Opportunities From: City of Thornton - Volunteer Programs

Yardbusters is a summer volunteer program running from June 1 through October 1 that brings neighbors together to support income-qualified seniors and income-qualified individuals with disabilities. Volunteers are matched with a resident for the entire season and help with basic yard care such as mowing lawns, raking, light hand pruning, and weed removal. This assistance helps residents maintain safe, well-kept properties and remain in compliance with municipal codes.

Residents provide the needed tools and lawn equipment, and gloves are available to volunteers upon request. To meet code requirements, volunteers typically visit each home about twice per month during the growing season. Volunteers are welcome to participate on their own, with family members, or as part of a team—making Yardbusters a meaningful way to give back and strengthen our community.

For more information about becoming a Yardbuster, contact Belia at 303-255-7831.

Join Ward 2 Councilmembers Roberta Ayala and John Alge for a community clean-up at Grandview Ponds! This popular fishing and trail area is a valued community space, and we’d love your help keeping it beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back, connect with neighbors, and make a positive impact in the community. Gloves and water will be provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and come ready to help make a difference!

Date:  Saturday, July 18

Time:  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

We’re looking for community volunteers to help clean up and beautify the area surrounding this historic farm site. Volunteer activities will include painting fencing, picking up trash in the surrounding areas, and assisting with general site improvements. This space will one day be an environmental education area, and your support will help bring that vision to life.

Students: This is a great opportunity to kick off the new school year while earning community service hours for school requirements, clubs, jobs, and scholarship applications!

We will provide water, gloves, and any tools or materials that may be needed.  Please dress for outdoor activity. 

Duties may include:

Backpack & School Supply Distribution (10+ Volunteers)

Help students start the school year with confidence by distributing backpacks and school supplies while welcoming families with a smile.

Activity Guides (5 Volunteers)

Direct families between activities and help everyone find their next stop.

Haircut Check-In Team (4 Volunteers)

Be the connection between families and our volunteer barbers and stylists by checking in guests, collecting contact information, and texting them when it's time to return for their haircut.

Barber & Stylist Assistants (4 Volunteers)

Support our haircut team by sweeping between cuts, keeping stations clean, and assisting barbers and stylists so they can focus on serving families.

Eye Clinic Family Assistants (1–2 Volunteers)

Help families navigate the eye clinic by answering questions, providing directions, and serving as a friendly point of contact.

Vaccine Clinic Family Assistants (1–2 Volunteers)

Support clinic staff by guiding families through the vaccination process and helping create a welcoming, organized experience.

Food Service Team (4+ Volunteers)

Fire up the grill, serve meals, and help ensure every guest enjoys a delicious meal.

Meal Ticket Team (2 Volunteers)

Keep the food line running smoothly by collecting meal tickets and greeting guests.

Bounce House Monitor (1 Volunteer)

Help children have fun safely by supervising the bounce house and creating a positive, family-friendly environment.

Community Partner Support (1 Volunteer)

Assist one of our community partners at their resource table by welcoming visitors, answering basic questions, and helping them connect with valuable services.

Photo Booth Assistant (1 Volunteer) Help families capture lasting memories! Welcome guests, keep the line organized, and make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the photo booth.

Step outside, explore, and discover the incredible biodiversity right in your backyard at Niver Open Space! Join us for a hands-on BioBlitz, where community members team up with scientists to identify as many plant and animal species as possible—all in just a few hours.

With guidance from experts at the Butterfly Pavilion, you’ll learn how to spot and identify local vegetation, insects, and wildlife while contributing valuable data that supports conservation and helps us better understand our natural spaces.

We’re hosting two exciting BioBlitz events:

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious to learn something new, this is a great opportunity to connect with the outdoors, support local science, and be part of something meaningful. Come ready to explore!

Meet at the parking lot located at 88th and Conifer (north side of 88th Ave).  Water will be available.