Hilton Head Nonprofits and How to Volunteer

Three of these organizations exist to help island residents directly. The Volunteers in Medicine Clinic gives free medical and dental care to people who live or work on the island without insurance, and registers new patients by appointment. The Deep Well Project runs a food pantry that families can use every 21 days, and pays rent and utility bills in an emergency. Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry sells affordable homes to families that qualify. For urgent medical care, see hospitals and urgent care on Hilton Head.

Most of these groups run on volunteers, and each has its own sign-up. The Volunteers in Medicine Clinic asks new volunteers to tour, apply, interview, attend orientation and shadow a role, with a commitment of at least three months a year. The Deep Well Project uses four-hour shifts in its office, food pantry, repair crews and furniture pickup, and needs Spanish speakers. Habitat needs no building experience, and it also looks for helpers on home visits and at events such as its Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.

Animal lovers can walk dogs and socialize cats at the Humane Association, or care for the island’s strays at All About Cats, a 100 percent volunteer nonprofit. The Sandbox also welcomes volunteers.

For property managers: guests who come for a week often ask how to give something back. Deep Well takes non-perishable food and personal care items on weekdays, and gently used furniture and working appliances, which is useful when a rental is refurnished. Its Santa Shop accepts new toys from October 1 through December 24. Owners who want to give money without picking a charity can open a fund at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.