Volunteer

Each year, Schoolhouse Supplies works with hundreds of community volunteers to support our mission and program efforts. Our volunteers’ efforts make an immediate and tangible impact on Portland’s classrooms, teachers and students. We have a variety of tasks available, and are happy to match you with a volunteer opportunity that best fits your schedule and skills. Sign up to receive our monthly Volunteer Newsletter!

Please note: Youth age 12 and older are welcome! Youth ages 12-15 and student groups must be accompanied by an adult with a volunteer waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Individual youth ages 16 and older are permitted to volunteer by themselves. We can’t wait for you to join our volunteer team!

Click here for more information about volunteering at Schoolhouse Supplies.


Thanks a Million! 2024

We are hosting our second annual Thanks a Million! Teacher Appreciation Event on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Parkrose Middle School (11800 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220). The event will celebrate 500 local teachers with gifts and supplies to kick off National Teacher Appreciation Week. We need lots of volunteers to pull off a successful event, click on each volunteer opportunity below to learn more and sign up!

Event crew - Saturday, May 4th 8:30am-12:30pm You will greet teachers, direct traffic, answer questions, engage teachers in the raffle and fun activities, distribute products or food at stations, facilitate games, and contribute to a party atmosphere! Sign up here!

Wrap up crew - Saturday, May 4th 12:30pm-3:30pm Volunteers get to be part of the action by helping gather and transport any leftover supplies to the loading area. Expect some moving, standing, walking, and even a bit of heavy lifting! Sign up here!

Support the Free Store for Teachers

The help from our volunteers creates a huge impact in our community. Every pencil, notebook, and crayon that volunteers touch will wind up in the hands of a student who otherwise would not have the tools needed to learn. 

We always need help to process donated supplies, stock the shelves of the Free Store for Teachers, or complete special projects. Volunteer shifts are available Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to Noon, or 1:30 to 4:30pm!

Calling all book lovers

Share your expert knowledge of the books that students love to read by helping us organize and stock the book section shelves in the Free Store for Teachers! This project requires attention to detail while organizing books by grade level, genre, and title. We also need help organizing our Spanish Language section. If you speak Spanish, have library experience, or foreign language knowledge, we'd love to have you join us on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 9am to Noon!

Interested in group volunteering?

Work together to support local kids and their classrooms. Team volunteering opportunities are available Tuesdays through Thursdays. We can also work with you for other volunteering days and hours.

  • The ideal volunteer group size is five to twenty people.

  • Most groups volunteer for between two to three hours.

  • Help with special projects in the Free Store for Teachers and warehouse. Teams may be sorting and taking inventory of donations, stocking supplies, working in the warehouse – the possibilities change daily! We’re happy to schedule a project to fit your group’s availability and interests.

Contact volunteer@schoolhousesupplies.org to schedule your group or to discuss dates and options. We look forward to hearing from you!