatting, and lifting up to 15 pounds. With advance notice, some seated tasks can be arranged. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone curious about native plants, eager to learn about local ecosystems, or simply looking to enjoy a nice morning outdoors.

Please bring/wear: Closed-toe shoes, water bottle, gardening gloves (we have some to share), and long handled shovels(we also have some to share).

All participants will fill out a waiver onsite 

Parking: You'll park and meet at the Welcome Center 

Groups needed to trim trees and cut down brush. You will need to provide your own trimming equipment. We are on 17 acres, so gas and battery powered chainsaws and trimmers are best. Loppers can also be helpful for smaller limbs. We have gloves and safety glasses available to use.

Chambliss Center for Children is a non-profit organization established in 1872. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children, youth, and families by providing transformative programs and support services to meet the evolving needs of our community. We specialize in foster care, adoptions, residential care of youth, early childhood education, and childcare.

Help improve the outdoor space at Chattanooga Room in the Inn by preparing and re-staining the deck. Volunteers will assist with scraping loose stain, sanding rough areas, cleaning the deck surface, and applying a fresh coat of stain to help protect the wood and create a welcoming outdoor area for guests.

Volunteer Information

Thank you for helping make Chattanooga Room in the Inn a more welcoming place for our residents!

Help us remove invasive plant species such as kudzu, privet, Japanese honeysuckle, bittersweet, English ivy and many others from the banks of Reads Creek for Day of Caring! Learn how to identify invasive plant species, how to effectively remove them and help us restore the Reads Creek riparian buffer in our 5th season of this restoration project! Removing invasive species is essential for restoring native habitat and prepping our creeks for streambank repair workshops. WaterWays will have gloves and tools available, but feel free to bring your own gear! Gear such as loppers, gloves, hand saws, eye protection, closed toed shoes, sunscreen, water bottle and a hat are suggested. Please note, this event can involve lifting up to 30 - 40 lbs of brush. 

Help us give the AIM Center Clubhouse a fresh, welcoming appearance! Volunteers will work together to refresh our landscaping by spreading mulch, removing dead plants, trimming shrubs and low-hanging branches, weeding, and completing other light outdoor beautification tasks. This is a great hands-on project that makes an immediate impact for our members and visitors. Bringing your own gardening gloves and tools (rakes, pruning shears, shovels, etc.) is highly encouraged.

We'll provide water and snacks to keep you fueled! Volunteer paperwork for AIM Center must be completed for approval.

What We'll Be Doing

This volunteer day is all about transforming our new space into a welcoming community grocery store. Volunteers will help pick up from where the morning shift ended:

Whether you can give a few hours or stay all day, your work will have a direct impact on families throughout our community. No special experience is needed—just comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a willingness to lend a hand. Together, we're building a place where everyone can access healthy food with dignity.

Our school library has officially moved to its new home, and we need a team of wonderful volunteers to help turn this space into a warm, inviting haven for our students and teachers! How you can help:

Additional Details: 

Help beautify Red Bank Middle School! Volunteers will tackle a mix of painting inside the building and grounds work outside, think a refreshed office space, weeded flower beds, and pressure-washed sidewalks and windows.

The mission of Northside Neighborhood House is to uplift and empower our neighbors. For over 100 years, how we've accomplished that mission has evolved to meet our community's changing needs. Today it includes our network of 10 Community Schools, direct assistance with rent, utilities, and everyday needs, and newer long-term programming like Rooted Together. Your work helps make Red Bank Middle a brighter place for the students and families who call it their school community.

Lifting level: light

Parking: Park in the visitor spaces within the Red Bank Middle School lot and enter through the main doors.

What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty or painted.

What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen.

Supplies: All tools will be provided for painting and cleaning. If you have a pressure washer you're comfortable bringing, it would help move things along.

Help beautify Red Bank Elementary! Volunteers will tackle a mix of light landscaping, painting, organizing, and cleaning around campus to freshen things up as the school year gets rolling.

The mission of Northside Neighborhood House is to uplift and empower our neighbors. For over 100 years, how we've accomplished that mission has evolved to meet our community's changing needs. Today it includes our network of 10 Community Schools, direct assistance with rent, utilities, and everyday needs, and newer long-term programming like Rooted Together.

Your work helps make Red Bank Elementary a brighter place for the students, teachers, and families who are a part of the school community.

Lifting level: light-moderate
Parking: Visitor spots available in the school lot. Enter through the main doors.
What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen.
Supplies: All tools will be provided. If you have basic cleaning and/or gardening supplies you're comfortable bringing, that would be beneficial but is not required!

Help spruce up Hixson High's campus! Volunteers will pressure wash the football stadium bleachers (home and visitor sides) and the sidewalks around the building, with time permitting to tidy up the back field too.

The mission of Northside Neighborhood House is to uplift and empower our neighbors. For over 100 years, how we've accomplished that mission has evolved to meet our community's changing needs — today it includes our network of 10 Community Schools, direct assistance with rent, utilities, and everyday needs, and newer long-term programming like Rooted Together.

Your work helps make Hixson High a source of pride for the students, teachers, and families who are a part of the school community.

Lifting level: Moderate (handling pressure washing equipment)

Parking: Available in the school lot. Enter through the main doors.

What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty.

What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, gas-powered pressure washer if possible.

Supplies: Gas-powered pressure washers needed as the stadium is too large for power cords. A volunteer group that can bring its own is a big help.

Join us for a rewarding day of environmental stewardship as we work together to clear invasive plant species (privet, english ivy, honeysuckle, etc) spread mulch on the trail, and do some early fall planting of our beautiful Sylvan Park Bird Sanctuary. This vital work helps restore native habitat for local bird populations and ensures the park remains a thriving space for wildlife and the community.

What to Expect:
Volunteers will assist with removing invasive plants, which may involve digging, pulling, and hauling debris. Some heavy lifting may be required, but tasks will be assigned based on comfort and ability levels. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to get your hands dirty and make a difference!

Parking:
Free parking is available at the main Sylvan Park entrance located along Franklin Street (Please do not block neighbor driveways)  Spots may be limited. Car Pooling is encouraged. Overflow parking will be to parallel park on Forest Street near Noll. Look for the Day of Caring signs and volunteer check-in table.

What to Wear:
Please wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. We recommend clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves will be provided.

Tools Provided:
We will supply a few  weed wrenches, trash bags, and gloves. Feel free to bring your own gloves or favorite hand tools (trimmer, shovels, weed wrench) if you prefer.

Bathrooms:

Please note, there is NO bathroom on site at the park. Closest public restroom is at Publix Grocery Store on Market Street.

Additional Reminders:

Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Apply sunscreen and insect repellent as needed, especially if it’s sunny.

A brief safety talk and orientation will kick off the event at 9:00 AM sharp.

Let’s make a positive impact together—see you at Sylvan Park!