Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Adopt a Working Family – Volunteer Support Team

Description:
Help spread holiday cheer to local working families! Volunteers are needed to support United Way of the Lakeshore’s Adopt a Working Family program throughout November and December. This program connects community donors with working families in need of extra help during the holidays.

There are many ways to get involved—volunteers may:

Deliver gifts to families in the community.

Pick up gifts from adopters and bring them to our office.

Assist adopters in the office by checking in gifts and labeling them for delivery or pickup.

Sort and organize wrapping supplies and stocking stuffers.

Call families to confirm pickup and delivery details.

Help with other tasks as needed to ensure a smooth and joyful holiday season for all!

When you sign up, you’re expressing your interest in helping with the program. A member of our staff will reach out beginning in November to assign roles and schedule volunteer shifts based on your availability and interests.

Requirements & Notes:

Volunteers should have a friendly, compassionate attitude and be comfortable working with the public.

If you are able to drive (for pickups and deliveries), please note that in the Comments/notes section when signing up.

Please also share any accommodations or accessibility needs so we can provide a positive volunteer experience.

Location:
United Way of the Lakeshore Office (and throughout the community)
31 E Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442

Timing:
Volunteer shifts will be available throughout November and December. Specific dates and times will be scheduled individually.

Note - once you submit this donor/adopter interest form, a member of our staff will reach out with instructions on how to select a family to adopt. This can take up to 2 business days.Adopt a Working Family – Holiday Donor Sign-Up

Description:
Help make the holidays brighter for a local working family! United Way of the Lakeshore’s Adopt a Working Family program connects community donors with hardworking ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed) families who could use a little extra support this holiday season.

By signing up, you’re expressing your interest in adopting a family this year. Once matched, you’ll receive your family’s profile, including their story, ages of family members, and gift wishes or needs. Donors purchase gifts for each family member (about $75-150 per person is suggested) and are encouraged to include wrapping supplies and small extras such as gift cards or stocking stuffers.

Please note that wrapping gifts is not recommended — instead, include wrapping paper and supplies with your donation.

All gifts must be delivered to United Way of the Lakeshore by December 18, where our team will coordinate pickup or delivery to families in time for the holidays.

How It Works:

Sign up here to express your interest in adopting a family.

A member of our staff will contact you in November to match you with a family and provide all details.

Shop for your family’s gifts and deliver them to our office by the deadline.

Requirements & Notes:

Gifts should be new and unwrapped.

We suggest spending about $75-150 per person as a starting point, but all levels of giving are appreciated.

Gift cards for family experiences (movies, bowling, restaurants) are wonderful additions.

Please include wrapping supplies with your donation.

Deliver gifts by Wednesday, December 18, 2025.

Location:
United Way of the Lakeshore
31 E Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442

Timing:
Matches will begin in November. Gifts are due by December 18, 2025.