April is a time of renewal—when communities come together, generosity grows, and the spirit of service shines a little brighter. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we’re reminded that meaningful change doesn’t always come from grand gestures, but from the steady commitment of individuals who choose to show up, lend a hand, and make a difference. Across our region, volunteers are strengthening connections, meeting critical needs, and helping our communities thrive—one act of kindness at a time.

Pack Fresh Food
Grand Rapids Farmer’s Market is seeking volunteers to support its Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Help ensure fresh, locally grown food reaches community members by assisting with unloading deliveries from trucks, weighing and bagging produce, assembling food boxes, and more! This is a hands-on opportunity to make a direct impact while working alongside others who care about food access and community well-being. Volunteers are needed Thursday, April 16, from 11:00–1:00 PM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Get involved.

Be a Voice of Support
Advocates for Family Peace is seeking compassionate community members to serve as a welcoming first point of contact for individuals and families seeking support. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, taking messages, and directing calls to appropriate staff. Your role helps ensure each person feels heard and supported. No experience is needed—training is provided. Shifts are typically weekdays from 12:30–3:30 PM, with flexible scheduling available. If you’re organized, dependable, and enjoy helping others, this is a meaningful way to make a difference in your community. Start now.

Bring Prom to Life
Join Itasca Friendship Club for a magical “Night Among the Stars” Prom on Saturday, May 9 at the Reif Performing Arts Center from 5:30–8:00 PM (times vary by role). Volunteers are needed to help create a joyful, welcoming experience through greeting guests, parking assistance, food prep, decorating, mingling, and cleanup. There’s a role for everyone who wants to make a difference and support an inclusive community celebration. Children and teens are welcome to participate when their involvement supports the overall volunteer experience. Take action.

Nourishing Belonging Through Culture
Food is more than nourishment—it’s a powerful connection to culture, family, and tradition. Through United Way of 1000 Lakes’ Flavors of Our Community initiative, you can help stock local school pantries with culturally meaningful foods. Gather friends, family, or coworkers to assemble pantry packs, or create them on your own. Every contribution helps ensure students and their families have access to foods that feel familiar, comforting, and reflective of their cultures, strengthening a sense of belonging and community. Learn more.

Stimulating the Arts
The Reif Performing Arts Center brings a vibrant mix of artistic experiences to our community, from live music and dance to theater, comedy, and family-friendly performances. Volunteers play a key role in making each event welcoming and successful. Opportunities include ushering, concessions, and front-of-house support, with flexible scheduling to fit your availability. Join a dynamic, creative environment, connect with others, and enjoy the excitement behind the scenes. Sign up to be part of the experience and help bring the arts to life. Sign up.

Volunteer Itasca is an online platform powered by United Way that connects community members with volunteer opportunities at local organizations. Volunteers can easily manage their roles—signing up for shifts, tracking hours, and staying engaged all in one place. Connect with these and other nonprofit partners at volunteer.uwlakes.org and explore ways you can make a difference.

United Way also leads the Volunteer Coordinator Network (VCN), which brings volunteer professionals together quarterly to share ideas, discuss challenges, and work collaboratively to strengthen volunteer engagement across the region. The upcoming session will focus on volunteer recruitment and retention, with an interactive work session designed to help leaders map the volunteer journey, identify gaps and challenges, and develop practical strategies they can implement right away.

The network will meet on April 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Children’s Discovery Museum (2727 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids). Membership is free. To learn more and register, email molly@uwlakes.org or call 218-999-7570.