From classroom activities to field trips, school events, fundraisers and teacher appreciation, the school year is packed with opportunities to volunteer and get involved. But between work, family schedules, homework, sports and everything else on the calendar, finding time to volunteer can easily feel like one more thing you don’t have time for.

The good news? Supporting your child’s school doesn’t have to mean committing hours every week. Whether you have 30 minutes, one afternoon or a little time from your couch after the kids are in bed, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand.

Here are five ways to make school volunteering work with your schedule.

1. Decide What You Can Realistically Give

Before you sign up for anything, take a look at your calendar and decide what works for you. Maybe you can volunteer once a month, help with one big event each year or take on occasional tasks from home.

Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Schools, teachers and organizations like the PTA often have opportunities of all sizes. Being upfront about your availability can help you find something that fits without overloading your schedule.

2. Put Your Everyday Skills to Work

You probably have skills your school could use. Are you organized? Creative? Good with spreadsheets? A social media whiz? A talented baker? Someone who can make a room full of excited kids actually listen?

Look for volunteer opportunities that play to your strengths. You might help write a newsletter, organize supplies, design a flyer, manage event registration, take photos or help coordinate volunteers. Choosing something you already know how to do can make volunteering easier and more enjoyable.

3. Think One-Time Instead of All-Year

You don’t have to join a committee or make a yearlong commitment to make a difference. Look for one-time opportunities that fit naturally into your schedule.

Volunteer at a school festival, chaperone a field trip, help with picture day, lend a hand during teacher appreciation week or take a shift at a fundraiser. Even an hour or two can help, especially when lots of families pitch in.

If you enjoy the experience, sign up to help again!

4. Look for Ways to Help From Home

School volunteering doesn’t always require being at school during the day. Ask teachers, staff or your PTA whether there are jobs you can tackle on your own schedule.

You might assemble packets, prepare materials for an event, make phone calls, update a spreadsheet, create signs or sort fundraiser orders. Some tasks can even become a family activity. Depending on the project, older children may be able to help sort, count, organize or assemble materials with you.

5. Make Volunteering Part of Your Calendar

If volunteering matters to you, treat it like the other things that make it onto your calendar. Instead of waiting to see whether you magically “find” some extra time, choose an opportunity that works and block off the time in advance.

You can also team up with another parent and divide a job, alternate volunteer shifts or carpool to an event. A little creativity can make it much easier to fit volunteering into an already busy week.

Every Little Bit Helps

You don’t need unlimited free time to make a difference at your child’s school. Volunteering can be as simple as giving an hour at an event, completing a project from home or pitching in when your schedule allows.

Most importantly, find a level of involvement that works for your family. The goal isn’t to be everywhere or do everything. It’s to find small, manageable ways to connect with your child’s school community—and maybe have a little fun along the way!

Find more tips to fit volunteering for PTA into your schedule.