November 05, 2021
Let’s Detroit shares volunteer opportunities in Metro Detroit on its blog each month. Here is a round of organizations, events, and activities that are seeking help this November as the days get shorter, the air turns cooler, and the holiday season quickly approaches for everyone including individuals and families in need. Remember that volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know a community while providing much needed help.
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan launched its 2021-2022 community volunteer and giving campaign in October. With the campaign set to run through June 2022, United Way set a goal to generate 40,000 volunteer hours and raise $40 million in donations to provide essential support and services for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. For more information about giving or advocating for United Way, visit UnitedWaySEM.org. Volunteers can sign up via United Way’s volunteer portal at UnitedWaySEM.org/volunteer.
Volunteers are needed to help load food boxes into cars at Alternatives for Girls Community on Thursday Nov. 18, from 9-11 a.m. This effort is in partnership with Forgotten Harvest. Volunteers must be able to walk, bend, and lift (up to 10 pounds). For more information, contact Ashley Fairbanks at afairbanks@alternativesforgirls.org
Head over to the Chandler Park community Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help direct traffic, unload trucks, pack food boxes, and place completed food boxes into cars. The official site address is 5312 Newport, Detroit, MI 48123. This reoccurring monthly event takes place outside. Volunteers must be able to lift at least 20 pounds. Learn more here.
Wayne County Senior Services will distribute meals to homebound seniors from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays all November. Meals will be loaded at 40 loading sites across Western Wayne County and Downriver communities. Volunteers can help as their schedules allow. The greatest need for volunteers is in the cities of Wayne, Westland, Inkster, and Dearborn Heights. All volunteers must complete a background check at no cost. Learn more here.
The organization is seeking volunteers for bell ringing shifts. Bell ringing begins on Friday, Nov. 12, and runs through Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24, excluding Thanksgiving and Sundays. Those interested can visit registeroring.com to sign up for the shift that works best with their schedule. For more information, call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit salmich.org.
Since 1989, The Greening of Detroit has planted more than 81,000 trees throughout Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. The Greening is always in need of extra helping hands. But please note, all volunteers will be asked to pass a COVID-19 pre-screening survey/waiver. You can view and pre-register for The Greening’s tree planting and garden projects happening this month here.
Written by Alicia McClendon, Detroit Regional Chamber
