Feeling that itch to do something more? To connect with your city in a way that’s real, raw, and leaves a visible mark? You’re not alone. The truth is, making an impact in Chicago is a lot easier, and a lot more fun, than you think. It's not just about grand gestures; it's about showing up, finding your people, and embracing a little grit to transform not just a neighborhood, but yourself.

This isn't your grandpa's charity bake sale. This is about finding bravery in the unexpected, kindness in shared work, and discovering the incredible power you hold to build a better city, one weekend at a time. My own journey started when I realized cleaning up other people's messes was way easier than cleaning up my own. That simple act, picking up litter with a few friends in a freak hailstorm, sparked a movement and taught me that a little suffering can make life interesting. It "advanced the plot" of my life, and it can do the same for yours.

We believe in the redeeming and transforming power of service, sunlight, and friendship. We are all caterpillars trying to transform ourselves. This guide is your starting point. We've cut through the noise to bring you a comprehensive roundup of the best groups and platforms to find volunteer opportunities in Chicago. From gritty, all-weather cleanup crews like the Litter Caterpillars to city-wide platforms connecting you with hundreds of nonprofits, we’ll show you exactly where to look. Each entry includes details on how to join, what to expect, and direct links to get you started immediately. Ready to find your crew and start your transformation? Let's dive in.

1. Litter Caterpillars

WARNING: We're not your Grandpa's trash pickup group! For those searching for truly impactful volunteer opportunities in Chicago, Litter Caterpillars offers an experience that is as unconventional as it is transformative. We're the toughest trash pickup group in Chicago—we pick up trash rain or shine, in the coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer. This is for the brave, the kind, and anyone ready to turn a simple act of service into a powerful engine for personal and community growth.

We're the first and only trash pickup group to clean up all 50 wards of Chicago, including the ones you've been told to stay away from. And we're the first and only trash pickup group that has won an empty lot at auction—we're currently building Caterpillar Park in Englewood! Our central vision is simple: We believe in the redeeming power of service, outdoors, sunlight, and friendship. That’s why we are Caterpillars. We are not perfect, but we are all trying to transform ourselves.

What Makes Litter Caterpillars a Standout Choice?

Litter Caterpillars stands apart with its fierce, volunteer-first philosophy. Volunteer energy is the force with which the world changes. It is fragile and must be protected above all else. That's why the safety and happiness of our volunteers always come first. Unlike other 501c3s, we will never pump our volunteers for money. We do everything we can to encourage the growth of friendships. We believe that fear, failure, and even suffering are good—they lead to growth.

Sports teams and countries have long realized the power of giving people pride and identity; it’s time that kind people step into our power too. We borrow flags, badges, and even a theme song to give people pride. This approach transforms volunteering from a chore into an adventure, fostering a community of "givers" who are committed to consistency, kindness, and bravery. So here's our question for you: Are you tough enough?

How to Get Involved and What to Expect

Joining the Litter Caterpillars is refreshingly simple and designed for immediate action. There are no lengthy applications or formal orientations. The best way to jump in is through our active online communities.

• Find Your Crew: Connect instantly by joining our Instagram group chat or our community on Geneva. Event details, locations, and updates are shared here. You can also follow our journey on Meetup and Instagram.
• What to Bring: Just bring yourself and a positive attitude. The group provides all necessary supplies like gloves, bags, and trash grabbers. Dress for the weather, be it sun, rain, or snow.
• The Vibe: Expect high energy, friendly faces, and a powerful sense of accomplishment. Weekend morning meetups are intentionally scheduled to attract service-minded individuals and filter out selfishness, making it a fantastic way to build a social circle rooted in shared values.

This organization is perfect for anyone seeking a low-commitment but high-impact way to make friends, improve Chicago’s neighborhoods, and challenge themselves.

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Feature Breakdown	How Litter Caterpillars Delivers
Accessibility	Extremely High. No formal sign-up needed. Join via Instagram or Geneva group chats and just show up.
Commitment Level	Flexible. Come once or become a weekly regular. The consistent schedule makes it easy to build a habit.
Community & Social	Central Focus. Culture is built around forming friendships, mutual support, and shared pride in the work.
Impact	Citywide & Tangible. Cleaned all 50 wards, building a park from an auctioned lot. You see the results of your work immediately.

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Pros and Cons for the Aspiring Volunteer

Pros:

• Unmatched Citywide Impact: A proven track record of cleaning every single Chicago ward and creating a permanent community green space.
• Strong, Welcoming Community: A "volunteer-first" culture that prioritizes safety, happiness, and building genuine friendships over fundraising.
• Consistent and Reliable Schedule: Weekly weekend morning events create a dependable outlet for service and help foster commitment.
• High-Energy and Inspirational: Documented cleanups and popular social media presence create momentum and make it easy to see the group’s impact. You can learn more about our mission and recent projects on the Litter Caterpillars blog.

Cons:

• Physically Demanding: The work involves being outdoors in all weather conditions, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Non-Traditional Structure: As it's not a standard 501(c)(3), there is no formal fundraising arm or promise of tax-deductible donations.

Ultimately, Litter Caterpillars asks a simple question: Are you tough enough? If you’re ready to prove that kindness and bravery can change a city, you’ll find your people here.

Visit the Litter Caterpillars Website

2. Idealist (includes VolunteerMatch listings)

If you’re looking for the most comprehensive, one-stop shop for volunteer opportunities in Chicago, Idealist is the digital equivalent of Grand Central Station for social impact. It’s a massive, trusted marketplace where countless nonprofits, grassroots groups, and community organizations post their needs. What makes it especially powerful today is its integration with VolunteerMatch, effectively combining two of the largest volunteer databases into a single, searchable platform. This means you get an unparalleled breadth of options, from one-time event help at a neighborhood festival to long-term board service for a major cultural institution.

The platform is designed for discovery. You can start with a broad search for "Chicago" and then use its robust filtering system to narrow down the perfect role. This isn't just about finding something to do; it's about finding the right something. You can filter by cause area (like environmental work or youth mentoring), skills you want to use (like graphic design or event planning), and even commitment level. This precision helps transform what could be an overwhelming firehose of listings into a manageable, personalized list of possibilities.

Key Insight: The true power of Idealist lies in its consolidation. By bringing VolunteerMatch into its fold, it saves you from having to search multiple sites. This efficiency is crucial, allowing you to spend less time searching and more time doing what matters: making a difference.

What to Expect When You Use Idealist

The user experience is straightforward. Each listing typically includes a detailed role description, the organization's mission, time commitment, and application instructions. This clarity is a huge advantage, as it helps you understand exactly what you're signing up for before you even click "apply." While some listings redirect to an organization's own website to complete an application, many allow you to express interest directly through the Idealist platform.

The sheer volume is both a strength and a potential challenge. For every polished listing from a large nonprofit, you might find a sparser one from a smaller, all-volunteer group. This is where your bravery and kindness come in. Don't dismiss an opportunity just because the posting isn't perfect. That small group might be doing incredible work and just needs someone with your spirit to jump in. Like us Litter Caterpillars, they might be small but mighty, focused on the real work of transformation.

How to Find Your Perfect Match on Idealist

To get the most out of the platform, follow these simple steps:

1. Start Broad, Then Filter: Begin with a general search for "volunteer opportunities Chicago" to see the full scope.
2. Use Keywords: Search for specific interests like "park cleanup," "tutoring," or "food pantry."
3. Filter with Intention: Use the filters on the left-hand side to specify your availability (e.g., "Good for Weekends"), whether you want an in-person or remote role, and the type of work you'd like to do.
4. Save Your Search: Create an account to save your search parameters and receive email alerts when new opportunities that match your criteria are posted.

Website: https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer-in-chicago/

3. Points of Light Engage (formerly All for Good)

If you’re the type of person who thrives on concrete action, Points of Light’s Engage platform is where you’ll find your rhythm. This national powerhouse, which absorbed the popular All for Good site, is dedicated to mobilizing volunteers for hands-on service. It’s less about abstract roles and more about tangible, shift-based work. For those looking for volunteer opportunities in Chicago that involve rolling up your sleeves, this is a go-to resource for food banks, health organizations, and event-based service.

The platform excels at logistics. Its listings often include specific shift times, locations, and the exact tasks you’ll be performing, like sorting donations at a warehouse or serving meals at a shelter. This clarity makes it incredibly easy to plan and commit, whether you’re organizing a corporate service day or just looking to fill a free Saturday morning with meaningful work. It cuts through the ambiguity and gets straight to the action, connecting you directly with the frontline needs of Chicago communities.

Key Insight: The strength of Points of Light Engage lies in its focus on structured, in-person service. This makes it an invaluable tool for groups and individuals who want to show up, do the work, and see an immediate impact without a lengthy onboarding process.

What to Expect When You Use Points of Light Engage

The platform feels like a straightforward, no-nonsense directory. You search by location, and it presents you with a list of time-sensitive needs. Each posting details the what, when, and where, often with a direct link to sign up on the organization's own calendar. This direct pipeline to organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository or local marathon organizers is highly efficient.

Because it aggregates posts from many different partners, the level of detail can vary. Some listings are incredibly thorough, while others might be more basic. This is where your bravery comes into play. A simple posting might be from an organization that puts all its energy into service, not marketing. These are often the places where your help is needed most, places that value doing over talking, just like we do when we're out cleaning a forgotten lot, rain or shine.

How to Find Your Perfect Match on Points of Light Engage

To navigate the site effectively and find an opportunity that energizes you, try these steps:

1. Use the Map and Location Search: Start by entering "Chicago, IL" to see all local listings. Use the map view to find opportunities in your neighborhood or an area you want to support.
2. Filter by "Good For": The filters are your best friend here. You can select "Good for Groups," "Good for Kids," or "Good for 55+" to find roles suited to your specific situation.
3. Look for Specific Tasks: Search for keywords related to hands-on work, such as "food pantry," "sorting," "event staff," or "warehouse."
4. Check the Calendar: Pay close attention to the dates and times listed. Many opportunities are for specific, one-time events, making it easy to drop in and make a difference.

Website: https://engage.pointsoflight.org/

4. Chicago Cares

If you're looking for a curated, hyper-local gateway into the heart of Chicago’s volunteer scene, Chicago Cares is your answer. For decades, this organization has been the city's premier volunteer connector, building deep relationships with community partners and creating hands-on projects that address real, neighborhood-driven needs. It's less of a massive, open marketplace and more of a guided tour, making it an incredible on-ramp for anyone new to volunteering or seeking structured, staff-supported experiences. This is where you can truly show up and make an immediate, tangible impact.

The platform specializes in translating community needs, particularly on the South and West Sides, into accessible service projects. You'll find a centralized calendar packed with everything from sorting donations at a food pantry to revitalizing a community garden or helping students with their homework. Their focus on providing orientation and support makes it easy for first-timers to dive in without feeling intimidated. It’s about building a city where everyone can be a part of the solution, fostering kindness and unity through shared action.

Key Insight: Chicago Cares excels at removing the friction for new volunteers. Their structured, pre-planned projects mean you don't have to coordinate logistics; you just sign up, show up, and contribute. This managed approach makes it one of the best places to start your journey of giving back in Chicago.

What to Expect When You Use Chicago Cares

The user experience is built around a project calendar. Each listing clearly outlines the project's goal, the community partner you'll be serving, the time and location, and any specific requirements. The registration process is simple and handled directly through their site. Because they vet and organize these events, you can trust that your time will be used effectively.

This focus on well-organized projects is a huge benefit, but it also means that popular events can fill up quickly. This isn't a flaw; it's a sign of a vibrant, engaged community. It teaches a valuable lesson in bravery and persistence. If you miss one opportunity, another is always around the corner. Like us at Litter Caterpillars, the goal is consistent action. We know that showing up, week after week, is how true transformation happens.

How to Find Your Perfect Match on Chicago Cares

To make the most of what Chicago Cares offers, try these steps:

1. Explore the Volunteer Calendar: Browse the calendar to get a feel for the types of projects available and see what sparks your interest.
2. Filter by Cause or Community: Use the filters to find opportunities aligned with your passions, whether it's education, hunger, or the environment. You can also search for projects in specific neighborhoods.
3. Sign Up for an Orientation: If you're new to the platform, consider attending a new volunteer orientation to learn more about their work and how to get involved.
4. Register for a Project: Don't hesitate! When you find a project that excites you, sign up. These spots are valuable because they represent a real commitment to a community partner.

Website: https://www.chicagocares.org/

5. United Way of Metro Chicago – Volunteer Portal

If you’re looking for curated, high-impact volunteer opportunities in Chicago with trusted, pre-vetted nonprofits, the United Way of Metro Chicago’s portal is a fantastic, focused resource. Unlike massive, open-ended search engines, United Way acts as a guide, connecting you directly with its network of community partners. This creates a sense of trust and quality control, ensuring that your time and energy are channeled into well-organized, meaningful projects that address critical needs across the city and suburbs.

This portal is particularly powerful for those who appreciate structure. Whether you're an individual looking to help out for a day or a corporate team seeking a large-scale service event, United Way offers a clear path. You’ll find everything from on-site roles like supporting a food pantry in Rogers Park or gardening at a community center in Englewood to virtual opportunities like conducting mock interviews for job seekers. It’s a direct line to the heartbeat of Chicago’s established social good network.

Key Insight: United Way excels at creating organized, turnkey volunteer experiences. By focusing on its partner agencies, it removes the guesswork and connects you with reputable organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities, making it an excellent starting point for both individuals and corporate groups.

What to Expect When You Use the United Way Portal

The experience is built around a self-service portal that is clean and easy to navigate. Each opportunity is clearly detailed, outlining the specific tasks, the partner organization's mission, the time commitment, and the location. This clarity helps you feel confident and prepared before you even sign up. The platform also allows you to track your volunteer hours, follow your favorite agencies, and easily coordinate sign-ups for small groups.

The portal's strength is its connection to United Way's annual campaigns and "Days of Action," which mobilize hundreds of volunteers for concentrated, one-day service blitzes. While the overall inventory of opportunities might be smaller than a national platform, the quality and organization are top-notch. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful acts of service come from joining an established, coordinated effort. It’s about bravely stepping into a structured role where your kindness can have an immediate and visible impact.

How to Find Your Perfect Match on the Portal

To get the most out of the United Way platform, try these steps:

1. Browse Current Opportunities: Start by exploring the main volunteer page to see what's available right now, from kit-packing drives to seasonal events.
2. Filter by Interest and Location: Use the portal's search functions to narrow down roles by cause area (like education or health) and location across Cook County.
3. Look for "Days of Action": Keep an eye out for their large-scale annual service events, which are a great way to meet fellow volunteers and make a big impact in a single day.
4. Explore Corporate & Group Options: If you're organizing a team, check out their specific offerings for corporate groups, which often include tailored events.

Website: https://liveunitedchicago.org/volunteers/

6. Serve Illinois (State of Illinois volunteer portal)

For those drawn to civic duty and state-supported initiatives, Serve Illinois acts as the official gateway. This isn't just another search engine; it's the portal from the Serve Illinois Commission, part of the Department of Human Services. Think of it as the state government's handshake, inviting you to take part in everything from large-scale disaster response training to hyper-local service day events. It’s a credible, official starting point for finding volunteer opportunities in Chicago that are connected to public service and community resilience.

Unlike a traditional volunteer marketplace, Serve Illinois is more of a central hub that connects you to other resources. It shines by providing clear pathways into national service programs like AmeriCorps and VISTA, which are incredible opportunities for deep, transformative experiences. It also serves as a directory, pointing you toward vetted partner organizations (like Chicago Cares) that manage the on-the-ground sign-ups. This approach positions it as a trusted guide rather than an all-in-one platform.

Key Insight: Serve Illinois is your best bet for finding volunteer roles that align with state and national service priorities. It’s less about sifting through hundreds of grassroots listings and more about stepping into structured, often impactful, programs that have government backing and a wide-reaching vision.

What to Expect When You Use Serve Illinois

The user experience is more informational than interactive. You won't find thousands of filterable listings directly on the site. Instead, you'll find resources, program descriptions, and links that direct you to the right place. For example, you might discover a statewide call for volunteers for a specific service day or find a direct link to the AmeriCorps application portal.

This structure requires a bit of bravery and an extra click or two. You’re navigating a system, not just a website. But this is where kindness to yourself comes in handy. Be patient. The opportunities it uncovers are often unique, providing a different flavor of service compared to other platforms. It’s about finding a role that fits into a larger, coordinated effort to uplift communities across the entire state, starting right here in Chicago.

How to Find Your Perfect Match on Serve Illinois

To effectively use this state-level resource, adjust your approach:

1. Explore the Programs: Start by reading about the major initiatives like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Governor's Volunteer Service Awards to see what inspires you.
2. Use the Directory: Look for the "Volunteer Connector Organizations" to find local partners in Chicago and Cook County that have their own databases of opportunities.
3. Check for Service Days: Keep an eye out for announcements about major events like MLK Day of Service, where the state coordinates widespread volunteer efforts.
4. Follow the Links: Don't be afraid to click through to partner websites. Serve Illinois has done the work of vetting these organizations for you.

Website: https://serve.illinois.gov/

7. Chicago Park District – Volunteer Programs

If your idea of making a difference involves fresh air, green spaces, and the satisfying feeling of dirt under your fingernails, the Chicago Park District is your direct portal to hands-on environmental action. This isn't just a website; it's an invitation to become a guardian of the city's lungs. From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the quiet nature sanctuaries tucked away in neighborhoods, the Park District offers a structured way to connect with the land and leave it better than you found it. It’s the perfect place for those who want to see the immediate, tangible results of their kindness.

The platform is designed for direct engagement with Chicago's natural beauty. It provides clear pathways for every level of commitment, whether you're looking to join a one-day park cleanup with your friends or want to dive deeper into long-term ecological stewardship. You can help mulch trees, remove invasive species, assist with community garden projects, or support a massive city-wide event. This variety ensures you can find a role that fits your schedule, interests, and desire to work outdoors.

Key Insight: The true value here is hyper-local impact. You aren't just volunteering in Chicago; you are nurturing the specific park down the street where kids play and neighbors gather. This direct connection to your own community's green space makes the work deeply personal and rewarding.

What to Expect When You Use the Park District Portal

The experience is straightforward and geared toward getting you on-site. One-day events and community stewardship workdays often have minimal barriers to entry; you can typically sign up, fill out a waiver, and show up ready to work. For longer-term or specialized roles, especially those involving coaching youth sports or acting as a docent, expect a more formal application process that includes a background check. This layered approach ensures both accessibility for casual volunteers and safety for dedicated programs.

The opportunities are incredibly diverse but can be seasonal and weather-dependent, which requires a bit of flexibility and bravery. Like us at Litter Caterpillars, we know that a little rain (or even a Chicago-style blizzard) can’t stop a determined heart. That’s the spirit you’ll find among fellow park volunteers, people who aren’t afraid to get a little muddy for a great cause.

How to Find Your Perfect Match with the Park District

To find the right role for your outdoor spirit, follow these steps:

1. Explore the Main Volunteer Page: Start by visiting the central volunteer hub to see the main categories, like "Natural Areas," "One-Day Service Projects," and "Long-Term Volunteers."
2. Check the Events Calendar: The Park District often lists large-scale cleanup events and workdays on their main events calendar.
3. Identify Your Local Park Advisory Council (PAC): Many individual parks have their own PACs that organize local volunteer efforts. Find your local PAC to get involved right in your neighborhood.
4. Be Prepared for the Elements: Once you sign up, dress for the weather. True transformation happens when you show up, rain or shine, ready to contribute.

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/volunteer

7-Way Comparison of Chicago Volunteer Opportunities

Program	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements ⚡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐
Litter Caterpillars	Low formal admin; volunteer-led weekly meetups	Minimal funds; supplies (bags/gloves) and volunteer time	Visible neighborhood cleanups and a built community park	Weekend neighborhood cleanups; low-commitment social volunteering	High local visibility and consistent turnout; strong community culture
Idealist (inc. VolunteerMatch)	Moderate — centralized marketplace with many listings	Internet access; time to search/filter and apply	Broad selection of roles with mixed quality/detail	Searching many causes, remote/hybrid or specific skills	Very large inventory; trusted brand and aggregated listings
Points of Light Engage	Moderate — searchable portal with shift calendars	Web access; ability to sign up for scheduled shifts	Reliable shift-based placements (one-day and recurring)	Group logistics, event staffing, and hands-on service days	Strong pipeline for warehousing/meal service; clear shift times
Chicago Cares	Low–Moderate — staff-curated local projects and support	Volunteer time; orientation provided for newcomers	Staff-supported neighborhood projects and youth-friendly roles	First-time volunteers, groups, and neighborhood partnership work	Local curation and strong community partner relationships
United Way of Metro Chicago – Volunteer Portal	Moderate — portal with group coordination features	Portal access; scheduling and group-signup tools	Structured, partner-driven events and volunteer-hour tracking	Corporate teams, organized group events, seasonal drives	Quality control via United Way partners; solid group tools
Serve Illinois (state portal)	Low — informational hub linking to partners	Web access; follow-through on partner sites for sign-up	Access to state initiatives, disaster response, AmeriCorps pathways	Public-sector/aligned volunteering and service-day events	Official state-backed credibility and national service pathways
Chicago Park District – Volunteer Programs	Moderate — site-specific scheduling; screening for long roles	Outdoor gear; occasional background checks for youth roles	Recurring park stewardship, events, and long-term docent roles	Environmental stewardship, youth sports, park event support	Hyper-local impact, frequent workdays, clear stewardship paths

So, Are You Tough Enough to Be Kind?

We’ve journeyed through a landscape of opportunities, a map of Chicago drawn not by streets and L stops, but by the potential for impact. From the city-wide reach of Chicago Cares to the specific environmental missions of the Chicago Park District, the tools and platforms are laid out before you. The path to making a difference has never been clearer or more accessible. You've seen how platforms like Idealist and Points of Light Engage can act as your personal compass, pointing you toward a cause that resonates with your soul.

But knowing where to go is only the first step. The real question isn't about the tools, it's about the will. Finding the right volunteer opportunity is a lot like mindfully engineering your social circle. It’s a deliberate act of filtering for what truly matters: kindness, consistency, and a healthy dose of bravery. It’s about deciding who you want to be and surrounding yourself with the people and experiences that will help you become that person. This isn't just about giving your time; it's about investing in your own transformation.

Choosing Your Path to Impact

Remember, the goal isn't to find the "perfect" opportunity. The goal is to start. Each platform we’ve explored serves a unique purpose, just as each act of service creates a unique ripple.

• For the Connector: If you thrive on options and want to survey the entire landscape, portals like Idealist and Serve Illinois are your go-to. They are vast libraries of need, waiting for you to find your chapter.
• For the Team Player: If you're looking to join a structured, team-based project, especially for corporate groups or those new to volunteering, Chicago Cares and the United Way of Metro Chicago offer curated, well-organized experiences that make it easy to jump in.
• For the Nature Lover: If your heart calls you outdoors, the Chicago Park District’s programs offer a direct line to preserving the green spaces that are the lungs of our city.

The most important takeaway is this: action is the antidote to apathy. Every piece of trash has a story, a weight. For me, it used to feel like 500 pounds. But I learned a powerful secret: cleaning up someone else's mess is infinitely easier than cleaning up our own. In that simple act, you discover a strange and wonderful kind of fun. You prove to yourself that you can face a challenge, endure a little discomfort, and come out stronger on the other side.

Advancing Your Own Plot

Life isn't a straight line. It’s a story filled with unexpected hailstorms, canceled Ubers, and moments of doubt. But suffering, failing, and trying again? That’s not the end of the story. That’s the flavor. That’s what advances the plot.

Whether you're braving a Chicago blizzard to clean a neglected lot or mentoring a student on a quiet Saturday, you are writing your next chapter. You are building the muscle of bravery. You are choosing kindness. You are showing up for yourself by showing up for your community. Don't wait for the perfect moment or for the fear to disappear. It won’t. But you can act anyway. Pick one opportunity from this list. Just one. Show up. And discover just how tough, how kind, and how powerful you truly are.

Chicago isn't just a place on a map. It’s a community, a living entity that thrives on the collective energy of its people. It's waiting for you to add your verse.

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Ready to prove you're tough enough to be kind? Join the Litter Caterpillars for a Chicago volunteer opportunity where bravery, friendship, and service collide. We’re out there every single week, rain or shine, transforming ourselves and our city, one piece of trash at a time. Learn more and sign up for our next event at Litter Caterpillars.

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