Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Orchard View Early Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Orchard View Early Elementary |2820 MacArthur Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442

When: TBA 

Help shape the future of our community—right here at home.

Do you care deeply about Newaygo County and want to play a hands-on role in strengthening our community? United Way of the Lakeshore is looking for passionate, thoughtful, and community-minded volunteers to serve on our Newaygo County Community Committee.

This isn’t a “sit back and listen” committee—it’s a roll-up-your-sleeves, share-your-voice, help-guide-the-work kind of role.

As a committee member, you’ll help guide the local direction of United Way’s work in Newaygo County by:

Second Thursday of each month 8:00–9:00 AM

Gerber Federal Credit Union Headquarters

Virtual attendance options available

You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who:

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Walkerville. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Join United Way of the Lakeshore & Muskegon Community College for our annual Day of Caring, a community-wide day of service bringing hundreds of volunteers together to support local non-profit agencies and community spaces across Muskegon County.

In 2026, Day of Caring will take place on Friday, April 24 and will kick off at Muskegon Community College as part of their centennial celebration. The evening before, Thursday, April 23, there will be a T-shirt pick up party for volunteers at Unruly Brewing from 5-7 PM. Volunteers will help greet Day of Caring volunteers, distribute t-shirts to team leads and individual volunteers, hand out project packets for the next day, keep the area tidy, and assist United Way staff as needed. 

Questions? Contact Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or (231) 332-4010.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all volunteers.
To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or include a note in your registration.

We kindly ask that attendees avoid wearing strong fragrances out of respect for others’ sensitivities.

Thank you for being part of the change. Your time and energy help build a stronger, more caring Muskegon County.

Looking for more information?

Friday, April 24, 2026

Join United Way of the Lakeshore & Muskegon Community College for our annual Day of Caring, a community-wide day of service bringing hundreds of volunteers together to support local non-profit agencies and community spaces across Muskegon County.

In 2026, Day of Caring will take place on Friday, April 24 and will kick off at Muskegon Community College as part of their centennial celebration. Together, we’ll gather in the morning, then head out across the county to serve. We’re proud to be painting Muskegon Blue & Gold together!

This registration is for both individuals and teams. If you’re part of a team, please include your team or organization name when registering. If you’re not part of a team—no worries! Individual volunteers are welcome and will be matched with a meaningful project.

Questions? Contact Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or (231) 332-4010.

Project applications are currently being accepted and reviewed; projects will be announced in March 2026.

A meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience supporting local non-profits and community spaces

Breakfast, lunch, and water provided for all volunteers

A free Day of Caring T-shirt, thanks to our sponsors

All materials and tools provided (no special skills required)

A fun and fulfilling day serving alongside friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members

(Subject to change based on assigned project)

8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-In & Pancake Breakfast at Muskegon Community College

8:30 AM – Kickoff Celebration, Community Remarks, & Group Stretch

9:00 AM – Travel to Assigned Volunteer Sites

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch Delivered to Volunteer Sites

Early–Mid Afternoon – Project Wrap-Up
(End times will vary by project and scope of work)

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
(Dress for the weather and your comfort)

Work gloves if you have them (some will be available at the kick-off breakfast for those who don't have any)

Safety glasses will be provided when needed for tasks involving tools

Transportation
Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to and from their assigned sites. Carpooling is encouraged.

Restrooms
Restroom access or portable restrooms will be available at each project site.

Lunch & Dietary Needs
Lunch will be delivered to your site and will include vegetarian options. Vegan and gluten-free lunch can be provided upon request. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, juice, water, and coffee.

Water
Water will be available at the kickoff for you to pick up and transport to your project site.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all volunteers.
To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or include a note in your registration.

We kindly ask that attendees avoid wearing strong fragrances out of respect for others’ sensitivities.

Thank you for being part of the change. Your time and energy help build a stronger, more caring Muskegon County.

Looking for more information?

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Walkerville. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs to families in need in Hart. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 2 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

Help us unload, sort, and distribute 10,000 lbs. of food to families in need in Shelby. Mobile food pantries help meet the community from where they are and provide nutritious and healthy ingredients for family nourishment. Volunteers help with the intake process of the families, help direct traffic, sort the trucks' goods, and help pack/distribute. The mobile food pantry will be open to the public beginning at 5 PM.

This project requires several forms to be filled out but is relatively easy to complete. Essentially you walk through the Veterans History Project Instruction Booklet step by step to conduct an interview with your local veteran. You come up with prompts, record the interview, collect copies of any photographs or memorabilia, and have all forms and paperwork filled out.  

You can then either forward that information to the United Way of the Lakeshore, or you can send the documents to the Library of Congress. 

This project is a great way to spend time with some of our greatest community members (our veterans!) and record local history. 

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center collects and preserves the firsthand interviews and narratives of the United States military veterans from World War I through the present. In addition to audio- and video-recorded oral history interviews, VHP accepts memoirs and collections of original photographs, letters, diaries, maps and other historical documents from veterans who served in the US armed services from World War I through the present. The Project makes accessible the materials that comprise this important national archive, which contains submissions from every state, and includes the US territories. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals, and organizations, throughout the nation to contribute veterans’ stories to VHP.

VHP also collects oral histories with Gold Star Family members, defined as a parent, spouse, sibling, or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.

Student United Need For Hour Tracking Purposes

About Mission United: 

Mission United engages military veterans and their families to serve and address veteran needs in income stability, education, and health. These individuals help steer the impact work of United Way veteran-based programs and host special events such as the Memorial Day Clean Ups and Veterans Day activities.

Region: Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties 

Mission United Chair: Sunny Crenshaw
Mission United Vice Chair: Henrietta Hadley 

Meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month.

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Math Program at Martin Luther King Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children in Muskegon Heights. We are looking for volunteers for each classroom grades 3-5 at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary 55 E Sherman BLVD, Muskegon, MI 49444. 

A love for working with young students. Great communication skills and the ability to work both independently and with others. Comfortable with technology or willing to learn. A supportive and encouraging approach to math.

An hour & a half (1.5) time commitment, 3 times a week, Monday-Friday. The students need this intervention each day for the program to be successful. We do ask that volunteers commit to an entire school year so that we can ensure the success of our students.

A commitment to completing our training (provided by the school and United Way of the Lakeshore). This training is about 1.5 hours and will walk you through the basics of the math program and the technology skills needed. Place, date and time of training will be determined with volunteers.

Background checks (no fee required). For the safety of our schools and you as a volunteer, you must complete two background checks - an initial check with United Way of the Lakeshore and then a secondary with each school site you plan to volunteer at. These background checks are covered by our organization and are of no fee to you!

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Beach Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Beach Elementary |2741 Heights Ravenna Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444

When: 12:15-1:45pm 

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Edgewood Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Edgewood Elementary |3255 E Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport , MI 49415

What You'll Do

When: 2:00-3:30pm 

Mentor students: Help young learners increase their literacy skills through a structured routines.Assist outside the classroom: Work alongside teachers to support students’ educational growth.Share your experiences: Report back on the successes and challenges of your mentoring journey.Be a role model: Show students the joy of learning while maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
A love for working with young students. Great communication skills and the ability to work both independently and with others. A supportive and encouraging approach to reading.A two hour time commitment once a week. (Monday-Friday available) The students need this intervention each day for the program to be successful.Volunteers will report to Shettler Elementary.
A commitment to completing our training (provided by MAISD and United Way of the Lakeshore). This training is about 3 hours and will walk you through the basics of the literacy routine, giving volunteers time to practice and ask questions.  Training TBD. 
Background checks (no fee required). For the safety of our schools and you as a volunteer, you must complete two background checks - an initial check with United Way of the Lakeshore and then a secondary with each school site you plan to volunteer at. These background checks are covered by our organization and are of no fee to you!

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Bunker Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Bunker Elementary |2312 Denmark St, Muskegon, MI 49441 

When: TBA

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Campbell Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where:  Campbell Elementary |1355 Greenwich Rd, Muskegon, MI 49441 

When: TBA 

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Holton Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Holton Elementary |6425 Syers Rd, Holton, MI 49425

When: TBA

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Edgewood Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Edgewood Elementary |3028  Howden St, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444

When: 2:15-3:00pm Monday- Thursday 10:15am-11:00am Friday

Do you have a passion for helping young minds grow? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join us as a volunteer mentor in our Early Literacy Program at Edgewood Elementary and make a real difference in the lives of children.

Where: Edgewood Elementary |3028  Howden St, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444

When: 11-11:50am Monday-Friday 

Muskegon Maritime Academy (571 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon) is seeking caring, dependable volunteers to help serve lunch to students now through the end of the school year.

Muskegon Maritime Academy is a K–5 school that will unfortunately be closing at the end of this academic year. Due to funding cuts, the school does not have adequate staff available to serve daily lunches. While generous partners are helping ensure meals are prepared and available, volunteers are needed to assist with the lunch service itself so students can continue receiving a warm, nutritious meal each day.

What Volunteers Will Do:

Serve lunch to students (approximately 30 students at a time; about 100 total per day)

Set out utensils, plates, and supplies

Place food into warmers

Support a smooth and welcoming lunch experience

Students assist with clean-up at the end of their lunch periods, and school staff will be present — volunteers are not expected to handle discipline matters.

Schedule:

Monday–Friday

11:00 AM – approximately 12:45 PM

Shifts are under 2 hours

Help is needed consistently through June

Volunteer as few or as many days per week as you’re able

What’s Provided:

Gloves and aprons

A nutritious lunch

A meaningful way to support local students during a time of transition

Requirements:

Volunteers must be 18+

Background check required

Even one or two days a week can make a real difference. Providing consistency and a friendly presence during lunchtime will help ensure students continue to feel cared for and supported during these final months of the school year.