Needs From: Volunteer Center of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo

Teacher Appreciation Dinner 

Volunteer Opportunities Teachers play a vital role in shaping our communities, guiding and supporting students not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Taking time to recognize their dedication and impact is a meaningful way to show gratitude for the lasting difference they make every day.

We are seeking volunteers to help make this special evening a success

When: May 8, 2026,

Location: YWCA Downtown Kalamazoo

Decorating Team (3–4 volunteers) Time: 9:00 AM Assist with setting up and decorating the event space to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our honored teachers.

Dinner Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Serving at 6:30 pm

Help serve dinner, assist guests as needed, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

Clean-Up Team (3–4 volunteers) Time: 9:00 PM Support post-event clean-up, including clearing tables, packing supplies, and helping restore the space.

Thank you for helping us celebrate and honor the incredible educators in our community!

Cradle Mission: The Cradle collaborative encompasses a solid commitment from community partners, several healthcare institutions, key funding agencies, local academic institutions, multi-denominational faith-based organizations, and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations: all engaged for the reduction of racial disparities of infant mortality rates in Kalamazoo.

YWCA's Cradle team is looking for volunteers to help sort baby items and pack baby bags for community events.

What: Baby Item Sorting & Baby Bag Packers

This position will require sitting, some standing, bending lifting small items, packing small items in baby bags such as diapers, lotion, and more.

The YWCA is seeking an on-call or as-needed Reception Desk Assistant to provide coverage when our administrative staff is away from the office. Ample notice of possible dates and shifts will be provided.

Qualifications:

1. Warm, welcoming communication skills with the ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors

2. Professional and courteous phone etiquette

3. Reliability and attention to detail when greeting guests. Accepting deliveries or packages

4. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

5. Basic office skills, including comfort with phone systems

6. Dependable, punctual, and representing the YWCA in a positive, service-oriented manner

7. Demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities:

1. Answer and direct incoming phone calls

2. Greet and check in visitors in a warm and professional manner

3. Accept and log packages or deliveries

4. Provide basic information about YWCA programs

5. Maintain a tidy and welcoming reception area

6. Assist staff with light administrative tasks as needed

7. Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the position

Training: YWCA Provides Training

1. General understanding of YWCA’s Mission

2. Front desk training: phones, processes and procedures

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWERS Love helping families and making events memorable?

Join us at the YWCA to support our Community Health CRADLE Events!

As a volunteer, you’ll help with event set-up, assist with activities, and provide a safe, fun environment for children during the event. Think games, crafts, storytime, and lots of smiles!

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENS! 16 YEARS +

This position is "As Needed."

Showers are held several times a year, on a Saturday.

What You’ll Do:

Help set up and organize event spaces

Provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment

Support YWCA staff with event activities as needed

Respect and safeguard confidential information

What You Bring:

Enjoy working with others

Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 5 pounds

Multi-tasking skills and a positive, flexible attitude

Training Provided:

Understanding of the YWCA Mission and Cradle Program

Overview of infant mortality and related issues

Bring your energy, creativity, and love for children, and help us make every event a safe, fun, and special experience for families!

Join us for a joyful and energetic evening at our Tiny Toes Family Dance Party!

This special event brings together young children and their families for music, movement, and connection.

Volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming, fun, and smooth experience for everyone involved.

Party Set-Up: 9:00 am

Dance party; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Clean-Up 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Location: YWCA Kalamazoo: 353 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the following:

Registration Table (2 people) Greet families, assist with check-in, and help set the tone for a warm welcome.

Photography Booth (1 person): Support our photographer by helping families get organized and ready for fun photo moments.

Food Station (4 people): Help serve snacks, keep the area tidy, and ensure families have what they need.

Event Setup (4 people, 9:00 AM): Assist with decorating, arranging tables, and preparing the space before guests arrive.

Take Down/Clean Up (4 people): Help with packing up materials and restoring the space after the event. This is a wonderful opportunity to support families in our community while being part of a fun, high-energy celebration. Thank you for helping us make this event memorable for our little dancers and their loved ones!

The Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care is a free childcare program for income-eligible families. Volunteers assist the staff in the daily operation of childcare. Activities include engaging children in play and other educational activities. Qualifications include an interest in the well-being of children, consistent and dependable, and available to work a minimum of a 2 hour block at least one day per week. Benefits include gaining an understanding of early childhood development, personal satisfaction of helping children grow by interacting with them through play. Volunteers learn how to work with others and respect differences. Hours: Mon-Fri [11am-3pm], can do 2 hour blocks [11-1] or [1-3] or a minimum of 1 day/week. Minimum age: 13

For a detailed explanation of volunteering at KDCCC, please see our Volunteer Handbook on our website at:  http://www.kdccc.org/p/volunteers.html

We are always in need of volunteers to help with our clients in their therapeutic riding classes, grooming and tacking horses, and with barn work.  Volunteers will groom and tack horses, lead horses during classes or side-walk for safety, and help the client participate in class.  We also often have need for administrative assistance, barn help, grounds assistance, trail grooming, maintenance, fundraisers, etc.  We have opportunities for group projects as well.  

Volunteers working with clients will need to attend a 2 hour, hands-on orientation and pass a background check.  Our class sessions run 4-6 weeks and we have multiple classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons/evenings.  We do ask that volunteers commit to the same time each week for the duration of that session.  

Family & Children Services is seeking pantry volunteers to help organize and track the needs of the parents and children served by the agency. We also are seeking volunteers to pick up trash and weeding of the flower beds. 

Our Learning Lab program consist of one-on-one and small group sessions in which volunteers work with students on a particular academic skill (reading, writing, math, science, homework assistance, etc.). Premier Athletics’ main focus is on building students’ strengths or helping them improve their skills in areas that challenge them.

Tutor Qualifications/Skills:

Education, Experience Requirements: