As 2025 begins, it’s the perfect time to set goals that not only benefit you but also uplift your community. This year, consider adding volunteerism to your resolutions. By dedicating your time and talents to helping others, you can spark a ripple effect of positivity, strengthen community bonds, and enhance your own health and happiness. Whether it’s mentoring youth, supporting a local nonprofit, or delivering meals to seniors, every act of service makes a difference.

Research shows that volunteering benefits both the community and the individual. It can reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of purpose. Ready to get involved? Explore the local opportunities listed below or visit volunteer.uwlakes.org to find even more ways to give back. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of connection, growth, and impact.

Winter Crafting Fun

Bring creativity to life at the Judy Garland Children’s Discovery Museum! Volunteers are needed to assist with crafting stations, guide kids through activities, and ensure a fun, welcoming environment during an upcoming winter crafting event. Your support will create lasting memories for children and their families. Learn more. 

Teach on the Hills
Join Mount Itasca as a Learn to Ride coach! Help youth experience the joy of winter recreation by teaching them the basics of skiing or snowboarding. Opportunities extend beyond coaching to include trail grooming, tree trimming, and leadership roles on the board of directors. Get involved.

Deliver Nourishment
Meals on Wheels, coordinated by Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA), seeks volunteers to deliver meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors in Grand Rapids. Each delivery takes about an hour but leaves a lasting impact on recipients’ health and independence. Sign up.

Share Marketing Expertise
Use your skills to amplify impact! United Way of 1000 Lakes is recruiting volunteers for its Marketing & Public Relations Committee. Help shape strategies, craft compelling messages, create promotional materials, and support fundraising efforts for community programs. Register.

Mentor Teens
Itasca Youth for Christ needs volunteers to engage with teens at the Crossroads Youth Center. Assist with activities like games, snack shop operations, and mentoring. Your presence can provide guidance and create a safe, welcoming space for youth ages 13-18. Learn more.

Sign up for these opportunities and more on Bonfire, the Itasca area’s free online volunteer portal, at volunteer.uwlakes.org. Bonfire connects local nonprofits with volunteers ready to make a difference.

For those passionate about coordinating volunteer efforts, United Way also leads the Volunteer Coordinator Network (VCN). This group meets quarterly to share ideas, address challenges, and ignite regional action. The next meeting is January 9, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Forest History Center. Membership is free—register at uwlakes.org/volunteer-network or call 218-999-7570 to learn more.

Let’s make 2025 a year to remember through acts of service and connection!