Famous Volunteer Organizations

Volunteers give of their time and money to help those in need. Nonprofit organizations around the world seek volunteers to feed the homeless, build houses and encourage people who suffer. Those who cannot give time are encouraged to give donations to volunteer organizations. Donated funds help purchase food, supplies, medicine and homes for those in need. Every person has a gift or talent that can impact the life of someone else.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry. According to the organization’s website, volunteers have built over 400,000 homes and served more than 2 million people around the world. This famous volunteer organization helps create affordable homes for those affected by natural disasters and homelessness. Families in need of a home can apply to the organization for relief. Habitat for Humanity states that neither race, religion, nor religious beliefs influence applications. This volunteer organization’s goal is to eliminate poverty and homelessness from the world.

Over 200,000 Peace Corps volunteers have worked in 139 host countries around the world. This famous volunteer organization began in 1960 with efforts by then Senator John F. Kennedy. This agency of the federal government seeks volunteers to work on AIDS relief, business development and information technology around the world. In 2011, 37 percent of Peace Corps volunteers were serving in Africa, 24 percent in Latin America and 21 percent in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Peace Corps’ mission is to promote world peace and friendship.

The Make a Wish Foundation is a globally known volunteer organization that seeks to help children with life-threatening medical conditions. According to Wish.org, the organization was founded in 1980 and has reached more than 193,000 children around the globe. Children with life threatening medical conditions are selected to have a personal wish come true by a staff of volunteers. Children are encouraged and inspired to dream despite their medical situation. This organization creates an unforgettable experience for a child in need.

Volunteers of America is a nonprofit organization that has helped over 2 million people in 400 communities in the United States. This organization is famous in the U.S. for its human services programs for at-risk youths, the elderly, homeless people and female convicts. Approximately 70,000 volunteers help this organization reach its mission of impacting lives and healing both the body and soul. For over 115 years, Volunteers of America has brought meals, medicine and warmth to people in need in the United States.