Discover CLE: Serve and Explore

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes conserves a natural area, connects people with nature and inspires environmental stewardship. Volunteers will be working with the facilities and natural resources teams on trail maintenance and land management. 

Please note: Volunteers should wear sturdy, closed shoes and long pants are preferred. Volunteers should dress for the weather and will be outdoors for the duration of the activity. Bug spray and sunscreen will be provided.

Get your hands a little garlicky and your community spirit soaring by volunteering with the Cleveland Garlic Festival! Join our setup crew and help prepare for this beloved annual event. Volunteers will assist with setting up booths, arranging festival equipment, decorating and other essential tasks to ensure the festival runs smoothly from the very start. Enjoy the satisfaction of helping bring a unique Cleveland tradition to life! 

Please note: Volunteers will be working outside and must wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and long hair must be pulled back. Volunteers must be able to stand for the duration of volunteering. Bug spray and sunscreen will be provided.

MedWish International is a nonprofit organization that saves lives and the environment by repurposing surplus medical supplies and equipment to provide humanitarian aid to people in need. Volunteers are needed to sort pallets of mixed medical supplies; MedWish takes pallets of donations from local partners, checks expiration dates and separates items out into designated categories. 

Please note: Volunteers must wear closed-toed, closed-heeled shoes.

Volunteers are needed to sort, stock and organize newly received donations. Goods Bank NEO helps bridge the gap between those able to give and those in need, receiving truckloads of overstock and new-but-returned items including household goods and basic necessities, and distributing them to a network of over 200 nonprofits, schools and faith-based organizations in Northeast Ohio. 

Please note: Volunteers must be over the age of 18 on August 20, 2025. Volunteers are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing (will be indoors, but not air conditioned) and bring a water bottle. Volunteers should be prepared to stand for the duration of the activity and be prepared to lift up to 40 pounds.

Founded in 1932, East Cleveland Farmers' Markets provide 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 will be cleaning garden beds of invasive plants and other unwanted plants. Painting projects will also be available. 

Please note: Volunteers will be working outdoors in a farm environment and should dress appropriately. Bug spray and sunscreen will be provided.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids is the only nonprofit 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 be counting, organizing and sorting inventory; stocking and displaying inventory on our store shelves; fulfilling online orders; stuffing uniform packages and backpacks with supplies; and assisting with data entry. 

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.

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: Volunteers should wear closed-toed and closed-heel footwear. Some heavy lifting could be involved in moving packed boxes, and volunteers should be prepared to stand for the duration of the program.

This volunteer activity starts and ends one hour later than the others. Students will be departing campus at 2:45 p.m. and returning to campus by 5 p.m.

The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank fosters literacy and a love of reading by providing free books to children in need. Volunteers will sort, sticker or pack donated children's books that will be distributed to organizations across Northeast Ohio. 

Please note: Volunteers must be over the age of 18 on August 20, 2025. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and bring reusable water bottle. 

This volunteer activity starts 30 minutes earlier than the others. Students will be departing campus by 1:15 pm.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio offers a place to call home at no charge so families with children with health care needs 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 must be over the age of 18 on August 20, 2025

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. Volunteers are needed to clean out the shared kitchen area, sanatize surfaces and reorganize kitchen items.

Please note: Volunteers will need to be able to climb stairs—there is no elevator. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that they do not mind getting dirty.

The Transplant House of Cleveland provides affordable, temporary housing and a welcoming, supportive community to organ transplant patients and their families. They have 25 apartments and three buildings on their campus; volunteers are needed to help refresh the campus by washing windows, sweeping porches, wiping down outdoor furniture, etc. 

Please note: Volunteers will need to be able to climb stairs—there is no elevator. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that they do not mind getting dirty.

At the Cleveland Botanical Garden, our outdoor gardens need extra hands to remove weeds and invasive English ivy, which allows our plants to grow and thrive. Volunteers will be given instructions to help with gardening tasks, such as weeding, mulching and removing ivy. By volunteering with us, you'll see the gardens transform under your care. Plus, you'll spend the afternoon in nature! 

Please note: Volunteers must be over the age of 18 on August 20, 2025.

The Music Settlement, nestled within CWRU's campus, provides accessible, life-enhancing music and arts experiences to people of all ages and abilities. They need volunteers to help clean equipment in our percussion garage. 

Please note: Volunteers must be over the age of 18 on August 20, 2025. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, bring a bottle of water, and must be able to lift approximately 25-50 pounds.

Volunteers will assist with street clean up and beautification projects at the historic Hessler Road alongside the Hessler Neighborhood Association (HNA), started in 1969 by students and long term Hessler residents. Hessler Road is nestled within CWRU's campus and was named Cleveland’s first Historic Landmark District. 

Please note: Volunteers should wear sturdy, closed shoes and long pants are preferred. Volunteers should dress for the weather and will be outdoors for the duration of the activity. Bug spray and sunscreen will be provided.

Join us for a meaningful volunteer event hosted by Spartanthon, a dedicated student organization at Case Western Reserve University! Spartanthon fundraises year-round to support and celebrate the brave kids at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. At this event, we'll come together to create handmade cards and colorful bracelets—all of which will be donated to brighten the days of young patients at the hospital. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! It's a fun, easy way to make a tangible difference for children facing medical challenges. Come help us spread joy, one craft at a time!

As one of the largest street-outreach programs in Cleveland, Case Labre visits 100+ homeless individuals a month in camps, panhandling and sleeping on the street. As summer ends, we need your help replenishing our supplies of blankets by designing, cutting and tying together pieces of fabric to create homemade blankets. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing your blanket will be given directly to someone who needs it and will have some fun making them!

Sew4Service strives to build a community of service-minded, creative people who sew, quilt, crochet and knit, accepting donations of supplies and equipment in order to upcycle fabric and yarn into handmade items, which are in turn donated to local charities. They also teach people new skills to empower them to be confident creators and promote sustainable sewing through upcycling, recycling and environmental impact programs. People with sewing experience will be able to help sew small items like placemats for Meals on Wheels, or baby bibs for pregnancy centers. Others will be asked to iron or cut fabric to make kits to be used in the future by our volunteer sewists.

Each year, the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning hosts 6-10 on-campus blood drives for the campus community. Donate blood and save up to three lives! The American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place on-campus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 

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.

Join us for an exciting trip to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History! Explore fascinating exhibits, discover incredible fossils, and learn about the wonders of science and nature. the museum offers a deep dive into Earth's past and present. Step into the Perkins Wildlife Center to see native Ohio wildlife up close, or visit the Planetarium for a breathtaking journey through the cosmos. There's something for everyone to explore!

Please note: You can expect to walk about 10 minute to get to the museum and walk around at the museum.