May is a time of growth, renewal, and community—and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by giving back. Across our communities, volunteers are stepping up to make a difference, whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a skill, or simply showing up when it matters most. This month, we’re shining a light on the power of volunteerism and the incredible impact individuals can have when they come together for a common purpose.

Stamp Out Hunger
Help fight hunger—from your mailbox! Make a difference during the United States Postal Service’s annual Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive. As a proud national partner, United Way helps support this effort to get food to local shelves. On the second Saturday in May, place a bag of nonperishable items by your mailbox, and your letter carrier will deliver it to a nearby food shelf. It’s an easy, powerful way to support neighbors facing food insecurity—no extra trip required. Take action.

Support King Elementary School
Volunteers are needed to support the book fair at Deer River’s King Elementary, May 11–15 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Help students browse and select books, answer questions, and keep the fair organized and welcoming. Flexible scheduling is available; sign up for one shift or multiple days. Your time helps students discover new stories, build confidence, and develop a love of reading. Popcorn poppers are also needed every other Wednesday in and May to assist with preparing and serving popcorn to students. Learn more.

Help Shape Our Community
United Way of 1000 Lakes is seeking community members to serve on its Board of Directors and committees. Board members provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction while serving three-year terms. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those bringing diverse perspectives and experience in education, finance, health care, public service, and community leadership. Committee opportunities in Resource Development, Community Impact, and Marketing & Public Relations offer meaningful ways to support fundraising, strengthen local initiatives, and expand community outreach. Get involved.

Make a Lasting Impact
Lawrence Township seeks volunteers to help build a new community playground June 10–12. Assist with assembling and installing equipment, organizing materials, and working alongside a foreman and team. Eight to 10 volunteers are needed each day; lunch and snacks provided. Skilled volunteers with experience in construction, carpentry, or tools are especially encouraged. Join for one or multiple days and support a project that will benefit local families while working together and making a visible, lasting impact in the community. Sign up.

Make a Second Chance Possible
Hero’s Heart Animal Rescue is a nonprofit dedicated to helping animals in need through rescue, collaboration, education, and advocacy. Their work strengthens local rescue efforts while advancing stronger animal welfare laws across the region. Volunteer opportunities include fostering, transporting pets, fundraising, socializing animals for adoption, and assisting with daily care. Join a compassionate network making a real difference—one animal at a time. No matter how much time you can give, it directly improves the lives of animals in need. Learn more.

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 our region’s central hub for volunteerism — connecting individuals 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.

If your organization would like to post volunteer opportunities — or if you’d like to refer a partner organization to join — contact Molly Hiipakka at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org. Membership is free and includes personalized technical support, along with access to the Volunteer Coordinators Network, a quarterly gathering of volunteer engagement professionals committed to strengthening recruitment, retention, and impact.