Volunteering makes a significant difference in both individual lives and communities as a whole. United Way of 1000 Lakes is committed to bolstering that volunteerism right here in our own community. One way the organization does this is by hosting Bonfire, an online volunteer portal where community members can find opportunities to give back to causes that are important to them.

Below is a sampling of the many options currently hosted on Bonfire:  

1. Advocate to Help End Hunger & Homelessness. 
   In honor of National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week, Kootasca Community Action and its partners seek a helping hand during Soup on the Street on Wednesday, November 15. Volunteers will help serve soup and collect new hats, mittens, and scarves on the grounds of Old Central School.  Register
2. Enrich the lives of patients and community members. 
   Essential Health in Deer River is looking for community members to help in a variety of ways at the clinic. Volunteer in the gift shop, help with community events, work with patients, or even behind the scenes to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Sign up
3. Deliver more than just a meal. 
   Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Meals on Wheels movement. AEOA’s Meals on Wheels is looking for reliable volunteers to deliver meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors. Learn more
4. Deliver Hope with Toys for Tots
   Looking for a way you can volunteer as a family this holiday season? Organizers behind the local Toys for Tots drive, which delivers hope and support to families experiencing challenges, are looking for volunteers to help gather, sort, and distribute new toys, books, and other gifts throughout November and December. Sign up

Sign up for these roles and more on Bonfire at volunteer.uwlakes.org. Bonfire is free and facilitates connection between the Itasca area’s volunteer base and local nonprofits and community organizations.   

Community and nonprofit organizations serving the greater Itasca area can post volunteer opportunities and manage volunteers on Bonfire. To get started, visit volunteer.uwlakes.org/nonprofit or call United Way at 218-999-7570.  

United Way also leads the Volunteer Coordinator Network (VCN), which brings volunteer professionals together quarterly to share ideas, discuss challenges, and work together to ignite regional volunteer action. The next network meeting is set for December 14, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Reif Center (720 NW Conifer Dr., Grand Rapids, MN). Membership is free. To learn more and to register, visit uwlakes.org/nonprofit-resources or call 218-999-7570.