Volunteer Opportunities in Beaufort and How to Get Involved

If you’ve ever wanted to give back to the Beaufort community but didn’t know where to start, there are more opportunities than you might think. Across the county there are nonprofits, clinics, shelters, and civic boards working hard to meet local needs – but they can’t do it alone. Right now, many of these organizations are looking for reliable, committed volunteers to help support their work. Whether it’s walking a shelter dog, assisting hospital patients, or serving on a city board, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. Here’s a roundup of volunteer opportunities in the Beaufort area and how you can step in to support.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital offers one of the widest arrays of volunteer roles in the region. As the Lowcountry’s largest nonprofit hospital, it relies on volunteers to enhance the patient and family experience. From helping visitors navigate the facility to working the gift shop or driving the shuttle, there are many ways to serve. The hospital also partners with the “Born to Read” program, which trains volunteers in early literacy to encourage new mothers to read to their babies. Beaufort Memorial works to find a meaningful match between your interests and the community’s needs, and provides training for all positions. “Whether you want to help patients find their way, deliver smiles and encouragement or help behind the scenes – we look forward to finding a place for you to join our team.” To learn more, contact Anna Makar at smakar@bmhsc.org or visit https://www.bmhsc.org/ways-to-give/volunteers. 

Beaufort County United Way helps residents do their part to improve the community through flexible, impactful service. Their mission is to “improve lives by uniting people, resources and organizations,” building a convenient way for local volunteers to connect with one-time events or long-term efforts that support lasting change. You can volunteer for an upcoming event, host a campaign at your office, support advocacy efforts, or simply donate. Explore volunteer opportunities at unitedwayibx.org or email stidd@unitedwaybc.net. 

City and County Boards & Commissions are one of the most direct ways to shape Beaufort’s future. Volunteers are appointed to weigh-in on matters like historic preservation, planning, community development, and parks. Most recently, the City of Beaufort formed the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) to help guide critical decisions around the future of Waterfront Park and the Downtown Marina, a project that will have an immediate and lasting impact on Beaufort residents. There are always new vacancies for residents to apply for in both the city and the county. Explore city positions at cityofbeaufort.org or county boards at beaufortcountysc.gov.

Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic provides free, high-quality medical care to uninsured adults in Beaufort County. As a faith-based clinic, it also offers spiritual support to those who request it. Services include primary care, diagnostics, non-surgical cardiology and orthopedics, prescription assistance, and lab testing. Volunteer roles range from clinical positions like providers and nurses to non-clinical needs such as administrative support, PR, maintenance, and outreach. The clinic also partners with the Angel Rides program (see below) to provide free, reliable transportation to medical appointments. Discover how you can get involved at gnfmcbeaufort.org/volunteers-2.

Lowcountry Outreach Center (LOC) on Lady’s Island connects residents in need with community service organizations by providing free office spaces for organizations and a transportation program for residents. In 2022, the LOC launched Angel Rides, which provides free, reliable transportation to medical appointments for those who would otherwise go without. As a ministry of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Lowcountry Outreach Center works to be “a light for Beaufort,” stating, “together, we are addressing the social determinant of health related to transportation challenges, ensuring patients can access the care they need without barriers.” Volunteer Angel Drivers are needed to assist with transporting patients to the Good Neighbor Medical Clinic and nearby hospitals, as well as helping parishioners attend church services. If you have a car and you’re free for two hours a month, email ride@lowcountryoutreach.org, or visit lowcountryoutreach.org to discover other ways to get involved.

Beaufort Litter Patrol is a grassroots community cleanup group working to “cultivate connections and keep our community clean.” Volunteers gather for monthly events, picking up litter in neighborhoods and along public spaces. The group also teams up with other nonprofits like Coastal Expeditions and Grounded Running to host collaborative cleanup days and donation drives. It’s a fun, social, and high-impact way to improve your surroundings and connect with other volunteers. Join them by visiting Beaufort Litter Patrol on Facebook.

Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail supports one of Beaufort’s most beloved public amenities. The Spanish Moss Trail spans nearly 10 miles, linking the City of Beaufort with the Town of Port Royal. Founded by former BJWSA general manager Dean Moss, the organization partners with local governments and private supporters to enhance and maintain the trail. Volunteers can help by sponsoring amenities, gifting a tree, adopting trail segments, or donating to the cause. Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail state that the “continued success of the Trail is made possible through community partnerships and private support from people like you”. Learn how you can support their work at spanishmosstrail.com/support-us1.

Beaufort County Animal Services is always looking for hands-on help with animal care. Their mission is to protect the public, promote responsible pet ownership, and rehome unwanted animals. Local volunteers are needed regularly to walk dogs, clean cages, bathe animals, and assist with feeding and socialization. “To provide a temporary shelter for stray, unwanted or homeless domestic pets/livestock” is part of their daily work. To inquire, email shelter@bcgov.net or visit beaufortcountysc.gov/animal-services.

Humane Association of the Lowcountry (HAL) offers a more grassroots, home-based way to help animals. HAL focuses on the welfare of homeless cats and kittens through a network of volunteers who manage feral cats and foster animals. HAL volunteers support the community remotely, operating without a brick-and-mortar organization, making it perfect for individuals with busy schedules. “That’s what makes us special—at HAL, one person truly can make a difference,” the organization states. Roles for volunteers include animal care, transport, fundraising, and community outreach. Learn more about volunteer and foster opportunities at halsc.org/donate-foster.

Every organization mentioned is already doing important work to make Beaufort stronger, healthier, and more connected – but none of them can do it alone. They depend on volunteers and supporters to keep programs running and meet growing needs. Whether you’ve lived in the Lowcountry your whole life or just moved here recently, lending a hand is one of the most impactful ways to improve the community – especially in a small town, like Beaufort. Explore a few of these opportunities, reach out, and find where your time and talents can help most. Beaufort runs better when we all pitch in!

Do you have a volunteer opportunity that’s not on this list? Let’s hear about it! Share it with our Insider community on Facebook and let’s highlight more ways for Beaufortonians to get involved locally.