Volunteering Made Easy, Impact Made Forever

The Volunteer Platform

United Way of Central MN helps bring our community hallmark-type events that engage volunteers with our greatest needs. These annual volunteer opportunities offer a nice framework for companies to go beyond Workplace Giving and connect their culture with immediate impact. It’s also a great way for families, service groups, churches, or anyone looking to benefit from getting involved locally to help drive change.

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Virtual volunteering

Thank an essential worker during COVID-19

During this ever changing time, essential workers in Central Minnesota are dedicating extra time, energy, and love to keep our community safe.

Help show our support and thanks to these everyday heroes!

From the safety of your own home, create a simple note of thanks and praise for our these workers and we'll make sure it gets to them to brighten their day!

A student with special needs gets ready to participate in a dance competition with their ARISE facilitator as their parents only play the role of parent and are able enjoy the entire experience, like rest of the spectators.

Leading, Learning, Lending

Our opportunities for individuals to serve on boards are a great way to call on people’s greatest strengths and natural interests while at the same time, benefiting some of our organization’s greatest needs. From event planning to capital fundraising to affinity group specialty programming, our committees are wide and diverse and always looking for new blood.

Introducing the Volunteer Action Center

Every task force has a headquarters and rallying point. United Way of Central Minnesota is no different. Our newly launched Volunteer Action Center co-branded with Leighton Interactive offers volunteers a homebase for all volunteer efforts. It’s a central hub for connecting other volunteers, hosting events, meet with clients, granting space for interns, a supply closet for need items, access to an onsite portal, volunteer connection portal, and more.

12,230

school-age kids were active in quality programs that build positive life skills.

DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Anti-Boredom Backpacks

Grab a backpack or bag and make an Anti-Boredom Backpack. You choose what fun activities go in it. When you’re finished, bring it to The Salvation Army, Anna Ma

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Back to School Backpacks

Take a new backpack and fill it with school supplies for a local child. Bring them to local schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, Catholic Charities Emergency Services

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Baskets of Hope

Package some basic house supplies for local families moving out of shelters and into permanent housing. Bring your packed laundry basket to Anna Marie’s, Cathol

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Cards of Kindness

Make some cards for local veterans, nursing home residents, hospital patients, or troops overseas. Bring them to the organization of your choice.

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Dress to Impress

Clean out your closet and bring any business casual and professional clothing to Catholic Charities Emergency Services, The Salvation Army or Place of Hope.

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Luv Blankets

Take fleece fabric and make a tie-blanket for a family in our community. When you’re done, bring the blankets to the St. Cloud Hospital Volunteer Program, Anna

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Meal in a Bag

Take some breakfast, lunch, or dinner supplies and package them together for a quick and easy meal that a local family or a Big Brother or Sister and their Litt

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Newborn Baskets

Gather some items for the newest members of our community and bring them to LSS Crisis Nursery, The Salvation Army, or Anna Marie’s Alliance.

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

Pillow Packs

Grab a pillowcase and fill it with toiletries for local kids and teens in need. When you’re finished, tie it with a ribbon, label it, and bring it to Catholic C

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DIY Volunteering Opportunities

The Shoebox Project

Find a shoebox and fill it with toiletries and other basic necessities for homeless individuals and community members living in shelters or transitional housing

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