As summer winds down and our community settles into the rhythm of a new school year, fall brings a fresh opportunity to get involved. Whether you have an hour to spare, a few days to give, or are looking for an ongoing way to serve, there are meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout our region. Local nonprofits serve as a bridge between volunteers and community needs, creating opportunities to support children and families, strengthen our communities, lend a hand at local events, and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Whatever your interests or availability, your time and talents can have a meaningful impact.

Answer the Call
Do you have a passion for serving your community? The Itasca County Search and Rescue team is seeking dedicated volunteers age 18 and older to assist with ground, water, and recovery missions throughout the county. Members respond to emergencies in all seasons and receive specialized training in search techniques, navigation, communications, first aid, and more. If you’re ready for a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, join the Search and Rescue team today. Sign up.

Drive with Purpose
Do you have a good driving record and enjoy meeting new people? Arrowhead Transit is looking for volunteer drivers in Itasca County to help community members get to important medical appointments. Using your own vehicle, you can provide more than a ride—you can help someone access the healthcare they need while making a meaningful connection along the way. Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and proof of insurance. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.70 per mile, from the time you leave home until you return. Learn more.

Share Your time
Make a meaningful difference by volunteering with the Essentia Health Hospice Team. Hospice volunteers bring comfort, companionship, and a caring presence to patients and their loved ones, whether through conversation, walks, reading, games, errands, cooking, music, knitting, or simply spending time together. Volunteers can also assist with office projects or provide support to military veterans. Volunteers must be 18 or older and complete training, with the flexibility to choose how they would like to serve and give as much or as little time as their schedule allows. Even a small amount of time can bring connection and comfort when it matters most. Take action.

Give Animals a Second Chance
Hero’s Heart Animal Rescue is looking for caring volunteers to help give animals in need a safe, loving second chance. There are many ways to make a difference, from fostering and transporting pets to appointments and foster homes to helping with fundraising events, socializing animals, and assisting with cleaning and care. Whether you have a little time to give or want to become more involved, your support helps provide the care, comfort, and connection animals need on their journey to finding a home. Sign up.

Spark Curiosity
Help spark curiosity and inspire young minds as a Museum Play Agent at the Children’s Discovery Museum! Volunteers help create memorable experiences for children and families through hands-on play, interactive exhibits, art activities, and exploration. Open the Dino Dig, guide visitors, prepare activities, and help keep exhibits welcoming and ready for discovery. If you’re creative, energetic, and enjoy working with children, spend a Saturday helping kids explore, imagine, and discover the joy of learning through play. Get involved.

Help Guide Local Grant Funding
United Way of 1000 Lakes is looking for community volunteers to serve as grant reviewers and help guide investments that make a difference across our region. Volunteers review funding requests, visit local nonprofits, participate in thoughtful discussions, and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local needs and the organizations working to address them, build leadership skills, and help ensure donor dollars are invested where they can create meaningful community impact. Learn more.

These opportunities are just a sample of what’s happening across our region. Through Volunteer Itasca, powered by United Way of 1000 Lakes, you can explore more than 40 volunteer opportunities from over 25 local nonprofit organizations—all in one place.

Volunteer Itasca makes it easy to find ways to get involved that fit your interests, schedule, and skills. With one free volunteer profile, you can connect with local organizations, respond to opportunities that interest you, and discover new ways to put your time and talents to work in our community.

Ready to make a difference? Visit volunteer.uwlakes.org to explore current opportunities and create your volunteer profile today.