The volunteer shortage persists in 2025

Across Harnett, Lee, and Moore counties, the message is clear: we need more volunteers. Despite a slight rebound in national participation, volunteerism in 2025 remains well below pre-pandemic levels.

Economic stress, time constraints, and weakened civic institutions continue to reduce formal volunteering through nonprofits, schools, and faith-based groups. Younger generations are opting for short-term or virtual service, and many nonprofits lack the resources to recruit or retain volunteers

Many Americans lack the time or financial flexibility to volunteer, especially those in lower-income communities juggling multiple jobs.

Declining trust in institutions and underfunded nonprofits also contribute to reduced engagement and fewer structured opportunities.

Experts recommend flexible roles, digital outreach and greater investment in volunteer infrastructure to help reverse the trend and rebuild community connections.

What can one person do to make a difference?

Volunteer!

Most agencies require a volunteer application, usually found on websites. Depending on the role, training, orientation or background checks may be required. Volunteer commitments vary, ranging from one-time events to ongoing positions.

Consider personal interests, whether in aging services, youth education, environmental outreach, animal care or family support when connecting with organization.

Contact local civic organizations, private schools, public schools, churches, and review the lists below for opportunities to serve your neighbors.

Below are lists of a few of the many opportunities in the tri-county area.

 MOORE

Moore County Senior Volunteer Program
Matches adults 50+ with around 45 local agencies. Help with nutrition, caregiver support, transportation, and more.
Phone: (910) 947‑4483

FirstHealth, Moore Regional Hospital
Roles include patient escort, greeting, shuttle assistance, volunteer programs for youth, elder life support, and clerical tasks.
Phone: (910) 715‑1266 (Volunteer Services)
Email (teens): vbrownlee@firsthealth.org

Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills
Deliver meals across several towns including Southern Pines and Pinehurst. Routes take 30–90 minutes.
Phone: (910) 692‑0384
Email: rklistrom@yahoo.com

United Way of Moore County
Volunteer across sectors: American Red Cross, mentorship, literacy, basic needs.
Phone: (910) 692‑2413

The C.A.R.E. Group, Inc.
Support youth mentoring across Moore County.
Phone: (910) 692‑5954
Address: 241 Grant St, West End or P.O. Box 1966, Southern Pines

Moore County Literacy Council
Adult tutoring and community outreach; group participation possible.
Phone: (910) 692‑5954

Sandhills Children’s Center
Accepts volunteers aged 16+; supports family events and educational programs.
Phone: Anne Kennedy at (910) 986‑4577 or Jackie Willard

Southern Pines Animal Shelter
Volunteer for kennel enrichment, events, transport, adoption support. Must be 18+.
Contact: Community Engagement Manager at (601) 544‑6632 or volunteer@southernpinesanimalsh

Keep Moore County Beautiful, Inc.
Promotes litter education, community beautification, and clean-up events.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1807, 101‑A Monroe St, Carthage, NC 28327

Sustainable Sandhills
Hosts monthly “Litter Busters” roadside cleanups (typically second Saturdays). Offers grabbers, gloves, and vests.
Phone: (910) 484‑9098
Email: info@sustainablesandhills.org

NCDOT Litter Sweep / Adopt‑A‑Highway
Organize roadside cleanups anytime. Supplies (bags, gloves, vests) provided by local NCDOT office.
Contact: Call local NCDOT County Maintenance Yard or state line 1‑877‑DOT‑4YOU.
Report incidents or request certificate: litternews@ncdot.gov

LEE

The Enrichment Center of Lee County
Help with meal deliveries, Medicare counseling, tax prep, games, and friendly visits.
Phone: (919) 776-0501 ext. 2201

Lee County Cooperative Extension (NC State)
Volunteer in community gardens, 4-H youth clubs, local fairs, and classroom outreach.
Phone: (919) 775-5624
Website: lee.ces.ncsu.edu

Lee County Animal Services
Help care for animals at the shelter, assist with cleaning, walking, or office tasks.
Phone: (919) 776-7446

Lending Paws a Hand Animal Rescue
Foster pets, assist at adoption events, take photos, and support community outreach.
Email: info@lpah.org
Website: lpah.org/volunteer

Partnership for Children & Families (PFCF)
Help with Pre-K, literacy events, family services, and outreach programs.
Phone: (919) 774-9496
Website: pfcf.org

United Way of Lee County
Support local nonprofit work in education, health, and financial stability.
Phone: (919) 776-5823
Website: leecountyunitedway.org

NCDOT Adopt-A-Highway & Litter Sweep
Clean up litter along roadsides. Great for individuals, schools, clubs, and churches.
Local Office (Division 8 Lee County): (910) 944-7621
Website: ncdot.gov/litter sweep

El Refugio / The Refuge
Help support immigrant and Latinx families through education and events.
Email: info@elrefugioleeco.org
Website: elrefugioleeco.org

Carolina Tiger Rescue (Pittsboro)
Volunteer with rescued wild cats or help with tours, education, or summer camps.
Phone: (919) 542-4684
Website: carolinatigerrescue.org

HARNETT

Harnett County Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP, ages 55+)
Volunteer at local agencies: Meals on Wheels, senior centers, caregiver support, transportation.
Contact: LeAnn Blackmon (910) 814‑6071 lblackmon@harnett.org

Harnett County Schools Volunteer Program
Tutor, mentor, serve as test proctor, support school events. Must register and complete background check.
Contact: Natalie Tucker Ferrell (910) 893‑8151 ext. 300453 nferrell@harnett.k12.nc.us harnett.k12.nc.us

Harnett County Public Library
Help with makerspace training, interlibrary loan, outreach, homebound delivery assistance.
Contact: Harnett County Library system and use online volunteer application forms harnett.libguides.com

Harnett County Animal Services
Assist with public-facing duties: greeting visitors, socializing pets, adoption support. Must be 18+.
Contact: Animal Services Department via county website or office

Habitat for Humanity of Harnett County
Support home construction, ReStore operations, and serve on committees. No prior experience needed.
Contact: (910) 891‑7770 or (910) 891‑4500 or info@habitatharnett.org

Five N Two Food Pantry (Dunn, NC)
Help with distribution of food and supplies during open pantry days. Volunteers welcome.
Contact: Visit Five N Two Food Pantry website for volunteer form Volunteer Opportunities – Habitat for Humanity of Harnett County

NCDOT Adopt‑A‑Highway & Litter Sweep Program
Volunteer (12+ years) or as a group to clean litter from a two-mile section of state road at least four times a year; NCDOT provides safety gear, training, and removes trash.
Contact:

• State office: 1‑800‑331‑5864
• Describe Harnett County and request local coordinator info for your area
• In Lillington, contact Morgan Pope with Keep Harnett Beautiful, https://www.harnett.org/soilwater/keep-harnett-beautiful.asp
• Read Keep Harnett Beautiful battles The Harnett Litterbug

Aug. 1, 2025

Stephanie M. Sellers