As the year draws to a close and the holiday season fills our days with reflection and generosity, December offers a special opportunity to celebrate the people who make our communities brighter—our volunteers. This month, we highlight the spirit of giving that extends far beyond gifts and gatherings. It’s the compassion, time, and talent shared by volunteers that truly make a lasting impact. Whether offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or a much-needed moment of support, volunteers embody the heart of the season all year long.

Become a Resource Locator
Volunteers in the Resource Locator role with First Call for Help play a key part in identifying, verifying, and updating community resources for the 2-1-1 database. This role ensures that accurate, up-to-date information is available for individuals and families seeking support during challenging times. It’s ideal for volunteers with strong attention to detail, clear communication skills, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively. Structured templates and guided questionnaires make tasks easy to follow. Opportunities are available both in-office and remotely, offering flexibility while making a meaningful and lasting impact. Take action.

Join the Home for Good Drive
Support community members transitioning into safe, stable housing by volunteering with United Way of 1000 Lakes’ Home for Good program this November and December. Volunteers can get involved in a variety of ways—by donating items from an online wish list, hosting a collection drive or drop box, or organizing a packing party to assemble household and personal care kits. These “welcome home” kits provide families and individuals with everyday essentials like soap, cleaning supplies, and toiletries—helping them settle into or stay safely in their homes with comfort, dignity, and hope. Get involved.

Build Resiliency
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you enjoy event planning or offering encouragement to those on their recovery journey? Mission Restart is seeking dedicated volunteers to help empower individuals overcoming substance use disorders. Whether you’d like to serve on a planning committee, provide non-emergency phone support, or lend a hand at community events, your involvement can be a powerful part of someone’s fresh start. Sign up.

Share Your Skills
Grace House offers meaningful volunteer opportunities that address homelessness while supporting individuals on their journey toward stability. Volunteers can share their time and talents in many ways—teach a class, lead an art activity, assist with daily operations, or simply offer a listening ear. With a flexible schedule that fits your availability, the homeless shelter makes it easy to get involved. Whether you bring a special skill or simply a willingness to help, your contribution strengthens the community and moves us closer to lasting solutions. Learn more.

Keep the Slopes Safe
Mount Itasca is looking for Ski Patrol volunteers, including junior patrols starting at age 16, for the upcoming ski season. Volunteers play an important role in keeping the slopes safe and enjoyable for skiers and snowboarders, all while enjoying the recreation themselves. The only qualification needed is a CPR/First Aid certificate. Perks for volunteers include free lift passes while on duty, the chance to ski or snowboard with friends, and the satisfaction of being part of a fun, supportive team dedicated to creating a safe and exciting environment for all visitors. Sign up.

Sign up for these opportunities—or explore dozens more ways to give back—by visiting volunteer.uwlakes.org.

Volunteer Itasca, powered by United Way of 1000 Lakes, serves as the region’s central hub for volunteerism—connecting people to meaningful opportunities that strengthen our community. Through this shared platform, nonprofits can post opportunities and manage volunteers at no cost, thanks to United Way’s investment in building community capacity. Last year alone, more than 400 volunteers found opportunities that matched their skills, passions, and interests.

If your organization would like to share volunteer opportunities—or if you’d like to refer a partner organization to join—contact Molly Hiipakka, United Way’s Community Impact Coordinator, at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org. Membership is free and includes personalized technical support, plus access to a network of volunteer engagement professionals through the Volunteer Coordinators Network.