Every year, United Way’s across the world mobilize communities to create impact on the most pressing needs utilizing the caring power of volunteers. This year, United Way of Midland County focused its fall Days of Action activities on pulling the community together to impact multiple partner agencies.
Nearly 100 community members showed up for this two-day community-wide impact event to help organize donations, move and sort items for an upcoming distribution and repackage 2,500 lbs of flour.
“We can’t thank our volunteers enough,” shared Katie Bell Pearce, Corporate Relationship Manager at United Way of Midland County. “Their time is invaluable. Volunteer hours save critical dollars that can be allocated elsewhere, like providing programs and services for our neighbors. We are so proud of how our community shows to help our nonprofit partners, whether that’s through their time, contributing to our annual campaign or speaking out for those without a voice.”
While the value of volunteers is immeasurable, United Way shared that there is a monetary value on their time. According to the Independent Sector, the value of a volunteer hour is $27.20 per hour. This event alone saved their partners over $8,000.
Volunteers joined United Way from Dow, Arbury Insurance, SYM Financial Advisors, Corteva Agriscience, MSU Extension, MyMichigan Health, Members First Credit Union, DuPont, Greater Midland Community Center, IFF, Midland County, Horizon Bank and the community.
Together, they made an impact on five nonprofit agencies including Hidden Harvest, Shelterhouse Resale Shop, West Midland Family Center, Midland County Habitat for Humanity and The Bridge.
“At the beginning of the year, I met with our partners to discover what their greatest volunteer needs were,” shared Megan Crockett, Impact Manager at United Way of Midland County. “During our spring and fall Days of Action events, we aligned our projects with those needs. It’s really encouraging to see so many community members step up to help our nonprofit partners. The time we spent with them truly does make an impact for their organization and the people they serve.”
The benefits of volunteering are countless including many positive side effects to lending your time and talent. Studies show that raising your hand to volunteer builds community and a sense of belonging, combats loneliness, builds lasting bonds, improves self-esteem and actually promotes longevity.
If you missed Days of Action, you can check out upcoming opportunities on volunteerGLBR.org or contact United Way directly to set up a project for your group, organization or company.
If your nonprofit organization is in need of volunteers, please contact Megan Crocket at megan@unitedwaymidland.org to learn more about listing your opportunities on volunteerGLBR.org.
