Opportunities From: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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

Remaining 2025 Dates: December 13th

2026 Dates: January 10th, February 14th, March 14th, April 11th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th, August 8th, September 12th, October 10th, November 14th, and December 12th.

Shifts:

 8 - 10 AM Packers

11 AM - 1 PM Distribution Team

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.

Volunteers will perform one or more of the following general farm chores depending on the time of year:

·        Spring cleanup

·        Drip irrigation installation

·        Plastic mulch installation assistance

·        Weeding

·        Planting

·        Harvest container cleaning

·        Harvesting

·        Bagging produce for transportation/distribution

·        Field cleanup

·        Rock removal

·        Remove irrigation and plastic mulch

*Volunteers who are 14-17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult chaperone*

DRESS CODE

Our top priority is the safety and comfort of our volunteers. While we recommend long pants and long sleeves to help prevent skin irritation from plants and grasses, we understand that weather conditions vary. Some days can be hot and humid with limited shade, and we have never turned anyone away for wearing shorts. That said, please be aware that poison ivy is present throughout the farm property. Volunteers typically work inside the fenced areas, while poison ivy is most commonly found along the tree lines.

Please review the following required and suggested items before coming to the farm:

REQUIRED

·        Closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes)

·        Secure footwear (no slip-on shoes)

·        No tank tops

SUGGESTED

·        Hat

·        Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or light jacket

·        Rain gear

·        Boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy

Weather can change quickly—it may be 30°F in the morning and 80°F by the end of the day. Dressing in layers is always a great way to be prepared.

*All tools, gloves, ice water, bug spray, and sunscreen are provided. If you’d like to contribute, donations of water, gloves, sunscreen, or tools are always welcome.*

**If you have allergies to anything you may encounter on the farm (such as bees) and require an EpiPen, please bring it with you and notify farm staff upon arrival.**

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

To date, Brilliant Cities has reached more than 24,000 children and caregivers, raising reading levels by an average of three grade levels per child. Since 2016, the model has expanded to 24 neighborhoods in Detroit, launched a hub in Pontiac, and is currently expanding to Philadelphia.

We’re inviting volunteers to join us in turning our mission into action. Whether reading one-on-one or with a group, painting a room, organizing our book library, or sorting in-kind donations, our hubs have meaningful volunteer opportunities that arise throughout the year, and we would love to welcome you!

Current volunteer opportunities

Brilliant Clothing Closet Organization 

Each Brilliant hub offers free clothing to families in need, helping build confidence and a sense of belonging by ensuring they have appropriate attire, which can be especially important for school success and positive social interactions. Clothing Closet volunteers impact our communities by helping to create an organized and welcoming space that supports smoother operations and makes clothing easily accessible for Brilliant participants. With support from hub staff, volunteers will review donated items for quality, condition, and seasonal fit, categorize them by type and size, and help create a department store style shopping experience for our community. This role involves standing, bending, reaching and moving around for most of the shift. Multiple locations and flexible scheduling available, please inquire.

-

Brilliant Osborn Organization & Redesign 

Flexible scheduling; please inquire 

Our Osborn hub is preparing for a spring cleaning day to organize the free community clothing closet in the basement and sort and rearrange items stored in the garage. This effort will help ensure the hub’s spaces are accessible for regular programming, that our Brilliant families can easily navigate the clothing closet, and that everything is ready for our upcoming summer day camp. We're currently looking for a group of about 6-10 volunteers to join us, with half working in the garage and half in the basement. This project will involve moderate to heavy lifting.

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Brilliant Dexter-Linwood Basement Organization Project

Help create a welcoming and efficient space for our Brilliant participants! We're looking for volunteers to assist with organizing the basement of our Dexter-Linwood hub which is home to our free community clothing closet. Volunteers will assist with assembling shelving units, sorting totes, and organizing clothing by size. Your efforts will help us maintain a welcoming, clutter-free environment, making it easier for community members to access the resources they need. Flexible scheduling available; please inquire. (Volunteer groups welcome!)

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Brilliant Cody Rouge Hub Organization

We’re seeking volunteers to help organize our storage and programming areas. Tasks include assembling shelving units, and storing totes—some heavy lifting required. Your volunteer efforts will support smoother operations and ensure resources are accessible in a clutter-free environment. Flexible scheduling available; please inquire.

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Brilliant Brightmoor Organization & Redesign 

Our Brightmoor location is currently looking for volunteers to help organize basement rooms, assemble shelving units, and properly store totes to declutter and sort items. Volunteers will assist in creating storage solutions and ensuring our programming areas remain clean and functional. Tasks may include lifting and moving boxes, sorting supplies, and organizing materials. Volunteers are needed weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Volunteer groups welcome!)

Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry is seeking dedicated regular volunteers to fill positions in our intake office during weekdays. We are one of the largest client choice food pantries in Michigan. We provide assistance to many families. Do you enjoy working with and helping folks? Do you like speaking to people both in person and on the phone? Skills that are useful to this position are customer service, managing phone calls, data entry, scheduling appointments, as well as helping clients find available resources in the area.

Shifts are available on Mondays 9am-noon, 1pm-4pm, or 4pm-7pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am-noon or 12pm-3pm. Ideally, the volunteer is willing to commit to one 3-hour shift per week

If you are seeking a fulfilling way to give back to the community, please contact us. We will promptly get in touch, answer questions and provide additional information.

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.

Team GUTS is looking for volunteers to come help our participants with encouragement and having fun. Volunteers will move along with our participants and "buddy up" to create a more fun environment while getting in some great exercise. No dance experience is needed and like that saying says:  "Dance like no one is watching".

Description of our class:

Team GUTS Cardio Dance Fusion is a combination of Jazz, Hip Hop, Latin, and Zumba styles of dance designed to provide easy movements, free range of motion and low impact footwork that can improve coordination, flexibility and cardio health. Experienced instructors use fun and energetic music to provide a creative and inclusive workout.

Our classes run on Saturdays.

todd@teamgutsmichigan.com

Helpful volunteers will assist older adults with both selecting and shopping for their monthly commodities, as well as loading prepacked food boxes and additional food commodities into vehicles. Volunteers will also replenish the supplies/commodities for distribution.

Friendly and patient volunteers are all welcome for this opportunity. Individuals or small groups (up to 5) are ideal. This is a moderately physical activity. Long periods of active moving and standing may occur.

Tasks:

Attire: We suggest volunteers dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. No open toe shoes, leggings, shorts, tank tops/sleeveless shirts. 

Additional Information: There is limited storage space, please leave personal items in a secure place. 

Parking & Entering the building: Parking is located directly next to the building at 1300 Oakman Blvd. Use caution when parking and when crossing the lot - this is the same parking lot where participants will be picking up their food. Enter through the automatic doors at the front of the building on Oakman Blvd.
 
If you get lost or need to speak with someone, please call the main volunteer line at 313-494-4270. For an immediate response, please call ‪(313) 494-4714.

Volunteer Department
Phone: 313-494-4270 
E-mail: volunteer@focushope.edu 

***COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE participants must complete orientation and be approved for this assignment*** Orientation is held only on Friday's at 10:30 am At Main Campus 1400 Oakman Blvd. Detroit, MI 48238 (No appointment required)

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 typically be completed within 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly applicants are able to address each of the required tasks.

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.

Grocery help could be help grocery shopping and/or picking up donations from Forgotten Harvest and other locations that donate food to HAVEN.

Pantry help could be making sure non-perishable items are dated and stocked properly, helping unload, portion, and put away perishable grocery items. 

Background check would be required before volunteers begin, agency will cover costs. 

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

Scio Woods Preserve, Scio Township, Friday 04/24, 1pm-4pm

Draper-Houston Preserve, Milan, Friday 05/08, 1pm-4pm

Explore Washtenaw County's beautiful diversity of spring wildflowers and enjoy a hands-on service-learning activity removing spring invasive plants.

Participants will be led by Parks Staff, getting off-trail and spending their time hand-pulling and removing invasive plants.

Training, snacks, gloves, and water provided (bring your own water bottle)

APRIL

*FRIDAY, April 24: Scio Woods Preserve, Scio Township, 1pm-4pm

Website to learn more about Scio Woods (https://www.washtenaw.org/395/Kidder-McKeachie-Scio-Woods-Preserve)

MAY

*FRIDAY, May 8: Draper-Houston Preserve, Milan, 1pm-4pm

Website to learn more about Draper-Houston (https://www.washtenaw.org/366/Draper-Houston-Meadows-Preserve)

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

Physical Intensity Level: Moderate

Register at this Website: https://miwashtenawweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=5e528a9e9dcc8ad9720aef85be8af6b1c3be471d8f3c3fafc544c7445eb14fd4&keyword=volunteer&keywordoption=Matc

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

At Avalon, housing is a human right. Our mission is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon Housing is a non-profit supportive housing provider. Supportive housing is a combination of affordable housing paired with services, such as case management. We don’t just help people find housing, we help people stay and thrive in their homes.

If you are passionate about creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities where all people are welcome, Avalon may be a good fit for you.

Support Avalon Housing through a Property Beautification Day! Join our grounds team on a clean up day at one of our many supportive, affordable housing properties. You can participate with your friends, family, community group, or co-workers, helping beautify our properties with seasonal clean up, planting, and weeding.

Want to double your impact from a Property Beautification Day? Consider purchasing native plants or making a restricted gift to support beautifying our properties! To donate native plants, please contact John Slowey, Avalon’s Senior Groundskeeper, to learn about which native plants are needed at jslowey@avalonhousing.org.

Job Title: Service Day Volunteer

Reports To: Aleah Pisarz, Volunteer Program Coordinator

Location: On-site at one of our properties located around Washtenaw County

Compensation: This is an unpaid and voluntary role. However, any direct and approved expenses related to the role will be reimbursed.

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants including applicants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as historically marginalized groups. This includes but is not limited to underrepresented gender identities, sexual/romantic orientations and/or relationship structures, people living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and with lived experience with homelessness or recovery from a substance use disorder, and people with underrepresented religious and/or socio-economic backgrounds. Avalon also encourages those with criminal histories to apply. Avalon doesn't request information about criminal histories until an offer of employment is extended. Avalon will not exclude someone based on criminal history unless it is determined the criminal history is related to or directly conflicts with the responsibilities of the position. We are committed to transparency about our decision making process, and will seek clarifying information from an applicant to help us make a determination in this regard.

Volunteers will support Central Detroit Christian’s Breakthrough Afterschool Program by helping create a safe, engaging, and encouraging environment for youth. Volunteers will work directly with students on a variety of enrichment activities that promote academic success, creativity, and healthy physical activity.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

Homework Support: Provide one‑on‑one or small‑group assistance to students as they complete daily homework assignments, offering guidance, encouragement, and positive academic reinforcement.

Reading Support: Read with students or listen to them read to help build literacy skills, comprehension, and confidence.

Arts & Creative Activities: Assist with structured art projects and hands‑on creative activities that allow students to express themselves and develop fine motor and creative thinking skills.

Sports & Recreation: Support staff in facilitating organized sports and physical activities designed to promote teamwork, fitness, and fun.

Positive Engagement: Serve as a role model by building supportive relationships, encouraging positive behavior, and helping maintain a welcoming, inclusive space for all participants.

Ideal volunteers enjoy working with youth, are patient and dependable, and bring enthusiasm to helping students learn and grow.

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’s Seasons of Caring connects individuals, groups, corporations and labor partners to meaningful volunteer work. Each season, we focus on one area where volunteers can make a big impact.

The spring season is focused on ensuring students have access to reading materials to build life-long literacy skills. In honor of Global Volunteer Month, United Way and SOS Community Services are co-hosting a volunteer project to increase access to reading materials through literacy kits.

Volunteers will assemble literacy kits for families in the Parents as Teachers program. Each kit supports one child for months in reading, language and bonding activities with their families and caregivers.

These kits will be distributed through home visits and group connections, and include:

To register to volunteer, click the yellow respond button at the top of the page.

At United Way, 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.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, we have nearly 9,000 books in storage. Volunteers are needed on April 22, 2026 from 2 – 4 p.m. to sort and organize these books so that they can easily be distributed to schools, community partners, and United Way’s Little Free Libraries throughout the region.

By helping us organize this large collection, volunteers ensure that every child, family, and community partner can quickly access the right books at the right time. Your efforts will directly support literacy programs and keep our Little Free Libraries filled with engaging, age-appropriate books.

Volunteers Will:

This project is family-friendly, however, a parent or caregiver must complete a volunteer waiver for each minor and remain on-site for the duration of the project to supervise the children in their care. To register, click on the yellow Respond button at the top of the page. Want to bring a group? Have everyone register individually or click on Respond as a Team.

Join us as we gift new books to elementary school students to help them grow into strong readers!

United Way for Southeastern Michigan is partnering with Scholastic, Inc. to host several My Home Library Book Fairs at local elementary schools throughout the year. At these book fairs, students will get to pick out free books to take home with them to create a home library.

Volunteers are needed at Mann Learning Community in Detroit to:

To register to volunteer, click Respond at the top of the page. Lunch will not be provided so please plan to bring snacks and a lunch (if you sign up for multiple shifts). There will also be a break if you prefer to go out and get your lunch.

Volunteers are required to complete a background check per Detroit Public Schools district policy. After registering, volunteers will receive the background check form to complete.

Sign up today to be a part of this impactful event!

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY LOCATED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Our donation center has a direct and meaningful impact on the community. We provide support to vulnerable populations as well as essential resources to those we are in need. Without the support of our committed volunteers, providing services to over 225 people daily would not be possible.

Our donation warehouse supports this mission by providing essential hygiene items and appropriate clothing to meet basic needs and protect against harsh weather.

Working in the donation warehouse will consist of counting and recording inventory, sorting donations by category, organizing donations, and unboxing donations for our Day Center and Bridge Housing Campus.

Since this opportunity takes place in a warehouse setting, all volunteers must wear close toed shoes and long pants. 

*During the winter months, temperatures in the warehouse can vary significantly. We recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable during temperature swings.

No prior warehouse experience is necessary; we will provide training at the beginning of the shift.

Corporate, parish, community, and college groups are welcome to volunteer together by clicking "Respond as a Team" for the date you'd like to join us!

Instructions - Getting to the Donation Center

*Click here to learn more about PFC: The Pope Francis Center

Mealtime creates a sense of community for our guests and an opportunity for fellowship. Our communal dining and nutritional menu provide very real health benefits. Without the support of our committed volunteers, preparing and serving meals for 200+ individuals would not be possible.

Volunteer Meal Teams assist Chef in the preparation of meals for Bridge Housing residents and guests of the Day Center. Meal Teams will also serve meals to residents, and assist with clean-up at the end of service. 

As this opportunity takes place in an industrial kitchen setting, all volunteers must wear close toed shoes and long pants. 

No prior kitchen experience is necessary; all training will be provided on-site at the beginning of your shift. 

Corporate, parish, community, and college groups are welcome to volunteer together by clicking "Respond as a Team" for the date you'd like to join us!

*Click here to learn more about PFC: The Pope Francis Center

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. 

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

To date, Brilliant Cities has reached more than 24,000 children and caregivers, raising reading levels by an average of three grade levels per child. Since 2016, the model has expanded to 24 neighborhoods in Detroit, launched a hub in Pontiac, and is currently expanding to Philadelphia.

We’re inviting volunteers to join us in turning our mission into action. Whether reading one-on-one or with a group, painting a room, organizing our book library, or sorting in-kind donations, our hubs have meaningful volunteer opportunities that arise throughout the year, and we would love to welcome you!

Below is a list of current volunteer opportunities available at our Pontiac location. To view our ongoing/flexible opportunities happening across all of our locations, please view our general opportunities page linked here. 

Current volunteer opportunities: 

Monthly community dinners:

Next date: Thursday, March 19nd from 3:30-7 p.m.

Brilliant Pontiac’s monthly community dinners offer a welcoming space for neighbors to connect over a shared meal, meaningful conversation, and a sense of belonging. These dinners are designed to strengthen community ties in a warm, inclusive environment. We are looking for volunteers to help set up the dinner area, welcome community members to our Brilliant Pontiac home, plate and serve food, manage fun and interactive child enrichment activities, and assist with cleanup by returning event materials to their original spaces.

-

Clothing closet organization:

Flexible timing; please inquire

Brilliant Pontiac hosts a community clothing closet that provides free clothing to those in need, helping to boost self-esteem by allowing individuals to feel confident and included with appropriate attire. This is especially crucial for families facing clothing insecurity, as it can positively impact academic performance and social interactions. Volunteers are needed to help assess and organize clothing donations; some heavy lifting is required for this role. 

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Our O’Hair Park hub is looking for a volunteer to support their weekly 'Distribution Day' where Brilliant families can access essential items such as fresh produce, clothing, books, and diapers. These events are designed to help parents meet their children’s needs with dignity, care, and ease. Volunteers play a key role in making Distribution Days successful by helping create a welcoming and well-organized environment so that our families can focus on selecting the items that are most meaningful to them.

Distribution Days will take place each Thursday, from 4-6 p.m.

To help address food insecurities in our community with compassion and dignity, PFC has partnered with Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan to open a Food Pantry onsite at the Bridge Housing Campus. As a Client Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families as they access nutritious food through a shopping experience in the Pantry.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Warmly welcome clients to the pantry

Guide clients in selecting pantry items based on the USDA Balanced Plate Model

Help clients schedule future appointments.

Assist with stocking shelves and maintaining a clean and orderly site.

Qualifications:

Helpful and cooperative with a calm demeanor.

Able to walk and stand for up to 3 hours (with breaks and lift approximately 20 pounds at a time.

Must be 18 years or older.

Benefits:

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Gain valuable experience in community service and nonprofit work.

Meet new people.

Receive training and support from experienced staff.

*Click here to learn more about PFC: The Pope Francis Center

Mealtime creates a sense of community for our guests and an opportunity for fellowship. Our communal dining and nutritional menu provide very real health benefits. Without the support of our committed volunteers, preparing and serving meals for 200+ individuals would not be possible.

Volunteer Meal Teams assist Chef in the preparation of meals for Bridge Housing residents and guests of the Day Center. Meal Teams will also serve meals to residents, and assist with clean-up at the end of service. 

As this opportunity takes place in an industrial kitchen setting, all volunteers must wear close toed shoes and long pants. 

No prior kitchen experience is necessary; all training will be provided on-site at the beginning of your shift. 

Corporate, parish, community, and college groups are welcome to volunteer together by clicking "Respond as a Team" for the date you'd like to join us!

*Click here to learn more about PFC: The Pope Francis Center

Mealtime creates a sense of community for our guests and an opportunity for fellowship. Our communal dining and nutritional menu provide very real health benefits. Without the support of our committed volunteers, preparing and serving meals for 200+ individuals would not be possible.

Volunteer Meal Teams assist Chef in the preparation of meals for Bridge Housing residents and guests of the Day Center. Meal Teams will also serve meals to residents, and assist with clean-up at the end of service. 

As this opportunity takes place in an industrial kitchen setting, all volunteers must wear close toed shoes and long pants. 

No prior kitchen experience is necessary; all training will be provided on-site at the beginning of your shift. 

Corporate, parish, community, and college groups are welcome to volunteer together by clicking "Respond as a Team" for the date you'd like to join us!

*Click here to learn more about PFC: The Pope Francis Center

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Our O’Hair Park hub is celebrating sustainability with a special Earth Day event this April! Brilliant participants will enjoy a shared meal, outdoor fun, and creative activities focused on sustainability, including a flowerpot painting station, playdough sculpting, and a recycled collage project.

This event also marks the kick-off for the O’Hair Park Clean-Up on April 22nd, hosted by the O'Hair Park Community Association and Henry Ford High School. We warmly welcome volunteers who are passionate about sustainability to join us in making a positive impact on our Brilliant community!

Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with setting up and managing activity stations, welcoming families and guiding them through sign-in, sharing information about Brilliant’s upcoming events and free summer day camp, and helping with event clean-up and breakdown.

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!

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY LOCATED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help get the Community Choice Mobile Market ready for clients. Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

This opportunity will occur from  8:00-11:00 and 12:30-3:30 Monday-Friday and 8:30-12 on Saturday. Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

A smaller version of our annual Holiday Gift Giveaway, clients will have the opportunity to "shop" for newly donated items such as clothing, household items, children's items, and more.

Event support volunteers will be responsible for assisting clients in shopping for their items, keeping the items organized, and cleaning up at the end of the event.

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.

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Do you enjoy working with children and have a passion for literacy-based mentorship? Join us this semester in creating a supportive and empowering learning environment for Brilliant students!

The Homework Helper program offers focused, age-appropriate homework support to Brilliant Detroit and Pontiac students through 30- or 60-minute sessions. Homework Helpers assist students with assignments, reinforce essential classroom skills, and foster a calm, encouraging space where students can ask questions, build confidence, and successfully complete their work.

All available Homework Helper opportunities are listed below. After selecting your preferred opportunity, please submit an interest form through Galaxy. A member of our Volunteer Team will contact you via email with more details.

Current opportunities:

Brilliant Detroit, Cody Rouge Homework Help

Weekly, Mondays and Thursdays, from 4:30-6 p.m.

Begins Monday, January 12, 2026 and concludes Thursday, May 28, 2026

Our Cody Rouge hub is seeking two volunteers with strong educational backgrounds to support the Homework Helper program. A background in mathematics is especially desired.

Volunteer Role 1: Math-focused academic support

Volunteer Role 2: Reading, writing, and general homework support

Brilliant Detroit, Martin Park Homework Help

Weekly, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Brilliant Detroit, Central Homework Help

Weekly, Tues-Thurs from 4-5 p.m.

Begins Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and concludes Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Our Martin Park and Central hubs are looking for additional volunteers to support Brilliant Detroit K-3 students with homework across multiple subjects. This role offers a meaningful mentoring opportunity, particularly for older students interested in guiding younger ones!

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY

Forgotten Harvest’s Client Choice Mobile Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY

Forgotten Harvest’s Client Choice Mobile Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Join us Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 at Ypsilanti's historic Freighthouse. Help with minor restoration and maintenance to keep the legendary Freighthouse operational and beautiful.

Please wear closed-toe shoes.

No martial arts experience necessary. Team GUTS is looking for volunteers for our martial arts class to assist participants and encourage them. No martial arts experience is necessary, just a big heart. You will assist with not only being positive, but partnering up at times while holding pads and doing drills together. Our class is challenging, fun and so badly needed for those that don't have the same opportunities as others. No commitment as we will take you when you are available.

Our classes run on Saturdays.

todd@teamgutsmichigan.com

Join us Saturday, May 16th in Prospect Park off Oak Street for a cleanup!  Help pick up litter, do a little light maintenance, and get to know your neighbors.   We'll meet you at the pavilion on the north side. 

Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; gloves and other tools will be provided. If you drive, there's on-street parking on Oak and off-street parking on Cross; if you bus, we're on Route 42.

Pre-registration is lovely but not required, please stop by!

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.

Who hasn't felt confused about their health at some point? Or needed help navigating the health system or advocating for care? HealthEd 4 Everyone creates free resources to support people when faced with questions like these.

Our social media accounts make this information accessible to more people. Your help designing posts will help us better communicate accurate, reliable health information that can make a real difference in someone's life.

We're looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas and skills to help us improve how we show up on social media. See what we're currently doing: @healthed4everyone on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.

Flexible. Once you claim a post, you'll have 5 days to complete it. Each post takes roughly 30-60 minutes. You choose when to sign up and how many posts to take. There's no ongoing weekly commitment.

We're a small, young nonprofit and this is a brand new volunteer role. That means you'll help us shape the system as we go. We're looking for someone who doesn't mind a few bumps along the way and is excited to build something with us.

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.

Orientation for the Court Ordered Community Service Program here at Focus: HOPE is offered every Friday at 10:30am (except November 28, 2025 and December 26, 2025).

Questions regarding eligibility to serve your Community Service hours at Focus: HOPE will be answered at orientation and handled on a case by case basis.

No Appt. Required-- Orientations are Friday at 10:30am at Focus: HOPE's 1400 Oakman Blvd. Detroit, 48238. 

 To participate you must:

Please note that there is a process to receive your completion letter. Do not wait until the last minute. Community service completion letters are mailed directly to the court, you will not be able to expedite this process. 

*Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of their service, unattended minors will be asked to leave. 

If you have additional questions, please call 313-494-4600. 

Please mention you are present for the Community Service Orientation when you arrive!

Please bring accurate paperwork and a picture ID.

Late arrivals will be not be allowed to attend orientation and will be asked to return at a later date.

Parking is directly across the street within a gated black fence. The lot entrance is on LaSalle, at the intersection of Oakman Boulevard and LaSalle.

The Serve Detroit Snow Team is a city-led volunteer effort to help seniors and residents with disabilities in cases a Snow Emergency (6 inches or more) to clear snow from walkways.  

Volunteers must be 16 or older. Those under 16 must volunteer with a supervised group or adult.

Volunteers do not need to live in Detroit. Tools are available upon request.

Volunteers are paired with a resident for the full snow season, typically within or near their selected district.

In the event of a snow emergency (6 inches or more), volunteers will be notified by text or email, usually 3–4 days in advance when possible.

Snow shoveling services should be completed within 24 hours of notification.

Residents are notified of their volunteer pairing, so no direct contact is required when providing service.

For questions or concerns, please reach out via email. Thank you for your continued support in helping keep Detroit safe.

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

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Upcoming dates: 

Our Brilliant Central hub hosts a monthly community dinner that brings neighbors together in a welcoming space to connect over a shared meal, meaningful conversation, and a strong sense of belonging. These gatherings are designed to foster connection and strengthen community ties in a warm, inclusive environment.

We're currently looking for volunteers to support our upcoming February and March events by helping set up the dining area, warmly welcoming community members into our Brilliant Central hub, plating and serving food, leading fun and engaging child enrichment activities, and assisting with cleanup by returning event materials to their original spaces. If you enjoy food, serving others, and supporting your community, we would love to have you join us for our January Community Dinner!

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Join us for one of the most exciting months of the year: March is Reading Month! Our Central hub is celebrating with a Cat in the Hat-themed literacy event in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Brilliant participants will enjoy themed activities, tasty snacks, and a special Dr. Seuss story time.

Volunteers will help make the event memorable by supporting story time, crafts, and hands-on activities that inspire a love of reading and learning.

Volunteer shifts available: 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Dedicated volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to support our warehouse operations and help us distribute food to our neighbors who need it.

Responsibilities include: 

The volunteer must have the capacity to lift and carry 15-20 pounds. We are looking for individuals who would like to commit to a long term volunteer position. Our regular volunteers work one 3-4 hour shift each week. This is a great opportunity for retirees or other folks with availability during week days.

There are several shifts available:

Please send an email to volunteer@flcfp.org to learn more about this position and how to get started.

The Team GUTS Fun & Fitness Camp is a fun day camp from 9am-12pm.

It's a fun camp and you would be helping our counselors with fitness activities, games, crafts and food!  Life happens, so we tell our volunteers that you do not have to give a hard commitment to every day, but just the days you are available. 

Our camp runs for four weeks, Monday through Friday in Clawson.  

June 15 - 19

June 22 - 26

July 6 - 10

July 13 - 17

We would love to have you! Please contact us for more information.

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.

Fish & Loaves is a non-profit organization serving Downriver and Wayne County with our client choice pantry. Our pantry serves over 25,000 households each year. To lower our food costs, we welcome businesses, churches, school groups, and other organizations to host community food drives.

At Avalon, housing is a human right. Our mission is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon Housing is a non-profit supportive housing provider. Supportive housing is a combination of affordable housing paired with services, such as case management. We don’t just help people find housing, we help people stay and thrive in their homes.

If you are passionate about creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities where all people are welcome, Avalon may be a good fit for you.

Avalon Housing’s main office has a front desk that serves our tenants, staff, and members of the community. Our Front Desk Volunteers provide coverage and help assist with questions and needs throughout the day.

Volunteers may need to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Job Title: Front Desk Volunteer

Reports To: Aleah Pisarz, Volunteer Program Coordinator

Location: On-site at our main office: 1327 Jones Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Compensation: This is an unpaid and voluntary role. However, any direct and approved expenses related to the role will be reimbursed.

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants including applicants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as historically marginalized groups. This includes but is not limited to underrepresented gender identities, sexual/romantic orientations and/or relationship structures, people living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and with lived experience with homelessness or recovery from a substance use disorder, and people with underrepresented religious and/or socio-economic backgrounds. Avalon also encourages those with criminal histories to apply. Avalon doesn't request information about criminal histories until an offer of employment is extended. Avalon will not exclude someone based on criminal history unless it is determined the criminal history is related to or directly conflicts with the responsibilities of the position. We are committed to transparency about our decision making process, and will seek clarifying information from an applicant to help us make a determination in this regar

At Avalon, housing is a human right. Our mission is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon Housing is a non-profit supportive housing provider. Supportive housing is a combination of affordable housing paired with services, such as case management. We don’t just help people find housing, we help people stay and thrive in their homes.

If you are passionate about creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities where all people are welcome, Avalon may be a good fit for you.

Avalon operates food pantries at a number of our properties. Avalon’s Food Pantry Volunteers will work with both our Community Building team and our tenant group on all aspects of running the food pantry.

Volunteers may need to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Job Title: Food Pantry Volunteer

Reports To:

Location: On-site at one or more of our Food Pantry locations:

Compensation: This is an unpaid and voluntary role. However, any direct and approved expenses related to the role will be reimbursed.

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants including applicants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as historically marginalized groups. This includes but is not limited to underrepresented gender identities, sexual/romantic orientations and/or relationship structures, people living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and with lived experience with homelessness or recovery from a substance use disorder, and people with underrepresented religious and/or socio-economic backgrounds. Avalon also encourages those with criminal histories to apply. Avalon doesn't request information about criminal histories until an offer of employment is extended. Avalon will not exclude someone based on criminal history unless it is determined the criminal history is related to or directly conflicts with the responsibilities of the position. We are committed to transparency about our decision making process, and will seek clarifying information from an applicant to help us make a determination in this regard

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Our Brilliant hubs are offering the Scholastic R.E.A.L. (Read, Excel, Achieve, Lead) Program, an 8-week, literacy-focused mentoring initiative that uses high-quality, diverse books and companion guides to support children’s academic success through interactive read-alouds and book discussions.

As a R.E.A.L. mentor, you will promote:

…all of which lead to literacy success!

R.E.A.L. mentors will receive all Scholastic training materials, including Mentor Success Guides that correspond with each read-aloud book, as well as an orientation with our literacy programming lead. As the program progresses, students will receive take-home activities, family guides, and celebration materials to further enhance their engagement with the readings.

While a love for literacy is a must, no prior teaching experience is required. If you’re interested in facilitating read-aloud sessions and working with our Brilliant kids, we would love for you to join us in our upcoming R.E.A.L. program!

Program Requirements:

*Once you submit an interest form via Galaxy, a member of our Volunteer Team will reach out to you via email to go over the next steps in our onboarding and placement process.

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about working with children, supporting literacy in Detroit, and leading engaging reading cohorts at our hubs.

As a volunteer leader, you will work in-person at one of our sites to lead an hour-long program once a week from October to May. 

Volunteers will be partnered with a child and be tasked to read aloud books and lead activities based on those books with that child. This opportunity is best suited for those with early childhood education experience and/or interest, however, anyone can lead these programs. These programs work best when the facilitator is upbeat, energetic, compassionate, and engaging.

These programs are offered in person at hubs based on the volunteer's availability. Volunteers will be placed based on the needs of our hubs and the volunteer's proximity to one of our Brilliant pods.

A Brilliant Detroit orientation and background check are required to serve in these programs. Specialized training for this opportunity will also be given after the background check is completed. For more information, please contact volunteer@brilliantdetroit.org.

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 2,000+ volunteer resources across 330 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

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 messages of encouragement/thinking of you. 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.     

Elms Family and Community Services (EFCS) is seeking volunteers to provide general office and programs support. This is a volunteer (unpaid) role. EFCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, located in Macomb County, Michigan. 

We service youth, families and individuals in the Macomb/Wayne counties and the surrounding community. We aim continuously to provide services, resources and support that will enable under-represented families, individuals and youth to overcome social, economic, educational and other barriers in which they face by gaining and sustaining successful outcomes in life. We do this through our support services, programs and community projects.

Role: Office & Programs Support

This role will support EFCS's general office and programs activities.

Commitment: Successful candidates must be available to volunteer approximately 4-8 hours/month.

Please visit our website at elmsfamilyandcommunityservices.org to learn more about us.

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

As a Brilliant Health Corps Volunteer, you will share your knowledge in Health, Wellness, and/or Nutrition by supporting or leading specialized health programs. Volunteers play an essential role in creating engaging and impactful health, wellness, and nutrition nights for families.

Volunteer Health Corps Roles and Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Facilitators (Skills-based)

Volunteer Facilitators support or lead specialized health programs by sharing their expertise in Health, Wellness, and/or Nutrition.

Volunteer Presenters (Skills-based or experience-based) 

Volunteer Presenters lead or co-lead educational workshops during health nights.

General Support Volunteers (Support roles) 

General Support Volunteers assist with organizing and running health nights as part of a team. 

To learn more and join Brilliant Cities as a Health Corps Volunteer, please complete the interest form through Galaxy. A member of our Volunteer Team will contact you directly.

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever that our nation’s youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make informed decisions.

Brilliant Detroit holds 2 STEM courses each quarter that aims to develop and grow their skills in science, technology, engineering, math, and they even get to explore art. 

STEM Facilitator Volunteer Role

(Commitment: quarterly course and 3-5 hours/week training and coaching sessions.)

Stories and STEM - Brilliant children ages 3-5 and their families enjoy stories and fun engaging hands-on projects in a variety of literacy-based science activities together that bring the exciting world of science to life!

Adventures in Science - Brilliant children ages 6-8 participate in step-level learning through inquiry and the exploration of a variety of science topics to develop and process skills for science (observing, hypothesizing, asking questions, problem solving, and drawing conclusions through hands-on experiences with a focus of allowing children's ideas come to life!

Unique Brilliant volunteers are needed to help prepare, facilitate and grow the minds of our Detroit youth. If you have a love of STEM, connect with us today! (Trainings and check-ins with our program creator happen frequently).

Dates: Quarterly

Locations: Various Brilliant locations - Where We Are

How: In-person

Volunteer Roles: 

**Volunteers working directly with Brilliant children, families, and staff are asked to have a background check**

Brilliant Cities is a neighborhood-powered model ensuring children 0-8 are school-ready, healthy, and supported. We do this by transforming houses into family-focused, community hubs and partner with organizations to coordinate research-based programs for children and families. These programs focus on education, health, and family support, giving young children and families what they need for a bright future.

Brilliant Cities takes great pride in honoring National Days of Service that closely aligns with our mission and core values to educate and unite individuals, families, service clubs, businesses, schools, and faith-based organizations in volunteerism throughout the year. 

We actively coordinate service projects around the following Days of Service: 

To collaborate on an upcoming service project and explore how our missions can align, please complete the interest form through Galaxy. A member of our Volunteer Team will contact you directly.

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! :)

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.

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

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 Hope Clinic’s Dental Professional Interest Form and send a copy of your resume to volunteer@thehopeclinic.org.

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.

Elms Family and Community Services is seeking mentors for its 2025 - 26 Youth Programs.  Mentors will assist in guiding middle and high school youth.  The mentor will serve as lead support to youth involved in EFCS programs, assist in facilitating group workshops and coordinating experiential learning opportunities for program participants.

This position would require 2 hours for weekly program meetings with participants and 4 hours monthly for engagement with mentees.

All volunteers must complete a background check and must be cleared as a school volunteer with participating schools.  Click RESPOND in the upper right corner of the screen and you will be prompted to complete the background check questionnaire. This may open a second window.

The Sterling Volunteer background check will come at no cost to the volunteer. Once the background check is complete (average 1-2 business days), you will receive an email notifying you that you may complete your registration. There is a School Volunteer background check required, which will also come at no cost to the volunteer.

Please visit our website at elmsfamilyandcommunityservices.org, to learn more about us!

As a volunteer tax preparer, you can ensure that our clients get the best return on their taxes. No need to be an accountant.  We arm you with tax law training and on-site expert support so that you can confidently complete accurate returns. With a minimum commitment of 30 hours, you can help us return millions of dollars to members of our community this season.

Training is available at several locations in southeast Michigan, including colleges. Both new and returning volunteers take training courses to learn more about tax issues, credits, and changes in the tax law. Training includes practice with the tax preparation software (Taxslayer), IRS certification tests and free food!

Once trained & certified, you will then be eligible able to volunteer at one of our tax sites located throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Washtenaw counties. Our tax sites are in public spaces such as libraries, community centers, and human resource agencies. Numerous shifts are available throughout Monday-Saturday so you will get to choose the volunteer shift & location that works best for you!

For more information, please visit: https://accountingaidsociety.org/volunteers/

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.

The Detailed Devotee 

This person has a color-coded planner and loves making a daily to-do list. They enter data into computer programs and file documents with ease. This person has the patience to potty train a puppy. This volunteer opportunity supports our many needs of database entry, recording client needs, filing, answering phones, and sorting mail sent to us for our clients. This person is the first point of contact for clients and is vital in keeping the daily operations of the organization running smoothly. See one volunteer position that fit within this category below. 

  Office Assistant  

The Data Entry Enthusiast This person has a knack for being able to sort, organize, and enter various data sets into several different systems.  They might find it relaxing and rewarding when transferring handwritten hard copy notes into electronic data files. They see the need for digital organization.  This volunteer is important in a helping organization’s mission to become paperless so we can share our story and impact better while serving our clients in a meaningful way. 

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Help us prep food in commissary kitchen at Zion Lutheran Church to send out to the community. We are a nonprofit that provides free meals to folks who are low-income or experiencing homelessness. Some tasks in our kitchen include chopping produce, preparing sauces or soups, building wraps and sandwiches, washing dishes, cleaning the counters, mixing salads, and more! We would love to have you part of the team any day Monday through Thursday 9am till 12pm, no long-term commitment necessary. You can sign up on our signup genius here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAEAA2BA4F9C16-45333473-november

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.