The new year presents an opportunity to start or renew a commitment to serving your community! The Itasca area’s volunteer portal, Bonfire, can connect those looking to give back with opportunities to volunteer with various community organizations. The following opportunities are just a sampling of what’s available when you use Bonfire to find and connect with local nonprofits: 

1. Help with the “Point in Time” Homeless Count
   The Point-In-Time (PIT) Count is an annual count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in sheltered and unsheltered situations on a single night in January. Volunteers will work with KOOTASCA to survey unhoused individuals, helping to gather accurate data on homelessness in the region. Call KOOTASCA at 218-283-9491 to get involved.
2. Give Back at Grand Itasca
   There are countless ways for community-oriented individuals to make a difference at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital! Volunteers might work in the gift shop, help out visitors and patients, or make blankets and hats for the hospital’s youngest patients. However they serve, volunteers play an important role in making Grand Itasca safe and welcoming. Learn more
3. Encourage Play at the Children’s Discovery Museum
   Museum Play Agents help children and the adults in their lives be creative and curious when they visit the Grand Rapids museum. This role includes interacting with visitors, monitoring exhibits, and facilitating activities and art projects. Learn more
4. Assist Clients in Accessing Tax Assistance
   As tax season approaches, Tax-Aide is mobilizing volunteers to help local families and individuals with their taxes! Client facilitators don’t need to have tax knowledge – rather, they help create a welcoming environment for clients and ensure that the tax assistance process goes smoothly and clients receive the help they need. Learn more

Sign up for these roles and more on Bonfire, the Itasca area’s online volunteer portal, at volunteer.uwlakes.org. Bonfire is free to use and serves to facilitate connection between the Itasca area’s volunteer base and local nonprofit and community organizations.