As a community bank, we’re big advocates of getting (and staying) involved with our mid-Missouri community. How about you?

There are plenty of ways to start getting involved in the area. You can select an organization (or several!) based on your interests, availability and involvement level. Volunteering is a great way to give back and stay involved in the community. Plus, you might even find a new hobby, meet new friends and gain life experiences. It’s also a fun way to get the entire family involved while doing good for others.

Volunteering can be done all year round, as opposed to just at the holidays. Here are just a few of the mid-Missouri organizations you can get involved with:

  • United Way (Callaway County and Heart of Missouri): Heart of Missouri United Way helps to support various local community agencies, such as Rainbow House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Voluntary Action Center and the Salvation Army, among many others. The organization strives to “create long-lasting changes that prevent problems for our community from happening.”
  • Boys and Girls Club: The Boys and Girls Club seeks to provide a caring, positive environment for youth through after-school programming and recreation. The group’s mission also includes character building, responsibility, education and growth. Above all, “Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow — all while having fun.”
  • Susan G. Komen For The Cure: The mid-Missouri branch of the Susan G. Komen organization helps to fund breast cancer awareness, education, screening and treatment programs. The counties involved with the mid-Missouri Komen for the Cure are Adair, Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Chariton, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Macon, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage and Randolph.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri: The Ronald McDonald House, located in Columbia, is part of a national organization that “acts as a home-away-from-home for hundreds of families of hospitalized children.” Families are able to stay at the house while children are receiving treatment from one of the area medical facilities.
  • The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri: The Food Bank helps provide food for soup kitchens, food pantries, low-income programs, shelters and rehabilitation centers. Millions of pounds of food are distributed annually throughout central and northeast Missouri. Thirty-two counties are supported by the organization’s efforts.
  • SERVE: SERVE, located in Fulton, operates a food pantry and thrift store, as well as helps provide public transportation.
  • Central Missouri Community Action: Central Missouri Community Action is a regional organization that helps support impoverished individuals and families and helps “establish organizations and contribute to the mission of existing outside agencies that help those in need.”
  • Show-Me State Games: The Show-Me State Games, which hosts various Olympic-style sporting events for different ages, is the largest state games in the country. Volunteers are always needed for this statewide event to help ensure the entire process runs smoothly.
  • Voluntary Action Center: The Voluntary Action Center provides a wide variety of resources and assistance through unique programs designed to address unmet needs. They also connect local agencies and volunteers with opportunities to respond to serious social problems and community issues.

What are your favorite organizations to get involved with?