Local Impact, Global Good: Celebrate Global Volunteer Month
Join the movement with Volunteer Odyssey this April as we celebrate Global Volunteer Month powered by Higginbotham Insurance!
Memphis is built on the strength of its people, and every hour spent volunteering creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond our city. This month, we’re calling on you to take action—because when we lift up our local community, we inspire change that reaches across the globe.
Throughout April, we’ll highlight incredible volunteer opportunities, spotlight the people making a difference, and invite you to be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether it’s mentoring a student, packing meals, or cleaning up our neighborhoods, your impact starts here. Let’s show the world what Memphis can do.
To close out Global Volunteer Month in style, we’re bringing back one of the city’s most exciting events—Mix-Odyssey (more info below), Memphis’s Premier Mixology Competition! Now in its 8th year, Mix-Odyssey is not just a celebration of the city’s best bartenders—it’s a fundraiser to support Volunteer Odyssey’s mission of connecting people to meaningful service. Enjoy creative cocktails, great company, and the satisfaction of knowing that every sip supports connecting thousands of volunteers with hundreds of nonprofits.
This is your moment to make a difference. Join the challenge. Volunteer. Celebrate. Raise a glass for good.
Celebrate the grand finale of Global Volunteer Month at Volunteer Odyssey’s Mix-Odyssey—Bluff City’s Elite Bartender Battle returning for its exciting 8th year! On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, guests will gather from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM to toast local volunteers and enjoy an unforgettable evening along the Mississippi River.
The night begins with a special announcement showcasing the collective impact Memphians made during Global Volunteer Month, recognizing community-driven change across the city.
Following the celebration, attendees will enjoy tasting handcrafted cocktails created by six of Memphis’ most talented mixologists, each competing for the title of Bluff City’s top bartender. Guests will taste and vote for their favorite cocktail, complemented by live music, delicious food, beer, wine, and the beauty of a stunning Mississippi sunset.
Period Power Packaging Day
Tuesday, April 1 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join Memphis Rox + Climbing Gym for their Period Power Packaging Day! They will be packaging menstrual products into individual, 3-month supply boxes for the community.
Easter Hop and Shop 2025
Sunday, April 6 | 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Volunteers will support various event activities. Tasks may include assisting with crafts, guiding the Easter Bunny, managing line control, monitoring the bounce house, etc. Volunteers will also assist with event breakdown & clean up.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Saturday, April 5 | Various Times
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk needs lots of volunteers! Each step taken during this inspiring event supports the Best Buddies’ mission to create opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering lifelong friendships, integrated employment, and meaningful leadership roles.
2025 Spring Plant Sale Volunteer
Thursday, April 10 | Various Times
Friday, April 11 | Various Times
Saturday, Apr 12 | Various Times
Spring is almost here and with the beautiful blooms comes the Memphis Botanic Garden Spring Plant Sale! Volunteers will do a variety of tasks from helping sell plants by giving advice, loading cars for customers, and helping with the flow of the parking lot. Volunteers will be provided snacks and lunch (if staying both shifts).
After Dark Egg Hunt
Friday, April 11 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join the memorable evening, where families and children gather for a unique twist on a classic tradition. Volunteers will assist with various activities, including guiding participants, helping with crafts, event set-up, and ensuring a fun, safe experience for everyone involved. Be part of creating joy, laughter, and lasting memories for our community in this special nighttime celebration.
Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 12 | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers will assist with event set-up and take-down, supervise bounce houses (two volunteers per moon bounce), help guide the Easter Bunny, manage the petting zoo, and support additional activities. All volunteers should arrive at Bobby Lanier Farm Park by 8:30 a.m. for a mandatory volunteer meeting to review assignments. The City of Germantown is grateful for you making this event enjoyable for the community!
Pinch District Planter Painting Project
Saturday, April 12 | Various Times
Memphis Medical District Collaborative is hosting a volunteer day in the Pinch District, inviting community members to help beautify planters along N Main St. The designs, created by local artist Toonky Berry, will be painted using a paint-by-numbers style. Volunteers will assist in bringing these designs to life—no artistic background or experience required.
Ongoing | Open Availability
In April 2025, the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) offers enriching volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about the arts and community engagement. Volunteers can assist in various capacities, including greeting guests, providing information about GPAC, and supporting educational events throughout the season. These roles provide a chance to be part of world-class concerts, make new friends, and contribute to GPAC’s continued success.
Spring Celebration Field Trip Day
Wednesday, April 16 | 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pinecrest Camp & Retreat Center hosts an annual Spring Celebration Field Trip Day in Moscow, Tennessee. Volunteers will assist with campfire activities, prepare s’mores for the educational event, and guide short nature walks as naturalists. Students from local schools will participate, rotating through engaging stations. Volunteers will help ensure the event is both educational and enjoyable for all attending.
Carpenter Art Garden’s Earth Day Community Clean-Up
Saturday, April 19 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Volunteers will gather to pick up litter, beautify shared community spaces, and raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. Supplies and guidance will be provided, making it easy for both longtime residents and new volunteers to contribute. By participating, community members will help create a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful neighborhood.
World of Plants
April 22 – May 2 | Various Times
Take your students on a trip around the world without ever leaving Memphis! Students “travel” to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas where they will learn how different cultures use plants in their daily lives.
Volunteers will assist by being a “tour guide” and teaching the children who visit about different cultures! This festival is very hands on and fun! Any information you need to teach will be given to you! No prior knowledge needed.
Protect our Aquifer at the Science of Wine
Friday, April 25 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Protect our Aquifer invites volunteers to support the Science of Wine event, hosted by the Pink Palace Museum. This enjoyable evening offers attendees a unique blend of wine and food tastings alongside optional educational experiences. Volunteers will assist in creating a memorable night, supporting event logistics, and engaging guests interested in Protecting Our Aquifer’s educational mission.
Bilingual Health + Wellness Event Volunteers
Saturday, April 26 | 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Latino Memphis, in collaboration with community partners, is hosting an event to provide vital health resources. Volunteers will assist by guiding Spanish-speaking families through available services, facilitating check-ins, and interpreting between service providers and families to ensure accessibility and clear communication. Bilingual volunteers play an essential role, helping families comfortably navigate services and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. All volunteers will receive a Latino Memphis t-shirt as a token of appreciation for their valuable contributions.
Earth Day on the Wolf River Greenway
Saturday, April 26 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Wolf River Conservancy invites volunteers to participate in the Earth Day on the Greenway Service Event, taking place along the Epping Way section of the Wolf River Greenway. Participants will contribute to environmental stewardship by planting wildflowers, enhancing local habitats, and beautifying the trail through hands-on activities. This event provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate Earth Day while making a tangible, lasting impact on the community.
Bluebird Nature Fest and Crawfish Boil
Saturday, April 26 | 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Germantown Parks and Recreation is hosting the Bluebird Nature Fest and Crawfish Boil at Bobby Lanier Farm Park. Volunteers will assist in several essential roles, including managing the crawfish tent by scooping crawfish into tins, checking wristbands for guests, serving water, maintaining cleanliness by wiping tables and managing trash, and assisting with check-in for crawfish ticket holders. Additional tasks may arise on the event day. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, ready to support a lively community event that brings neighbors together to enjoy delicious food and good company.
