June brings the start of summer—and with it, a season filled with outdoor projects, family activities, food programs, festivals, and opportunities to give back. Across our region, local nonprofits and community groups are gearing up for a busy season of programs and initiatives that help neighbors stay connected and supported all summer long.

Whether you enjoy working outdoors, supporting youth and families, assisting behind the scenes, or helping at local events, there are volunteer opportunities for all ages, interests, and skill levels. From one-time projects to ongoing involvement, summer is a great time to meet new people, make a difference, and strengthen our communities.

Explore this month’s volunteer opportunities and discover a project that inspires you to get involved.

Lend a Hand in Calumet
United Way of 1000 Lakes is seeking volunteers for Day of Action in Calumet, an annual community-wide day of service bringing together more than 100 volunteers. Projects include painting, landscaping, park improvements, trail signage, and community clean-up efforts. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome for full- or half-day shifts on June 17. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at Calumet City Hall, with lunch, snacks, water and an event t-shirt provided for volunteers. Take action.

Karaoke for a Cause
Support Within Reach is seeking volunteers for its July 23 Karaoke for a Cause fundraising event at Zorbaz in Grand Rapids. Volunteer opportunities include donation collection, flyer distribution, event setup, and tear down. Setup and tear down shifts will take place on the day of the event, while donation collection and flyer distribution can be completed flexibly throughout June and early July. Whether you can help for a few hours or throughout the planning process, volunteers play an important role in supporting local programs while being part of a fun community event. Learn more.

Help Families Stay Connected
Make a difference in the lives of families reconnecting—just a few hours on Saturdays. As a Supervised Visitation Monitor with Advocates for Family Peace, you’ll help create a safe, supportive space for children and their noncustodial parent. Volunteers observe and document visits and are paired with an experienced monitor for guidance. This flexible role is ideal for compassionate, dependable individuals ready to support healthy family connections. Get involved.

Growing Healthy Habits
Volunteers are needed for the Power of Produce (POP) Program at the Grand Rapids Farmers Market. POP encourages children ages 2–12 to make healthy food choices by providing tokens to purchase fruits, vegetables, and food-producing plants. Volunteers assist with monthly activity setup and tear down, along with hands-on activities such as seed planting, scavenger hunts, and vegetable painting. Flexible volunteer shifts are available on Wednesdays during the summer and Saturdays throughout the school year. Those interested in supporting healthy families and youth are encouraged to get involved. Sign up.

Build a Place to Play
Lawrence Township is seeking community volunteers June 10–12 to help construct a new playground for local families. Volunteers will assist with playground assembly, equipment installation, material organization, and general project support under the direction of an onsite foreman. The project needs eight to 10 volunteers each day, and lunch and snacks provided. Individuals with construction, carpentry, or tool experience are encouraged to participate, though all willing helpers are welcome. Volunteer for one day or all three and help create a lasting community space for children and families together and play. Learn more.

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

Volunteer Itasca is an online platform powered by United Way that connects community members with volunteer opportunities at dozens of 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 network will meet on July 9 from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Kootasca Community Action (822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids). Membership is free. Organizations interested in posting volunteer opportunities—or referring a partner organization to join—can contact Molly Hiipakka at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org.