– Inspirations –

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

- Dr. Seuss

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

Joining the VC Board is a great way to Make A Difference in your community -- and to make new friends! Save Save

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

2017 VC Recognition Event Honorees with Executive Director Barb Tubekis and Board President Margot Flanagin

Members of the local press gave tips to nonprofits on how to increase media visibility at Meet Your Press 2017

Involve your whole family in making a difference to starving children in Nicaragua at Kids Against Hunger.

Members of the local Rotary donated carloads of healthy food at last year's Thanksgiving Share Your Bounty event.

Board Member Colleen Harlow delivering Make A Difference Day donations to Counseling Center of the North Shore

No-sew blankets for the homeless is a favorite activity for volunteers our annual MLK Day of Service in January.

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

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

VC hosts valuable networking and training events for nonprofits throughout the year.

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

Are you a high school, college or grad student — or a young adult — looking to volunteer this summer or next year?

Check out our list of nonprofits looking for after school or summer interns, long-term or gap year interns, and intensive special project volunteers. More information will be added every day, so keep checking. If you’re a nonprofit and would like to include a young adult internship or volunteer opportunity in our listing, you can also register here.

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An Engaged Group of Nonprofits Engaged in a Thought-Provoking Workshop on the Challenges of Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers Over Lunch at the Winnetka Community House

Recruiting and retaining great volunteers is a challenge for all Nonprofits today. This lively discussion was a terrific opportunity to learn some current best practices for finding, training, and retaining valuable volunteers. The discussion was lead by Volunteer Center Executive Director Barb Tubekis, Tricia Luzadder of JJ’s List/Search, Inc., and Ann Healing of Breakthrough. In addition to discussing how to maximize the productivity of volunteers — and how to turn them into community PR machines — attendees also learned about the benefits of utilizing individuals with disabilities in their volunteer programs. This was the last Nonprofit Workshop we’ll be hosting for this program year — but watch this website for announcements of our 2018-2019 schedule of Workshops and Networking Events, coming this Fall.

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Thanks to All Who Helped Us Celebrate Volunteerism at Our 2018 VC Recognition Event

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at Michigan Shores Club in April to help the Volunteer Center celebrate volunteerism — and to honor a group of particularly outstanding volunteers who are making an impact on the lives of people in need locally and beyond every day. It was a wonderful celebration that left everyone feeling inspired. Click here for information about our honorees and their different missions.

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Almost 450 Volunteers Helped Pack 100,000 Nutritious Meals at Kids Against Hunger in March

Families, individuals, community groups, and service groups came together at the Winnetka Community House in March to pack nutritious meals for over 100,000 starving people in Nicaragua and local food pantries. Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield, The Winnetka Community House — and the Volunteer Center — this was a great opportunity for volunteers of all ages to work together to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families who do not have access to healthy food. Thanks to the many volunteers who chose this meaningful way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! This is an annual event, so watch for us again next year.

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