As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year builds, August offers the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact. Nonprofits are facing growing demands and uncertainty, making your time and energy more valuable than ever. Whether it’s packing backpacks, supporting local events, or lending your skills to a nonprofit organization, your efforts can set students—and entire families—on a path to success while helping strengthen vital community programs. Volunteering this month is more than just giving back; it’s about ensuring support systems remain strong when they’re needed most.

Celebrate Every Stride
Help make Running the Rapids a success! Volunteers are urgently needed on Saturday, August 24, at Portage Park in Cohasset to assist with registration, guide runners along the course, and support finish line activities for the half marathon and 5K finishers. Sign up today and be part of a fun, high-energy event that supports our community! Sign up.

Tee Off for a Cause
Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids and Greenway for a fun-filled day on the course, supporting afterschool and summer programs for Itasca County youth ages 6–18. Volunteers are needed on Thursday, August 21, to help with registration, monitor holes, assist with games, and cheer on participants. Each volunteer will receive a complimentary T-shirt and lunch, with flexible scheduling available. Learn more.

Support School Readiness
United Way of 1000 Lakes’ annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive is in full swing, and volunteers are needed to help set students up for a successful school year. Join them at Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids on August 25-27 for fun, hands-on events where you’ll help collect and sort supplies, and pack backpacks for local students. All ages are welcome— making this a great opportunity for families, work groups, or individuals to make a real impact. Get involved.

Gear Up for Hunger
Celebrate the northwoods spirit and help make the Lumberjack Mile & 5K a success—all while supporting school hunger initiatives in our community! United Way of 1000 Lakes is seeking volunteers for Saturday, September 6, to staff water stations, serve post-race refreshments, and assist with general event support. Throw on your favorite flannel, join the fun, and be part of a high-impact event that helps ensure local students have the nourishment they need to thrive. Sign up.

Behind the Scenes
Grand Rapids Riverfest can’t happen without you! Nearly 130 volunteers are needed to bring this community music celebration to life. Whether you love being in the action or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone. KAXE/KBXE offers a variety of volunteer crews—from gate attendants and parking support to stage setup and grounds crew. It’s a fun and rewarding way to be part of the festival while helping create an unforgettable experience for thousands of attendees. Take action.

To sign up for these opportunities—and many more—visit volunteer.uwlakes.org.

Volunteer Itasca, powered by United Way of 1000 Lakes, connects volunteers to meaningful opportunities through its online platform. To explore current needs across more than two dozen local nonprofits, visit volunteer.uwlakes.org. Last year, over 400 volunteers were matched with opportunities that aligned with their passions and interests.

If your organization is interested in posting opportunities, contact Molly Hiipakka, United Way’s Community Impact Coordinator, at 218-999-7570. Membership is free and includes one-on-one technical support.