– 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.

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 — a great opportunity to 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. For details about the event, including a list of the participating nonprofits and the items they will be collecting, click here.

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Plan Now to “Share Your Bounty” With Those in Need During Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance — it’s also a time of scarcity for many people in need in our community. But you can make a difference. During Thanksgiving week the Volunteer Center will sponsor 2 fun and easy opportunities to provide healthy basics for families who struggle every day to put food on their table. Mark your calendar now, and read More here for details on how you can participate in this annual community tradition.

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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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