Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated to make a big impact. Whether you’re hoping to meet new people, share your skills, or simply make your community a better place, volunteering offers countless ways to get involved. This month’s opportunities include a variety of roles to fit different interests, schedules, and experience levels. Find one that speaks to you and discover the difference you can make. 

Help Student Start the Year with Confidence
United Way of 1000 Lakes is gearing up for another successful Stuff the Bus school supply drive, and volunteers are needed to help local students head back to school with confidence. Community members are invited to volunteer at Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids on August 25–27 to collect and sort school supplies, pack backpacks, and prepare them for student pickup. Volunteer shifts are fun, hands-on, and open to all ages—making this a great opportunity for families, coworkers, community groups, or individuals to make a lasting impact. Sign up.

Answer the Call to Care
Support Within Reach is seeking caring volunteers to provide hope and reassurance to clients during difficult moments. As an on-call Advocate, you’ll answer calls from home, offer compassionate support, and help connect individuals with the resources they need. Comprehensive training and ongoing staff support ensure you’ll never be alone in this important role. Just two shifts per month can make a lasting difference in someone’s journey toward healing. This opportunity is ideal for compassionate individuals interested in serving others and strengthening our community. Take action.

Help Guide Local Grant Funding
United Way of 1000 Lakes is looking for community volunteers to serve as grant reviewers and help guide local investments that strengthen our region. Volunteers review funding requests from area nonprofits, participate in thoughtful discussions, conduct site visits, and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. This meaningful opportunity offers a chance to develop leadership skills, learn more about local nonprofits, and play a direct role in improving our community. Learn more.

Bring Mini Golf to the Museum
Support the Judy Garland Children’s Museum by volunteering to sell raffle tickets at the Itasca County Fair, August 20–23. Volunteers are needed for convenient three-hour shifts to help raise funds for a Wizard of Oz-themed miniature golf course that will be built on the museum’s outdoor property. The goal is to sell 3,000 raffle tickets at $20 each. Your time will help bring a fun new destination to life for families across the community. Sign up.

Be Part of Race Day
Be part of the excitement at Running the Rapids by volunteering on Saturday, August 22, at Portage Park in Cohasset. Volunteers are needed to direct runners along the course, assist at intersections, and support finish line activities as participants complete the half marathon and 5K. It’s a fun, high-energy way to support a community event and encourage runners as they cross the finish line. Sign up today and help create a memorable race-day experience! Learn more.

These opportunities are just a sample of what’s happening across the area. Visit volunteer.uwlakes.org to explore current listings and learn how your organization can join the platform. 

Volunteer Itasca, powered by United Way of 1000 Lakes, serves as Itasca County’s central hub for volunteerism—connecting people with meaningful opportunities that strengthen our community. Through this shared platform, nonprofit organizations can promote volunteer opportunities, connect with volunteers, and manage engagement at no cost, thanks to United Way’s investment in building community capacity. 

Today, more than 37 local organizations use the portal to engage volunteers through one shared community platform. 

Is your organization looking to strengthen its volunteer program? Join the growing network of nonprofits using Volunteer Itasca to expand their reach and streamline volunteer engagement. Membership is free and includes personalized onboarding, technical support, volunteer management tools, and access to the Volunteer Coordinators Network. 

To learn more or become a partner, contact Molly Hiipakka, United Way’s Community Impact Coordinator, at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org.