Muskegon County Campaign Update

   
Knoll Inc. took their team spirit to a whole new level with a tailgate themed campaign. On Monday they got the word out with half time shows throughout the day. The next day employees wore their favorite high school apparel and held a popcorn day. Plant wide meetings were held and employees wore their favorite sports memorabilia. The last day was an exciting tailgate luncheon with the Mona Shores drumline performing for the employees.  Knoll's campaign was a great success with 12 Diplomats, 32 Leaders, 49 Everyday Hero's and 25 first time donors.  Way to go Team Koll!

Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

I am excited and proud to welcome the Volunteer Center of West Michigan back home to United Way of the Lakeshore to help us build together a bigger, stronger, new vision for volunteerism.  In our 95th year of service to the residents of our region, it is critical that we recommit to what is at the heart of all that we do, volunteerism.  We thank the board and staff of the Volunteer Center of West Michigan for recognizing the opportunity we have together and their courage to take the risk and challenge that bringing two organizations together entails.

At United Way, we focus on advancing the common good in education, income stability, and health.  By connecting people's passions to the needs of our communities, we can deliver important work and needed results.  By coming together, we will be able to fulfill our promise to provide opportunities to GIVE-ADVOCATE-VOLUNTEER.

This is a critical time for Muskegon County as it faces many challenges with tremendous need in education supports with 35% of our children not proficient in reading and Muskegon ranking last in the state in behavioral health outcomes.   Oceana and Newaygo counties do not look much better.  The time for action could not be much greater.  To get this right, we had to strengthen our resolve around volunteerism to ensure a more robust volunteer pipeline that connects people to the importance of community service.  We had to bring a strong unified voice to the community to rally their support.  We had to create an ease of access and compelling case for giving their time and talent.  For this reason, bringing the two organizations back together made the most sense.  Together we can do so much more to improve results.

Existing staff at the volunteer center moved over to the new offices at 31 East Clay Avenue at United Way the last week of September.  I look forward to welcoming you at your first visit! Thank you for all you do to make our community a better place,

Christine J.  Robere,

President, United Way of the Lakeshore

Volunteer Opportunities 

Festival of Trees (November 21 to December 1)

The Muskegon Museum of Art is looking for volunteers to greet visitors for the Festival of Trees event.  Volunteers of any age are welcome and will be provided with the opportunity to atttend the festival free of charge on the day they serve.  Volunteers may also be asked to help with light clean-up in the coffee and cookies area.

VITA Tax Preparer

Goodwill Industries is in need of volunteers to serve as tax preparers for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) consumers.  VITA serves Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo and Lake Counties.  Responsibilities of the tax preparer include receiving free training from the IRS in order to be able to prepare and electronically file tax returns for clienets.  Volunteers should be able to work well with others, and will need to pass an ethics test required by the IRS.  You must also take an online training in order to familiarize yourself with the software.  There are classroom training options or self-paced options to train at home.

Volunteer Trail Guide

Muskegon Conservation District needs volunteers who lead outdoor education programs for school groups at the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve.  It is preferred that volunteers have a background in natural science, ecology or education, however, this is not essential.  Volunteers will attend an orientation and training sessions before leading programs.  Trail guides will be working outside, sometimes in unpleasant weather conditions.  Volunteer times are Tuesdays 8 to 4, Wednesdays 8 to 4 and Thursdays 8 to 4.

Road to Recovery Volunteer Driver

The American Cancer Society is searching for a Road to Recovery volunteer driver.  The responisbilities of this individual would be primarily to drive cancer patients to and from their medical appointments.  Because this opportunity requires driving, volunteers must have a good driving record and must submit to a background check as well as a driving record check.

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please call 877-722-3134 and ask for AJ Bunker or email aj@unitedwaylakeshore.org.

Volunteer

Management Survey

RSVP Volunteer Program

You can use the skills and talents you've learned over the years, or develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within your community. Become a "Legacy of Literacy RSVP" and support K-5 reading in Muskegon Public and Muskegon Heights Academy elementary schools! Join the "Allies for Health RSVP" and help enhance and expand health education, Food Security and local community gardens!

How to become a RSVP Volunteer

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Muskegon County is a membership program with volunteers serving in specific positions and organizations - impacting education, health, and cultural heritage. The program is open to all U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens, 55 years of age and over. Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they will serve, and supplemental insurance while on duty.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will be accepting applications/requests for assistance with Turkey Run, Christmas Dinner and USMC Toys for Tots from November 4 to 26 from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:45 p.m.  If you have questions, please contact the Salvation Army at 773-3284.