Volunteer Itasca: October

Volunteering is a great way to connect with your community and make a difference. Bonfire, the volunteer platform powered by United Way, helps those looking to make an impact find opportunities to volunteer in and around the Itasca area.

Here are four ways community members can volunteer this October:

Shine a Light on Homelessness
Volunteering for the Minnesota Homeless Study on October 26th is a unique volunteer opportunity centering on the experiences of people without homes. Working with local homeless service providers, volunteers will be trained to conduct face-to-face interviews as part of the state-wide study to identify trends in homelessness and inform policymakers, service providers, and the public work to eliminate it. Register

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 deliver hope and support to families experiencing challenges, are looking for volunteers to help gather, sort, and distribute new toys, books, and other gifts throughout October, November, and December. Sign up

Play an important role at the Reif Center
Volunteers are the heart of great theatre. From onstage to backstage, The Reif Center has volunteer opportunities that will make a big impact and are a lot of fun. Volunteer roles range from show operations to running the concession stand and handing out programs to guiding theater patrons. Learn more

Provide Home Essentials
Throughout October and November, United Way is looking for community changemakers to support their annual Health & Hygiene Drive, addressing the need for essential household supplies and personal care items for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. Sign up

Are you ready to give your time and talent to make the Itasca area a better place? Sign up for these opportunities and more on Bonfire, the Itasca area’s online volunteer portal, at volunteer.uwlakes.org.

Bonfire is free and facilitates connection between the Itasca area’s volunteer base and local nonprofits and community organizations. To get started, visit volunteer.uwlakes.org 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 14th, 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.