Each week, United Way of Southwest Michigan releases a list of volunteer opportunities in the southwest Michigan area. To learn more about these opportunities, visit uwsm.org.

Stock local food pantries

Every year, across southwest Michigan, food pantries see themselves fully stocked in the winter months and holiday season. However, when summer hits, food donations go down and their shelves are harder to keep stocked. United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Christmas in June event asks local businesses and community members to help stock local food pantries. On June 12, volunteers will help sort and assemble the donated food to prepare for delivery. For more information, or to sign up, visit volunteer.uwsm.org.

Are you ready to rock?

The fourth annual “Rock the Boat” cardboard boat races will be hosted by Whirlpool Corporation on Thursday, July 18th at the Inn at Harbor Shores, with proceeds benefiting United Way of Southwest Michigan. The life-size boats are made of cardboard, duct tape and polyurethane, and powered entirely by human paddling. The annual event is open to the public and has become a local favorite. To volunteer to help with jobs like carrying boats to the starting gate, working with the tech crew, setting up fencing and more, visit volunteer.uwsm.org.

Toys for Tots seeking leader

Toys for Tots of Berrien County is looking for an organized, caring individual to help in north and south Berrien County during the Christmas Season. The local coordinator will have lots of help from the Marine Corps League in Stevensville to get drop boxes and other duties taken care of.  The new volunteer leader would help coordinate the relationship between the Toys for Tots Foundation in Quantico and make sure all the gifts get set for distribution. 

Salvation Army seeking volunteers

The Salvation Army Niles Corps is looking for volunteers to assist with the Lunch Bunch community meal on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The volunteers will assist with preparing, serving and clean-up. All volunteers will be required to take the ServSafe Foodhandler course. To help those who are experiencing food insecurity or to learn more, visit volunteer.uwsm.org.

Serve on a board

Serving on a board is a great way to use your expertise to help our local municipalities and nonprofits. Through this work, you can meaningfully contribute to serving an organization and its mission. There are other benefits as well, and it can provide an opportunity to learn more about an important cause and be a part of finding its solution. If you would like to serve on a board, visit volunteer.uwsm.org. 

Berrien County Trial Court

seeking volunteers

The Berrien County Trial Court is looking for fun and friendly volunteers to staff their Children’s Waiting Area at the Berrien County Courthouse. Volunteers are needed from 8:15 to 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday morning and/or 1:15 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon to supervise not more than five children ages infant to 16 while they wait for their court hearings. Background check may be required. For more information, or to sign up, visit volunteer.uwsm.org.