– 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.

Looking for Ways to Make A Difference This Year During the Holidays?

If you’re hoping to use your time, talents or treasure to make a difference in the community during the holidays, ’tis the season when many of our nonprofit partners are looking for a little extra help. Take a look at our Directory of Holiday Opportunities here — and make sure you visit this page often, as we will be adding new opportunities throughout the holiday season.

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Thanks to Everyone in the Community Who Turned Out to Support Our 2018 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY on Saturday, October 27th!

Cars lined up all morning to drop off everything from diapers to dog food, bikes to blankets, and sportswear to school supplies for 15 outstanding nonprofits Saturday, October 27th in Winnetka. 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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The Volunteer Center Sponsored TWO Ways for the Community to “Share Your Bounty” at Thanksgiving This Year

As always, when we asked for help, a generous community responded. For Thanksgiving this year the VC joined with 2 of our VC Nonprofit Partners to provide nutritious food to families right here in our community — and we exceeded our goals! Volunteers donated fresh produce and personal items to the NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY in Winnetka during the week before Thanksgiving. Families and community groups also delivered almost 150 bags of groceries to families at GOOD NEWS PARTNERS in Rogers Park on Thanksgiving morning. We’re grateful to everyone who participated, by sharing generously with neighbors in need in our community. See you next year!

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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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