Welcome to our volunteer column sponsored by Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Discover which volunteer position best describes you. Pick a cause and react voluntarily!

The One Behind the Camera

For those with interest in video production and television, lend a hand with GRTC at the Community Media Center. The TV station is often looking for volunteers to help film at events around town. Learn how a TV show is put together and have fun connecting with the community. Take Action: Volunteers can start as young as 13-years-old and should apply at grcmc.org.

A Light in the Dark

Brighten up a sick child’s day by participating in Project Night Lights at Spectrum Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Community members and local law enforcement flash their lights at the windows of the hospital while the kids inside flash their lights back. It’s a unique way to brighten up a child’s mood and make them smile. Every second Wednesday of the month, grab a flashlight or your cell phone light and flash them from the sidewalks outside the hospital. Take Action: Additional flashlights are needed, and if you are interested in donating funds to help with their purchase, visit give.spectrumhealth.org/Flashlight.

Group Effort

This opportunity will require some initial funds, but it’s a great cause to donate some time and money to. Groups of friends or co-workers are invited to sponsor a table, half a table or individual seats at the Meals of Hope Bean and Rice event on Nov. 2, hosted by New Life Church. The ticket cost goes toward buying the food that, at the event, the volunteers will pack into 50,000 meals. Take Action: Buy your tickets online on the New Life Church Facebook page.

The Vegan Activist

If you’re passionate about animal rights and convincing others to go to a vegan lifestyle, consider volunteering for International Cube Day on Nov. 3. Volunteers are encouraged to wear black clothing, and will assist with the event. The Cube of Truth is a peaceful demonstration with the goal of helping others become vegan. Through displays of animal cruelty footage and a sales pitch, those with the Anonymous for the Voiceless hope to lead people to a vegan lifestyle. Take Action: To learn more, join their Facebook group: Anonymous for the Voiceless.

Helper to the Homeless

Join non-profit Dirt City Sanctuary in their effort to provide West Michigan’s homeless with a backpack full of winter supplies. The Purple Backpack Project distribution event is from 1-4 p.m., Nov. 17 at Heartside Park, 301 Ionia Ave SW. Supplies are still needed to fill up these backpacks, like wool socks, hat and gloves, personal hygiene items and more. You can also sign up to volunteer your time at the event, where the purple backpacks will be distributed. Additionally, a hot meal will be provided by Amore Trattoria Italiana and hair cuts and hot shaves provided by Salon Re. Take Action: Find the full list of supplies needed and sign up to volunteer on Dirt City’s website, dirtcitysanctuary.org.

Wish Granters

Help out Make-a-Wish Michigan in helping grant a wish to kids with terminal illnesses. There are many different ways to volunteer, from assisting in the wish-granting process to helping out at a major fundraising event. There is also a need for volunteers in the two Michigan offices, located in Grand Rapids and Brighton. Office volunteers can help with filing, answering phone calls, taking donations and data entry. Take Action: To apply for one of these volunteer opportunities, visit michigan.wish.org.

Megan Stubbs Bissell Pet Foundation Board Member

"It wasn’t until I rescued my first dog that I knew adoption advocacy was something I was fiercely passionate about. I am so honored to be a part of Bissell Pet Foundation and help make a difference in animals lives. And also educating humans on the importance of spaying, microchipping, and why they should adopt, not shop.”