United Way of Southwest Michigan can provide guidance to any corporation or group interested in holding a DIY kit packing. Items can be collected from your group for anything from dinner basket kits, soup kits, spice kits, or power packs for kids. UWSM can also identify organizations in need to receive the donations. We will…
The future of our guide dog program depends in large part on volunteers who host specially selected breeding dogs. This dedicated group of volunteers provides foster homes for breeding stock moms and dads for the life of these dogs. Leader Dog provides veterinary care, as well as heartworm and flea preventative treatments. The host family…
Puppy raisers are the backbone of our guide dog program. They give 12 to 15 months of their time, energy and love to raise a puppy for Leader Dog. Through daily care and training, puppy raisers build the foundation our puppies need to become a trusted guide dog for someone who is blind. You don’t…
Volunteers prepare and package food to be distributed to those in need. Opportunities include sorting through donated non-perishable food items, stocking meat coolers, bagging fresh fruit, building fresh food boxes, loading emergency bags, stocking shelves, and pulling orders. Volunteers also take bulk food items such as Rice Krispies, granola, or cookies and package them into…
Fort Food Pantry provides a drive-through service. It takes place in the parking lot of South Michigan Food Bank. Volunteers register clients, direct traffic, and load cars with food. Enter at the front of the building. You will be escorted to the distribution center for orientation and to receive assignments.
You’ll provide companionship and support for a homebound older adult with weekly or biweekly visits, either at the client’s home or destination such as lunch, shopping or other activities. Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network provides consolation and assistance to chronic and terminally ill clients and their families. We partner with them by providing volunteers who…
Plant flowers, weed and prune bushes in the gazebo garden, or spread mulch around our playscapes. Getting your hands dirty is rewarding.
The majority of our volunteers are needed at the food bank itself. About 15% of the food we receive (over 5 million pounds) has special handling requirements. Typically, this involves processing food by sorting, labeling, or repacking it. Example: Repacking 800-pound bins of cereal into family-size portions.
During the harvest season, many farmers find themselves with extra fruits and vegetables on their hands. Instead of letting this nutritious produce go to waste, they call us. Every summer and fall, our volunteers pick — or “glean” — these fruits and vegetables for the food bank. Crops include tomatoes, cherries, and apples.
Whether you are in North America, Africa or Asia, we have numerous volunteer opportunities that allow you to serve in the country and community where you live. We want this to be a fun and incredible experience that best fits your talents and our needs.