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

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

10AM-12 noon or 12-2PM Drivers

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.

United Way's 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. 

As part of our Global Volunteer Month celebration, we are recruiting volunteers to join us on Weds., April 8, to assist clients and partners with donation distributions, sort donations, and restock shelves. Volunteers may also work directly with clients to provide them with the basic needs and personal care items they need to support their families.

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

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

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

Meal delivery volunteer requirements:

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

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

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.

In honor of Global Volunteer Month, United Way and Central Detroit Christian are co-hosting a volunteer project on April 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. to create a safe, engaging and encouraging environment for youth.

In Central Detroit Christian's afterschool program, volunteers will work directly with students on a variety of enrichment activities that promote academic success, creativity, and healthy physical activity.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

Ideal volunteers enjoy working with youth, are patient and dependable, and bring enthusiasm to helping students learn and grow. To register, click on the yellow respond button at the top of the page.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download DIY Project Guide to share with friends and family!

Overview/The Need:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

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

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

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

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

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

How to Build Your Kit:

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

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

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

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

Download this flyer and share with your friends and families!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download this flyer and share with your friends and family!

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

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.

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

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.