GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME

Volunteers are the engine that keeps United Way for Southeastern Michigan running. Through our Seasons of Caring initiative, sponsored by Penske Corp., we connect individuals, corporate teams and community groups to meaningful volunteer work.

Why Volunteer?

From packing and delivering backpacks for students to helping Southeastern Michigan families file taxes and much more, there are so many easy and rewarding ways to give back to your community. In-person, virtual and remote opportunities are available for each season. You can make a tremendous impact on families in our region by donating your time, and our volunteer portal makes it easy to find the opportunity that’s a perfect fit for you.

Test Your Knowledge What percentage of households in Southeastern Michigan live below the ALICE threshold?
    • Correct! 42% of local households fall below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.

    These families are often one crisis away from hunger, homelessness or worse. We need your support!

    Get Involved
    Incorrect. 42% of local households fall below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

    These families are often one crisis away from hunger, homelessness or worse. We need your support!

    Get Involved

    WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

    Meeting Basic Needs
    Meeting Basic Needs

    Help connect struggling households with essential resources like food.

    Get Involved
    Crisis & Recovery
    Crisis & Recovery

    Assist during a crisis as demand for food, shelter and access to emergency services spikes.

    Lend a Hand
    Digital Inclusion
    Digital Inclusion

    Help create equitable access to technology that students, seniors and families need to learn, work and connect.

    Join The Movement
    Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    Assist with initiatives and partnerships that help deconstruct systemic racism and institutional bias.

    Take Action
    Early Childhood
    Early Childhood

    Support efforts to ensure that children have the tools and resources they need for success in school and in life.

    Make a Difference
    Economic Mobility & Family Finances
    Economic Mobility & Family Finances

    Assist families with taxes and other programs that help households earn more money and keep more of what they earn.

    Support Families
    Education & Literacy
    Education & Literacy

    Read to children and tutor students, helping keep them  on track to succeed in school and in life.

    Volunteer Today

    The Impact Of United Way Volunteers

    5 ways to give back during the holiday season
    “Volunteers are needed more than ever as we work with our partners to help the community recover and stabilize the 44 percent of families struggling to meet their basic needs.”
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    volunteers recognized on our 2024 Volunteer Honor Roll.

    mini-grants distributed to nonprofit and community organizations to fund volunteer project supplies in conjunction with the 2024 Global Volunteer Month of Service.

    volunteers in 2023-24

    volunteer hours in 2023-24

    books distributed to K-12 students

    Use your birthday to make a difference
    “When you use your birthday as a chance to make a difference in someone else’s life, the odds are that you’ll make a difference in your life, too.”
    Read More

    More Ways To Help Your Community

    Visit our volunteer portal and use the search function to find the volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule, interests, location and more.

    Volunteer Portal
    211 Helpline Donate