Volunteer and Serve

It's easy to get involved in Allen! From leadership groups to book clubs and social service organizations, you'll find a comprehensive mix of interests and needs. Use this page to find groups around Allen with opportunities to serve.

Arts and Culture

Historic preserved home located in Downtown Allen

  • Allen Arts Alliance: Supports and nurtures local arts and cultural groups who offer inspirational and entertaining experiences to our community
  • Allen Heritage Guild: This group oversees the Allen Heritage Center which offers events and resources related to Allen's history.
  • Friends of the Allen Public Library: Led by volunteers, this nonprofit group is dedicated to supporting Allen Public Library through fundraisers and programs.
  • VolunTeens: Teens age 13-18 can assist Allen Public Library in a variety of volunteer opportunities. VolunTeens are selected in April/May for summer positions and in August for school year positions.

Civic Organizations

Aerial photo of Allen water town during early sunset

Animal Services and Environment

Animal Control Officer playing with a dog in the outdoor play area at the shelter

  • Keep Allen Beautiful (KAB): This City board is supported by staff in the City of Allen Solid Waste Division. KAB offers a variety of volunteer programs, annual events and green initiatives.
  • Foster an animal in need: Allen Animal Services seeks fosters to care for animals with temporary medical needs, have behavioral issues, are too young for spay/neuter or are otherwise not ready for adoption. Fosters must pass a background check, attend orientation and complete training with a coordinator. Learn more by calling 214.509.4378.
  • Volunteer at Allen Animal Shelter: Volunteers age 18+ can assist at the shelter by walking dogs, playing with animals and helping with other tasks as needed. We seek long-term volunteers who can provide consistent care and assistance for our animals. Volunteers must pass a background check and attend an orientation and training. Learn more by calling 214.509.4378.

Parks and Recreation

Camp counselor painting a project with a young student

  • Allen Parks and Recreation offers volunteer opportunities for adults age 18+ and those seeking court-appointed service hours. Sign up for email updates on opportunities for youth volunteers and practicum students.
  • Allen Parks Foundation helps expand development and programming within Allen's park system and recreation facilities.

Public Safety

Allen police staff discussing an equipment display with a Citizens Police Academy participant

  • Citizens Fire Academy: Experience an inside look at Allen Fire Department during an 8-week course.
  • Citizens Police Academy: Experience an inside look at Allen Police Department during a 10-week course.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Includes training in fire safety, search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. CERT members may assist during certain local emergencies.
  • Junior Police Academy: Students entering grades 7 through 9 can experience law enforcement firsthand at this annual summer camp.
  • Summer Fire Academy: Students entering grades 5 and 6 can learn what it takes to become an Allen firefighter.