– 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.

Four Exceptional Volunteers. One Exceptional Performer. One Amazing Celebration!

At this year’s annual Recognition Event, The Volunteer Center and a spirited gathering of friends and supporters paid tribute to 4 amazing volunteers, who have inspired the community by giving generously of their time and talents in service to those in need. We also featured a live concert on the Winnetka Chapel Stage by up-and-coming Chicago artist and American Idol finalist Manny Torres, whose soulful music provided the perfect end note to a magical celebration. Click here to learn more about our amazing honorees — and this special evening in celebration of music and mission.

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Kids Against Hunger 2019 Exceeds Goal, Producing 100,440 Meals for the Hungry

The VC is grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who showed up on Saturday, March 16 for one of our most meaningful days of service. Tables filled with family, friends old and new, and community groups who helped assemble 100,440 nutritious meals for starving Nicaraguans, which surpassed our 100,000 goal! This is always a fast paced and fun service project that has become an annual tradition!

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Hundreds of Enthusiastic Volunteers Helped Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy with a Community Day of Service

Nearly 500 families, friends, scout troops, community groups and individuals of all ages filled the Winnetka Community House to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring message of tolerance, diversity and service. Volunteers participated in a variety of fun service projects benefiting local nonprofits and the people they serve. People of all ages and abilities made blankets for the homeless, dog toys for shelter pets, cards for veterans, placemats for the elderly — and many other items for people in need throughout Chicago. An Open Mic forum was also offered, giving community members an opportunity to share their thoughtful reflections on the relevance of the message and legacy of Dr. King today. This is always a terrific community activity — and this year was no exception. Thanks to everyone who came!

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Thanks to Everyone in the Community Who Turned Out to Support This Year’s MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

Cars lined up all morning in Winnetka to drop off everything from diapers to dog food, bikes to blankets, and sportswear to school supplies for 15 outstanding nonprofits. Families, schools and community groups from all over Chicago’s North Shore came together to support our 16th annual Make A Difference Day — and our nonprofits left with truckloads of donations they desperately needed. Make a Difference Day always makes a difference!

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