Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Volunteer: Early Literacy Mentor- Orchard View Early Elementary

Inspire Young Minds to Love Reading:  Volunteer with Us!

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 

What You'll Do
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.
Requirements for Volunteering:
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 Orchard View Early 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!

Agency: United Way of the Lakeshore

Inspire Young Minds to Love Reading:  Volunteer with Us!

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 

What You'll Do
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.
Requirements for Volunteering:
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 Orchard View Early 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!

Agency: United Way of the Lakeshore

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Aug 25, 2025 through Jun 5, 2026

Zip Code: 49442

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Care Kit Drive: Box Pickup & Delivery Helper

Care Kit Drive: Box Pickup & Delivery Helper

Date: Thursday, January 22
Time Window: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Start Time: 10:00 AM (flexible!)
Shift Length: ~2 hours
Location: Pickups/drop-offs coordinated by United Way of the Lakeshore
Requirements: Reliable vehicle & ability to lift boxes

What You’ll Do

Be the behind-the-scenes hero who keeps our Care Kit Drive moving! Volunteers will help pick up and deliver boxes of donated items that will be used to assemble care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Your support ensures everything is in the right place before packing day.

Why It Matters

These care kits will be handed out during the Point-in-Time Count, helping outreach teams connect people experiencing homelessness with resources, warmth, and dignity. Your time and your trunk space make a real difference.

What You Need to Know

Must have a reliable vehicle

Ability to lift and carry boxes

Route details and exact pickup/drop-off locations will be shared after sign-up

Start time is flexible within the 9–5 window

A perfect opportunity for volunteers who like independent, flexible service with a big impact!

Agency: United Way of the Lakeshore

Care Kit Drive: Box Pickup & Delivery Helper

Date: Thursday, January 22
Time Window: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Start Time: 10:00 AM (flexible!)
Shift Length: ~2 hours
Location: Pickups/drop-offs coordinated by United Way of the Lakeshore
Requirements: Reliable vehicle & ability to lift boxes

What You’ll Do

Be the behind-the-scenes hero who keeps our Care Kit Drive moving! Volunteers will help pick up and deliver boxes of donated items that will be used to assemble care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Your support ensures everything is in the right place before packing day.

Why It Matters

These care kits will be handed out during the Point-in-Time Count, helping outreach teams connect people experiencing homelessness with resources, warmth, and dignity. Your time and your trunk space make a real difference.

What You Need to Know

Must have a reliable vehicle

Ability to lift and carry boxes

Route details and exact pickup/drop-off locations will be shared after sign-up

Start time is flexible within the 9–5 window

A perfect opportunity for volunteers who like independent, flexible service with a big impact!

Agency: United Way of the Lakeshore

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jan 22, 2026

Zip Code: 49442

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Livability Lab 6.0 Coaches

Livability Lab 6.0 is launching soon, and we need community-minded leaders to step in and volunteer as coaches. This is Muskegon County’s version of a 100-Day Challenge: a data-driven, resident-led process where teams tackle real barriers facing our neighbors.

 

At our kickoff on February 3, 2026, teams will form around specific issues that matter to residents. Each team needs 1–2 coaches, and with an expected 15–19 teams, we must recruit 30–40 coaches to make this Livability Lab possible.

 

How your organization (or you) can help

Coaches can be:

·    Employees whose time is donated by their organization (on the clock), and/or

·    Community members who volunteer their time.

 

What a Livability Lab Coach does

Approximate time commitment: about 40 hours total (2–3 hours per week) over 100 days.

Coaches:

·    Participate in a brief onboarding session and two coach trainings to build facilitation and problem-solving skills

·    Attend the Livability Lab Kickoff (Feb 3) and Celebration (May 29)

·    Coordinate with team members on meeting schedules, agendas, and report-outs

·    Help teams use data and root-cause analysis to identify barriers and opportunities

·    Support the team in developing and implementing an Action Plan, including short updates at 30, 60, and 90 days

 

At the end of the 100 days, all coaches receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their leadership and contribution to community change.

 

Key dates for Coaches & Facilitators

 

Onboarding & Responsibilities (Zoom)

·    Jan 9 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Training 1 (choose one)

·    Jan 12 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

·    Jan 16 | 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Training 2 (choose one)

·    Jan 19 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

·    Jan 23 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Kickoff – 100-Day Challenge Begins

·    Feb 3, 2026

Coach & Staff Check-Ins

·    Mar 17 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

·    Apr 24 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Celebration – Livability Lab 6.0

·    May 29, 2026

·     

Even if you cannot commit to the full 100 days, you can still be part of the work by serving as a table facilitator at the Kickoff.

Use this link to learn more and express your interest in joining us as a Coach!

Agency: Access Health Inc.

Livability Lab 6.0 is launching soon, and we need community-minded leaders to step in and volunteer as coaches. This is Muskegon County’s version of a 100-Day Challenge: a data-driven, resident-led process where teams tackle real barriers facing our neighbors.

 

At our kickoff on February 3, 2026, teams will form around specific issues that matter to residents. Each team needs 1–2 coaches, and with an expected 15–19 teams, we must recruit 30–40 coaches to make this Livability Lab possible.

 

How your organization (or you) can help

Coaches can be:

·    Employees whose time is donated by their organization (on the clock), and/or

·    Community members who volunteer their time.

 

What a Livability Lab Coach does

Approximate time commitment: about 40 hours total (2–3 hours per week) over 100 days.

Coaches:

·    Participate in a brief onboarding session and two coach trainings to build facilitation and problem-solving skills

·    Attend the Livability Lab Kickoff (Feb 3) and Celebration (May 29)

·    Coordinate with team members on meeting schedules, agendas, and report-outs

·    Help teams use data and root-cause analysis to identify barriers and opportunities

·    Support the team in developing and implementing an Action Plan, including short updates at 30, 60, and 90 days

 

At the end of the 100 days, all coaches receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their leadership and contribution to community change.

 

Key dates for Coaches & Facilitators

 

Onboarding & Responsibilities (Zoom)

·    Jan 9 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Training 1 (choose one)

·    Jan 12 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

·    Jan 16 | 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Training 2 (choose one)

·    Jan 19 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

·    Jan 23 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Kickoff – 100-Day Challenge Begins

·    Feb 3, 2026

Coach & Staff Check-Ins

·    Mar 17 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

·    Apr 24 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Celebration – Livability Lab 6.0

·    May 29, 2026

·     

Even if you cannot commit to the full 100 days, you can still be part of the work by serving as a table facilitator at the Kickoff.

Use this link to learn more and express your interest in joining us as a Coach!

Agency: Access Health Inc.

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jan 23, 2026

Zip Code: 49442

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Food Pantry Support Volunteer - The Salvation Army of Muskegon

The Salvation Army is seeking five (5) regular volunteers to assist with food pantry operations on Monday mornings from 9:00–11:00 AM. Volunteers play a key role in preparing the pantry for client service by helping organize and distribute incoming food donations.

Volunteers will assist with sorting and organizing 4–6 pallets of food donations, which may include placing items into refrigerators and freezers, setting food out on tables and carts, and breaking down cardboard boxes. Volunteers will also assist clients briefly during the first 15 minutes of pantry service, as doors open at 10:45 AM. The goal is to have all food organized, accessible, and ready prior to doors opening to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for clients.

This is a recurring weekly opportunity, and consistency is especially helpful. Please note that the food pantry will be closed on holidays and on days when Orchard View Schools are closed due to weather; volunteers will not be expected to serve on those days.

This opportunity is well suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on service, working as part of a team, and supporting neighbors through direct food assistance.

Agency: The Salvation Army of Muskegon

The Salvation Army is seeking five (5) regular volunteers to assist with food pantry operations on Monday mornings from 9:00–11:00 AM. Volunteers play a key role in preparing the pantry for client service by helping organize and distribute incoming food donations.

Volunteers will assist with sorting and organizing 4–6 pallets of food donations, which may include placing items into refrigerators and freezers, setting food out on tables and carts, and breaking down cardboard boxes. Volunteers will also assist clients briefly during the first 15 minutes of pantry service, as doors open at 10:45 AM. The goal is to have all food organized, accessible, and ready prior to doors opening to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for clients.

This is a recurring weekly opportunity, and consistency is especially helpful. Please note that the food pantry will be closed on holidays and on days when Orchard View Schools are closed due to weather; volunteers will not be expected to serve on those days.

This opportunity is well suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on service, working as part of a team, and supporting neighbors through direct food assistance.

Agency: The Salvation Army of Muskegon

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49442

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Point in Time (PIT) Count - Survey Volunteer

Survey Volunteer – Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Survey Volunteers support the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count by surveying individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Volunteers will work in assigned teams of 3–4 people and canvass a mapped area that includes locations where people experiencing homelessness have previously been encountered, such as encampments, parks, alleys, underpasses, and service locations.

Each team will be deployed to a specific area and use plotted locations on their map as starting points. Team members will respectfully conduct the PIT Count Survey with individuals they meet during canvassing. Whenever possible, volunteer teams will include at least one person with prior experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or previous PIT Count experience.

Volunteer Requirements

Must be 13 years or older
(Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)

Ability to accurately and carefully collect data and maintain confidentiality

Willingness to respectfully engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Commitment to personal safety, including traveling with a partner or team

Volunteers surveying outdoors must be able to stand and walk 1–2 miles and/or be active for up to 3 hours

What to Expect / What’s Provided

Volunteers will receive a Surveyor Supply Kit, which includes:

Clipboard

Pens and paper surveys

Volunteer identification

Homeless resource information cards

Flashlight

Safety vest

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring a fully charged cellphone.

Volunteer Teams

You do not need to have a team to sign up

If you already have a group of 3–4 people you would like to work with, please list their names in the sign-up notes so teams can be assigned accordingly

Orientation

An online volunteer orientation will be required prior to the PIT Count.
Dates and times will be announced and shared with registered volunteers once finalized.

Location

All volunteers will meet at:
31 E. Clay Ave. – United Way (United Way of the Lakeshore)

Date & Time

Volunteers may choose from one of the following staggered start times:

Wednesday, January 28 | 9:00 PM

Wednesday, January 28 | 11:45 PM

Thursday, January 29 | 4:30 AM


Questions? Please Contact Madison Butler at madison@unitedwaylakeshore.org or by phone at (231) 332-4012.

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, United Way of the Lakeshore’s 2026 MLK Day of Service includes participation in the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count. Volunteers will help collect vital information while engaging community members with respect and dignity to support informed planning and meaningful change.

Agency: Muskegon County Homeless Continuum of Care Network

Survey Volunteer – Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Survey Volunteers support the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count by surveying individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Volunteers will work in assigned teams of 3–4 people and canvass a mapped area that includes locations where people experiencing homelessness have previously been encountered, such as encampments, parks, alleys, underpasses, and service locations.

Each team will be deployed to a specific area and use plotted locations on their map as starting points. Team members will respectfully conduct the PIT Count Survey with individuals they meet during canvassing. Whenever possible, volunteer teams will include at least one person with prior experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or previous PIT Count experience.

Volunteer Requirements

Must be 13 years or older
(Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)

Ability to accurately and carefully collect data and maintain confidentiality

Willingness to respectfully engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Commitment to personal safety, including traveling with a partner or team

Volunteers surveying outdoors must be able to stand and walk 1–2 miles and/or be active for up to 3 hours

What to Expect / What’s Provided

Volunteers will receive a Surveyor Supply Kit, which includes:

Clipboard

Pens and paper surveys

Volunteer identification

Homeless resource information cards

Flashlight

Safety vest

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring a fully charged cellphone.

Volunteer Teams

You do not need to have a team to sign up

If you already have a group of 3–4 people you would like to work with, please list their names in the sign-up notes so teams can be assigned accordingly

Orientation

An online volunteer orientation will be required prior to the PIT Count.
Dates and times will be announced and shared with registered volunteers once finalized.

Location

All volunteers will meet at:
31 E. Clay Ave. – United Way (United Way of the Lakeshore)

Date & Time

Volunteers may choose from one of the following staggered start times:

Wednesday, January 28 | 9:00 PM

Wednesday, January 28 | 11:45 PM

Thursday, January 29 | 4:30 AM


Questions? Please Contact Madison Butler at madison@unitedwaylakeshore.org or by phone at (231) 332-4012.

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, United Way of the Lakeshore’s 2026 MLK Day of Service includes participation in the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count. Volunteers will help collect vital information while engaging community members with respect and dignity to support informed planning and meaningful change.

Agency: Muskegon County Homeless Continuum of Care Network

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49442

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Virtual Opportunity: Boost Your Community's Volunteer Engagement!

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 1,200+ volunteer resources across 330 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Agency: Inspiring Service

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 1,200+ volunteer resources across 330 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Agency: Inspiring Service

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jan 31, 2026

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Valentine's Day Cards for Seniors

Kick off the new year by spreading a little kindness one card at a time.Join us in decorating Valentine's Day cards for older adults across Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. A handmade card with a kind message can brighten someone's day and remind them they are cared for and connected.All cards are due Monday, February 9, 2026. Drop off locations (Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm): - AgeWell Services Admin Building (275 W Clay Ave Ste 100, Muskegon, MI 49440) - Tanglewood Park (560 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49444)

Agency: AgeWell Services of West Michigan

Kick off the new year by spreading a little kindness one card at a time.Join us in decorating Valentine's Day cards for older adults across Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. A handmade card with a kind message can brighten someone's day and remind them they are cared for and connected.All cards are due Monday, February 9, 2026. Drop off locations (Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm): - AgeWell Services Admin Building (275 W Clay Ave Ste 100, Muskegon, MI 49440) - Tanglewood Park (560 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49444)

Agency: AgeWell Services of West Michigan

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Feb 9, 2026

Zip Code: 49444

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Become a Girls on the Run Coach!

Become a Girls on the Run Coach!

Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

Coaches are currently needed for the following schools:

Churchill ElementaryLincoln Park ElementaryTwin Lake ElementaryRequirements:
Be at least 18 years of ageComplete coach registration application. Linked here!Consent to a background checkAttend and finish coach trainingCommit to the season's practice schedule, which is 2 times per week after school (90-minute practices)Responsibilities:
Get to know and understand your co-coaches to better serve your teamHave fun while serving as a role model for program participantsReview, prepare and supervise weekly lessons (curriculum provided by Girls on the Run)Collaborate with the other coaches for successful lesson deliveryCommit for the entire season (practices and end of season 5K event)Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participantsSeason Details:
In-person coach training (must attend one): 1/24, 2/8, 2/10Muskegon County season begins week of February 9 and Celebration 5K is Saturday, May 9Learn more and apply at: Girls on the Run West Michigan Coaches

Agency: Girls on the Run West Michigan

Become a Girls on the Run Coach!

Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

Coaches are currently needed for the following schools:

Churchill ElementaryLincoln Park ElementaryTwin Lake ElementaryRequirements:
Be at least 18 years of ageComplete coach registration application. Linked here!Consent to a background checkAttend and finish coach trainingCommit to the season's practice schedule, which is 2 times per week after school (90-minute practices)Responsibilities:
Get to know and understand your co-coaches to better serve your teamHave fun while serving as a role model for program participantsReview, prepare and supervise weekly lessons (curriculum provided by Girls on the Run)Collaborate with the other coaches for successful lesson deliveryCommit for the entire season (practices and end of season 5K event)Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participantsSeason Details:
In-person coach training (must attend one): 1/24, 2/8, 2/10Muskegon County season begins week of February 9 and Celebration 5K is Saturday, May 9Learn more and apply at: Girls on the Run West Michigan Coaches

Agency: Girls on the Run West Michigan

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Feb 10, 2026

Zip Code: 49442

Allow Groups: No