Voluntourism – volunteer travel – is an emerging trend that empowers travelers to lend a helping hand! Find inspiration in voluntourism, consider supporting a cause or designing a one-of-a-kind project that creates positive impact in Paducah.

Paducah School of Art & Design

Lend a helping hand and give back while visiting or meeting in Paducah.

Why Voluntourism?

All around the world, vacationers and meeting attendees are incorporating volunteer activities into their itineraries. From cultural immersion to teambuilding, the act of volunteering time to support a worthy cause benefits travelers as well as their host cities. Voluntourism contributes to the role tourism plays in achieving UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goals, locally and globally.

Below are just a few local voluntourism ideas to inspire individuals and groups alike. Contact us for help in getting connected or identifying additional opportunities, and explore our Event Planning & Groups portal for more Paducah planning resources.

Find a Cause

Volunteer with a Local Organization

Contribute manpower to further a cause by partnering with a local organization.

  • Plant apple trees with PROJECT POMONA, designed to help reduce food insecurity in a sustainable way.

  • Unite with volunteers from six states for the OHIO RIVER SWEEP, award-winning river clean-up organized by ORSANCO.

Empty Bowls Project Paducah

Creativity fuels the Empty Bowls Project of Paducah (Courtesy: Michael Terra, Terra Cottage Ceramics)
 

Support a Charitable Event

Attend one of many interesting Paducah events throughout the year that benefit local non-profits.

  • Glaze ceramic bowls with your team for the EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT OF PADUCAH, a beneftit for Paducah Community Kitchen.

  • Get a taste of western Kentucky's BBQ tradition while supporting teams cooking at BARBECUE ON THE RIVER to raise funds for dozens of charities.

Plan a Project

Coordinate a Charitable Drive

Promote teamwork and a little healthy competition with a charitable drive to collect goods for a worthy cause.

PaDucky Derby at Noble Park

"Adopt a duck. Save a life." PaDucky Derby Duck Race at Noble Park (Courtesy: Merryman House)
 

Design a One-of-a-Kind Social Impact Project

Take a cue from past Paducah meetings and events by teaming up with a local organization.

  • The American Quilter's Society collaborates with Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center to present PADUCKY DERBY. The Duck Race takes place annually at Noble Park during Spring QuiltWeek.

  • While meeting in Paducah, ROTARY DISTRICT 6710 CONFERENCE volunteers joined forces to package food. A coalition of regional organizations then distributed the goods to area youth.

Make an Impact

There are so many ways to make a difference in Paducah! Visit VolunteerPaducah.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities, charitable organization profiles and more creative impact ideas from the United Way of Paducah-McCracken County.