From: Mavs in Action
Date: May 1
Subject: Volunteer Opportunities 5/01/26: Mavs in Action & Community Engagement Weekly Newsletter



Community Engagement Office, Minnesota State University Mankato, University

Summer On-Campus Volunteer Opportunities

Juneteenth Volunteers Needed
GMDC 

Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. In Mankato, we celebrate this day by honoring our community’s rich history of activism and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Each year, we gather to reflect on the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to reaffirm our commitment to building an equitable future for all. This year’s theme is Rooted in History, Rising Together. 
Volunteer needs include: 

  • Set-up and take-down 
  • Checking people in 
  • Freedom walk helpers 
  • Info table 
  • Event performers 

The Annual Freedom Walk starts at the Shared Spaces Building (127 S. 2nd St.) at 2:30pm and ends at the event site 
Friday, June 19th 
1:00-8:00 PM 
Located at Civic Center Plaza Front Lawn on campus 

Volunteer Sign-Up Link 
Performer Sign-Up Link 
 

Moving Assistance Needed from RSOs 
Move Crew 

Move Crew volunteers assist by unloading vehicles, watching belongings, directing traffic, and most importantly, engaging with our incoming Mavericks and their families. With several hundred students and their families coming to campus, you're sure to make a big impact! Volunteers will be provided with a Move Crew hat and are encouraged to wear Minnesota State University, Mankato apparel or any apparel that is connected to their RSO. Participating in Move Crew offers several benefits, including: 

  • Opportunities for RSOs to be awarded monetary awards ranging from $75-$150 
  • Having your RSO featured in one of Residential Life's weekly newsletters 
  • A chance to win gift cards 

Thursday, August 20th 
Shifts are from 8:15am-11:15am, 11:00am-2:00pm and 1:45pm-4:30pm. 
Come help for a shift or the entire day! 

Located on campus 

If you're interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Emily Ender, Assistant Director for Residential Education, at emily.ender@mnsu.edu or 507-389-2987 by July 24, 2026.   

Mankato Area Volunteer Opportunities

Looking to get off campus and serve the Greater Mankato Area Community? Here is what we have found. Area partners have one-time and ongoing needs. Each week we will highlight at least 3 area agencies who depend on volunteers. 
Check it out!

Food Rescue & Distribution 
South Central MN Food Recovery 

Help process recovered produce and meats and assemble ready-made meals for distribution by community partners. This is a great way to catch up with friends while making a BIG difference for our community, and no experience is necessary! 
One-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities 
See sign-up link for available dates and times 
515 North Riverfront Drive, Suite 220 Mankato, MN 56001 

Volunteer Sign-Up Link 
Located in downtown Mankato. Accessable by public transportation via bus #7 

Affordable Homes Access 
Habitat for Humanity 

Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer-dependent organization; without great volunteers like you, we cannot accomplish our mission of providing safe and affordable housing for hard-working families in South Central Minnesota 
One-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities 
See sign-up link for available dates and times 
1730 Bassett Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 

Volunteer Sign-Up Link 
Located in downtown Mankato. Accessable by public transportation via bus #7 

Emergency Housing 
Connections Emergency Shelter 

Interested in volunteering for local emergency housing care? From cooking and/or serving a meal, to filling in as a float volunteer to assist staff - we have opportunities for folks of all ages! 
One-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities 
See sign-up link for available dates and times 
800 S Front Street Mankato, MN 56001 

Volunteer Sign-Up Link 
Located in downtown Mankato. Accessable by public transportation via bus #7 

the words

Mavs in Action news

This week we had our last Mavs in Action event! Volunteers spread positive messages with chalk outside of the CSU to uplift fellow students as they enter into finals week. Thank you to everyone who helped out!

Although this was our last Mavs in Action event of the semester, there are still plenty of ways to get involved in your community over the summer. I encourage you all to keep making an impact and explore other ways that you can volunteer in your free time. 

Lastly, I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who showed up to any of our events this year. Volunteering makes a bigger impact than you can imagine and we couldn't do what we do without you all! 

Good luck on finals and roll Mavs!

Student Basic Needs Resources

Sodexo Swipe Out Hunger
Maverick Food Pantry
Campus Cupboard at Crossroads
Echo Food Shelf

  • accessible via bus route #7
  • online ordering available

Live bus tracker
MNSU Emergency Grant Resources
Off Campus Housing Resources