Doing good in Chicago is more than just picking up trash and bringing cans to a food drive. This week, doing good means encouraging young Chicago girls to go into STEM fields, assisting at a homeless shelter and packing up food for the hungry. Have at it and get that good karma, y’all.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
One-day STEM conference with EYH Chicago
University of Chicago
927 E. 57th St.
This event by Expanding Your Horizons aims to encourage middle school girls to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Eighty to 100 volunteers are needed for the symposium, from registering students to setting up activities. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
Become a tutor at Literacy DuPage
Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, Ill. 630-416-6699
Though it’s a bit of a trek to the ‘burbs, if you can improve someone’s future by teaching them the skills they need to succeed, it’ll more than pay off. Help families with their foundational English skills, secure jobs and connect with their communities. 9:30 a.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 26
Community Engagement
Lincoln Park Community Shelter
600 W Fullerton Pkwy. 773-549-6111
This shelter offers services to homeless men and women in the Chicago area and offers individualized counseling to help them get back on their feet. Every Sunday, LPCS offers a community engagement program that allows local volunteers to come in and assist the shelter in its daily goings-on. 1-6 p.m. Register: lpsconline.org
MONDAY, MARCH 27
Box packing with Top Box Foods
2600 W. 35th Pl. 312-527-7890
This non-profit organization works to offer healthy, fresh foods to churches, shelters, senior centers and Chicago Public Schools at discounted prices. A team of 10 is needed every day the week of March 27 to pack boxes of their menu items. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
Be a superhero trainer at Wonder Works Children’s Museum
6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, Ill. 708-383-4815
Spring might not be here quite yet, but spring break is. This children’s museum in Oak Park is hosting Superhero Week and needs grown up volunteers all week to guide kids through their training—from working on their physical powers to crafting masks to conceal their identities. 10 a.m.-p.m. Register: volunteermatch.org