– 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.

Save the Date Now for This Year’s MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY on Saturday, October 27th!

Don’t miss this annual opportunity to clean some closets and do some good at Make A Difference 2018, sponsored by the Volunteer Center. This annual event is a terrific community effort that brings individuals, families, schools and community groups together to support worthy nonprofits who make a meaningful difference to people in need right here in our community. If you’ve got donations, we’ve got organizations that need them — and a convenient place to drop them off. Mark your calendar now for one of our most popular Days of Service — and watch for more details to come soon!

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A Grateful Community Showed Its Gratitude to the Local Heroes We Count On During This Year’s 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

Join with family, friends, neighbors and service groups to commemorate the heroes of 9/11 — by recognizing our own local heroes — during this year’s annual Day of Service and Remembrance on Tuesday, September 11th. This is a great opportunity to personally thank local police, firefighters and rescue professionals for their heroism and sacrifices by dropping off cards and letters, “purchased” baked goods, children’s artwork — and other personal expressions of gratitude. This wonderful community event always means a great deal to the first responders we rely on, and reminds us how fortunate we are to have such dedicated professionals in our midst. Click below to find out more.

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Looking to Make A Difference Globally?

If you’re looking to learn more about how you can make a difference in our global community, we have many nonprofit partners that might be of interest to you. Click the globe above for a directory of organizations with global interests.

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Don’t Miss Any of The Volunteer Center’s 2018-19 Days of Service. Save These Dates on Your Calendar Now — and Watch for More Details to Come!

The Volunteer Center sponsors 5 wonderful 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 throughout the year about how you can make a difference at these wonderful events.

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