5 Steps To Being A Great Volunteer

What are you doing this summer? If it's your first year as a summer volunteer, you may have a lot to learn. A good volunteer can make a real difference in the community. To do a good job and make a great impression, follow these tips.

Always Arrive On Time (or Early)

When you volunteer, other people depend on you. If you're late, it could be detrimental to everyone's day. Always arrive early or on-time for your volunteer assignment. If you have to be late or miss a day, call ahead to let your supervisor know.

Dress Appropriately for Your Job

Summer volunteer jobs vary in their clothing requirements. Before you start, ask your supervisor what you should wear. Office jobs need different types of clothing than outdoor jobs. You'll dress differently for an active assignment than for a day at a desk. Keep in mind that you may need different clothes for different parts of your summer volunteer work. Always dress neatly. Remember, you represent the organization.

Be Helpful and Cheerful

Summer volunteer work can be hard, and you may feel tired and cranky some days. Try to stay positive and cheerful when you're on the job. The people you help will value your friendly face and caring attitude. Sometimes, a smile is all it takes to make the world a better place.

Ask Questions

If you don't understand what you're supposed to be doing, ask for help. Don't be embarrassed if you need advice. It's more important to do things correctly by getting help from others.

Have Fun!

Summer volunteer work is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Work hard, but have fun while you're doing it. Your great attitude about your work will help other people see how important your charity is.

United Way of NWMI gives 3000+ books to 457 area children!

Day of Action is a United Way Worldwide event every June focused on Children’s Literacy. Our Days of Action Childrens Literacy Event helps to prevent summer learning loss by providing children with reading materials to keep them reading throughout the summer months. Through community support, United Way of Northwest Michigan was able collect more than 3000 new and used books through book drives and distributed them to 450+ youth in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties.  If you’d like to be a part of Days of Action summer 2015, contact Michelle Gallagher

This event would not have been possible without the sponsorship of UPS.  They gave us the money we needed to be able to have the impact that we did.  They also delivered the books to each event in their really cool UPS truck with the flames on it, the kids LOVED the truck!

We also have to thank Chase Bank and Traverse City Area Public Schools for helping with the book drive.  With their support we were able to collect over 3000 books that we distributed to children in the five counties that we serve; Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau. 

Last but certainly not least are the local libraries and parks that let us come in with all of our books, backpacks and activities.  Kingsley Public Library, Benzie Shores District Library, Suttons Bay Bingham Library, and two community parks; Kalkaska Children's Garden and the Elk Rapids Rotary Park.   

To see pictures of this event visit our Facebook page or you can view them on our Flickr page.