Volunteer Itasca: April

April is Global Volunteer Month, which celebrates the impact of volunteers around the world. What better way to celebrate than to start volunteering? When you share your time and talent, you have the power to make a difference. Here are four ways you can give back right here in the Itasca area:  

1. Host an On-air Trivia Show
Do you have a voice made for radio? Are you a master of obscure knowledge? This might be the role for you! Northern Community Radio – also known as KAXE – uses volunteer hosts for their Green Cheese trivia show. You’ll get a chance to challenge listeners live on air, bringing fun and personality to the occasion. If music is more your speed, you can also volunteer to program music for the station! Express interest

2. Help Out at the Children’s Fair
The Children’s Fair, which takes place the last weekend of April at Grand Rapids High School, offers children and families the chance to have fun and connect with resources and organizations in the community. Your role as a volunteer might include working the registration table, guiding kids on the Ninja Warrior course, or even roaming the event in costume! Register

3. Assemble Pantry Packs
Flavors of Our Community calls on community members to help provide culturally-specific items and ingredients to local school and community food pantries. Play your part by purchasing items and assembling pantry packs at home, or get together with a group or your workplace and have a packing party! Get started

4. Celebrate the Power of Play
The Children’s Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids is in need of volunteer Play Agents! Play Agents monitor exhibits, interact with visitors, and facilitate activities like games and art projects. Shifts are available on Saturday mornings and afternoons and select weekdays. Sign up

Sign up for these roles and more on Bonfire, the Itasca area’s online volunteer portal, at volunteer.uwlakes.org. Bonfire is free to use and serves to facilitate connection between the Itasca area’s volunteer base and local nonprofit 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.