Undoubtedly, one of the best characteristics of the Park City is the enthusiasm locals have for supporting their fellow residents. If you're looking for ways to be a do-gooder around town this year, there's no lack of organizations in which to get involved. Following are a few of our favorite volunteer opportunities around town. 

The National Ability Center

The National Ability Center works tirelessly year-round to serve disabled individuals and families, offering instruction in everything from alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, indoor rock climbing, kayaking, and more. If you've been on the slopes, you've most certainly seen NAC volunteers and wondered what it's like to ski down a hill blind. Well, there's plenty of chances for you to get more involved, regardless of your own ability level. During the winter, the NAC is in need of volunteers in their mountain center office, as ski and snowboard instructors, peer partners, and more. 

You can find out all about volunteer opportunities by attending the NAC's General Volunteer Orientation on Thursday, Jan. 5th from 6-7:30 p.m., or going to one of their upcoming volunteer training sessions. 

Utah Olympic Park: Nordic Ski Championships

From January 30th to February 5th, the Utah Olympic Park and Soldier Hollow in Midway are hosting the 2017 FIS Nordic Junior & U23 World Cross Country Ski Championships. As the largest event at these venues since the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the nordic Junior Worlds is the a must for any fans of nordic sports. And for the 1000+ athletes and coaches, this is prime training ground for future Olympians. A successful event, however, depends on a vast network of volunteers doing everything from serving as venue hosts and medal ceremony assistants to working in food and beverage operations. This is great opportunity for someone looking for a unique, shorter-term volunteer experience.

Check the FIS event website for more information on how to get involved. 

Peace House Park City

Established in 1995, the Peace House focuses on creating a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and creating educational programs to bring awareness to domestic abuse within the community. The small staff is supported by a variety of volunteers working directly with clients as mentors, providing childcare, assisting with events, and helping with shelter needs, including grocery shopping, errand running, cleaning, and more. If you're looking for a highly service-driven volunteer opportunity, a chance to learn new skills, and one that is highly flexible, this might for you.

For more information contact [email protected] if you have any questions regarding eligibility and volunteer jobs.

Nuzzles & Co.

Snuggling with puppies and kittens? Yes, please. Those who love animals would be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend their time than volunteering with Nuzzles & Co., Summit County's animal protection organization. The nonprofit focuses on finding forever homes and giving animals a second chance as well as educating community members on humane treatment of animals. It was volunteers who built the Nuzzles & Co. ranch from the ground up and the staff there are constantly looking for people to help out with animal care, training and grooming, fostering, volunteering at fundraisers, writing articles for their newsletter, and more.

Volunteer jobs have a high degree of flexibility and offer the unconditional love only dogs and cats seem capable of, check out the Nuzzles & Co. website for more info and to apply. 

The Christian Center Park City

The Christian Center of Park City (CCPC) is another great organization to get involved in if you want to help with the immediate needs of the community on a regular basis. The Center caters primarily to Summit and Wasatch Counties, providing people with basic needs, particularly through its food pantry. Although the Christian Center partners with local churches, it does not have a religious affiliation and serves everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity.

Current volunteers needs include daily operations in both Park City and Heber Valley and anyone interested should contact volunteer coordinator Jessica Jarvis at [email protected] for more information. 

This by no means covers the dozens of opportunities available in Park City. Whatever you're passionate about in our little mountain town, there's a plethora of groups working here to make the community better. So get out there and get involved!