Denver Good Deeds
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Denver Good Deeds allows City and County of Denver (CCD) employees to give back to their community and serve Denver residents in a meaningful way through city-sponsored and approved volunteer projects. These opportunities will give employees a chance to impact the Denver community and feel motivated and empowered. Projects will be referred to the Office of Human Resources (OHR) from 311, the Mayor’s Office, Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities (DEVO), and CCD offices, departments, and agencies. Teams of two to ten city employees will be grouped per volunteer project along with one team captain.
Who is Eligible?
Current full-time, unlimited Career Service CCD employees who have successfully completed their probationary period are eligible to participate in this program in accordance with the parameters set forth in Career Service Rule 9-80.
Employees are not eligible to participate in the program if:
- They are a part-time/limited/or on-call employee;
- They are non-Career Service employees;
- The employee’s employment with CCD terminates for any reason; or
- The program is discontinued.
Questions? Email the OHR Denver Good Deeds program administrator DenverGoodDeeds@denvergov.org.
Volunteer Projects
Review the volunteer projects below. Once you see a project you want to take part in, register for a volunteer project.
Don't see a project you are interested in? More volunteer projects are being added regularly. Check back often to see new additions.
Helping Others
Many City and County of Denver employees continue to work in the field and are in need of face coverings. Since commercially produced masks are in short supply, you can help out by making some at home.
Sign up for 4 or 8-hour shifts. Instructions for both sew and no-sew options will be provided.
Department/Agency
Denver Human Services
Project Name
GIVE Center Hygiene Drive Support
Project Background
The GIVE Center repacks donated hygiene supplies, and needs help creating diaper packs, packs of pads and tampons, baggies with cotton balls and qtips, and more!
Teams of two to four volunteers needed!
Dates and Locations
Fridays - Dates to be determined
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
Decatur / Federal Station or W Holden Pl & Federal Blvd
Duties Performed
Packing hygiene items to prepare for distribution.
Comfortable and professional attire.
Level of Physical Demand
Low physical level demanded. Walking around and standing is required, but sitting is an option too.
Recommended Team Size
1-2 Employees
Dress Code
Casual Attire
What to Bring
Water or drinks and snacks
Items Provided
Volunteers will be provided with the hygiene items, packing materials, and instructions
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 10 minutes- instructional information
Department/Agency
Denver Human Services
Project Name
GIVE Center Lobby Donation Support
Project Background
The GIVE Center receives donations of clothing, household goods, etc. Volunteers needed to count items prior to distribution, so GIVE can track donations.
Teams of two to four volunteers needed!
Dates and Locations
Denver Human Services: 1200 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO
Fridays - Dates to be determine
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
Decatur / Federal Station or W Holden Pl & Federal Blvd
Duties Performed
Sorting, counting, and organizing clothing, household goods, and various donated items.
Comfortable and professional attire.
Level of Physical Demand
Low physical level demanded. Walking around and standing is required, but sitting is an option too.
Recommended Team Size
3-5 Employees
Dress Code
Casual Attire
What to Bring
Water or drinks and snacks
Items Provided
Volunteers will be provided with the hygiene items, packing materials, and instructions
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 15-30 minutes- instructional information
Department/Agency
Denver Human Services
Project Name
Mobile Food Pantry at Arie P. Taylor
Project Background
Volunteers are needed to staff the Food Bank of the Rockies mobile food pantry. This project helps out communities where more food assistance is needed.
Dates and Locations
All at the Arie P. Taylor
4685 Peoria St.
Denver, CO 80239 (Montbello)
- Tuesday, March 3, 2020
- Tuesday, April 7, 2020
- Tuesday, June 2, 2020
- Tuesday, July 7, 2020
- Tueday, August 4, 2020
- Tuesday, September 1, 2020
- Tuesday, October 6, 2020
- Tuesday, November 3, 2020
- Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
Peoria St. and Albrook Dr.
Duties Performed
Unload and break down pallets.
Stock tables with food items
Help customers load food into their vehicles
Level of Physical Demand
Moderate
Recommended Team Size
6-10 Employees
Dress Code
Sneakers/Close-Toed Shoes
Long Pants/Long Sleeves
Comfortable Clothes/Casual Attire that can get dirty
What to Bring
A smile, water, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing
Items Provided
None
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 10 minutes
Department/Agency
Denver Human Services
Project Name
Mobile Food Pantry at Castro
Project Background
Volunteers are needed to staff the Food Bank of the Rockies mobile food pantry. This project helps out communities where more food assistance is needed.
Dates and Locations
All at the Castro Building
1200 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80204
- Monday, March 23, 2020
- Monday, April 27, 2020
- Monday, June 1, 2020
- Monday, June 22, 2020
- Monday, July 27, 2020
- Monday, August 24, 2020
- Monday, September 28, 2020
- Monday, November 23, 2020
- Monday, December 28, 2020
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
Decatur / Federal Station or W Holden Pl & Federal Blvd
Duties Performed
Unload and break down pallets.
Stock tables with food items
Help customers load food into their vehicles
Level of Physical Demand
Moderate
Recommended Team Size
6-10 Employees
Dress Code
Sneakers/Close-Toed Shoes
Long Pants/Long Sleeves
Comfortable Clothes/Casual Attire that can get dirty
What to Bring
A smile, water, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing
Items Provided
None
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 10 minutes
Department/Agency
Denver Human Services
Project Name
Mobile Food Pantry at DHS East
Project Background
Volunteers are needed to staff the Food Bank of the Rockies mobile food pantry. This project helps out communities where more food assistance is needed.
Dates and Locations
All at the Denver Human Services East
3815 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205
- Friday, March 20, 2020
- Friday, April 17, 2020
- Friday, June 19, 2020
- Friday, July 17, 2020
- Friday, August 21, 2020
- Friday, September 18, 2020
- Friday, October 16, 2020
- Friday, November 20, 2020
- Friday, December 18, 2020
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
MLK & Steele Street
Duties Performed
Unload and break down pallets.
Stock tables with food items
Help customers load food into their vehicles
Level of Physical Demand
Moderate
Recommended Team Size
6-10 Employees
Dress Code
Sneakers/Close-Toed Shoes
Long Pants/Long Sleeves
Comfortable Clothes/Casual Attire that can get dirty
What to Bring
A smile, water, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing
Items Provided
None
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 10 minutes
Helping Our Community
Department/Agency
Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
Project Name
Denver Animal Shelter Volunteer
Project Background
Denver Animal Shelter utilizes volunteers to maintain the cleanliness and organizing of the shelter and support the staff in providing quality care for the animals by providing enrichment items.
Dates and Locations
Any day between 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays are preferable for groups of 4-5.
Denver Animal Shelter: 1241 W Bayaud Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
W Bayaud Ave & S Navajo St
or
W Alameda Ave & S Lipan St
Duties Performed
Deep cleaning and organizing laundry, dish, crate wash, dry storage, food storage and making enrichment items.
Level of Physical Demand
Varies, but most of it will require lifting, on hands and knees, scrubbing, etc.
Recommended Team Size
1-5 Employees
Dress Code
Sneakers/Close-Toed Shoes | Long Pants/Long Sleeves | Comfortable Clothes/Casual Attire that Can Get Dirty | Casual Attire
What to Bring
Nothing is needed.
Items Provided
Cleaning and enrichment materials
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 15 minutes
Department/Agency
Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
Project Name
Field Services Support
Project Background
A volunteer or two is needed to ride with the officers for a shift to get photos of the day-to-day work for social media.
Dates and Locations
Any weekday except Wednesdays - Volunteering would start at the beginning of the shift.
Denver Animal Shelter: 1241 W Bayaud Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Onsite Parking?
Yes.
Nearest RTD Stops
W Bayaud Ave & S Navajo St
or
W Alameda Ave & S Lipan St
Duties Performed
Take photographs of staff performing day-to-day duties.
Level of Physical Demand
Standing, minimal lifting
Recommended Team Size
1-2 Employees
No more than two volunteers are needed per month. The DenverGoodDeeds staff will notify you if the maximum number of volunteers has been reached for the month of your requested date.
Dress Code
Casual Attire
What to Bring
Caera with blank SD card
Items Provided
Transportation and education
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 15 minutes
Department/Agency
Denver Public Works
Project Name
Stormdrain Marking for Public Education and Outreach
Project Background
Denver marks its stormdrain inlets with "No Dumping - Drains to River" badges to remind residents that stormwater plus whatever pollution it picks up flows to our lakes, creeks and river without treatment. This work is part of our required outreach and education to "Keep It Clean...from Drain to Stream." With 24,000 inlets, we need to continually check and replace worn-out markers.
Dates and Locations
Convenient dates and locations are arranged depending on group needs and stormwater staff availability.
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes, depending on project location
Nearest RTD Stops
Depends on project location
Duties Performed
Volunteers walk neighborhood streets locating stormdrain inlets, using provided maps and their phones' locator function. When an inlet is located, volunteers replace missing or worn-out badges. Marked inlets are then noted and photographed using Drain-Marker app. Groups average about 15 inlets per hour. This work helps Denver comply with its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit, as part of the Clean Water Act.
Level of Physical Demand
Walking outdoors along city streets, carrying supplies (about 3-5 lbs each), using smartphones to input data into app.
Recommended Team Size
1-2 Employees | 3-5 Employees | 6-10 Employees
Dress Code
Comfortable Clothes/Casual Attire that Can Get Dirty
What to Bring
Outdoor clothing suitable to conditions, sunscreen, full water bottle, snacks
Items Provided
Stormdrain marking kits include inlet markers, wire brush, whisk broom, adhesive, caulking gun, clean-up items, and maps. Drain-Marker app instructions guide downloading and set-up of at least 1 smart phone per team to be used to input data.
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes, 10-15 minutes
Department/Agency
Denver Public Library
Project Name
Used Book Sorting
Project Background
Denver Public Library hosts groups from schools, organizations and companies throughout the Denver metro area to sort used books. The used books are sorted for the biannual Used Book Sales, the Red Chair Bookshop or online sales. Proceeds from the sale of used books benefit the programs and services of Denver Public Library.
Dates and Locations
Book-sorting shifts available on most Mondays and Fridays throughout the year. Commit to at least a three-hour shift in the morning (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) or afternoon (1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.).
Central Library: 10 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Register on DGD website AND scheduled with Andrea Hamilton in advance: ahamilton@denverlibrary.org or 720-865-1723
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
Civic Center Station
Duties Performed
Book sorting and logging for the biannual Used Book Sales, the Red Chair Bookshop or online sales.
Level of Physical Demand
Dusty, physical work
Recommended Team Size
6-10 Employees
Dress Code
Sneakers/Close-Toed Shoes | Comfortable Clothes/Casual Attire that Can Get Dirty | Casual Attire
What to Bring
Water or drinks and snacks
Items Provided
Aprons
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - Instructional information only
Additional Materials
Group Volunteer Opportunities (PDF)
Department/Agency
Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
Project Name
Veterinary Clinic Volunteer
Project Background
Denver Animal Shelter utilizes volunteers to support their veterinary staff with basic cleaning and preparation needs in the veterinary clinic.
Dates and Locations
Any day between 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Denver Animal Shelter: 1241 W Bayaud Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Volunteer Hours
4 Hours
Onsite Parking?
Yes
Nearest RTD Stops
W Bayaud Ave & S Navajo St
or
W Alameda Ave & S Lipan St
Duties Performed
Deep cleaning, stocking supplies, pulling up vaccines, cleaning surgical instruments and checking expiration dates on drugs and food.
Level of Physical Demand
Standing mostly, minimal lifting.
Recommended Team Size
1-2 Employees
Dress Code
Sneakers/Close-Toed Shoes | Long Pants/Long Sleeves
What to Bring
Nothing is needed.
Volunteer Training Time Needed?
Yes - 15 minutes
Employee Volunteers
Doing Good
Recent Volunteer Commitments
Pamela H., Department of Transportation & Infrastructure - Veterinary Clinic & Denver Animal Shelter
Jim LG., Denver Police Department - Denver Animal Shelter
Jill L., Office of Special Events - Field Services Photography
Questions & Answers
- City and County of Denver Career Service employees
- Full time employees only - part-time/limited/or on-call employees are ineligible to take part in the program
- Employees who have completed their six-month new hire probationary period
- One (1) eight-hour day; or
- Two (2) four-hour periods over two days
- Hours must be used within the calendar year and cannot be carried-over into following year
Exempt full-time, unlimited Career Service employees should enter their Denver Good Deeds volunteer project hours into Kronos using code ALV – Good Deeds.
Non-exempt full-time, unlimited Career Service employees must ask their supervisors to add their volunteer project hours into Kronos using the code, ALV – Good Deeds.
Team Captain has the following responsibilities prior to the project date:
- Coordinating with the OHR Denver Good Deeds Program Administrator who will supply you with the following materials:
- Denver Good Deeds T-Shirts
- 311 business cards
- Attendance sheet for your team
- Waivers and emergency contacts for each member of your team
- Day-of responsibilities checklist
- Coordinating with your team for transportation (e.g. if two employees are coming from the same agency, will they carpool?)
- Sending motivating reminder emails to your team as your project date approaches
- Reminding your team of supplies they need to bring, if required
Day-Of Responsibilities:
- Taking attendance and communicating absences to the OHR Program Administrator
- Leading a quick “ice-breaker” for the team to make introductions, if necessary
- Handing out 311 cards freely to any interested community members
- Reporting any injuries to the OUCH line and OHR Program Administrator immediately following an incident, and contacting emergency contact if necessary
- Overall being enthusiastic and encouraging to your team throughout the project!
No.
No. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that your volunteer time will not result in overtime.
No.
You must notify your direct supervisor at least two weeks before the date of the volunteer project that you would like to participate in. Approval is at the discretion of your direct supervisor.
While we encourage volunteering at your favorite charity on the weekends or during non-working hours, the only projects approved for paid volunteer time during the work week can be found on the Denver Good Deeds website. If you have an idea for a volunteer project, you can submit it through the form on the webpage.
While we encourage volunteering with DEVO or at your favorite charity on the weekends or during non-working hours, the only approved uses for paid volunteer time can be found on the Denver Good Deeds website. If you are looking to volunteer without pay, check out DEVO’s website to sign up for their volunteer list and look for upcoming events.
Yes! You will be placed with a team of other City and County of Denver employees and notified of your team by the assigned Team Captain.
Unless otherwise stated, all volunteer participants are expected to wear their Denver Good Deeds T-shirts which will be supplied to your Team Captain. In general, be prepared for the day and the environment:
- Wear appropriate clothing for work and weather
- Wear sturdy footwear. No open toed-shoes
- Wear sunscreen and/or hat when appropriate
- Bring work gloves if necessary
- Bring your lunch and/or snacks. You will have a break for lunch, and you are also able to pick-up lunch near your project site. Feel free to bring a cooler for water.
- Be sure to eat a good breakfast on the day-of the project
- Bring a filled water bottle to stay hydrated
- Bring any personal medications. Employees who have specific health or emergency needs such as allergic reactions to plants or insect bites should note them on their registration form. This will help determine what action to take.
The main priority at any volunteer project is the safety of all participants. To ensure that your group has a fun and safe experience, please review the safety tips below.
General Safety
- Make sure to take breaks throughout the day
- Report any injuries/fatigue immediately to the Team Captain
- Team Captain will be supplied with each volunteer’s waiver and emergency contact information in case of emergency
- Team Captain will contact the OUCH line if further assistance is needed
Site Safety
- Be aware of your surroundings, don’t work alone
- Watch for hazardous footing, uneven surfaces, slippery banks, tripping hazards
- Watch for hazardous vegetation weeds, tall grasses, poison ivy, etc
- Be aware of park users, especially bicyclists on trails
- Be aware of waste hazards, glass, needles, empty containers, etc., always sweep rake or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.
- NEVER TOUCH NEEDLES! Notify the Team Captain immediately
- Do not reach into “blind” areas with bare hands
- Cross streets at signals or crosswalks
- When working in or around a gutter, work from the sidewalk
- Do not get near homeless camps. Do not dispose of their belongings
Tool Safety
- Always carry tools at your side with the most dangerous part turned down
- Keep a safe distance when carrying tools, an arm and tool length apart
- Never play with tools
- Never swing a tool higher than your shoulder
- Be aware of those around you, both tool users and non-users
- Store your tool properly, in a central location, not scattered around
- Use the proper tool for each task
If you will be driving to the volunteer site from a city work location, or to a city work location from the volunteer site, you need to be authorized to drive for city business. Visit the Mileage And Parking Reimbursement page on DenverHub for details.
Denver Goods Deeds Employee Volunteer Program is limited to current full-time, unlimited Career Service City and County of Denver employees who have successfully completed their probationary period are eligible to participate in this program in accordance with the parameters set forth in Career Service Rule 9-80 (PDF).
Non-city employees are not welcome to participate in Denver Good Deeds projects alongside city employees. Residents/non-employees are encouraged to find other city volunteer opportunities online.