As we move into November, uncertainty around food security continues to grow amid ongoing government challenges and funding disruptions to programs like SNAP. When these essential benefits pause or shift, demand for community-based support rises—placing added strain on local food shelves, meal sites, and essential needs programs.

During times like these, volunteers play a vital role in strengthening our safety net and ensuring no one in our community goes without. This month, we’re shining a light on the resilience of our partners and volunteers who continue to step up, deliver resources, and bring hope where it’s needed most. Now is the time to lend a hand—by donating your time, skills, or resources—to help everyone in our community thrive.

Fight Hunger
KOOTASCA Community Action’s Circles of Support Office receives food truck deliveries twice a month to restock its community pantry. Volunteers are needed to unload, organize, store food items, break-down boxes, and pack emergency food kits for families facing hunger. Your helping hands ensure shelves stay full and essential items reach neighbors in need. A few hours of your time can make a lasting difference in building a stronger, more resilient community. Sign up.

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.

Turn Compassion into Action
Be a source of support and connection for individuals experiencing homelessness at Grace House, Itasca County’s only homeless shelter. From serving meals and assisting with daily operations to engaging with guests or leading activities, volunteers play a vital role in fostering stability and community resilience. Shifts are available seven days a week, offering flexible opportunities for service—both short-term and long-term— throughout the year. Volunteers complete a background check and attend a brief training session—held monthly or as needed—to prepare for this meaningful role. Join a compassionate team helping neighbors find safety, dignity, and hope. Sign up.

Warming Hearts and Raising Awareness
The Itasca Housing Resource Team (IHRT) invites you to the 21st annual Soup on the Street to stand in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness and hunger. Join us at Old Central School in Grand Rapids on November 16th at 3 p.m. to share food, compassion, and connection. Participants are encouraged to take part in the sidewalk awareness rally or donate new hats, mittens, and scarves. Each act of kindness helps warm hearts, spark conversation, and strengthen community ties—one bowl of soup at a time. Learn more.

Serve Kindness, Share a Meal
Lasagna Love invites community members to make a difference from the comfort of their own kitchen by preparing and delivering homemade lasagna to neighbors in need. Volunteers share their culinary talents, brighten someone’s day, and help reduce food insecurity—one meal at a time. With flexible scheduling, anyone can participate—whether by cooking a single meal or supporting multiple families. Each lasagna delivered brings warmth, connection, and a reminder that small acts of kindness create lasting impact. Get involved.

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

United Way of 1000 Lakes is working alongside local partners to ensure no neighbor goes hungry amid the disruption of SNAP (food assistance) benefits. Visit our continually updated list of Itasca County food resources at uwlakes.org/find-help to locate nearby assistance. For additional resources and up-to-date information on utility assistance, transportation, and other essential services, call First Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1, available 24/7.

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, over 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.