– 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.

Looking to Volunteer This Summer?

School’s out — but most of our Nonprofit Partners are still hard at work serving those in our community and around the world who rely on them for support and assistance all year. Just to get you started, read more to find some VC Nonprofit Partners who are looking for volunteers of all ages during the summer. But if you don’t see something on this list don’t stop there! We have more than 150 Nonprofits on our site that need volunteers — but don’t always have time to post their opportunities! — so make sure you search the whole site! If you see an opportunity or a Nonprofit that you might be interested in, you can contact them directly through our site and find out how you can help.

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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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Congratulations to the Outstanding 2017 Honorees Who Were Recognized at Our 2017 Recognition Event — “Growing Volunteerism Through Inspiration” This Spring.

It was a lively evening at our annual Recognition Celebration on May 4th at the Winnetka Community House, where we honored four outstanding volunteers whose extraordinary gifts of time and talent are making a huge difference in the lives of people in need. Click here to read more about the honorees: Emily Bolling, The Floured Apron; Becky Kimbell, The Cradle and Random Acts of Flowers Chicago; Syd Martin, Syd Rocks and Giving Rocks Foundation; Lulu Witcoff, Rainbow Assisted Animal Therapy and Center for Conflict Resolution. You can’t help but be inspired!

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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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