– 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.

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.

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 event for nonprofits in June 2016

All ages can make a difference at Kids Against Hunger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Your Calendar Now! Don’t Miss Our Annual MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, Coming Up on Saturday, October 28th in Winnetka!

Make A Difference Day has long been one of the Volunteer Center’s most important annual Days of Service. Don’t miss this year’s event — clean out your closets and benefit over 15 local nonprofits. This is a great community effort that brings individuals, families, school and community groups together in support of worthy nonprofits who rely on our donations. More details coming soon about the nonprofits and what items they are looking for, so visit this site often. To get an idea of who came to last year’s Make A Difference Day, click here now.

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Are You Looking to Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community? The VC is Looking for a Few New Board Members.

The Volunteer Center is run by a committed Board of Directors who helps plan and manage our Nonprofit Events and Days of Service, providing invaluable leadership and support to our small staff. If you’re interested in joining this outstanding team of dedicated individuals, we are currently accepting applications. We promise there will be meaningful work to do — but we also promise you will have fun while you’re making a difference! Read More for additional details about what we do — and how you can become a member!

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Don’t Miss Any of The Volunteer Center’s 2017-18 Days of Service. Save These Dates on Your Calendar Now — and Watch for More Details to Come!

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 throughout the year about how you can make a difference at these wonderful events.

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Monday, September 11th was a Day of Service and Remembrance — and a Wonderful Commemoration of the Heroes of 9/11

Family, friends, neighbors and service groups helped commemorate the heroes of 9/11 during this year’s annual Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of local firefighters, police and rescue professionals on Monday, September 11. This was a great opportunity to personally thank local police and firefighters for their heroism and sacrifices by dropping off cards and letters, “purchased” baked goods, children’s artwork — and other expressions of gratitude. This wonderful community event that always means a great deal to the first responders we all rely on.

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