Community Volunteering Opportunities in Lafayette County November 21, 2025

Lafayette County is full of organizations working every day to support our community, and many of them rely on volunteers. If you’re looking for a way to get involved this season, here are several local groups that currently have opportunities available. These are just a few of the many nonprofits doing important work across our county, and we encourage residents to connect with any organization they feel called to support.

If You Want to Assist With Food Distribution: The Pantry of Oxford & Lafayette County and Harmontown Food Pantry

The Pantry provides short-term food assistance to eligible local residents under 65 years old and seniors. Volunteers can help with:

  • Stocking shelves and unloading deliveries
  • Preparing items for distribution
  • Supporting onsite distribution of items

The volunteer shifts are Tuesday 8:30-10:30 A.M., as well as Wednesday and Thursday 8:45-11 A.M. Volunteers can register on GivePulse, but registration is not required. Those who are interested can arrive onsite and volunteer without pre-registration. The organization accepts volunteers year-round, working with several local churches, college students, and individuals from the community. 

“The week before Christmas, December 16-18, is when we’ll need more help. That’s usually when we rely on extra volunteers because the school semester has ended,” said executive director John Kohne.

Harmontown Food Pantry

The Harmontown Food Pantry offers monthly food distribution for Lafayette County residents. Volunteers are needed for:

  • Unloading donated items from trailers and pallets
  • Sorting and organizing donated items
  • Packing boxes ahead of distribution
  • Assisting with distribution day operations

Email Harmontown Food Pantry at harmontownfoodpantry@yahoo.com to get details about volunteer dates and times. 

In addition to support for prepping and distribution days, the organization’s immediate need is for monetary donations to fund the 80 boxes they distribute every month, and event volunteers for the Breakfast with Santa and silent auction fundraiser on December 6, 9-12 P.M.

If You Want to Support Local Animal Care: Lafayette County Animal Shelter 

The Lafayette County Animal Shelter welcomes volunteers to assist with animal care and day-to-day shelter operations. Opportunities include:

  • Transport drivers for the animals
  • Socializing and exercising dogs and cats
  • Helping with feeding and cleaning tasks
  • Participating in the foster program for animals needing temporary homes

Apply to volunteer or adopt on the shelter website.

If You Like Hands-On Home-Building Projects: Oxford-Lafayette Fuller Center for Housing

The Oxford-Lafayette Fuller Center for Housing works with volunteers to build and repair homes for qualifying residents. As part of the global nonprofit Fuller Center for Housing, this local affiliate is dedicated to eradicating poverty housing, creating safe, affordable shelter, and helping families work toward long-term stability in Lafayette County. Opportunities include:

  • Participating in build days
  • Assisting with materials prep or site tasks

Not sure if you have the right skills? “If volunteers have some experience with residential repair, that’s great, but not required,” said Oxford-Lafayette center president Clint Williford. “We can show someone how to hammer a nail or use a paintbrush if they need that.”

Learn more details about all the volunteer roles and get signup information.

If You Want to Support Youth Programs: Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi

The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi offer after-school and summer programming to support academic and personal growth. Volunteer opportunities at the L-O-U Barksdale Clubhouse in Oxford include:

  • Tutoring and homework assistance
  • Personal development programming
  • Activity supervision

Volunteers help students with school assignments and provide general supervision during club hours, which is Monday-Friday, 2-6 P.M., and assist with programs focused on character building, life skills and healthy habits. The Club is also open to volunteer-led ideas for personal development sessions, such as introducing arts, career exploration, etiquette or other topics. 

Learn how volunteers can make a difference.