Dr. Seuss Fan

Calling all Dr. Seuss fans and Whoville residents! Participate in the most fun 5K ever with the Who family of characters: The Grinch, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3, Thing 4, Thing 32, Santa and of course Mr. and Mrs. Mayor. The Whoville 5K takes place at 1 pm on Dec. 9 at Riverside Park and is for all ages. Participants get a Whoville shirt, finisher medal, Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. The Whoville crew is looking for a team of fun loving, dedicated volunteers to help out at this year’s event. There are plenty of jobs before, during and after the race, from food prep, runner check-in and registration and set up to course marshals, costume judging and clean up crew.

Take Action: Learn more at whoville5k.com.

 

The Big-Hearted Chef

The Revive and Thrive Project is a program where fresh, organic meals are made and delivered to those living with terminal illness. Teen chef volunteers make the meals, which are then delivered by volunteers to the client and their families. Volunteers are always needed to make this operation run. Teens are invited to join and learn from adult chef mentors about how to cook healthy meals and the importance of an organic diet. Adults have many options to lend a hand, from being a chef mentor, a delivery angel or helping with administrative tasks. Take Action: Learn more at reviveandthriveproject.com/volunteer

Winter Warrior

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is looking for winter warrior volunteers this season. No worries, though, there are many indoor opportunities to get signed up for, like framing walls in the panel shop and painting the interiors of homes. Sign up on your own or volunteer with a group!

Take Action: Register at habitatkent.org/volunteer.

Earth Angel

Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree is a holiday tradition where anonymous donors adopt an “angel” who would otherwise spend Christmas without a present. Upwards of 6,000 children are given gifts each year. Volunteers are essential to make this big event happen, from toy collection, set up and event coordination to clean up afterward. There are many ways to give your time to this amazing cause.

Take Action: Sign up at connect.hwmuw.org/need

Santa for a Day

Be Santa for a day and bring a pre-wrapped gift to a senior citizen in need this holiday season. Meals on Wheels Western Michigan provides the gift and sets a senior up with the volunteer, and then the volunteer, or “Santa,” delivers the gift, and a smile!

Take Action: Sign up at mealsonwheelswesternmichigan.org/get-involved/volunteer

Does your organization have a volunteer opportunity that would be perfect for this page or an extraordinary volunteer who we should spotlight? Please email our editor, Elyse Wild, at [email protected].

 

Shandra Marie

Volunteer for GR First Church, National Kidney Foundation and the Mary Kay Foundation

"I love volunteering because I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. If we can reach one person and have a positive impact in their life, that is a life enhanced and changed forever! I love impacting lives one day at a time.”