The information on this page is being provided as a courtesy to our students seeking community service opportunities. The opportunities on this list are not coordinated by the Civic Engagement team. If any of these opportunities interest you please contact the community partner directly through the contact person listed.
The views and opinions represented by these organizations are not affiliated with Grand Valley State University. If you find that a position posted through this site is not as advertised, please notify the Civic Engagement team at [email protected].
On-Campus Community Service Opportunities
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Organization |
Description of Event |
Location |
Date & Time |
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Get dirty and give back a the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project. Volunteers will be involved all aspects of the farm. Volunteers are advised to wear closed toe shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. |
GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project |
Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. Fridays from 1-4 p.m. |
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Replenish relies on our community to keep us going. You can help us continue supporting the Grand Valley students by giving your time through volunteering, making a monetary donation, or donating perishable and non perishable. |
Allendale Campus Click link for specific room locations. |
Dates vary based on availability. |
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Grand Valley State University student volunteers assist in daily activities while shadowing Lead and Assistant Teachers as they lead literacy-rich programs. Student volunteers will learn about Creative Curriculum and redirection methods (i.e., proactive and reactive redirection of preschool behavior). |
Allendale Campus |
Dates vary based on availability |
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Drop in Days of Service |
Thornapple KC Allendale Campus |
One Friday a month |
Off-Campus Community Service Opportunities
Summer One-Time Service Opportunities
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Organization |
Description of Event |
Location |
Dates & Times |
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Need volunteers for Young Athletes and Developmental Sports! Young Athletes and Developmental Sports are programs in partnership with Special Olympics and Autism Support of Kent County. Young Athletes consists of physical activities for kids with developmental disabilities aged 2-7 to build their gross motor skills for future sports participation. Developmental Sports is a program designed to teach kids with developmental disabilities aged 8-13 how to participate in team sports. |
SOMI Auxiliary Gym 160 68th St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 |
Both of these programs will be on Tuesdays Young Athletes 5:30pm-6:15pm Developmental Sports 6:15pm-7:00pm. |
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The Cook Library Center needs help with its book collection. Volunteers may help with updating the simple digital inventory by adding new books or removing unregistered books. The physical book collection is also getting updated. Volunteers can help remove old labels and add new labels to the books.
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Cook Library Center 1100 Cesar E. Chavez SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Any time from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fridays. |
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Nneed volunteers for Cooking Capers! Cooking Capers is a program led by GVSU nutrition students to teach independence in the kitchen for members with Down syndrome aged 12 and older. We work on goals and learn kitchen safety, measurements, and more while cooking a delicious 3 course meal! |
SOMI Teaching Kitchen 160 68th St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 |
Thursdays, 5:30-7:45pm
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Opportunity Resource Fund in partnership with LISC AmeriCorps is seeking an intern who is ready to advance their career while pursuing their passion. Apply today to become an Outreach & Recruitment Program Coordinator through LISC AmeriCorps!
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Opportunity Resource Fund 250 Monroe NW, Suite 150 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Decided after Selection |
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Volunteers will go through old physical files and pull out all paperwork and also place papers in boxes to be transported for shredding |
2130 Enterprise St. SE Kentwood, MI 49508
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Mondays - Fridays from 10:00am-4:00pm
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Volunteer to serve as mentors or tutors for refugee teens. Help refugees with English practice and general high school courses. Or caring of adults as a friend, advocate, resource and bridge to the Grand Rapids community. |
901 Eastern Ave NE PO Box 294 Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0294 |
Varies, but time commitment needed: 1 hr/week or 4hrs/month |
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Become a Volunteer Literacy Coach! No special skills or teaching experience are required—we provide all the training and support you need. If you can read and write in English and want to make a difference in your community, this is your chance to get involved. |
207 Fulton St. E, Suite 4000 |
Multiple dates/times |
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Life Enrichment program at the Cortland Northview (A retirement community on NE side) |
Get Involved with following activities and help elderly population at Cortland Northview: Weekend / evening activity - such as bingo games or other engaging word or board games. Weekday activities - such as crafts, games, music. General help with activities and socials! Bigger event staffing - help setting up, tearing down and doing event activities for holiday events. |
3740 Vista Springs Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 |
Multiple dates/times |
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This website provides details on various volunteer opportunities available in Michigan. |
Multiple locations across Michigan |
Multiple dates and times |
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Because a hunger hero helps...one backpack at a time! Join us in packing weekend food for West Michigan kids experiencing hunger. |
306 Chicago Dr. |
Multiple dates/times |
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Volunteer Advocates needed!!! |
YWCA West central Michigan 25 Sheldon Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Multiple dates/times |
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The Community Food Club is seeking volunteers on an ongoing basis. We rely on volunteers to help operate the store every single day. Volunteers welcome our members and check them into the store, operate the check-out, and stock and organize shelves and displays. |
1100 S Division AVE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, US |
1 to 2 hours long and take place during our hours of operations: 10am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday. |
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Volunteers will hold a hand and share a story, send a card, listen, read, or sing, make gifts for patients, run errands, or perform light housekeeping, and share flowers, bake, or garden to bring comfort and joy. Additionally, volunteers can provide administrative office support, make phone calls, attend community events, or offer veteran-to-veteran support to foster connection and care. |
625 Kenmoor Avenue SE, Suite 115, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 |
Multiple dates and time |
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We have two volunteer opportunities available: Volunteers will sort through old physical files, remove paperwork, and place the documents into boxes for shredding. Additionally, volunteers will fill remaining backpacks with school supplies according to the provided supply list, then pack the backpacks into boxes for transport. |
2130 Enterprise St. SE Kentwood, MI 49508 |
Any day during the week (Monday-Friday) Timeframe: Any time between 9:00 am-5:00pm |
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No experience is needed, but a background check is required if you haven't completed one with us in the last 3 years. We are currently looking for help with these two programs:
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Rendezvous- 12945 N Cedar Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417 Service-based Learning- 66 N Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI 49424 |
Multiple dates/times available |
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With a variety of opportunities available, you can easily find a cause that fits your passion and schedule. Whether mentoring youth, helping at a local food pantry, or supporting environmental efforts, there's a place for you to get involved. |
Multiple locations. |
Multiple dates/times |
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Day of Caring is Heart of West Michigan United Way's annual county-wide service event. Every September, hundreds of employees from companies across Kent County “report to work” at local nonprofit agencies to volunteer their time. This annual event helps nonprofit organizations get things done—projects they may not have the day-to-day capacity to do throughout the year. Projects include meal preparation and food packing, painting, landscaping and yardwork, and event support.18 and up |
Multiple locations. |
Multiple dates/times |
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Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment Crew |
Come join Ottawa County Parks and Recreation's (OCPR) Natural Resources Management staff to help treat hemlock trees throughout Rosy Mound Natural Area to protect them against hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). This volunteer opportunity is quite physically demanding. |
Rosy Mound Natural Area (13925 Lakeshore Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417) |
Multiple dates/times |
Summer Ongoing Community Service Opportunities
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Organization |
Description of Organization/Event |
Location |
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Volunteers are an integral part of the work of 20 Liters. When you give your time and talent, you're joining hundreds of volunteers in the United States and Rwanda to facilitate access to clean and safe water for those who lack it. |
Ottawa County |
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Help AARP to provide nourishing meals to those facing health crisis while empowering the next generation. The Revive and Thrive Project is a registered non-profit organization nourishing greater Grand Rapids, Michigan one meal at a time. |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Allendale Public Schools can always use motivated individuals to help with reading, math, activities, and even the copy center. |
Allendale Charter Township, MI |
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Volunteer at Alpha Grand Rapids (AGR) to help support expectant parents and young families. Roles included working directly with people or more "behind-the-scenes". |
1725 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 |
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The Volunteer Recruitment Member supports the Regional Volunteer Services Department and assists the implementation of the regional volunteer recruitment plan. This is done by performing recruitment activities to attract a skilled and diverse volunteer workforce. |
Kentwood, MI |
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Baxter is looking for extra hands to help maintain their greenhouse and raised bed gardens by assisting with general cleaning, soil prep, transplanting, labeling, weeding, harvesting and more! |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore would not be successful without volunteers like you. BGCML partners with children, youth, and families in Muskegon County to offer programs to enable and inspire all youth, especially the ones who need us the most. |
Muskegon |
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The Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids is currently looking for volunteers to help staff run programs and activities, serve meals, and create a fun for their members each day! This opportunity is available during the school year Monday-Friday, 3:00-7:00 p.m. |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Enjoy helping out in your community? Help the Community Food Clubs Free Grocery store by greeting and checking out members, and stocking the shelves of the store. |
1100 S. Division Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49507 |
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Beautifully Home Volunteers: Help Community Rebuilders transform a house into a home. Volunteers with help with furniture and household goods pickup, delivery, and organization. |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Corewell Health has the perfect fit for you. As part of our Corewell Health team, volunteers are integral to the daily operations in our hospitals, care centers, and community programs. We offer a wide range of opportunities and environments to match your interests and skills:
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Corewell Health Hospitals |
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Volunteer for Green Thumbs & DIYers! Green Thumbs volunteers will mow lawns, landscape, rake leaves, and more! DIYers volunteers will paint, clean, help with small building projects, and more! |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Volunteer with Disability Advocates of Kent County! |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Join ENGin as a conversation partner! You will be paired up with a buddy (-ies) in Ukraine for weekly videochats at times that are convenient for you. During your conversations, you’ll practice English with your partner(s), learn about each other’s cultures, and offer an empathetic, authentic space for connection. |
Online Volunteering |
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Do you enjoy being around a barn full of horses? Volunteer with the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding by retrieving and returning horses, grooming and tacking horses before classes, and helping around the barn. To volunteer visit their website and complete the volunteer orientation training! |
3777 Rector Ave NE Rockford, MI 49341 |
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Our volunteers are essential to our work in building resilient and safe families, supporting children, and strengthening our community. We couldn’t reach the number of families we do without the generous time, talents and energy our incredible volunteers offer. |
678 Front Ave NW #210 |
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If you have a passion for learning and can commit to a 4-hour shift per week, unlock the opportunity to engage and educate guests by joining their dedicated team of docents! As a docent, you will: lead educational tours, welcome visitors, assist guests, wear the "ASK ME!" button proudly, facilitate discussions, share insights, and contribute to their mission! |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Looking for volunteers that are passionate, inspired and making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer or grief in West Michigan. Whether you can only commit a few hours a week or want to give more time, this is a good opportunity for you. From taking care of the club house grounds, making cards, knitting or sewing, working in the office, and so much more. |
1806 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 |
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Gain real-world retail experience and be a part of a mission that values your community. When you donate your time and talent in our stores, you are helping to change lives and communities through the power of work! Responsibilities: putting merchandise on the sales floor, keeping the sales floor organized, rotating out merchandise on a weekly basis, putting foam on hangers, replacing/restocking bookshelves |
Locations available at a variety of Goodwill locations around the Grand Rapids area. |
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We are passionate about equipping and empowering team mamas at Grace's Table. We believe teen moms should feel loved, cared for, and part of a community. We don't want them to live in isolation or away from advocacy and hope. We provide teen moms mentorship, hospitality, and the benefit of a team that will help them find resources, learn life skills, and encouragement as they move towards their full potential. |
835 Richmond St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 |
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Grow Your Classroom is a local nonprofit corporation looking for regular volunteers. Up to 4 hours a week available. Mainly plant maintenance (watering, potting, pruning; possibly pulling and prepping orders). Ideal for biology, education, sustainability, and business majors, or anyone who loves plants. |
Jenison, MI |
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In hopes of ending childhood hunger, help pack backpacks with food, so hungry children can also excel in school and in life. There are more opportunities to help as well! |
Ottawa County |
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Volunteer in the community through a variety of different volunteer opportunities! |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Volunteer in the community by passing out food in the community by being a food distribution volunteer. |
810 VanRaalte St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49505 |
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Do you enjoy sewing/knitting/crocheting and want to make a difference? Hospice of Michigan is looking for volunteers to help make various projects for our patients to help increase their quality of life. These items can help a patient rest more comfortably in their bed, provide them with comfort, and give them a safe outlet to keep busy. This is an excellent way to use up spare fabric that you may have, while brightening a patients day! |
Muskegon |
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Do you enjoy hanging out with animals? Well, come join us in your free time and volunteer with some cute furry friends! Multiple volunteer opportunities are available. |
3077 Wilson Dr Grand Rapids, MI 49534 |
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Become a Community Events Volunteer! Assist with community events including the Craft Show, Snow Ball Dance, Taps & Trails, Trick or Treat Street and Breakfast with Santa. Become a programming volunteer! Assist during the day or evening with games, activities, and/or setup of evening programming. |
Allendale, MI |
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Looking to help out the community? Join Kent County Community Action to help with packing food boxes and distributing them to the senior community. Assist during the day in shifts. |
121 Martin Luther King Jr St SE Suite 110 Grand Rapids, MI 49507 |
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Join the Kids Food Basket and help out children in your community! |
Kids Food Basket Kent County, Ottawa/Allegan County, or Muskegon |
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Join the Land Conservancy of West MI for their Second Saturday Events! From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, the Land Conservancy will host a volunteer event that focuses on ecological restoration activities including invasive species removal, seed collecting, and native plant installation. Volunteers may also be involved with trail maintenance, general clean-up, or other tasks that help visitors better enjoy our magnificent natural areas. |
West Michigan |
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1 in 8 West Michigan adults struggle with low literacy. So, we have an ongoing need for volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with adult learners. You don't need any special skills, just the ability to read and write and the willingness to teach others. |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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When caring volunteers walk alongside their neighbors, healthy relationships grow. That's why volunteers are the heart of our ministry. You can help us with education classes, childcare, and picking up and/or moving furniture. |
Ottawa County |
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Together we can make wishes come true. Volunteers have the opportunity to grant wishes, be a translator/interpreter, help out in the office and with events, and help children with reading and writing. |
Brighton, MI |
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Volunteer opportunities in our kitchen, delivering to homebound seniors, serving at our dining sites, or our Senior Pantry. Each semester we have a handful of Grand Valley students that join our mission to help serve our growing clientele of over 6,000 seniors in Kent and Allegan counties. |
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan 2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500 Grandville, MI 49418 |
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They are looking for individual or group workers who want to help advance the rights of migrant farmworkers. |
1104 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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MomsBloom is a volunteer-based organization that provides hands on and emotional support to families that are welcoming a new baby. Our volunteers provide support for 2-4 hours per week for a 12 week match (perfect for a semester!). Their support may includes caring for the baby, playing with siblings, light housework, and companionship to the parent. |
Kent County, Ottawa County |
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New City Neighbors have various volunteer opportunities such as farm workdays and helping with produce pickup. |
1115 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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The Outdoor Discovery Center wouldn't thrive without volunteers like you. Whether you want to come alone or with a group, we have several different opportunities for you. You can help maintain trails and buildings, give animal care assistance, restore habitats, clean up rivers, and more! |
Holland |
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Join OKT to help set up their Southeast Area Farmers Market that helps support local Black growers and entrepreneurs. Every other Saturday until November 4, 2023 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. |
900 Fuller SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 |
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Volunteer with the Ronald McDonald Charities to operate the RMHC cart to pick up items and provide a warm welcome to families and caregivers. Volunteers should be willing to commit to a weekly or biweekly shift for about 6 months |
1323 Cedar Street, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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Join REC to help fill backpacks for students ranging from Elementary school students to High school students. Join REC to help transport students to and from school via bussing services. |
2130 Enterprise St SE, Kentwood, MI 49508 |
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Volunteer Meal Program! The Renucci Hospitality House Meal Program is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families in crisis. Many of our guests tell us how grateful they are for a homemade meal provided by our volunteers and that sometimes its the only meal they have all day. |
290 Ransom Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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Join Samaritas and volunteer with seniors in Grand Rapids to create beautiful flower arrangements. Play some Bingo, and assist with Chapel and Musical Performances |
2000 32nd Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 |
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Whether you enjoy singing, helping in the main office, doing yard work, or just being a friendly face to visitors, Spectrum Hospice is looking for people to help in any way they are able. |
750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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Giving a little bit of your time can change someone's life. If you're looking to make a difference in your community, and in your world, volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to do it. Fill food orders at our pantry, organize school supplies and backpacks, give the supplies and backpacks to children in need, load up a family in need with Christmas gifts or ring a bell during the Holiday Season. These are just a few of the amazing opportunities we have here at The Salvation Army. |
Holland |
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They have many one-time opportunities for childcare. One of their most consistent needs is transportation to and from home and school. Treetops regularly sells social enterprise goods at pop-up markets and has information tables at various events. They also offer group volunteer opportunities. |
906 Division S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 |
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Help us manage the turnover of food through the warehouse and pantry. We are in need of someone to volunteer consistently throughout the week, learning the system and becoming part of the team at UCOM. Volunteer times are Mondays from 8:30am to 11:30am or Thursdays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. |
1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
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Join a multitude of enthusiastic supporters devoted to creating social change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. When we Live United, we put opportunity in the hands of all neighbors along the Lakeshore. |
Muskegon |
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Join our community of warriors at our headquarters or events in your area. In our comfortable, on-site volunteer center, you can prepare donations, tag products, organize inventory, or even become a volunteer staff member! Our team of volunteers makes it possible to continue our mission of rescue, restoration, and empowerment! Come in for a few hours or come in everyday! |
2790 44th St SW A, Wyoming, MI 49519 |
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Women's Resource Center is looking for volunteers in a wide variety of positions, from computer instructors to mentors to resume coaches and more. They are also looking for teams of volunteers to cary out projects. |
678 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 |
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Join CSNIP in supporting our mission to prevent pet overpopulation and improve the quality of life for pets and their caregivers. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks, including preparing medical equipment, patient transport, office support, and laundry assistance. |
1300 Walker Village DriveGrand Rapids, MI 49534United States |
Remote Community Service Opportunities
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Organization |
Description of Organization/Event |
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As a volunteer, you can use your voice talent to bring audiobooks to life. Or you can conduct quality assurance playing books back just like students will and checking for anything that would result in a less-than-enjoyable listening experience. |
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LEP is organized to facilitate relationships through learning. Participants are based in the Midwest and Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, and each take on both the role of teacher and student, as they share their language while learning the other. Over video call and messaging on WhatsApp, participants will provide lessons on how to speak English or Swahili, and they will then learn how to speak the language they do not know. To make this a reality, participants will create lesson plans and content to be shared with their language partner, and partners will share and learn from each other’s content once a week. Through their involvement in the program, participants will gain meaningful experiences teaching English or Swahili as a second language, while learning a new language and culture. |
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Transcribe and review digitized historical collections from around the Smithsonian. |
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The Library of Congress needs volunteers to help transcribe digitize documents, add keyword tags to assist in future searches, and to review transcriptions by other volunteers for accuracy. |
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Oakwood Education Foundation addresses educational inequality by connecting underserved students with impassioned volunteer tutors. Anyone 15 or older can apply to be a tutor, and you can choose subjects that match your area of expertise. |
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On the first of each month, elders are posted on the Love For Our Elders website. Take a few minutes to write a meaningful letter. Tell the elder about yourself, maybe share a joke or a riddle and let them know that they are loved. |
United Way
Visit the Heart of West Michigan United Way site and browse through their Volunteer Opportunity Database to find opportunities that suit your interests!