Opportunities From: Connect2Community

The Michigan DNR has an exciting volunteer opportunity this spring. We’re inviting you to join us in hands-on land stewardship by removing invasive garlic mustard plants from some of Southeast Michigan’s most high-quality natural areas. 

This season (spring 2026), we’ll be working in: 

Bald Mountain Recreation Area 

Brighton Recreation Area 

Highland Recreation Area 

Pinckney Recreation Area 

Waterloo Recreation Area 

Volunteering with the Stewardship Unit is a fantastic way to strengthen community connections, enjoy the outdoors and get active, and make a lasting impact on Michigan’s natural resources. Visit our site to learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/get-involved/volunteer-stewardship

Help keep our senior neighbors nourished! Our monthly food distribution needs volunteers to pack and place food boxes in cars. This opportunity takes place outside.

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our registration form, and someone will be in contact with you. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at volunteers@waynemetro.org

The Parent Volunteer Nutrition Aide Program allows parents and guardians to assist with food service and nutrition activities while receiving flexible scheduling and hands-on experience. Volunteers support meal service operations while learning about nutrition, safety, and CACFP compliance.

Parent volunteers may:

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our registration form, and someone will be in contact with you. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at volunteers@waynemetro.org

¡La Casa Amiga está buscando voluntarios apasionados y comprometidos para apoyar nuestro Programa de Educación para Adultos!

Help provide support to individuals and families in need across Macomb & Wayne Counties.  Distribution Associates will assist with organizing or delivering items for community distributions.

Monthly every second Saturday

Distribution Shifts: 

9-11 AM: Distribution Sorting

11 AM - 1 PM: Distribution

Preparation Shifts:

Inspectors

1st Monday & Wednesday monthly: 11 AM - 1PM 

1st Friday monthly: 10 AM - 12 PM 

Time Commitment

2 hours per shift

Please visit our website at elmsfamilyandcommunityservices.org to learn more about us.  Contact us at info@elmsfamilyandcommunityservices.org or 313-398-9445.

PURPOSE OF JOB: Plan party theme and purchase party supplies for children living at an emergency shelter. Able to raise or provide their own funds to purchase party supplies.

If you are interested in creating a Party Planner, please fill out our Volunteer Interest form, and someone will be in contact with you. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at volunteers@waynemetro.org

TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED: 2 HOURS, including:

+ watch short informational video about Wayne Metro, which can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/Yhqy_kTenKI

+ 1.5 hours estimated for doing volunteer job duties below

DUTIES

PURPOSE OF JOB: Plan and purchase home health and hygiene supplies for families moving into a new home after experiencing homelessness. Able to raise or provide own funds to purchase supplies.

If you are interested in creating a basket, please fill out our Volunteer Interest form, and someone will be in contact with you. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at volunteers@waynemetro.org

TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED:  2.5 HOURS including:

+ 15 minute virtual Wayne Metro Volunteer Orientation, which can be scheduled any weekday

+ 2 hours estimated to complete job duties

DUTIES

QUALIFICATIONS

LOCATION: REMOTE -You may do this volunteer job anywhere!

BENEFITS

Help keep our babies healthy and dry! Join our monthly diaper distribution and ensure that babies are cared for! Join us on the fourth Wednesday of every month and help distribute diapers and wipes to our Wayne Metro families in need! This is an outdoor distribution, so please dress for the weather.

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our Registration Form, and someone will be in contact with you with details. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at volunteers@waynemetro.org

The Children’s Healing Center is the first year-round recreation facility providing social and emotional healing for kids with weakened immune systems and their families in a safe, clean environment.

Perfect for individuals or small groups ready to roll up their sleeves—helping with cleaning, office support, data entry, lawn care, and maintenance/handyman tasks to keep our Center safe and welcoming for kids and families.

Please submit an application here: Children's Healing Center Special Projects Volunteer Application

The Children’s Healing Center is the first year-round recreation facility providing social and emotional healing for kids with weakened immune systems and their families in a safe, clean environment.

We utilize volunteers for all of our programs, but need extra help for our weekend programs from September through June. There are two Saturday programs (morning from 10-12 or afternoon 2-4) and two Friday night programs (6-8pm) each month. 

Volunteers will assist kids with art projects, playing games, serving snacks, and supervising free play.

All volunteers are subject to an interview, background checks and reference checks.

Please submit an application here: Children's Healing Center Volunteer Application

The Children’s Healing Center is the first year-round recreation facility providing social and emotional healing for kids with weakened immune systems and their families in a safe, clean environment. We utilize volunteers for all of our programs and would love for you to join us for a weekly shift at the Center.

Monday morning (9:30am-12:30pm) 

Tuesday evening (5:30-8:30pm)

Wednesday morning (9:30-12:00)

Wednesday afternoon (12:00-2:30)

Wednesday evening (5:30-8:30pm)

All volunteers are subject to an interview, background checks, and reference check. We also require a flu shot if you want to volunteer between December 1 and May 1.

Please submit an application here: Children's Healing Center Volunteer Application

Hello Community Partners,

My name is Janice Banks and I'm the Founder/President of "Looking at the whole picture foundation" that Connects Veterans and their Families to Community Resources.

Andrea Mitcham is still  in need of Wheel Chair Accessible Van. If you have resources/ programs that would help her  ( Veteran) assist in purchasing a Van for a well needed for her daughter. The Van will also elevate the stress of getting her back and forth to school, doctor's appointment, competions and afterschool programs.

I'm trying to assist a Veteran ( Andrea Mitcham) whose daughter (April) is in need of a Wheel Chair Accessible Van. ( their Van was lost in a flood) This is where you and the community can help.

She has a big concerns because she is unable to transport her daughter to things outside of her doctors appointment ( afterschool programs, competitions-which she is very active, etc.

She would like to see if there is someone that can assist in a "Free" / "Donated"  or a low cost or someone that can work with her to direct her to programs that assist Veterans directly or a child with a disability.

If there are anyone with any resources that can donate the above item to the mother to make her life easier in caring for her daughter.

You can reach out to me directly/ or  ( she  gives permission to contact her as well -See information below). I also add her telephone number and email  to this request.( see below)

Janice Banks

313 320-4237 janb1128@gmail.com

***Please see the additional detail information below that will help you to  better understand her needs and a little more background information about mom( Andrea) and her daughter (April).****

Bio for Andrea Mitcham & April Shaw Andrea Mitcham is an Honorably Discharged United States Army Veteran and a widowed, low-income single mother devoted to raising her two daughters. After completing her military service, Andrea continued her commitment to public service by working 11 years with the 3rd Circuit Court. During her pregnancy with her youngest daughter, April, Andrea unexpectedly lost her job—an event that would both challenge and ultimately reshape her life. Andrea became a full-time caregiver when April was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, a rare neuromuscular disease that causes profound muscle weakness and limits nearly every physical function. Doctors warned Andrea not to plan for milestones like college, but instead to prepare for the worst. Despite this devastating prognosis, Andrea remained steadfast in her love, advocacy, and determination to provide April with the fullest, happiest life possible. --- April Shaw, lovingly known as Princess April, is an exceptionally social, outgoing, and joyful 15-year-old 10th grader whose positivity shines despite the challenges of SMA Type 2. April has never been able to crawl, stand, or perform basic daily tasks independently—such as dressing, bathing, or using the restroom—and relies entirely on her wheelchair and her mother’s care. SMA also affects her breathing and swallowing, making even common illnesses dangerous and often requiring week-long hospital stays. Yet April refuses to let her condition limit her spirit or her dreams. A natural leader and compassionate role model, April has been a beacon of hope and inspiration from a very young age. She was crowned Little Miss Wheelchair Michigan in both 2017 and 2018, served as a 2018 Child Ambassador for Easter Seals, and played baseball with the Miracle League of Michigan, even throwing the opening pitch at a Detroit Tigers game in July 2019. She has been featured on WDIV Channel 7’s Ann Marie’s All-Stars and has proudly served as a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Child Ambassador since 2019, marking six years of continued service. Her message is simple but powerful: she believes deeply in friendship, love, and harmony. --- For many years, a wheelchair-accessible minivan allowed April to attend school events, participate in activities, enjoy time with friends, and experience the world with independence. Sadly, when Michigan experienced devastating floods, the family’s only vehicle was destroyed. Without accessible transportation, April has lost far more than mobility—she has lost her independence and the opportunities other teenagers take for granted, such as going to the movies, visiting friends, attending study groups, or even learning to drive alongside her peers. A dependable, used wheelchair-accessible van can cost $25,000 to $75,000, often requiring a car payment that Andrea simply cannot afford. The family is seeking help—resources, leads, or donations—to secure a reliable accessible vehicle so April can regain the independence she deserves. --- Andrea Mitcham and April Shaw Thank you for taking the time to learn about our family. Your support, prayers, and kindness mean more than words can express. God bless you.   See here contact information below:

Andrea Mitcham

248-763-9992

neweditiondrea@yahoo.com

Our amazing care team at Hope Clinic is looking for volunteer Clinicians available to help at our Westland and Ypsilanti free clinic locations. (Alternatively, we are also looking for clinicians who are willing to offer pro-bono services to Hope Clinic patients at their own offices.)

This is a wonderful opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your neighbors in need. If you are a licensed clinician, we hope you’ll consider volunteering and helping in our effort to make lives better!

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer *If you know of other clinicians who might be interested, please help us get the word out!

We are in need of help on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings at our Westland location and additional days/times at our Ypsilanti location. This is a wonderful opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your neighbors in need!

If you are a licensed registered nurse, we hope you’ll consider volunteering and helping in our effort to make lives better!

*If you know of other Registered Nurses who might be interested, please help us get the word out!

Our biggest need is for Tuesday afternoons, but we are also looking for additional folks on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. This is a wonderful opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your neighbors in need!

If you are a licensed registered nurse, we hope you’ll consider volunteering and helping in our effort to make lives better!

*If you know of other Registered Nurses who might be interested, please help us get the word out!

We are seeking dedicated Registered Dental Assistants to join our volunteer team and support our dental program at Hope Clinic.

Schedule

Responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

How to Apply
If you are interested, please fill out an application at https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer or email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@thehopeclinic.org.

Hope Clinic offers free medical care to those without insurance, and we need folks to help in the Pharmacy!

We are looking for Pharmacists/Pharmacy Techs or RNs who can come on a regular basis to help in the Pharmacy/Dispensary This is more of a physician’s supply closet and an RN can legally dispense meds under clinicians’ orders. We do not fill prescriptions that come from outside Hope Clinic.

Requirements:

Able to commit to a regular shift for at least a few months

Compassionate

Friendly and personable

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer

Hope Clinic is an amazing non-profit where the efforts of volunteers are effectively multiplied to help make lives better for those in need. Our dedicated volunteer care-providers truly provide a haven of help + healing.

Hope Clinic serves hot meals 6 nights per week out of our commercial kitchen. To keep everything in working order, the grease traps (2 of them) need to be cleaned on a monthly basis. It is a smelly job, but extremely important!

Note: One group member should be capable of lifting 50lbs high enough to put waste in a dumpster.

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a group volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer

Hope Clinic is working to reduce barriers to care for uninsured patients—and language access is a key part of that. We're building a list of interpreters we can call on when needed.

If you're fluent in any of these languages and willing to help, please:

Thank you for helping us make care accessible to all!

We hope to get an idea of each interpreter's availability, as well as if they can also read/write the language (not required), and if they require advance notice only. Please either include this info in the notes of your response, or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org

Our biggest need is for Tuesday afternoons, but we are also looking for additional folks on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. This is a wonderful opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your neighbors in need!

If you are a licensed registered nurse, we hope you’ll consider volunteering and helping in our effort to make lives better!

*If you know of other Registered Nurses who might be interested, please help us get the word out!

We are in need of help on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings at our Westland location and additional days/times at our Ypsilanti location. This is a wonderful opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your neighbors in need!

If you are a licensed registered nurse, we hope you’ll consider volunteering and helping in our effort to make lives better!

*If you know of other Registered Nurses who might be interested, please help us get the word out!

We are seeking dedicated Registered Dental Assistants to join our volunteer team and support our dental program at Hope Clinic.

Schedule

Responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

How to Apply
If you are interested, please fill out an application at https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer or email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@thehopeclinic.org.

Hope Clinic offers free medical care to those without insurance, and we need folks to be there for them when they walk in the door!

We are looking for volunteers who can come on a weekly basis to help answer phones, schedule appointments, check people in/out, etc. Hope Clinic has two locations - one in Ypsilanti and one in Westland/Wayne. People are needed at both!

The ideal people in this role are those with previous medical or front desk experience, but not required. What is required, though, is for someone who is:

- Able to commit to the same weekly shift for an entire year (due to the amount of training)

- Comfortable answering phones

- Able to operate in our three software systems (Practice Fusion, Quickbase, and CHAMPS - training provided)

- Detail-oriented

- Friendly and personable

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer

Hope Clinic offers free medical care to those without insurance, and we need folks to help in the Pharmacy!

We are looking for Pharmacists/Pharmacy Techs or RNs who can come on a regular basis to help in the Pharmacy/Dispensary This is more of a physician’s supply closet and an RN can legally dispense meds under clinicians’ orders. We do not fill prescriptions that come from outside Hope Clinic.

Requirements:

Able to commit to a regular shift for at least a few months

Compassionate

Friendly and personable

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer

Hope Clinic is an amazing non-profit where the efforts of volunteers are effectively multiplied to help make lives better for those in need. Our dedicated volunteer care-providers truly provide a haven of help + healing.

Hope Clinic serves hot meals 6 nights per week out of our commercial kitchen. To keep everything in working order, the grease traps (2 of them) need to be cleaned on a monthly basis. It is a smelly job, but extremely important!

Note: One group member should be capable of lifting 50lbs high enough to put waste in a dumpster.

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a group volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer

Hope Clinic is working to reduce barriers to care for uninsured patients—and language access is a key part of that. We're building a list of interpreters we can call on when needed.

If you have native-fluency or are certified as an interpreter in any of these languages, please:

Thank you for helping us make care accessible to all!

We hope to get an idea of each interpreter's availability, as well as if they can also read/write the language (not required), and if they require advance notice only. Please either include this info in the notes of your response, or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org

Meal delivery volunteers serve a critical role in our program and in the lives of our neighbors who are homebound due to their health status. Volunteers choose the day (Monday-Saturday) and frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, substitute) for volunteering. Meals are picked up at the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels office at 11:30am, and routes typically take 1-2 hours to complete. 

Meal delivery volunteer requirements:

All volunteers must complete AAMOW’s full volunteer onboarding process, which consists of the following:

The full onboarding process can be completed within 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly applicants are able to address each of the required tasks.

Personal Care Pantry Donations

AAMOW has a personal care items pantry that clients can access free of charge, and items are delivered with their meals. Donations of the following items for the pantry are being sought on an ongoing basis: 

Boxes of tissues  

Individually wrapped rolls of paper towel  

Individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper  

Laundry detergent (minimally scented) 

Antibacterial hand soap (minimally scented)  

Antibacterial dish soap (minimally scented)  

Antibacterial bar soap (minimally scented)  

Individual containers of disinfecting wipes 

Large print activity books (crossword, word search, sudoku, coloring books, etc.) 

Colored pencils or markers 

Card Donations

We welcome any quantity of non-religious cards or placemats with simple, uplifting greetings; below are some example messages. We appreciate if cards come without envelopes and are unsigned (we add a note that they are from a caring community member). Once received, they will be sent out to clients with their meal deliveries.  

Due to the diversity of our clientele, Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels typically steers away from phrases such as "I love you, you are loved, hugs, kisses, etc." on cards/placemats. Sentiments of kindness, care, positive humor, and joy are welcomed and appreciated!  

Example sentiments: 

Have a nice day! 

May your day be filled with joy. 

Sending you warm and caring wishes. 

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Your community cares about you!   

Hope this card brings a smile to your face. 

I hope you have a great day! 

Here is a card to help bring sunshine to your day. 

Thinking of you.  

Donations can be mailed or dropped off in the purple container in the foyer of our office between 8-11am and 12-4pm Monday through Saturday.      

Personal Care Pantry Donations

AAMOW has a personal care items pantry that clients can access free of charge, and items are delivered with their meals. Donations of the following items for the pantry are being sought on an ongoing basis: 

Boxes of tissues  

Individually wrapped rolls of paper towel  

Individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper  

Laundry detergent (minimally scented) 

Antibacterial hand soap (minimally scented)  

Antibacterial dish soap (minimally scented)  

Antibacterial bar soap (minimally scented)  

Individual containers of disinfecting wipes 

Large print activity books (crossword, word search, sudoku, coloring books, etc.) 

Colored pencils or markers

Card Donations

AAMOW welcomes any quantity of non-religious cards or placemats with simple, uplifting greetings. Below are some example messages. We appreciate if cards come without envelopes and are unsigned (we add a note that they are from a caring community member). Once received, they will be sent out to clients with their meal deliveries.  

Due to the diversity of our clientele, Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels typically steers away from phrases such as "I love you, you are loved, hugs, kisses, etc." on cards/placemats. However, sentiments of kindness, care, positive humor, and joy are welcomed and appreciated!  

Example sentiments: 

Have a nice day! 

May your day be filled with joy. 

Sending you warm and caring wishes. 

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Your community cares about you!   

Hope this card brings a smile to your face. 

I hope you have a great day! 

Here is a card to help bring sunshine to your day. 

Thinking of you. 

Cards, placemats, and new/unused personal care/pantry donations can be mailed or dropped off in the purple container in the foyer of our office between 8-11am and 12-4pm Monday through Saturday.     

Meal delivery volunteers serve a critical role in our program and in the lives of our neighbors who are homebound due to their health status. Volunteers choose the day (Monday-Saturday) and frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, substitute) for volunteering. Meals are picked up at the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels office at 11:30am, and routes typically take 1-2 hours to complete. 

Meal delivery volunteer requirements:

All volunteers must complete AAMOW’s full volunteer onboarding process, which consists of the following:

The full onboarding process can be completed within 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly applicants are able to address each of the required tasks.

As a Farmers Market Volunteer, you’ll assist with a variety of tasks, including working at the info booth, helping with customer counts, and supporting the smooth operation of the market. This is a great opportunity to engage with the community and contribute to the success of the market while gaining hands-on experience.

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!

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!

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!

CASA Volunteers are everyday citizens who are trained to represent the best interest children who are wards of the court due to neglect or abuse issues.  

Appointed by the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, CASA's watch over and advocate for children within the court system to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service structures or languish in inappropriate home settings.  Through weekly contact with the child and communication with the adults involved in the child's life, CASA's asses the child's needs, look for resources to address those needs and make recommendations to the court through their findings.

The CASA advocate provides a consistent voice for the child during Court involvement and a constant, reliable presence to the child at this time in their life. 

For more information on CASA, please visit www.casaoaklandcounty.org or contact bbaker-mbacke@carehouse.org 

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!

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!

La Casa Amiga is looking for volunteers to help with the distribution of emergency food boxes throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This is an outside volunteer opportunity. We will need volunteers to help collect information, direct traffic, and place boxes and groceries into trunks.
It is important that you wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes. Be mindful of the weather conditions as you will be outside. Consider bringing work gloves.
This opportunity will occur from 8:45AM -11:00 Am at the Casa Amiga Office 76 Williams St, Pontiac 48341.
Minimum 14 years old, Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We are asking any person considering volunteering to please practice necessary safety precautions: It is important to stay informed as these types of situations can be dynamic. If a volunteer opportunity is not appropriate for you and if you are interested in other ways that you can help, the latest information will be on our page https://www.facebook.com/LaCasaAmigaCommunityPrograms

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 one of the strongest predictors of early literacy and future academic success. Children who grow up surrounded by books have stronger vocabularies, develop reading skills earlier, and perform better throughout their school years. Yet far too many families in our community lack access to age‑appropriate, engaging books at home.

To help increase access to reading materials in our community, United Way for Southeastern Michigan manages several Little Free Libraries across our region. These libraries are stocked with books that families and children can take and enjoy, helping foster an early love of reading. We also distribute books through community events and to our community partners throughout the region.

United Way is seeking corporate partners and groups to host a book drive for new books that will be distributed to the community. There is no strict timeline for the book drives - we will work with you to develop a timeline that works for your group and the needs of the community.

After registering, we will provide a list of recommended books (which includes diverse genres, topics, and reading levels). Spanish language and bilingual (Spanish/English) books are of particularly high need!

To host a book drive, click RESPOND or contact volunteer@UnitedWaySEM.org. 

We could not fulfill our mission without the help of our volunteers! Giving back to the community by volunteering allows you to be a Friend In Deed for our neighbors in need, and for the community. It’s also a great way to gain a new, broader, and more unique perspective, and meet like-minded people.

Victory Garden Volunteer | Staebler Farm County Park, Superior Township | Year-Round
Staebler Farm County Park has a Victory Garden that is looking to be re-energized by MULTIPLE VOLUNTEERS to help support the Teaching Kitchen at the Michigan Folk School.
Victory Gardens, also known as war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks during World War I and II.
Detailed Information Flyer found here:https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/90ba08a8-9110-4c85-a1ea-3a96655be233

SPRING: 8-10 hours a week*
Clean-up garden beds, getting them ready for planting.

SUMMER: 3-4 hours a week*
Maintenance of the garden, including harvesting crops grown.

FALL: 1-2 hours a week*
Maintenance of the garden, including harvesting crops grown. Pest monitoring.

WINTER: Hours project-based
Garden Maintenance and planning.

If this opportunity sounds interesting to YOU, email parks-volunteering@washtenaw.org (VICTORY GARDEN in subject) or register online below.
NOTE: Registration constitutes an application of interest rather than official enrollment. After registering, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator with further information.
Volunteers ages 16+ welcome.
TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED. A basic understanding of gardening principles is needed. Multiple volunteer positions available. Most volunteer work will be done independently, depending on YOUR schedule.
*Hours are estimates and will be shared by multiple volunteers

Physical Intensity Level: Moderate

Register at this link: https://miwashtenawweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&keyword=volunteer&_csrf_token=jl6O016O0I6V213D3L3E2S5K5P665D4T08735X6F58156O3V5R6G1J6R5Y5C5771724M574Z075I484K5G1G5V4J5A5D066U5X5D6G6Z5M4B4W5J0H5O4Q55511K5V4I5F

Independence Lake County Park, Whitmore Lake | Tuesdays | 10:00am-12:00pm
Join our group with naturalist Faye Stoner to protect Independence Lake’s remarkable natural areas. As the season progresses, we’ll traverse prairie, woods, and a variety of wetlands, including sedge meadows, prairie fen, cattail marshes, and a buttonbush swamp. You’ll use loppers and saws to bust down shrubs and vines to protect these amazing natural spaces, while enjoying nature, fresh air, and exercise in a friendly community setting. Training, snacks, gloves, and water provided (bring your own water bottle).

Register online here:https://miwashtenawweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=5e528a9e9dcc8ad9720aef85be8af6b1c3be471d8f3c3fafc544c7445eb14fd4&keyword=volunteer&keywordoption=Matc
Youth volunteers welcome! Pre-registration required. Must be at least 11 years old for stewardship activities. For ages 11-15, parent/guardian must volunteer with child. For ages 16-17, parent/guardian signed permission slip required.

Physical Intensity Level: Moderate

County Farm Park, Ann Arbor | Select Fridays & Saturdays | Time Varies with Workday

Join our group to care for the land you live beside in a friendly community setting. This Winter, enjoy the warmth of community and warming exercise using loppers and saws to demolish invasive shrubs. Our work together makes a difference for birds, bees, and butterflies, while also beautifying Britton Woods and opening up views through the woods. Through this hands-on service-learning activity, you’ll get off-trail outdoor exercise and develop a sense of well-being in nature, all while building community with like-minded people. Group led by Jonathan Parker. Training, snacks, gloves, and water provided (bring your own water bottle).

Find Workdays and REGISTER ONLINE: https://miwashtenawweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=5e528a9e9dcc8ad9720aef85be8af6b1c3be471d8f3c3fafc544c7445eb14fd4&keyword=volunteer&keywordoption=Matc
For questions or cancellations, contact the volunteer team at parks-volunteering@washtenaw.org.

Youth volunteers welcome! Pre-registration required. Must be at least 11 years old for stewardship activities. For ages 11-15, parent/guardian must volunteer with child. For ages 16-17, parent/guardian signed permission slip required.

Physical Intensity Level: Moderate

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!

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!

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

In addition to forensic interviews and therapy services, CARE House of Oakland County offers ongoing support through programs such as our Family Support Group (FSG) and Nurturing Parent Program (NPP). These weekly evening programs provide children and caregivers with a safe space to build connections, develop healthy coping skills, and strengthen family relationships.

Before each session begins, families share a meal together — creating an opportunity to decompress after the day, connect with one another, and enter the evening’s programming feeling welcomed and cared for.

Meal Providers support our evening programs by preparing or purchasing dinner for participating families. This opportunity is perfect for individuals, families, community groups, student organizations, faith groups, or workplace teams who want to make a meaningful impact but may not be able to commit to ongoing weekly volunteering.

Meal Providers are responsible for:

All meals are served on:

Providing a meal is a simple but powerful way to support children and families on their healing journey — helping create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

What is CARE House of Oakland County? We are the sole Child Advocacy Center serving children and families in Oakland County, MI who have experienced abuse and neglect. Our team works to ensure that every child who walks through our doors receives compassionate support, advocacy, and access to the services they need to begin healing in a safe and child-focused environment.

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.  

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

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. 

Join us for a fun and engaging Youth Volunteer Day, hosted by the Growing Hope Teen Leadership Program! This summer series runs every Tuesday from June 30 to July 28, from 10 AM - 12 PM, offering youth ages 11-17 the chance to

Work on the farm and learn about urban agriculture
Connect with other youth in your community
Take home fresh produce grown with your own hands
Gain a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction

Help grow fresh food for your community while building skills and making a difference. Come get your hands in the soil and be a part of the change!

Drop-off & Supervision:
Parents/guardians drop off and pick up youth at Growing Hope for each session. The event is fully supervised by trained adult staff, all of whom have completed background checks. Signed waivers are required for participation. Youth will be in a safe, supportive environment while learning, working, and having fun on the farm!

Bradford Academy’s Board is a small, dedicated group of four to five members who work collaboratively to support the school’s mission and long-term success. The board meets monthly at the school and provides thoughtful oversight, guidance, and leadership to help ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.

Board members play an active role in governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning. They help guide important decisions, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and support policies and practices that align with the school’s values and goals.

Serving on the board is a meaningful way to contribute time, expertise, and perspective. Board members help shape both the day-to-day health of the school and the long-term vision that supports students, staff, and families for years to come.

Looking to make a difference in student lives? We are searching for a dedicated, passionate individual to join our School Board of Directors. If you’re interested in joining the board, please send an email to cherylpaull@choiceschools.com

Bradford Academy’s Board is a dedicated group of members who work collaboratively to support the school’s mission and long-term success. The board meets monthly at the school and provides thoughtful oversight, guidance, and leadership to help ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.

Board members play an active role in governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning. They help guide important decisions, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and support policies and practices that align with the school’s values and goals.

Serving on the board is a meaningful way to contribute time, expertise, and perspective. Board members help shape both the day-to-day health of the school and the long-term vision that supports students, staff, and families for years to come.

If you have a passion for education and supporting student success, we kindly ask that you email our Superintendent, Cheryl Paull at cherylpaull@choiceschools.com with the subject line: School Board Interest.

Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who help the Alzheimer's Association provide consumer education. These volunteers deliver prepared presentations on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Community Representatives raise awareness of our programs, provide basic information, and link consumers to services. They liaise between the Association and local business, civic or faith groups.

Unity Adventure Foundation (Michigan-registered 501(c)(3)) is seeking University of Michigan student volunteers to support ethical community fundraising efforts that raise donations for Michigan families in need.

Volunteers will engage respectfully with community members at approved locations and events, share Unity’s mission, explain how donations directly support food and housing assistance programs, and invite optional contributions through secure donation methods (QR codes, kiosks, and online platforms).

This role emphasizes transparency, professionalism, and dignity. No pressure tactics, no commission-based solicitation, and no misrepresentation. Training, scripts, and supervision are provided to ensure all fundraising follows charitable compliance standards and best practices.

Volunteers gain hands-on experience in nonprofit development, public communication, and community engagement while making a real measurable impact in Michigan.

Time commitment is flexible (2–6 hours per week or one-time events).
Ideal for students interested in business, public policy, communications, social work, public health, psychology, or nonprofit leadership.

Volunteers are needed to protect the Great Lakes and other waterways. The Coast Guard is the primary federal response organization for marine pollution, and it receives more reports of pollution than it can respond to. As a volunteer environmental response investigator, you will be trained in the marine science of pollution and environmental protection law. Your job is to initially document a spill, assess its magnitude, forecast the consequences, recommend a cleanup strategy, identify who is responsible, and monitor the situation. (Note: environmental response investigators do not clean up pollution themselves.) Environmental response investigators may also participate in the response to natural disasters, mass casualties, and ship collisions. Environmental response investigators may choose to be on call for emergencies, or they may focus on simulations and trainings which have a predictable schedule. This job does not usually involve interacting with the public.

Benefits

This opportunity provides professional training relevant to maritime careers, environmental science, and/or boating, and will provide a boating license (in Michigan, called a boater education card). Working at a federal agency can be helpful for future government careers. You can achieve certifications in many areas, including leadership, that can be used on your resume. Successful participants are eligible for internships that offer course credit. You will receive insurance coverage and liability protection while volunteering. You will receive base exchange shopping privileges in Detroit and online. Training will be provided at no cost.

Qualifications

No prior experience is necessary. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a uniformed service – you must be willing to acquire and wear a uniform in a professional manner. It is not necessary to serve on a boat: this job includes important work in a variety of settings. Because of this, your physical ability usually does not limit participation. If you incur expenses to volunteer (such as travel, uniforms, or meals if necessary) these are not usually reimbursed by the Coast Guard. US citizenship is required. 

Timing

Your hours and locations are varied and can be flexible, except for check-in/training meetings usually held Wednesdays at 7pm (these meetings can be done via Zoom). 

Process

Due to the training provided, this is a long-term opportunity. Initial training generally takes at least six months and includes a background check. If you express an interest you will be invited to visit a meeting as a guest and to discuss your interests and availability.

Join us Saturday, June 27th at Frog Island for a park cleanup! Help pick up litter and do a little maintenance of the park.   Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as weather-appropriate gear such as drinking water or a rain jacket; the event may be cancelled in the case of severe weather. On-street parking is available on Roosevelt, we'll meet up at the tennis courts.  Registration is welcomed but not required.

Join us Saturday, July 25th in Recreation Park off Congress Street for a park cleanup!  Help pick up litter and do a little maintenance of the park.   Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as weather-appropriate gear such as drinking water or a rain jacket. Off-street parking is available off Congress at Oakwood, we'll meet up at the pavilion. Registration is welcomed but not required

Join us Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Riverside Park off Cross Street for a park cleanup!  Help pick up litter and do a little maintenance of the park.   Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

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 one of the strongest predictors of early literacy and future academic success. Children who grow up surrounded by books have stronger vocabularies, develop reading skills earlier, and perform better throughout their school years. Yet far too many families in our community lack access to age‑appropriate, engaging books at home.

To help increase access to reading materials in our community, United Way for Southeastern Michigan manages several Little Free Libraries across our region. These libraries are stocked with books that families and children can take and enjoy, helping foster an early love of reading. We also distribute books through community events and to our community partners throughout the region.

Click here to purchase books from our Amazon wishlist.

Do you like traveling with a dog companion?

Dog Transport Drivers use Leader Dog vehicles to provide safe, timely, efficient travel for Leader Dog dogs in training, breeding stock dogs, or puppies to and from the Leader Dog campus. This includes local or regional transportation, as well as in-state and out-of-state travel for dogs coming in for training, including dogs raised at correctional facilities. Transport drivers will also pick up puppies and breeding stock that have been donated to Leader Dog. Some drives require overnight travel.

Volunteers may choose the drives they wish to pick up but at least one drive per quarter is required, several times per month is desirable.  Volunteers in this role provide a vital service and save valuable time and money for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Qualifications:

TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, please use the following link: https://www.volgistics.com/od/25879/assignment/68/profile

REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS - DETROIT MEMBERSHIP DESCRIPTION

In order to further the Read to a Child mission, regional board members generously volunteer their time, funds, ideas, and expertise to the organization. Specifically, members work to raise the profile and reach of the organization by engaging other corporate leaders and donors to support the organization’s work. The regional board is comprised of 12 members and includes a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. Members serve two-year, renewable terms. The regional board is an advisory entity, while the National Board of Directors holds legal responsibility for fiduciary oversight.

Organizational Overview

Read to a Child is a centralized national nonprofit organization, headquartered in Boston, MA and operating programs in five locations: Boston, Hartford, Detroit/Pontiac, Los Angeles, and Miami. The organization is governed by a national Board of Directors comprised of business and education leaders from across the country. The organization is led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is joined by staff members at headquarters and in all field locations. Detroit's team is lead by a Regional Director, Program Manager and a part-time staff member (the Program Coordinator) works on-site at every school where Read to a Child operates its Read Aloud Mentoring Program (formerly known and the Lunchtime Reading Program).

Read Aloud Mentoring Program

Read to a Child’s flagship Read Aloud Mentoring Program matches a caring adult with a schoolchild for a rewarding, read aloud experience, often during the child’s lunch break. The program provides a straightforward mechanism for citizens to become engaged in educational outcomes for students, increasing children’s prospects for becoming healthy, productive members of society.

Regional board members will:

Read to a Child is a national literacy and mentoring non-profit that fosters a love of reading, improves literacy skills, and empowers underserved children by inspiring adults to read aloud to them regularly. Research shows that reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for eventual success in reading, a key factor for success in school, work, and life.  When an adult reads aloud to a child, both parties have a joyful, rewarding experience that instills a love of reading, improves literacy skills, and enhances a child’s self-confidence. 

WHAT IS NEEDED? Volunteers are needed to serve as reading mentors for Kindergarten through fourth graders at local schools during their lunchtime. The goal is to instill a love of reading and provide social-emotional support.

WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE? WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? Mentors attend 30 minute reading sessions with their student once a week or every other week through the end of the school year.

WHERE DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE? Volunteers participate in sessions at one of partner schools (https://readtoachild.org/locations/detroit/participating-schools-detroit/).

HOW ARE THE CHILDREN SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM? Teachers select specific students to participate in the Read Aloud Mentoring Program because they are 1) behind their age group in reading proficiency; 2) would benefit from the attention of a caring adult; 3) and/or English is their second language.

I’VE NEVER BEEN A READING MENTOR. WILL I RECEIVE ANY TRAINING? Yes. All volunteers will attend an information and training session prior to beginning the program.

ONCE I JOIN THE PROGRAM, WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A QUESTION OR CAN’T MAKE IT TO MY SCHEDULED READING SESSION FOR THE WEEK? The Read Aloud Mentoring Program is well-managed by a Program Coordinator staffed at each site. If you have questions, or cannot make it to your reading session you can call the Program Coordinator to notify them and reschedule where possible.

Are you handy and have some time? Help us cross out building and maintenance items off our to-do list! Things include, minor painting, furniture building, fixing minor breaks, cleaning, putting up signs, moving furniture, organizing supplies, checking on various building systems operations.

Tasks are ongoing, and could be anywhere from 4-10 hours per week. Please contact me (VIcky) for questions or setting up a schedule that works for you! :)

Overview: Learn about the benefits of plant-based diets for the environment and environmental justice. Then, brainstorm a campaign aligned with Switch4Good’s mission and branding to push for a more dairy-free world, focusing on environmental motivators. Generate the outline of your proposed campaign and create sample assets. 

Overview: Learn about the benefits of plant-based diets for environmental and social justice. Choose popular meals from on-campus eateries and learn how they can be made plant-based. Research emissions saved from making the recipe plant-based rather than animal-product-inclusive. Communicate and propose the resources and your recipes to dining staff at your university.

Position Summary
The Volunteer Coordinator is a volunteer role. 

This role builds positive relationships with volunteers, strengthens community engagement, and ensures that all volunteer activities align with the organization’s mission and goals.

Develop and implement strategies to attract a diverse pool of volunteers.

Maintain up-to-date volunteer postings on relevant platforms.

Deliver training materials, resources, and ongoing support to an already in place volunteer system.

Maintain the volunteer calendar and schedule individuals and groups for events and programs.

Communicate with volunteers regarding upcoming opportunities and needs via sign up genius platform.

Coordinate facilitators and provide guidance and problem-solving for their volunteer shifts.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and appreciative environment for volunteers.

Gather feedback to continually enhance the volunteer experience.

Track volunteer hours and participation in the volunteer management system.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Proficiency with email platforms, spreadsheets, and volunteer management software (or willingness to learn).

Time Commitment: 3-hour shift
Location: Underserved school or community site

Free Book Fair Facilitators help bring the joy of reading directly to students by setting up and running a free book fair at an underserved school. Volunteers create a welcoming, positive experience where every child gets to select free books to take home and keep. This is a hands-on, high-impact role that supports literacy, choice, and excitement around reading.

Set Up the Book Fair:
Arrange books on tables by grade level or category; help create an inviting and organized display.

Guide Students Through Book Selection:
Welcome each class, explain how the fair works, assist children in browsing, and ensure every student receives their allotted number of free books.

Engage Positively With Students and Staff:
Offer encouragement, answer questions, and create a fun atmosphere that celebrates reading and book ownership.

Maintain Flow & Organization:
Keep tables stocked, tidy, and easy to browse as classes rotate through.

Support Fair Operations:
Help manage lines, keep count of books distributed if needed, and assist teachers or staff during class transitions.

Pack Up Afterward:
Help consolidate leftover books, break down tables or displays, and load materials for transport.

Enjoy working with children and creating joyful experiences.

Comfortable in busy school environments.

Able to lift and carry boxes of books (typically 20–30 lbs).

Friendly, patient, and enthusiastic about literacy and equity.

Punctual and dependable for the full 3-hour shift.

By helping run a free book fair, volunteers directly support reading access and help students build their own home libraries—often for the first time. Your presence ensures a smooth and meaningful experience for hundreds of children.

The Ypsilanti Thrift Shop, a local all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit, is in need of volunteers to help in our Marking room.  In this position you would be responsible for receiving, sorting, marking/pricing, and displaying donations for sale. You may also assist with bi-annual changeover and other duties as needed. You would also enjoy first dibs to purchase donated items! This is a very sociable and fun way to give back to the community as all of our net proceeds are donated to local charities and people in need. Schedule based on your availability within our hours of operation.

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.

Food drives are a great way to engage your group and support food-insecure neighbors. At Hope Clinic, our choice-based pantry lets clients select the items for themselves—promoting dignity and empowering them to make decisions based on their needs and tastes.

We accept unexpired, shelf-stable items, including:

We encourage donations of the same quality you'd buy for your own family—brand-name or organic items show our clients we believe they should get the very best.

For ideas and more information, visit our website https://thehopeclinic.org/projects/2020/11/12/how-to-host-a-food-drive

Our amazing care team at Hope Clinic is looking for volunteer Clinicians available to help at our Westland and Ypsilanti free clinic locations. (Alternatively, we are also looking for clinicians who are willing to offer pro-bono services to Hope Clinic patients at their own offices.)

This is a wonderful opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your neighbors in need. If you are a licensed clinician, we hope you’ll consider volunteering and helping in our effort to make lives better!

If interested, please either respond to this posting or email volunteer@thehopeclinic.org. We will get back to you with more information!

Or, fill out a volunteer application on our website: https://thehopeclinic.org/volunteer

*If you know of other clinicians who might be interested, please help us get the word out!

Food drives are a great way to engage your group and support food-insecure neighbors. At Hope Clinic, our choice-based pantry lets clients select the items for themselves—promoting dignity and empowering them to make decisions based on their needs and tastes.

We accept unexpired, shelf-stable items, including:

We encourage donations of the same quality you'd buy for your own family—brand-name or organic items show our clients we believe they should get the very best.

For ideas and more information, visit our website https://thehopeclinic.org/projects/2020/11/12/how-to-host-a-food-drive

Hosting a food or personal care drive is a meaningful way to bring your group together while directly supporting survivors and families rebuilding their lives. At First Step, we promote dignity and choice—allowing families to select the items that best meet their needs and preferences.

With recent and future funding cuts, we have an urgent need for support as families face the holidays. Your donations can help ensure survivors and their children have nourishing meals, personal care items and other critical supplies during this time.

Unexpired, shelf-stable items needed, such as:
Canned goods: fruits, vegetables, soups, proteins, coffee
Dry goods: cereals, pasta, rice, baking items, snacks
Condiments & spreads: sauces, spices, nut butters
Personal care & household essentials: hygiene products, paper products, diapers, cleaning supplies

Please check expiration dates on all items before dropping them off.

For more information, visit our website https://www.firststep-mi.org/donate/mostneeded/ or contact Barb Davis at bdavis@firststep-mi.org. A more detailed Donation Guide can be provided.

**Please use this link to sign up: https://pointapp.org/orgs/7540**

Hospitality House serves over 900 households each month through its client-choice food pantry, allowing families and individuals experiencing food insecurity to choose the items that best meet their needs. In 2024, Hospitality House distributed more than 1.2 million pounds of food and supported over 5,000 community members.

Volunteers are needed to help the pantry run smoothly. There are two primary roles:

Shopper Assistant:

Stocker:

Available Shifts (multiple dates):

Mondays: 11:45 AM – 4:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Tuesdays: 12:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Thursdays: 9:45 AM – 2:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM

2nd and 4th Saturdays: 9:45 AM – 2:00 PM

To sign up for your preferred shift, please use the link above.

Join a community of mentors helping students grow through patient, one‑on‑one support and joyful, well‑designed learning experiences.

Looking to put your coding skills to work for real impact? Join VolunQueer, a groundbreaking global platform connecting LGBTQIA+ folks and allies with safe, affirming volunteer opportunities. We’re building a community-driven app from the ground up—and we need creative developers like you.

As a Full Stack Developer, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with modern technologies (AWS, Django, Python, JavaScript, React), collaborating with a team, and shaping features that will directly empower organizations and volunteers. Think profile systems, event tools, group features, and more. Your code will literally build community.

This is more than a project, it’s a chance to learn, experiment, and leave your mark on something meaningful. Whether you’re polishing your portfolio, expanding your skillset, or just want to geek out while making a difference, this is for you.

Join us to code change, spark connection, and help create a platform where everyone belongs.

Looking to put your coding skills to work for real impact? Join VolunQueer, a groundbreaking platform connecting LGBTQIA+ folks and allies with safe, affirming volunteer opportunities. We’re building a community-driven app from the ground up—and we need creative developers like you.

As a Full Stack Developer, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with modern technologies (AWS, Django, Python, JavaScript, React), collaborating with a team, and shaping features that will directly empower organizations and volunteers. Think profile systems, event tools, group features, and more, your code will literally build community.

This is more than a project, it’s a chance to learn, experiment, and leave your mark on something meaningful. Whether you’re polishing your portfolio, expanding your skillset, or just want to geek out while making a difference, this is for you.

Role Overview
We’re seeking passionate Volunteer Developers to support the design and build of our platform. This is a collaborative role where you’ll contribute directly to the development of features that connect people to meaningful service. You’ll work with our team of organizers, designers, and fellow developers to bring ideas to life.

Responsibilities

Contribute to development of our React frontend and AWS backend (Amplify, Lambda, RDS, S3).

Write clean, maintainable code in JavaScript/TypeScript and Python.

Assist with API integrations, data modeling, and automation.

Collaborate with UX designers to create intuitive user experiences.

Participate in code reviews and brainstorming sessions.

Document processes and share knowledge with the team.

Qualifications

Familiarity with React and/or AWS (helpful but not required).

Python skills a plus.

Interest in social impact, LGBTQIA+ community, and technology for good.

Willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to a startup-style project.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on experience with full-stack development and cloud infrastructure.

Opportunity to build portfolio-worthy projects with real-world impact.

Networking with technologists, nonprofits, and queer leaders.

The chance to be part of an inclusive, mission-driven community.

Time Commitment
Flexible, 5–10 hours per week. Remote contribution with optional team calls.

Join the VolunQueer development team and help us shape the future of LGBTQIA+ volunteer engagement. We are seeking UX Designers and Full Stack Developers with experience in Python, JavaScript, and React to design intuitive user experiences, build dynamic front-end components, and support our back-end systems. Volunteers will collaborate with our core team in an agile, supportive environment where your work directly impacts community connection and inclusion. This is a flexible, project-based opportunity—ideal for those who want to contribute their skills to a meaningful mission while growing their portfolio and professional network.

Food Pantry Assistant manages the daily operations of a food pantry, including coordinating food acquisition, managing inventory, distributing food to clients, and ensuring compliance with food safety and program guidelines. This role involves direct client interaction, administrative tasks like data entry and reporting, and collaborating with donors and other organizations to support community members facing food insecurity.

With the colder weather here and the holiday season fast approaching, we need all the help we can get to serve those in need of food support in our community. Please consider giving an hour or two of your time to help run Inkster's only client choice food pantry! 

For more information please visit our website here: https://www.operationrefuge.org/mothers-pantry/

BCI helps homebound seniors receive their Focus: Hope grocery boxes. Each month, on the Friday after the 4th Thursday you can deliver between 6 to 8 Focus: Hope boxes of groceries. Choose to come every month? Then you're able to receive the same route and form a connection with the seniors. This is a wonderful way to make a huge impact every month or once in a while. 

Each box weighs around 30 lbs and typically can fit in the backseat of a sedan and trunk. Orientation required. 

ACC is a proud food distribution partner of Forgotten Harvest. Our location serves an estimated 200+ individuals weekly. Distribution takes place every Thursday morning from 8:30am - 12:30pm or until supplies last. 

Volunteers are needed to assist with unloading and organizing the food items into boxes inside our warehouse and distributing to clients in attendance. Currently we are operating as a drive-thru and walkup system, where the food is loaded directly into clients' cars or carts. 

Volunteers will work primarily outdoors unless sorting food in our warehouse; please dress according to the weather and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Close-toed shoes recommended. Lifting boxes of 25+ lbs is often involved, but there are frequently smaller/lighter items to be sorted as well. If accommodations are needed, please let us know.

Help us set up and execute our food pantry at Towner! The pantry is on the first Wednesday of each month. Food typically arrives from Food Gatherers at 1:00pm, it is unloaded and set up in the community room til the pantry opens at 2pm and goes til 4pm. We could use your help unloading, organizing the food that is received, displaying food, checking residents in, walking residents through the pantry, and walking food to the homes of the seniors at Towner.

We serve hot meals Mondays - Fridays that are delivered from a caterer.  We need someone to receive and temp the meals, keep them at the correct temp, serve and clean up. The volunteer could work one day a week or all 5 days.  

In a nutshell: Our Corner Store Volunteers help connect patrons to much-needed resources, including fresh food, hygiene and household items, and more! The Corner Store, located in the basement, is a free resource for both Corner patients and the community, at large. The Corner Store Volunteer will manage the overall functioning of the Corner Store during their shift.

Time Commitment:

At least 3 hrs/wk. This is a weekly shift – the same day and time each week – ideally with intention of staying for at least a few months. *We are not open on weekends.

Duties: Tasks may vary depending on which shift is being worked.

Qualifications:

Training:

We are committed to providing crucial resources to our clients, ensuring their basic needs are met during challenging times. Through this volunteer role, you have the opportunity to actively contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming environment in our various material aid areas. By assisting with stock management and organization in our food pantry, clothing room, and hygiene area, you play a vital role in supporting individuals facing crises and helping them gain stability.

Activating your care in this way will help serve more people and serve them better. Creating an environment that is looked after well, invested in, and welcoming, is also showing respect, investment, and care for those using it. 

We are seeking volunteers that can come in during a weekday. This role is ideally filled by someone who can come in on a recurring basis. This could be once per week, once biweekly, multiple times per week, etc.

We are seeking compassionate individuals who can bring their love, care, and cleanliness to create a clean and inviting kitchen space for our Soup Kitchen. By dedicating your time to deep and detailed cleaning, you will contribute to the smooth operation of our kitchen, enabling us to serve our community with even greater impact. Your efforts will directly benefit the hundreds of community members who rely on our Soup Kitchen every Sunday.

While this role may not be the most visible, it plays a vital part in ensuring that our Soup Kitchen can fulfill its mission of making meaningful impacts. Your commitment to maintaining a clean, polished, and organized kitchen will help us serve more people and enhance the quality of their experience.

We would ideally like for the same volunteer (or two) to come in once per week. This volunteer(s) could come in anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Our food pantries are open Monday through Friday to all community members facing food insecurity. We are looking for volunteers to help at our West (1915 Pauline Blvd) and Carpenter (2650 Carpenter Rd) locations. Volunteers will help process and organize food deliveries from our partner, Food Gatherers, as well as assist clients with shopping at the pantry.

We are looking for a minimum three month commitment.

A brief interview, photo ID, and proof of immunizations is required.  A background check will be conducted for all volunteer positions.

JFS has an urgent need for grocery delivery drivers to provide food assistance to our most vulnerable community members.

As a driver, your responsibilities extend beyond delivering essential nourishment; you also serve as an invaluable extension of JFS, ensuring the well-being of the individuals you serve.

Help us set up and execute our food pantry at Sauk Trail Pointe! The pantry is typically on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month. Food typically arrives from Food Gatherers at 9:30am, it is unloaded and set up in the community room til the pantry opens around 11am and runs til 2pm, or everything has been distributed. We could use your help unloading, organizing the food that is received, displaying food, checking residents in, walking residents through the pantry, and loading food into cars and delivering to nearby homes.

Every 1st & 2nd Friday of the month from 1pm-3pm

Every 1st & 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am-12:30pm. 

Are you looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community? Redford Interfaith Relief invites you to join our dedicated team of volunteers at our Client Choice Food Pantry. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.

Available Positions:

Receiving Associates: Responsible for handling incoming products and preparing them for storage or distribution. Wednesday 12:00PM-3:00PM.

Personal Shoppers: Assist clients in selecting food items based on their preferences and dietary needs. Volunteers for this role are needed Thursday and Friday 9:30AM to 2:30PM.

Stocking Associate: Help restock shelves with donated food items to ensure that our pantry is well-stocked and organized for clients. Volunteers for this role are needed Thursday and Friday 9:30AM to 2:30PM.

Loading Assistant: Aid clients in loading their selected food items into their vehicles, providing essential support as they prepare to take their groceries home. Volunteers for this role are needed Thursday and Friday 9:30AM to 2:30PM.

Requirements:

A commitment to serving the community with compassion and respect. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of volunteers and clients. Availability during the specified volunteer hours. Volunteering once per week is optimal.

Benefits:

Fulfillment in knowing that you are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity. A supportive and welcoming volunteer environment where your contributions are appreciated.

How to Apply:

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer with Redford Interfaith Relief, please email Kathy Wood at Volunteers@RedfordInterfaithRelief.org with your name, preferred position(s), and availability during the week. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and working together to support those in need in our community.

Thank you for considering this volunteer opportunity with Redford Interfaith Relief. Together, we can help alleviate hunger and promote dignity for all.

Zaman Culinary Arts Kitchen - Hope for Humanity Center: 26091 Trowbridge St., Inkster, MI 48141

The kitchen is looking for volunteers:  Tuesdays , 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Shifts are 2 - 4 hours

Fill out Zaman's volunteer application here or email volunteer@zamaninternational.org. We hope to see you soon!

The Community Resource Center offers an open-choice food pantry in Manchester, MI. The pantry is open for in-person shopping by appointment. Shoppers may also call in the grocery orders and schedule a time to pick up.  Volunteers are needed to assist shoppers in the pantry and fill phone orders.  Volunteers also maintain the food safety by stocking donated food and keeping the pantry clean.  Volunteers delivery groceries within our service area. 

Volunteers are also needed to work in the office, answering the phones and taking grocery orders.   Volunteers work a 3 hour shift, either 9am-noon or noon-3pm, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, or 12-3pm or 4-7pm on Tuesdays.  Volunteers usually work once per week basis, though some split shifts with other volunteers. 

Volunteers are also needed to staff information tables at special community events.  

CRC is located in a school and background checks are required (the school does the background check).