About Volunteer Thornton
In April 1997, the City of Thornton launched its first formal volunteer program, Volunteer Thornton, to coordinate volunteers who support programs and services across a variety of city departments. Today, Thornton is known for the strong spirit of service demonstrated by residents who actively contribute to the well-being of the community. That commitment is at the heart of what makes Thornton a great place to live and work, and volunteers continue to play an essential role in preserving our community's quality of life.
Volunteer Opportunities
Limited opportunities may exist for volunteers that work with the Active Adult Centers. Contact Jenny Ressl at 720-977-5852 for updated openings.
Opportunities for volunteers interested in helping with one or more various AIR Programs. This may include assisting with art classes, social activities, gymnastics, dance, archery, or sports. AIR volunteers may also partner with a participant with special needs in various recreation programs to help the program be inclusive of their needs. One hour per week for 5-10 weeks is the general commitment depending on the program.
A brief disability awareness training for all volunteers and background check for volunteers over 18 is required. Click below to apply for current AIR Programs:
- AIR Buds Volunteer (we have a few young adults interested in having a buddy - ages 16-24.)
- AIR Volunteer
- Special Olympics Bocce Ball Volunteer
Volunteers are used to assist staff with event set up, take down, supply replenishing, and providing public information. Look for these opportunities to be posted approximately 6 weeks prior to the event.
Summer:
Juneteenth
Celebrate Emancipation Day, the historic end of slavery in the United States, at this free, community event with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food trucks, and historical displays to honor freedom for all.
Pride
Celebrate Thornton's LGBTQIA+ community at this free, community event for everyone—families, friends, allies, and neighbors. Includes live entertainment, food trucks, resource organizations, and family-friendly activities.
Dino Fest
Celebrate the history of dinosaurs at this free event where kids of all ages can unleash their inner scientists through interactive STEM activities, hands-on exhibits, and dino-themed adventures for the whole family.
Sign Up as a Dino Fest Volunteer
Fall:
Dia de los Muertos
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at this free annual community event with live entertainment, food trucks, artisan market, decorative altar, face-painting, public art, and educational activities for all ages.
Public Art Panelist
The next Public Art Panel volunteer opportunities will be in late 2025 or early 2026. This page will be updated with more information at that time.
Public Art Panels meet up to two times per year. Panelists meet in-person for approximately 2.5 hours at the Thornton Arts and Culture Center. The panel reviews written statements and visual examples of previous works of art submitted by artists and determines the top artists (or artist teams) for upcoming public art projects.
You do not need to be an artist to volunteer on this panel. The panel considers not only artistic merit, but also durability, safety, and intent of the proposed art.
Learn more about the Public Art Goals and Commission Process.
Want to be involved in the decisions made in your community? If so, consider applying for a position on a Thornton Board or Commission. Please visit Boards & Commissions to learn more, view current vacancies, and submit an application.
- Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission
- Building Code Advisory Board
- Development Permits & Appeals Board
- Election Commission
- Judicial Appointment and Retention Advisory Commission
- Local Licensing Authority
- Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission
- Thornton Active Adult Board
- Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASCHO) Board of Directors
This is a coordinated company-wide or team-based volunteer event where employees dedicate their time and skills to community service projects.
We are happy to help organize an opportunity that aligns your group’s values with meaningful community impact. For more information, please call 303-255-783.
CERT is a national preparedness program for all interested community members, 18 years and older, that provides disaster preparedness and response education for all hazards and teaches basic skills in disaster operations, team organization, fire safety, basic first aid, medical operations, and team development.
CERT Basic Training is 24 hours of in-person training offered once a year, usually during the Fall/Winter months culminating in a Full Scale Exercise in the Spring. Applicants must complete all 24 hours of training and participate in the exercise meet the FEMA graduation requirement and become eligible to join the Thornton CERT Team.
As a CERT Team member you'll have opportunities to participate in specialized trainings, team meetings, leadership opportunities, special events, and deploy to real world emergencies and disasters.
For more information visit the Community Emergency Response Training Program or contact Ryan Doyle, Emergency Manager at ryan.doyle@thorntonco.gov.
Snowbusters
This seasonal volunteer opportunity runs from mid-November through mid-April. Volunteers are paired with income-qualified seniors in the community to provide assistance with snow removal, helping ensure they can safely access their homes throughout the winter months.
Yardbusters
This seasonal volunteer opportunity runs from June 1 through September 30 . Volunteers are paired with income-qualified seniors in the community to help with yard maintenance.
Produce Box Distribution
Volunteers assist with greeting residents, registration and check in, and assisting in helping residents carry produce boxes to their vehicles. This opportunity is posted beginning in late spring for distribution events throughout the summer.
Help with Produce Box Distribution
Back to School
Opportunities are posted mid-summer for volunteers to assist with collection, organization, packing, and distributing school supplies in early August.
End of Summer Bash Event Support
Pedey’s Presents
This community-driven holiday initiative by the Thornton Police Department helps families in need by providing new clothes and toys for children during the season. For more information or to coordinate involvement, contact Officer Kimberly Twinem at 720-977-5585 or email kimberly.twinem@thorntonco.gov.
Verified or documented volunteer service hours may be required for a variety of purposes, including school requirements or court-ordered community service. The process for completing these hours is the same as general volunteer service. However, we can provide official documentation of completed hours and help arrange additional volunteer opportunities that may not be listed in our general postings.
For more information, please contact 303-255-7831.
Adopt-a-Street
Volunteers can "adopt" a street by committing to periodically clean up litter along a designated section. Participants collect debris during scheduled cleanups, and staff will remove the bagged materials afterward. A recognition sign displaying the name of the participating organization or individual will be installed along the adopted street. For more information, please contact: Environmentalservices@ThorntonCO.gov or call 720-977-6312.
Adopt-A-Flowerbed (Horticulture)
The Adopt-a-Flower Bed Program enhances the community by creating attractive, well-maintained public spaces while offering residents a meaningful way to get involved. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in flower bed design, installation, maintenance, and seasonal care, developing valuable gardening skills while contributing to the beauty of shared spaces. To recognize their dedication and service, each adopted flower bed will feature a sign acknowledging the volunteer or group responsible for its care.
Arbor Day
Join us every spring in cultivating a greener, more beautiful city for everyone to enjoy.
Arbor Day is a national holiday typically celebrated during the last week of April. This year, we will celebrate the importance of trees with a tree planting. This is a great family friendly opportunity to make a difference!
Water, gloves, tools and staff expertise will be provided.
Friends of the Parks
The Friends of the Parks program fosters strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting and enhancing Thornton’s parks and green spaces. Community members, organizations, and groups are invited to adopt a park and collaborate with City staff to help maintain, beautify, and create welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Contact 303-255-7843 for more information.
A community cleanup involves gathering volunteers from the community to address litter and improve the condition of public areas. This can include activities such as picking up trash, cleaning parks, renovating playgrounds, or planting vegetation.
The primary goal is to enhance the local environment while fostering a sense of community and responsibility among residents. Look for these opportunities to be posted approximately 6-8 weeks before the event.
9/11 National Day of Service
This is a community project that varies annually and brings the community together for a day of volunteer service.
Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event held in mid-April that raises awareness and demonstrates support for environmental protection, conservation, and education.
Farmer's Highline Canal and Trail Cleanup
his annual event takes place in mid-March prior to the release of the water into the canal.
Special Cleanups
Special cleanup events are held throughout the year at various locations. Details about upcoming opportunities, including dates and locations, will be shared as they become available.
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocate volunteers provide on-scene crisis supports to victims and witnesses of violent crime, sudden death, and other emergencies. Becoming a Victim Advocate is a big responsibility, but the rewards are immeasurable! The training and experience is a huge asset for those wanting to go into the Criminal Justice Field.
Volunteers must complete 40 hours of initial training, work a minimum of three shifts of shadowing a staff or volunteer advocate, and a minimum of three-hours of shadowing in Dispatch. There will be quarterly in-service training and voluntary attendance of workshops and seminars available through the unit.
Girls Softball
Coaches needed for City of Thornton Girls Softball Program. We are currently recruiting volunteer coaches for the City of Thornton Girls Softball program which will run from April 25- July 29. Age divisions are 4-5 (tee ball), 6-7 (coach pitch), and 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-17 (player pitch). Please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov if interested or if you have any questions.