Needs From: Volunteer Center of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo

We help people affected by disasters ranging from home fires to hurricanes by providing food, shelter, clothing, comfort and hope. Each year, volunteers respond to approx. 2,300 local disaster across the state of Michigan.

Disaster Action Team Member:

Training is provided and Local DAT members work a scheduled, on-call shift. Only local volunteers are eligible for national disaster response deployments.

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center collects and distributes full size 2 in 1 body wash/shampoo, deordorant, shaving cream, razors, tooth paste, tooth brushes, mouthwash, and word searchs to newly admitted Veterans and other Veterans in need. 

We do not accept sample or hotel size items, bar soap, and mouth wash must be alcohol free.

Volunteers are needed to assist DHHS case manager with monitoring/observing supervised parenting time between child and parent at DHHS.  Some travel may be required to transport children to locations such as local parks or restaurants (required use of State Vehicle). Majority of parenting supervision is held at the DHHS office.

As a Volunteer Driver you could assist low income individuals attend medical, substance abuse and counseling appointments, assist parents visit with children that have transportation barriers.

Volunteer Drivers do not receive a wage; however they will receive the state reimbursement rate is $.56 per mile and or meals for long trips (that qualify for meal reimbursement).  Background check required for driving record and insurance. 

If interested please call: 269-250-0545 or 269-337-4900 or email: Cunninghamt4@michigan.gov

Transportation Help – transporting Pearls to various local locations using your vehicle. We are flexible with what matches your availability. 

The SHARE Center serves over 30,000 healthy and delicious meals each year to people in need. We have been able to meet needs through the generosity of the community. Without donations and volunteers, it will be very difficult for us to continue meeting the growing need for food assistance. We are looking for volunteer in the kitchen helping our cook prepare and serve meals as well as helping clean up afterwards. Past volunteers have commented on how rewarding it is to serve those in need and getting to know some of the people we serve. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROFESSIONALISM

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROFESSIONALISM

Partners in Housing Transition accepts donated gently used household items.  As donations come in, the items need to be inspected, sorted, and, if necessary, cleaned.  Volunteers must be 18 or older.  Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a signed permission slip by a parent or guardian.  

Partners in Housing is located in the basement of St Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell Street, Kalamazoo, 49007

Please email Carla Baublis at partnersstlukeskalamazoo.org or call the office Monday - Thursday 9-2.  269-385-2466 if you are interested in volunteering.

Do you enjoy baking, creating simple art or dancing? How about listening to music or celebrating special events? Would you like to help a senior enjoy an activity like this? If you enjoy seniors and you like to stay busy, this won't even feel like a job to you! Purpose: Provide assistance to staff in getting residents to, and helping them be involved in, group activities. Major responsibilities: Help residents get to their respective activities area; assist one or two residents with a group activity such as a craft, cooking, etc. Qualifications: Attentiveness; Patient, Kind demeanor; Assertiveness is helpful. Benefits include a fulfillment of helping a senior take pleaseure in simple activities, camaraderie - taking part in activities alongside those you're serving and getting to know remarkable seniors! Hours: Daily 9:30am–4:30pm, Activities & times vary (some evenings may be available), call for more information. Minimum age: 15, or 5 with adult

Do you need some hospitality experience on your resume? Are you assertive yet personable? Do you enjoy interacting with fun and interesting seniors? This may be the opportunity for you! Meet, greet and serve residents at a weekly happy hour social event. Major responsibilities include assisting in setting up appropriate food and beverages prior to Happy Hour following all appropriate guidelines in safe food handling. Volunteers will follow written policies and procedures to comply with the federal and state laws and regulations in regard to serving alcohol (Corporate Compliance). Volunteers should have good oral communication skills. Hours: Independent Living - Wednesday 3:30-5:30pm, Woodside Assisted Living – Friday 3-4:30pm. Minimum age: 18

Mentors – one on one relationship building with a Pearl (Program Participant). We are asking for a one-year commitment to meet weekly. Assignment based on detailed evaluation and prayer to achieve the best possible match.

Provide general office and clerical support which may include (but not limited to): filing, shredding, answering phones, processing incoming and outgoing mail. Must be dependable, organized and have good communication skills. Must be able to follow confidentiality laws. Days: Flexible, minimum of 1 day per week; Hours: Flexible between 9:00am-4:30pm with 2 hour minimum; Minimum age 18

Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo needs driving volunteers to deliver food to families/individuals in need in Battle Creek county on Fridays during the week.  Driving volunteers will pick food up at our Central Distribution site and deliver to address(es) given. Our transportation support team will contact person in need to let them know you're on the way! Leave the food on doorstep. 

Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age, have driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and background clearances will be completed. Contact jeannineboehm@ccdok.org if interested.

It takes many people to produce live dance performances and the events that surround them for our community. We need ushers, box office support, concession stand assistance, and more. We are always looking to expand our volunteer corps for our concert and special event team!

Please complete our Volunteer Information Form HERE to signup!

PLEASE NOTE that we are not holding public events at this time due to COVID. However, there are still other ways we engage volunteers. If you have skills that you want to share with us in this virtual time, please let us know! 

Volunteers are needed at Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries two thrift stores: Rescued Treasures in Kalamazoo and Simple Treasures in Portage. 

Both stores are open from 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays. Duties include, but are not limited to: sorting and receiving donated items such as clothes or shoes, organizing clothing racks on the sales floor, and assisting staff with customer service, such as greeting customers and helping them to find what they are looking for.

Anyone interested must fill out a KGM volunteer application which can be picked up from the front desk of the Mission at 448 North Burdick Street, or, a digital copy can be sent by e-mailing Matt Furrow, Volunteer Coordinator for Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries at: mfurrow@kzoogospel.org 

Volunteers are needed to help organize/sort and repackage food for distribution for families in need!  Volunteers are required to be 16 years of age and be able to lift in excess of 20 lbs.  Please note, volunteers must wear a mask (provided or bring your own).  Weekly support needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays Three hour shifts.   Contact Jeannineboehm@ccdok.org for more information.

Make a real difference in someone's life!

Elara Caring Hospice, a leading care provider in the Midwest, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Elara Caring Hospice is looking for Companion Volunteers who will visit our patients in local nursing facilities or in private homes. The Companion Volunteer will provide companionship, play cards/games, watch TV, take the patient out into the garden area for fresh air, read to patient, etc. There is no physical care involved.

Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically, we ask that you would visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week.

For more information, contact Michelle at mstorey@elara.com, or 517-513-7008

Driving volunteers are needed to deliver food to families in need in Kalamazoo County!  Volunteer drivers pick up food at Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo Emergency Food Distribution site; deliver to address(es) given and our transportation support team will contact person in need to let them know you're on the way! Leave the food on the doorstep.  Volunteers must be 19 years of age, have drivers license, proof of auto insurance and background clearances will be completed.  Weekly support needed.  Typically, two hour shifts.  Contact jeannineboehm@ccdok.org if interested.

We are looking for interested persons to help with garden work. This is a great opportunity to connect with the earth and connect with people (from a safe social distance). We have a variety of work ranging from weeding, planting, harvesting, watering, and more and need people of all levels of skill and experience. We ask that all volunteers wear a mask and gloves in the garden and bring their own tools if they have them. We can supply tools if needed and ensure adequate sanitation. 

Please reach out to us if interested along with the times and days you would like to work and we will provide further details on tasks that need to be done. Volunteers are invited to help themselves to any fresh produce that is in the garden. 

Adults (21+ of age) are needed to lead/assist in providing/supporting STEAM (Science, Technology,Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) related opportunities to 6th through 8th grade students. These opportunities are offered as students create and build a competitive robot. This is a perfect opportunity for retired educators/engineers who wish to share their knowledge/experiences with young people.

What is a 4-H SPIN Club?

A 4-H SPIN Club is a special interest club where five or more young people learn about a topic of interest. Topics vary and include interests such as nature, heritage arts, science, engineering, gardening, technology, and more. SPIN clubs are led by volunteers who have a passion and want to share their knowledge with young people.

Why should you become a SPIN club volunteer?

You can have a positive impact on the next generation of young people in your community by sharing your experience and knowledge in a subject area you’re passionate about. Help fuel the extraordinary efforts of our youth by joining the Revolution of Responsibility as a 4-H SPIN club volunteer.

Who is 4-H looking for?

YOU! We are looking for adults that have a talent or interest that they are willing to teach to young people in local communities. We are planning now for SPIN clubs that will meet in the summer and/or fall months.

When and where will the meeting be?

SPIN clubs are planned around the volunteer’s availability.  Each club meets between six and eight times for at least one hour per session, within an eight week time period. Meeting dates are set by the volunteer, based on the availability of the potential participants. The meeting location is selected for the type of activity and number of participants.

Your responsibilitiy as a 4-H Volunteer

Inpatient Mental Health | Our goal is to deliver outstanding mental health treatment and recovery programs. Volunteers with Inpatient Mental Health assist staff in facilitating leisure and social skills classes that aide the Veteran in their recovery journey. We place volunteers in assignments based on their skills, interests, and schedule availability.

Leisure Skills Volunteer: We are looking for volunteers who can share information on various leisure activities, discussion groups, hobbies or exercise. We also welcome volunteers with artistic or musical skills to share their talents during this time.

Hours: 3pm-4:30pm Social Skills Volunteer Assist staff in leading groups to enhance social skills of Veterans in the units such as basic money management, healthy eating/shopping, community resource information, etc.

For more information on these or other volunteer opportunities contact: Battle Creek VA Medical Center Community and Volunteer Service at 269-223-5497.

Minimum age: 18

Our Ramp Up program provides ramps on the homes of people with mobility disabilities.  The Ramp Up program is intended to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through an increase in independence.  Accessibility is often a major barrier to leading a healthy and productive life; therefore, ramps become a lifeline to a person with a disability.  Without a ramp, many people with disabilities are forced to move into a nursing facility or are trapped in their homes, unable to go to work, school, doctor’s appointments, or to socialize or volunteer.

Job Title: Committee Member

Purpose: Disability Network Southwest Michigan board committees and members are responsible for assisting in carrying out the organization’s mission. Each committee is chaired by a member of the board of directors. Members of the committees can be non-board members who have interest in Disability Network and/or have particular expertise to assist the committee in carrying out its responsibilities.

Major Duties:

Time Commitment:  2 hours per month

Reports to: Chairperson of the committee

This position work directly with the committee chairperson and the staff assigned to the committee.

An annual charitable gift is expected from all board and committee members.

Responsibilities shall include but may not be limited to:

Reports to: Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Time commitment: a minimum of 4 hours per month

The Food Pantry volunteer will stock, organize and bag groceries and other items for our clients.

Must be able to volunteer weekdays for about 2 hours. Time is flexible.

Training will be provided! Background check required.

Are you a compassionate, caring person? Do you enjoy talking with seniors? How about playing a game or taking a relaxing walk? Our seniors would love to enjoy one of these activities with you! Purpose: Develop a relationship with a specific resident and visit regularly. The visit may include taking a walk, reading to the resident, working a puzzle, attending a scheduled activity in the Village, playing cards, etc. Volunteers must be personable - be kind, friendly and desirous of improving a seniors' quality of life; have good communication skills; be a good listener; and be consistent and dependable. Hours: Visits are scheduled through the Volunteer Office and in conjunction with resident and their care staff. Minimum of 1 hour per week. Suitable for families with young children. Minimum age: 15, or 5 with adult.

IF YOU LIKE MEETING NEW PEOPLE, LIKE DRIVING AROUND TOWN, ARE ABLE TO LIFT AND MOVE HEAVY ITEMS, AND WANT TO HELP AN AWESOME NON-PROFIT, THEN THIS VOLUNTEER POSITION IS FOR YOU!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO RIDE ALONG IN OUR HABI TRUCK. OUR DONATION TRUCK GOES OUT EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 9:30 AM TO 4:30 PM TO PICK UP DONATION SUCH AS FURNITURE, APPLIANCES, HARDWARE AND MANY OTHER ITEMS FOR US TO SELL AT THE RESTORE. ALL PROFITS FROM THE RESTORE GO TOWARDS BUILDING, REHABBING AND ASSISTING WITH CRITICAL HOME REPAIRS.

MUST BE ABLE TO LIFT AT LEAST 50 POUNDS, RIDE IN A VEHICLE FOR THE DAY, GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE..

WE HAVE AN AWESOME TEAM HERE AT THE RESTORE, AND WE PROMISE YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR VOLUNTEER TIME WITH US!

WE PROVIDE LIFTING BELTS, SAFETY VESTS, GLOVES AND ALL OTHER HELPFUL TOOLS YOU WILL NEED!!

Help maintain donation rooms, sorting, cleaning and maintaining the donated maternity, infant, children's, teen clothing and other items.  Can be weekly, once a month!

Volunteers assist us by providing an internal audit of our case management files.  QA meets the second Wednesday of the month from 9am-12noon at Gull Road location. Agency Orientation required.

Focus on special projects either independently or in close partnership with Development staff to create awareness about CCDOK services and encourage fundraising for agency. Volunteers are encouraged to bring creativity and enthusiasm.  Agency orientation is provided.

Do you love music, painting, or have other creative interests?  Volunteers are needed to lead youth in hands-on projects.  Tim and days are flexible.

Drivers needed for transporting members in a Community Service Van (7-passenger) on a planned route to and from various Center activities and grocery shopping trips within the City of Portage. Regular and substitute positions are available. Skills/Requirements: Reliable. No special license is required. Driver must have a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record; must be in good health to assist passengers in and out of the van. Drivers are required to attend training through the Kalamazoo Transportation Department. Hours: Mon-Fri [8am-1pm] Minimum age: 21

Assist adults (50+) with computer navigation by giving instruction on the function and uses of a desktop computer and/or laptop. Introduce students to various software applications and exploration of the Internet. Skills/Requirements:Tutors should be knowledgeable about Microsoft Office software. Tutors must also be familiar with accessing and exploring the Internet. Hours: 1-2 hrs/wk, scheduled for one-hour appointments in the Computer Lab during Mon & Wed (10am-Noon) and Fri (10am-Noon) Minimum age: 21

Person needed to perform janitorial services once per week for 2-3 hours.  This will include, but not be limited to, cleaning of bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping of uncarpeted floors and stairs.  Not open to those who need court appointed, mandatory service hours.  Passing a criminal background check is required for all volunteers.  

This position includes keeping track of the larger items being donated and contacting those waiting for specific items. Also entails working with small inventory coordiator to keep items at a maximum flow for clients. Some data entry is required for this position. Hours: Tue, Wed & Fri, [9am-Noon] and [1pm-4pm]. Min age: 18

The fresh food associate helps with the fresh food preparations, assisting with the handling of donated food, and coordinating the distribution of the food within the center and to the guests. Volunteers should have a pleasant  and outgoing personality for this position. Hours: Tue, Wed & Fri [9am-Noon] & [1pm-4pm]. Min age: 

The Dream Center Receptionist has the fulfilling privilege of serving the extremely needy and homeless population in the inner-city of Kalamazoo as they are welcomed and registered for food and clothing services at the Dream Center. Those who serve at the reception desk check in all our guests, assist them with our fresh food venue and help them feel welcome and valued as they are signed in for basic services. The receptionist would learn how to use the centers user friendly data base, answer phone calls, and field general questions from our guests. Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, [9am-4pm]. Volunteer hours for this position can be done in half day increments. Min age: 18

Please email your contact information to kalamazoodreamcenter@gmail.com and our volunteer coordinator will respond back to you.

As a clothing assistant, you will be directly involved in serving our guests who are in need of clothing. We provide clothing as a basic necessity to the needy and homeless population of the inner-city in Kalamazoo. As you assist guests, you will help them feel important and valued. Clothing assistants will help guests shop for clothes for themselves and their families and help keep the clothing area neat and orderly. Hours: Tue, Wed & Fri [9am-4pm] Min age: 18

Please email your contact information to kalamzoodreamcenter@gmail.com 

The Kalamazoo Dream Center is currently operating a thrift store to support they're non-profit organization,the Dream Center. Volunteers are needed to help at Dream Designs with sales the of furniture, household goods, clothing, home decor and more! Volunteers will work as a team to stock the store, clean, organize and assist customers. Hours: Tuesday-Friday [10-5], Saturday [10-2], shifts available 2-8 hours in length. Contact Rik Stone for more information, 267-6445 or email your contact information at kalamazoodreamcenter@gmail.com and our volunteer coordinator will respond back to you.

Provide support to pregnant women and teens, listening to participants, mentoring, providing basic education, encouraging self-sufficiency and more. Must have experienced a pregnancy and child care, be dependable and communicate well with others. Hours vary.

Minimum age: 21

Truck Driver/ Handyman

This volunteer will oversee pick-ups and deliveries of donations for the organization. This includes arranging times for all truck activities, working with both clients and donors where a truck, loading and offloading of materials is needed. Driver will direct loading and unloading staff as well. Also would be a plus to have some knowledge in small appliance and handy with general repairs.

Clear invasive plants, trail maintenance, plant seedlings, erosion mitigation.

The Friends of the Portage Senior Center board members assist with fundraising for both short and long-term needs. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a vital, active board, gain experience with the fund-raising process and meet people. Volunteers should have skills in organization, communications and marketing. Hours: First Tue of each month [7:30-9:30am] Minimum age: 21

People needed to assist with sorting and hanging clothing, packaging clothing detergent and helping customers. On-the-job training is provided. Volunteers must be comfortable working with and around people of diverse backgrounds. Hours: Mon-Thu, 2-3 hour shifts, ending at 4:30 daily. Minimum age: 14

Assist in receiving donations in the main garage area, assisting our clients in the clothing area, possible minor projects including labeling, etc. Meet at the Kalamazoo Deacons Conference: 1010 N. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Find out more at: http://www.kzoodc.org

Volunteers are needed to help us staff our new re-sale shop by performing basic store duties or minor furniture repair, etc. Store Hours: Mon-Fri [10-6], Sat [9-3]. Minimum age: 18

This would be perfect for someone retired and looking for a way to contribute. Our warehouse manager schedules pickups when donors request one for their furniture and appliance donations. A volunteer is needed to work with someone to accomplish those pickups. Drivers must have valid license, be able to drive our truck. Assistants and drivers must be physically able to lift furniture and appliances. Hours: Wed [9am-1pm]

Food Donation Pick-up staff are an integral part of our food ditribution services. This person shares in the trasporting of dry and frozen foods from our food ditribution center to the Dream Center. Food is picked up once a week and transported back to the center for processing for the use of our clients. 

The Food Coordinator will manage all incoming and outgoing fresh food and non-perishable food provided to the Dream Center quests. This includes ordering food and interacting with all food partners, as well as leading our in-house food volunteer team

Volunteer Spokesperson

10+ volunteers needed per region

We need volunteers who are willing to be interviewed by the news media on a number of topics and experiences, including, but not limited to, living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, past experiences and involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association as a volunteer or event participant and more. We are looking for anyone who is comfortable speaking on these topics, whether you are currently living with the disease, are currently caring for someone living with the disease, or have cared for someone living with the disease in the past. Candidates will receive training and talking points, and the Chapter Communications Director will act as the liaison between the spokesperson and the interviewer, obtaining permission and providing information about any interview opportunities prior to being contacted by the media. Public speaking or previous interview experience is not necessary, but is a plus.

Health and Volunteer Fair Representative

Do you love meeting new people? Is your time at a premium and you want your volunteer schedule to be more flexible? Participating in Health and Volunteer Fairs in your area could be just the thing for you! Help assist the program staff with health fair and community fairs. You would set up and staff an Alzheimer's Association table at various community activities throughout our service area. You would answer general questions about Chapter services and volunteer opportunities and give out brochures to those who stop by the display. Training is given by the chapter.

Tasks may include any, or all, of the following: Gallery art sales, studio tours, greeting visitors, checking in students for classes, answering telephones, assisting studio manager and office staff in wide variety of clerical tasks, provide directions and information to promote West MI Glass Art Center.  Balances relationships with local artists, vendors, and glass center staff. 

Want to make a difference? Eager to give back to your community? Need a resume builder? Looking to leave a legacy? Enjoy working with young people? Ready to share your special talent? Want to learn a new skill?

There are a lot of reasons to become a Michigan 4-H volunteer! A program of Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Michigan 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the state, with more than 200,000 youth participating in countless ways. From veterinary science to performing arts, science and technology to youth entrepreneurship, and communications to outdoor and environmental education, today’s 4-H programs are so much more than farm animals—although we have those too!

At the core of Michigan 4-H, and critical to the success of its youth, are more than 20,000 volunteers who give their time and talents to 4-H’ers. These volunteers serve in a number of capacities: some choose to help at camp, teach a workshop or lead a club, while others chaperone an event, lend their professional skills or help at the fair. As they provide hands-on guidance and real-world experience, these volunteers also offer young people another crucially important element: a healthy adult role model who helps to build their confidence and ignite their dreams for the future.

So whether you want to pass your skills on to a new generation, give back to the community, leave a legacy or something else, invest in the future of Michigan as a 4-H volunteer. By giving your time to young people in your community, you’ll help them answer life’s little questions, achieve big dreams and prepare for a lifetime of success.

Work closely with volunteer coordinator on special projects including, but not limited to: planning parties, performing office work, childcare for program participants, helping with holiday donations, working in the resource clothing room.

Hours: Mon-Fri [8:30am-5pm]

Minimum age: 18