– Inspirations –

"It is high time that the ideal of success should be replaced by the ideal of service."

- Albert Einstein

Helping You Help Others

The Volunteer Center (VC) helps residents and service groups of all ages in the New Trier Township, North Shore and greater NE Metro Chicago area volunteer or engage in days of service and service learning with 501C3 nonprofit organizations.

Volunteer Opportunities For Nonprofits Sign Up for The VC eNews Search Nonprofits
VC Board member and MDD co-chair Patee Blackman helped sort donations.

Nonprofits received a Record Number of Donations at This Year's Make A Difference Day.

Family and friends 2013 KAH

Over 100,000 meals are sent to children in Nicaragua at the Annual Kids Against Hunger event each Spring. Hosted by the Winnetka-Northfield Rotary, Winnetka Community House and The Volunteer Center.

2014 MLK Day Mom and friends Medium

Our highly successful MLK Day of Service is held at the Winnetka Community House.

Orphans with dogs

Orphans of the Storm collected a truck full of animal toys, food and supplies at last year's Make A Difference Day.

IMG_4438

VC hosts valuable networking and training event for nonprofits in June 2016

2015 KAH kids collating

All ages can make a difference at Kids Against Hunger.

Guests filled Matz Hall at the Winnetka Community House.

The VC celebrated Cinco de Mayo style at this year's Volunteer Recognition Event.

Board GCG

The VC Board had a great day harvesting produce for nonprofit partner Glencoe Community Garden.

RE Honorees

2016 VC Recognition Event Honorees INFANT, Inc. Board, Dr. Warren Bruhl, Courtney White and Mark Stephan.

2016 Screen Break products(1)

Students taking time off to make toys & blankets for homeless animals during 2016 Screen Break Week.

IMG_3868

New VC Partner Fred Outa Foundation collected bags of food & school supplies at MLK Day of Service 2016.

Class Food Drive

Skokie School 6th Grade donated 100+ bags of food to Good News Partners at Thanksgiving "Share Your Bounty".

Brownies 2016 KAH

Brownies packing meals for hungry families in Nicaragua at 2016 Kids Against Hunger.

SAVE THE DATE! Don’t Miss This Year’s MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY Coming Up on October 22nd.

VC Board member and MDD co-chair Patee Blackman helped sort donations.

Make A Difference Day is one of the Volunteer Center’s most important annual Days of Service. It’s a great opportunity for you to support 12+ local nonprofits by donating new and gently-used items. Watch this site for more details about this year’s nonprofits and the specific items needed — but mark your calendar now!

Read More

VC Hosts a Successful Training and Networking Event for Nonprofit Partners and Supporters

l-r: Mike Christ, ESC Presenter; Barb Tubekis, VC ED; Rachelle Jervis, ESC President/CEO; Mike Snipes, ESC Presenter

The Volunteer Center was proud to host a stellar group of Nonprofit Executive Directors and Board Officers at a thought-provoking and informative Board Development/Recruitment Training Program, presented by Executive Service Corps Professionals Mike Christ and Michael A. Snipes, on June 10th at Avli Estiatorio in Winnetka. Attendees enjoyed a lively discussion about some of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits today and shared ideas — while they sampled exceptionally delicious menu items from Avli’s new cafe, Avli Rotisserie. Pictured above, from left to right: Mike Christ, ESC Presenter; Barb Tubekis, VC Executive Director; Rachelle Jervis, CEO/President of ESC; Mike Snipes, ESC Presenter. For complete bios of the presenters, and to see photos from the event, Read More.

Learn More

Don’t Miss Any of The Volunteer Center’s 2016-17 Days of Service. Put These Dates on Your Calendar Now!

Cards for veterans and hospital patients are always a favorite with the young, crafty volunteers!

The Volunteer Center sponsors 5 terrific opportunities throughout the school year for you and your whole family to volunteer your time in service to those in need in our community. Click here for this year’s dates — and watch this website for more detailed information about how you can make a difference at these wonderful events.

Learn More

Thanks to All Who Helped Us Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of 9/11, by Participating in This Year’s DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE on Sunday, September 11.

9-11 photoJpeg

Sunday 9/11 was a celebration of national unity during our annual Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of local firefighters, police and rescue professionals . Community members everywhere expressed their gratitude and respect for the daily sacrifices of local heroes with personal visits and gifts.

Learn More