Discover CLE: Serve and Explore

In the Greater Cleveland region, one in seven people experiences food insecurity - meaning they may not know where their next meal is coming from - and the Food Bank connects individuals with nutritious meals to close the hunger gap. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is recruiting volunteers to assist with a variety of Repack projects! Volunteer tasks may include: sorting through and repackaging incoming nonperishable, perishable, and non-food donations; Backpacks for Kids kit assembly; and labeling products.

Please note: Closed-toed and closed-heel footwear is required! Some heavy lifting could be involved in moving packed boxes, and volunteers should be prepared to stand for the duration of the program.

All volunteers must register in the Food Bank's online system prior to volunteering. After registering for this activity, participants will receive an email with instructions on how to register in the Food Bank system. 

The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank fosters literacy and a love of reading by providing free books to children in need. Volunteers are needed to sort, label, and pack the books by reading level so that partner sites can distribute them accordingly.

Please note: Some heavy lifting could be involved in moving packed boxes, and volunteers should be prepared to stand for the duration of the program. Closed-toed shoes are required; wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty.

Volunteers will assist North Union Farmers Market staff by organizing items for their annual fundraiser Cleveland Garlic Festival. Projects will include setting up tables and decorating them with table cloths and center pieces.

Please note: The work will be predominantly outdoors and volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes that they don't mind getting dirty, including closed-toed shoes. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are also recommended.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids is the only non-profit organization in Greater Cleveland providing new shoes, school uniforms, clothes and school supplies throughout the year at no charge to thousands of children in need. Volunteers will sort and count inventory, stock shelves, and fill online uniform and supply requests.

Please note: Volunteers are encouraged to bring a filled water bottle and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project.

Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, must contact commservice@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.

Family Promise of Greater Cleveland helps over 100 homeless families each year to secure independent housing and the means to sustain it. Volunteers are needed to sort and organize donations and help prepare back to school kits.

Please note: Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty and should be able to stand for the duration of service.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens organization is over 100 years old- it consists to date of over 36 various cultural gardens on land that is over 164 acres of land that was donated by Rockefeller to the city of Cleveland in 1916. Each cultural community is responsible for caring for the beautiful grounds, statues and gardens. They rely on volunteers to beautify the historical Gardens.

Please note: Volunteers should wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes and clothes that can get dirty, and plan to stand for the duration of service.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry's Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside is the largest shelter in the state of Ohio, serving up to 365 men per night with an additional 30-60 beds available at partner overflow sites. At the shelter, LMM staff and social service partners provide on and off-site services to increase resident self-sufficiency, working with individuals to end their homelessness by finding appropriate housing as soon as possible. Volunteers will play board games with shelter residents as a means of getting to know each other in a safe setting. An opportunity to interact with those who are homeless and understand someone else beyond the stereotypes.

Please note: Volunteers should dress modestly - no low-cut tops, bare shoulders, shorts, or exposed midriffs.

Founded in 1932, The Coit Road Farmers Market provides access to affordable, locally grown farm fresh produce to residents of Greater Cleveland. The four-acre market site includes a garden for community members to grow produce for family use as well as an urban farm area for growers who sell their produce at the Market. Volunteers work will include gardening and general cleanup of the site.

Please note: This project will take place primarily outdoors, so volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothes that they do not mind getting dirty or wet.

Assist Cleveland Botanical Garden horticulture staff with gardening projects, such as weeding, deadheading, mulching, raking, and transplanting. Get an insider's perspective of the gardens at a neighboring institution and know that you helped make the gardens more beautiful for all visitors! The gardens showcase the collection of plants that grow in Northeast Ohio. 

Please note: Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes (long pants are recommended) that they don't mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, bugspray, and a hat are also recommended. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project.

Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact commservice@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.

The Transplant House of Cleveland provides affordable, temporary housing and a welcoming, supportive community to organ transplant patients and their families. They ave 25 apartments and 3 buildings on their campus; volunteers will help with campus beautification, light maintenance and grounds keeping, and housekeeping.

Please note: Volunteers should wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes and clothes that can get dirty, and plan to stand for the duration of service.

Church of the Covenant provides a spiritual home for many students, faculty, and staff. Their building is over 100 years old and provides many resources for the community. CWRU volunteers assist with the church's free community meal at the end of each month as well as regular tutoring on Saturday mornings. Volunteers are needed to help pack care packages for church members as well as so sort and organize items in the church thrift store.

Please note: Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty and should be able to stand for the duration of service. Volunteers must be over the age of 18.

McGregor Home is a non-profit senior care organization dedicated to meeting the changing needs of Cleveland's older adults throughout Northeast Ohio and Cuyahoga County. McGregor serves older adults by providing residential care services on their campus and daytime activities. They have an activity closet that needs to be reorganized as well as some small cleaning projects.

Please note: Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty and should be able to stand for the duration of service. Volunteers must be over the age of 18.

With over 200 acres of gardens, Holden Arboretum can use many hands to help maintain the beauty of the gardens for all visitors. Volunteers will work with horticulturists and help with gardening tasks, such as weeding, deadheading, mulching, transplanting, etc. If time allows after gardening, volunteers can also explore the Holden Arboretum.

Please note: Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes (long pants are recommended) that they don't mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, bugspray, and a hat are also recommended. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project. They also ask for a photo ID (driver's license or school ID).

Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact commservice@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio enhances the healthcare experience for families and children through comfort, care and supportive services. Ronald McDonald House programs in Akron and Cleveland offer a place to call home at no charge so families can access the best health care, regardless of their location, providing a safe, secure and supportive environment for families. They have rooms that need to be “deep cleaned;" this would include mopping, sweeping, dusting, wiping floorboards and surfaces. They may also need assistance deep cleaning the laundry room, sunroom, game rooms/computer lounge, and common areas or washing the windows. They may also have need for donation sorting or organizing the storage areas (linens, cleaning supplies, paper products, misc.)

Please note: Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty and should be able to stand for the duration of service. Volunteers must be over the age of 18.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place on-campus from 10:00am-4:00pm. Registered students will need to make an appointment on the Red Cross site using this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CASEWESTERN

SpartanTHON, is student organization on-campus that raises money for kids in UH Rainbow Babies. Participants in this session will be making blankets and decorate bandanas for the kids and their families at the hospital, and the group will discuss how to get involved with them this year. This session will take place on campus.

Explore the dining, cultural, and shopping options of the neighborhood. AsiaTown’s vibrant restaurants will take you on an exciting trip to the Asian continent, sure to satisfy your palate. And don’t forget to check out the indoor shopping centers - Asian Town Center and Asia Plaza! The neighborhood is also filled with outdoor shops for you to visit on a sunny day. There is always somewhere to discover in AsiaTown.

Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 15 min. and walk for a total of 15 min. to reach your destination.

At the heart of CWRU’s University Circle, The Cleveland Museum of Art is internationally renowned for its extensive permanent collection (particularly Asian and Egyptian holdings) of over 61,000 works of art from all over the world. Just minutes away from campus, take a stroll through the gorgeous Wade Lagoon and Wade Park before stepping into the glass and marble architecture of the museum. And best of all, admission is always free to the general public!

Please note: Please note: You can expect to walk 5 min to reach your destination. Backpacks and water bottles are not allowed. 

A chic neighborhood not far from campus, Coventry Village is frequented by students and community members alike. Never a shortage of antique stores, book stores, thrift shops, coffee shops, music venues, theaters, and restaurants, Coventry has something for everyone. Between explorations, stop by to cool off with a milkshake from Tommy’s (crowned best milkshakes in Ohio), or some rolled ice cream. Get a head start on exploring one of CWRU students’ favorite places to spend a night with friends or try a cool new restaurant.

Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 8 min. and walk a total of 10 min. to reach your destination.

The Gordon Square Arts District is a world-class arts district, a retail and dining destination and a walkable community in the heart of Cleveland's Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. This trendy neighborhood features 5 different theatres that host a variety of different musicals and productions throughout the year. There are more than 20 works of public art to take pictures with throughout your stroll through Gordon Square. Visit popular restaurants, such as the donut shop Brewnuts and Happy Dog. Gordon Square is home to Cleveland's LGBT Community Center that has been serving and supporting Cleveland's LGBT community since 1975, where students can visit to learn more about how they serve the Cleveland community or just hang out.

Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for a total of 24 min and walk a total of 25 min to reach your destination.

Explore Tower City Center, once the second tallest building in the world! Consisting of Terminal Tower, the beautiful Skylight Park, and the Rapid Transit train hub, as well as a casino, hotel, and financial plaza, Tower City has it all! It's easy to get lost in the huge shopping center at the base of the tower and the gorgeous indoor greenery in the newly built Skylight Park. Get familiar with the Tower City Rapid Station downstairs, the central hub for Cleveland's four train lines. The architecture is well-suited for pictures, and its proximity to nearby attractions like the Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse will keep you coming back for more.

Please note: You can expect to walk a total of 8 minutes and ride public transportation for a total of 29 minutes to reach your destination.

Hang out at Cleveland’s lakefront on North Coast Harbor, home to many attractions and beautiful greenspaces to take in the scenery, such as Voinovich Bicentennial Park. On the coast, within walking distance are Cleveland’s iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame*, the Great Lake Science Center, the Cleveland Clinic Dome theater, and FirstEnergy Stadium- home to the Cleveland Browns. Only a short walk away is the Cleveland Free Stamp, the world’s largest rubber stamp!

Please note: You can expect to walk a total of 23 minutes and ride public transportation for a total of 20 minutes to reach your destination.

With over 250 local businesses, exploring Ohio City is a great way to dive into the heart and soul of Cleveland. With unique venues such as Glass Bubble Project, Tabletop Café, the original Mitchell's Ice Cream and more, Ohio City never disappoints! You can also discover the famous West Side Market that features over 100 vendors selling Cleveland-foodie classics, including prepared meals, sweet treats, fresh and locally grown groceries, meats, spices, and more. Ohio City is the second most walkable neighborhood in Cleveland, where you can access shops, restaurants, parks, and various community centers and organizations.

Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 20 min and walk for a total of 13 min to reach your destination.

Host to over 1,500 high school, collegiate and adult athletes on the banks of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Rowing Foundation facilitates and promotes the sport of rowing to the Greater Cleveland community. The sport of rowing is an extremely rewarding one, requiring that all eight individuals in the boat work together in order to move as fast as possible. Join CWRU’s very own rowing team, CWRU Crew, as they show you around the Cleveland Rowing Foundation Boathouse and introduce you to the basics of the sport. No prior rowing experience is necessary!

Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 20 min and walk 20 min to reach your destination. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and gym shoes, as there will be a light workout!

A short walk from campus, Lakeview Cemetery is a popular destination for CWRU students to explore! Visit popular spots in the cemetery, such as Daffodil Hill or famous graves. John D. Rockefeller's Obelisk and burial site sits in this cemetery, as well as the James. A Garfield Memorial dedicated to the 20th president of the US! Take a leisurely stroll through the cemetery and feel free to sit by the two ponds located in the cemetery as you take in the history of Cleveland through this popular destination.

Please note: You can expect to walk 16 min to reach your destination. Wear comfortable shoes as this trip involves a lot of walking.

Located along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens is home to 26 nationality gardens. Throughout the year the gardens are tended to by the community, and during the annual One World Day, the area is blocked off and dedicated to a festival hosting over 30,000 guests spanning all of the gardens and including a parade, ceremonies, performances, tours, and--of course--food from every culture present.

Please note: This is a walking trip. Please wear comfortable shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water as the Cultural Gardens are around three miles of walking total.

Forget to pack some clothes on your way to campus, or looking for a new place to re-vamp your wardrobe? Then look no further than the Beachwood Place! A frequent for many CWRU students, you don’t want to miss your chance to get to know the nearest local shopping mall to campus. Visit popular stores such as Auntie Anne's, Sephora, The Lego Store, Bath&Body Works, Hollister, PacSun, H&M, and more. Bond with your fellow students and spend the day getting your shop on, with over 100 stores to choose from!

Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 30 min and walk for a total of 10 min to reach your destination.

Are you bringing a bike to campus? Look no further than this sustainable DiscoverCLE trip! We will take you on a tour of the best bike paths around campus and University Circle! Join CWRU’s very own Cycling Club on an adventure to marvel at the sights around campus and beyond, all from the comfort of your very own bike. Perfect for all skill levels -- stop to see the sights, grab a cup of coffee, meet new people, and more!

Please note: You will need a bike and a helmet on campus to attend this trip. You can expect to bike anywhere from 10-15 miles over the course of this three hour trip, with some some stops along the way. It is also recommended to bring a bike lock, for these stops during the tour, as well as a filled water bottle. Please make sure your bike is in good working condition, as you will be responsible for your own bike in the event of any failure or damage.