Opportunities From: Connect2Community

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Supporting our Neighbors

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. Many families can’t stretch their budgets to afford the increasing costs of essential household and personal care items.

Building a DIY Supporting Our Neighbors Kit is a great way to provide essential items for families in need. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!

Supplies Needed: Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit). Items (Please include a minimum of five items per kit): Toilet paper Tissue Paper towel Laundry detergent Hand soap Bath/body soap Dish washing liquid Household cleaner Menstrual care products


Please note that one that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased, which items are selected and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30.

How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the supplies list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or unopened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where the online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies.


Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer, #LiveUnited, and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and family!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. Many families can’t stretch their budgets to afford the increasing costs of essential household and personal care items.

Building a DIY Supporting Our Neighbors Kit is a great way to provide essential items for families in need. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!

Supplies Needed: Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit). Items (Please include a minimum of five items per kit): Toilet paper Tissue Paper towel Laundry detergent Hand soap Bath/body soap Dish washing liquid Household cleaner Menstrual care products


Please note that one that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased, which items are selected and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30.

How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the supplies list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or unopened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where the online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies.


Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer, #LiveUnited, and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and family!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Children and Family Enrichment

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising. That includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school and bring families together for educational activities.


Building a DIY Children and Family Enrichment Kit is a great way to ensure all families have essential items to fuel educational experiences at home and spend quality time together. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
Items (Please include a minimum of five items per kit at any age/grade level.):
• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Puzzles
• Family games/cards
• Educational workbooks
• Children’s books


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10 to $30.

How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened/used.
• Build a minimum of five kits.

Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. We will also send you tips and tricks for where to purchase items and keeping costs down.


Sharing Your Progress:
• Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising. That includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school and bring families together for educational activities.


Building a DIY Children and Family Enrichment Kit is a great way to ensure all families have essential items to fuel educational experiences at home and spend quality time together. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
Items (Please include a minimum of five items per kit at any age/grade level.):
• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Puzzles
• Family games/cards
• Educational workbooks
• Children’s books


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10 to $30.

How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened/used.
• Build a minimum of five kits.

Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. We will also send you tips and tricks for where to purchase items and keeping costs down.


Sharing Your Progress:
• Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Infant Care

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. Many parents in our neighborhoods cannot afford the increasing costs of essential infant care items.


Building a DIY Infant Care Kit is a great way to provide essential items that will help families keep their children healthy. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).

Items to Package Together in the Kit:
•Baby wipes
•Diaper rash ointment
•Baby wash
Items to Keep Outside Kit:
•Diapers
•Formula


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $15 to $30.

How to Build Your Kit:

• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened/used.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
•Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where the online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. We will also send you tips and tricks for where to purchase items and keeping costs down.


Sharing Your Progress:
•Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. Many parents in our neighborhoods cannot afford the increasing costs of essential infant care items.


Building a DIY Infant Care Kit is a great way to provide essential items that will help families keep their children healthy. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).

Items to Package Together in the Kit:
•Baby wipes
•Diaper rash ointment
•Baby wash
Items to Keep Outside Kit:
•Diapers
•Formula


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $15 to $30.

How to Build Your Kit:

• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened/used.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
•Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where the online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. We will also send you tips and tricks for where to purchase items and keeping costs down.


Sharing Your Progress:
•Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Senior Care

Overview/The Need:

Most seniors who live in group residences spend long stretches of time alone – even those who are able to socialize regularly. And many seniors are still recovering from the additional isolation brought on by the pandemic.


Building a DIY Senior Care Kit is a great way to lift the spirits of seniors while providing resources to counter the effects of loneliness. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!

Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Items (Please include a minimum of three items per kit plus a greeting card.):
• Letter/greeting card with generic salutations
• Playing cards and/or small game sets (checkers, dominoes, cribbage, etc.)
• Activity books (crossword, word search, sudoku)
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Basic craft kits
• Large-print books
• Artwork by children and families (drawings/colorings)

Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased, which items are selected and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $7 to $25. 


How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of three items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened/used.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies.


Sharing Your Progress:
• Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:

Most seniors who live in group residences spend long stretches of time alone – even those who are able to socialize regularly. And many seniors are still recovering from the additional isolation brought on by the pandemic.


Building a DIY Senior Care Kit is a great way to lift the spirits of seniors while providing resources to counter the effects of loneliness. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!

Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Items (Please include a minimum of three items per kit plus a greeting card.):
• Letter/greeting card with generic salutations
• Playing cards and/or small game sets (checkers, dominoes, cribbage, etc.)
• Activity books (crossword, word search, sudoku)
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Basic craft kits
• Large-print books
• Artwork by children and families (drawings/colorings)

Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased, which items are selected and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $7 to $25. 


How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of three items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened/used.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.


Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies.


Sharing Your Progress:
• Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Learning at Home (Early Education)

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.


Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.


FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Letters
• Sight words
• Phonics
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Time/money
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused


WORKBOOKS
• Coloring books focused on animals, shapes, colors, letters, etc.
• Workbooks with games, learning exercises, letter tracing


BOOKS
• Children’s books focused on activities, vocabulary, friendship and learning


LEARNING GAMES
• Go Fish, matching games
• Blocks, puzzles
• Stringing beads, glue sticks, play dough


OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Small plastic bin to store items in
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Crayons


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30. Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores. 


Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic. (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)


How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!


Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local
nonprofit agencies.


Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer or #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.

Download DIY Project Guide to share with friends and family!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.


Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.


FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Letters
• Sight words
• Phonics
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Time/money
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused


WORKBOOKS
• Coloring books focused on animals, shapes, colors, letters, etc.
• Workbooks with games, learning exercises, letter tracing


BOOKS
• Children’s books focused on activities, vocabulary, friendship and learning


LEARNING GAMES
• Go Fish, matching games
• Blocks, puzzles
• Stringing beads, glue sticks, play dough


OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Small plastic bin to store items in
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Crayons


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30. Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores. 


Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic. (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)


How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!


Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local
nonprofit agencies.


Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer or #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.

Download DIY Project Guide to share with friends and family!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Learning at Home (K-2)

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.


Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!

Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.


FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Letters
• Sight words
• Phonics
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Time/money
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused


WORKBOOKS
• Reading readiness, sentence structure, reading comprehension
• Math skills, math focus


BOOKS WITH COMMUNITY AND FRIENDSHIP THEME
• Learn to read, beginner chapter books


LEARNING GAMES
• Uno, Mad Libs


OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Small plastic bin to store items in
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Pencils/pencil sharpener
• Crayons

Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30.  Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores. 


Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)

How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!


Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (Select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. 


Share Your Progress:

Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer or #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.

Download DIY Kit Project Guide

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.


Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!

Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.


FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Letters
• Sight words
• Phonics
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Time/money
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused


WORKBOOKS
• Reading readiness, sentence structure, reading comprehension
• Math skills, math focus


BOOKS WITH COMMUNITY AND FRIENDSHIP THEME
• Learn to read, beginner chapter books


LEARNING GAMES
• Uno, Mad Libs


OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Small plastic bin to store items in
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Pencils/pencil sharpener
• Crayons

Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30.  Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores. 


Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)

How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!


Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (Select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. 


Share Your Progress:

Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer or #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.

Download DIY Kit Project Guide

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: DIY Kits: Learning at Home (Grades 3-5)

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.


Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.


FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Sentence structure
• Punctuation
• Adjectives
• Nouns and verbs
• Multiplication
• Division
• Fractions
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused


WORKBOOKS
• Vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar
• Multiplication/division, fractions, measurements


BOOKS
• Novels, poetry, short stories


LEARNING GAMES
• Riddles, trivia, Brain Quest


OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Pencils or colored pencils
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Pencil sharpener
• Supply/pencil bag/box to store items in


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-30. Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores. 


Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic. (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)


How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!


Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (Select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. 


Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.

Download DIY Kit project guide and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.


Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!


Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.


FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Sentence structure
• Punctuation
• Adjectives
• Nouns and verbs
• Multiplication
• Division
• Fractions
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused


WORKBOOKS
• Vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar
• Multiplication/division, fractions, measurements


BOOKS
• Novels, poetry, short stories


LEARNING GAMES
• Riddles, trivia, Brain Quest


OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Pencils or colored pencils
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Pencil sharpener
• Supply/pencil bag/box to store items in


Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-30. Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores. 


Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic. (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)


How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.


Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!


Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (Select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies. 


Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer and #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.

Download DIY Kit project guide and share with your friends and families!

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48202

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: United Way Community Fulfillment Center: Distribution Volunteers

United Way Community Fulfillment Center

The United Way Community Fulfillment Center envisions a community where community members have seamless access to basic everyday essentials that are appropriate and of great quality through providing brand-new clothing, housewares, electronics, food and beverages, cleaning supplies, and home and automotive hardware. This program solely relies on donations from agency partners to support low-income families, local non-profit organizations, faith-based institutions, and grassroot community organizations within Southeastern Michigan. 

Our amazing Community Fulfillment Center's storeroom needs a couple of volunteers to assist clients and partners, sort donations, restock shelves, and perform light data entry tasks. Staff is available to direct volunteers every Wednesday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. We greatly appreciate your consideration and support! 

Volunteers will work with our site manager to welcome and assist clients, load donations into vehicles, sort donations, restock the shelves, complete data entry, and create a positive client experience. In addition, volunteers work directly with clients providing them with the basic needs and personal care items they need to support families in an uplifting and hopeful context.  

Both people skills and organization are important in the program.  Some Arabic language speaking skills are helpful but not necessary.  Volunteers will receive on-site training in all on-site processes.  Volunteers will gain valuable skills in customer service and warehouse maintenance. 

Volunteers may also assist with physical improvements to the space, including painting.

We are excited to offer volunteers the opportunity to receive training in disaster relief efforts. These trainings will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to effectively assist communities in times of crisis. By participating, you will learn about emergency response strategies, resource distribution, and community support techniques. Join us in this rewarding experience and become a vital part of our mission to help those in need during challenging times. Together, we can make a difference!

The program also hosts additional annual distributions for families and non & for-profit organizations, including perishable and non-perishables, brand-new clothing, houseware, electronics, beverages, cleaning supplies, household appliances, automotive hardware, and holiday gifts.  

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Questions? Contact Chris Taylor at (313) 226-9293 or Chris.Taylor@LiveUnitedSEM.org

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

United Way Community Fulfillment Center

The United Way Community Fulfillment Center envisions a community where community members have seamless access to basic everyday essentials that are appropriate and of great quality through providing brand-new clothing, housewares, electronics, food and beverages, cleaning supplies, and home and automotive hardware. This program solely relies on donations from agency partners to support low-income families, local non-profit organizations, faith-based institutions, and grassroot community organizations within Southeastern Michigan. 

Our amazing Community Fulfillment Center's storeroom needs a couple of volunteers to assist clients and partners, sort donations, restock shelves, and perform light data entry tasks. Staff is available to direct volunteers every Wednesday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. We greatly appreciate your consideration and support! 

Volunteers will work with our site manager to welcome and assist clients, load donations into vehicles, sort donations, restock the shelves, complete data entry, and create a positive client experience. In addition, volunteers work directly with clients providing them with the basic needs and personal care items they need to support families in an uplifting and hopeful context.  

Both people skills and organization are important in the program.  Some Arabic language speaking skills are helpful but not necessary.  Volunteers will receive on-site training in all on-site processes.  Volunteers will gain valuable skills in customer service and warehouse maintenance. 

Volunteers may also assist with physical improvements to the space, including painting.

We are excited to offer volunteers the opportunity to receive training in disaster relief efforts. These trainings will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to effectively assist communities in times of crisis. By participating, you will learn about emergency response strategies, resource distribution, and community support techniques. Join us in this rewarding experience and become a vital part of our mission to help those in need during challenging times. Together, we can make a difference!

The program also hosts additional annual distributions for families and non & for-profit organizations, including perishable and non-perishables, brand-new clothing, houseware, electronics, beverages, cleaning supplies, household appliances, automotive hardware, and holiday gifts.  

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Questions? Contact Chris Taylor at (313) 226-9293 or Chris.Taylor@LiveUnitedSEM.org

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48227

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Jan. 16: Celebrate MLK Day of Service with United Way!

United Way invites you to join us in a day of service to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by giving back to the community! 

Join us at Forgotten Harvest on Friday, Jan. 16, from 1 - 4 p.m. to help pack emergency food boxes and/or repack or sort fresh, nutritious food that will be distributed throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county.

This project is family friendly, but volunteers must be at least 10 years of age.Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Additional information, like where to park, what to wear, etc., will be emailed to all registered volunteers on Jan. 14.

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

United Way invites you to join us in a day of service to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by giving back to the community! 

Join us at Forgotten Harvest on Friday, Jan. 16, from 1 - 4 p.m. to help pack emergency food boxes and/or repack or sort fresh, nutritious food that will be distributed throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county.

This project is family friendly, but volunteers must be at least 10 years of age.Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Additional information, like where to park, what to wear, etc., will be emailed to all registered volunteers on Jan. 14.

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jan 16, 2026

Zip Code: 48237

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: 2026 Bennett Elementary Makerspace Volunteers (Community)

A Makerspace – also known as a STEM Lab - encourages computational thinking, fosters engineering design skills, supports STEM integration, builds collaboration and community skills, and introduces emerging technologies to students at various grade levels. These spaces can be their own unique location or can be integrated into existing spaces through mobile stations and kits. Students are encouraged to explore and understand STEM principles through experiments, observations, and working with their peers.

Makerspaces are designed around a school’s educational goals and include various stations focused on core learning areas. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is proud to partner with EY to create a Makerspace for students at Bennett Elementary in Detroit!

The aim of this project is to help create a space where students can engage in and experience hands-on learning in STEM principles. Every school's Makerspace may be different, but this space will include the following zones:

Arts & CraftsBuilding & LegosCoding & EngineeringInteractive & Problem SolvingSTEAM Gaming

Project and Volunteer Tasks Overview:

Room Preparation (Cleaning, priming and painting walls, organizing materials, etc.)Jan. 27, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 14 volunteersJan. 28, 1 - 4 p.m.: Shift full
Makerspace Installation (Assembling equipment, building furniture, staging the room, etc.)Feb. 3, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 15 volunteersFeb. 4, 1 - 4 p.m.: 7 volunteers
Makerspace Reveal (Facilitating activities with students in the Makerspace)Feb. 11, 2026 - 15 volunteers8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Volunteers may be handling power tools, using stepladders, and lifting boxes and furniture. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty.

Please note: Volunteers will need to complete and pass a background check for this opportunity. When you click the Respond button, you will be taken to the background check website to complete the check form. Once you submit your form and your check has cleared, we will follow up to direct you to complete your volunteer registration.

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

A Makerspace – also known as a STEM Lab - encourages computational thinking, fosters engineering design skills, supports STEM integration, builds collaboration and community skills, and introduces emerging technologies to students at various grade levels. These spaces can be their own unique location or can be integrated into existing spaces through mobile stations and kits. Students are encouraged to explore and understand STEM principles through experiments, observations, and working with their peers.

Makerspaces are designed around a school’s educational goals and include various stations focused on core learning areas. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is proud to partner with EY to create a Makerspace for students at Bennett Elementary in Detroit!

The aim of this project is to help create a space where students can engage in and experience hands-on learning in STEM principles. Every school's Makerspace may be different, but this space will include the following zones:

Arts & CraftsBuilding & LegosCoding & EngineeringInteractive & Problem SolvingSTEAM Gaming

Project and Volunteer Tasks Overview:

Room Preparation (Cleaning, priming and painting walls, organizing materials, etc.)Jan. 27, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 14 volunteersJan. 28, 1 - 4 p.m.: Shift full
Makerspace Installation (Assembling equipment, building furniture, staging the room, etc.)Feb. 3, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 15 volunteersFeb. 4, 1 - 4 p.m.: 7 volunteers
Makerspace Reveal (Facilitating activities with students in the Makerspace)Feb. 11, 2026 - 15 volunteers8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Volunteers may be handling power tools, using stepladders, and lifting boxes and furniture. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty.

Please note: Volunteers will need to complete and pass a background check for this opportunity. When you click the Respond button, you will be taken to the background check website to complete the check form. Once you submit your form and your check has cleared, we will follow up to direct you to complete your volunteer registration.

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48209

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Support Detroiters Losing SNAP Assistance

The City of Detroit is partnering with several food distribution locations throughout the city to support those in need.

Click here to view all available volunteer opportunities.

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

The City of Detroit is partnering with several food distribution locations throughout the city to support those in need.

Click here to view all available volunteer opportunities.

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48226

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Join a NAF High School Advisory Board

NAF is a national leader in career and technical education, transforming the high school experience through industry-focused academies. Our model provides students with experiential, hands-on learning opportunities that complement career-focused curricula, preparing them for college and career success.

We are in need of dedicated business and community leaders to serve on advisory boards that will work with local schools and students to build a stronger talent pipeline for our community. Please complete the survey via the link below to indicate the areas where you are interested in supporting career readiness for local students. We will follow up with you to provide more details about potential opportunities.

Click here to complete the survey. For any questions, feel free to email Dr. Arlene Williams, Director of Community Impact at NAF, at awilliams@naf.org. 

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

NAF is a national leader in career and technical education, transforming the high school experience through industry-focused academies. Our model provides students with experiential, hands-on learning opportunities that complement career-focused curricula, preparing them for college and career success.

We are in need of dedicated business and community leaders to serve on advisory boards that will work with local schools and students to build a stronger talent pipeline for our community. Please complete the survey via the link below to indicate the areas where you are interested in supporting career readiness for local students. We will follow up with you to provide more details about potential opportunities.

Click here to complete the survey. For any questions, feel free to email Dr. Arlene Williams, Director of Community Impact at NAF, at awilliams@naf.org. 

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Washtenaw County: Host a Book Drive with United Way

United Way works to ensure that families have the resources to help their children start school ready to learn and graduate prepared for success in life. We know that to ensure the future success of our region, we need to support our community’s children now.

Access to books is a key part of the equation, as research shows that children with access to ample reading materials have increased literacy at an earlier age and are more prepared for school at all levels. 

To celebrate Ann Arbor's bicentennial, United Way for Southeastern Michigan has set a goal to collect 200 books for organizations in Washtenaw county. Spanish language and bilingual (Spanish/English) books are of particularly high need!

If interested in serving as a book sponsor, select RESPOND or contact volunteer@UnitedWaySEM.org. 

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

United Way works to ensure that families have the resources to help their children start school ready to learn and graduate prepared for success in life. We know that to ensure the future success of our region, we need to support our community’s children now.

Access to books is a key part of the equation, as research shows that children with access to ample reading materials have increased literacy at an earlier age and are more prepared for school at all levels. 

To celebrate Ann Arbor's bicentennial, United Way for Southeastern Michigan has set a goal to collect 200 books for organizations in Washtenaw county. Spanish language and bilingual (Spanish/English) books are of particularly high need!

If interested in serving as a book sponsor, select RESPOND or contact volunteer@UnitedWaySEM.org. 

Community Partner: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 48104

Allow Groups: No