Volunteer with YOTO

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) truly values the time, expertise, and talents of our volunteers. Opportunities vary in scope, frequency, and time commitment. The three main categories for volunteer opportunities at YOTO are Individual Volunteer Opportunities, Group Volunteer Opportunities, and Busy Bees. Current opportunities are listed below!

VOLUNTEER LOGIN

Busy Bees

Are you interested in volunteering at YOTO, but can’t commit to a regular, recurring shift? Come to one of our upcoming Busy Bees opportunities!

Help YOTO keep up with our Honey Do list! Sponsored by GEICO, the activities to be completed will vary based on YOTO’s needs.

SIGN UP FOR BUSY BEES

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at YOTO! Youth On Their Own is currently looking for Donation Center, seasonal, and substitute volunteers. If interested, please complete the volunteer application at the link below.

Please note:

  • Individual Volunteers must commit to at least four hours each week for at least one year.
  • YOTO recommends that all volunteers receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • A background check is required for all Individual Volunteers.
  • YOTO does not offer mentorship or tutoring opportunities with youth. If you are interested in working directly with youth, we suggest you reach out to organizations in town that specialize in mentorship such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
COMPLETE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

YOTO’s Mini Mall provides students with basic needs such as food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and clothing. Our youth also utilize an online portal to request items that they may need. This role assists with stocking shelves, packing the online orders, and prepping inventory.

Volunteers are assigned routes to local high schools where they deliver basic needs items to school liaisons for YOTO students.  A commitment to the entire year is required along with a valid drivers license, proof of auto insurance, and background check.

The Tucson community is very generous and contributes a large quantity of items for YOTO’s Mini Mall. Donation Center volunteers interact with donors, assist them with unloading their vehicles, and sort items to be put into inventory.

During the holiday season the Tucson community is very generous! YOTO needs extra volunteer support in November-January. Volunteers will help process donations, organize inventory and help support the current individual volunteers.

Individuals that are not able to commit to a four hour shift each week can apply to be a substitute. Substitutes can choose to be trained as a Donation Center volunteer, an Order Fulfillment volunteer or both volunteer roles.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

If you have a group interested in doing a volunteer activity, please email Carissa McGrath, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, at [email protected].

YOTO youth need inspiration. With each academic stipend check they receive, YOTO includes a few handwritten notes of encouragement made by individuals in our community. Help motivate YOTO youth to succeed by creating some of these notes for youth! Precut notecards can be picked up at at the YOTO office (2525 N Country Club Rd). This is a great activity to do in groups, too!

Help YOTO’s Mini Mall remotely by repackaging bulk items such as tampons, pads, pencils, laundry pods and more into smaller bundles. This activity also works great in conjunction with a donation drive!