Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

At 4-C, we rely on community members like you to help us help children. This giving season we’re asking for in-kind donations of single-serving snacks and cleaning supplies to support our family programming and free lending library.

Shop our wish list directly at qrco.de/4-CAmazon!

*Greatest needs!

Shop our wish list directly at qrco.de/4-CAmazon!

You can also drop off wish list items at 4-C’s Resource Room*:

5 Odana Court, Madison, WI 53719

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

10am – 2pm

*We will be closed Wednesday, November 26 and Thursday, November 27

4-C offers free services to families like monthly Play and Learn, Open Play, and Storytime programming (check out our calendar for upcoming events).

Learn more about 4-C’s Family Resource Center.

Toy kits, big books, activity backpacks, book kits, storytime backpacks, and more! Our lending library is packed with hundreds of curated and themed items available for check-out.

Looking to laminate? 4-C’s Resource Room has both large and small laminators you can use for a small fee. We also have rainy day craft kits for sale, along with paper and other craft supplies. You can also bring your own paper and use our die cuts!

Visit the Resource Room*

5 Odana Court, Madison, WI 53719

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

10am – 2pm

*We will be closed Wednesday, November 26 and Thursday, November 27

Learn more about 4-C’s Resource Room.

·       Donate – make a one-time or recurring donation

·       Buy official 4-C shirts and more

·       Volunteer

See the full list of ways you can support 4-C by visiting our website.

Questions? Contact donation@4-c.org

Here is the wish list to MARC East:

Thank you for your support!!!

Babies & Beyond is a nonprofit organization that has proudly served families for over 40 years.
Each month, we support 1,200 children across Dane County and beyond, providing more than 50,000 diapers along with essential items for babies and children up to age 5.

HOLIDAY  GIVEAWAY - DONATIONS NEEDED!

Our annual Holiday Giveaway is on December 14, and we are collecting new gifts for families.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS

ONGOING NEEDS

We always welcome volunteers, monetary donations and gently used baby/toddler items, as demand continues to grow..

DONATION DROP OFF

1922 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI
Mon 12-3pm, Tues 11am-7pm, Wed 9am-12pm, Thurs 9am-3pm, Sat 9am -12pm

Questions?

Sophia Gundlach ( volunteer & Donations Coordinator
volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org
608 222-0008 ext. 2

Here is the list for MARC Stoughton:

Motion Bubbler Sensory Toys

Therapy Sensory Brushes

Sensory Fidget Bracelet

Moving Sand Art

Meditation White Noise Sound Machine

Sent Infused Grounding Stones

Weighted Lap Blanket

Ocean Light Projector

Breathing Ball Visual Mediation

Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere

Cordless Back Massager

Galaxy Projector

Push Peel Sensory Activity Board

Sensory Stones

Weighted Hug ball

Lavendar Scented Stress Balls

Thank you to our supporters!

Help Habitat for Humanity with coverage of the ReStore Donation Hotline! The ReStore Donation Hotline schedules free pick-ups for donations of furniture, appliances, and other home improvement items, as well as answering incoming questions about donating.

Donation Hotline Representatives make the ReStore a place donors want to come back and donate to. They maintain high customer satisfaction with their exceptional problem-solving and conversational skills.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Commitment

Training: New volunteers receive on-the-job training with Donations staff

Sign up for a shift by visiting https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com and look for any shifts titled "ReStore Donation Hotline Coverage."

We are in need of some supplies to keep children active and engaged in the outdoors all winter long! Items are linked below and can be purchased from any retailer as long as it is the exact item (unless otherwise noted).

Items can be dropped off or shipped to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center at 330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716. Thank you for your support in keeping kids engaged with nature!

Bucket of Scat

Bubble Solution (any large bottle of non toxic bubble solution works) 

Construction Paper (any 9"x12" construction paper works)

Sidewalk Chalk (any large sidewalk chalk works)

Magnifier Loupes

Sensory Chew Necklaces

Children's Snow Suits (Size 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, and 12/13 in colors yellow or navy)

Stonz Mittens (sizes 5/6 or 7+ in colors black or gray)

Supply Wagons for Educators

Sunprint Kits

In addition to the items we give to families and youth, Briarpatch is seeking some items for our agency this holiday season.

Briarpatch Holiday Wishlist:

Patio games
• bags
• giant Jenga
• rubber base markers
• basketballs
• footballs
• kan jam
• fishing poles and gear
• kubb

We need your help to keep great books accessible to communities 24/7. Visit Little Free Libraries in your community to distribute books! 

We can suggest where to look for free or inexpensive books, or if you already have some, you can share those too. You can find book-sharing boxes near you using our world map or free mobile app. 

Register here to get started. Once you sign up, you will get access to a brief online training with tips. Our Little Free Library staff can answer your questions. You can share books whenever it works for you.  

Purpose: By keeping Little Free Libraries full of books, you are helping to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. 

Responsibilities:

Time required: You set your own schedule. It could be a one-time project or a regular book distribution schedule.

How we can support you: We'll help you start with some online training, and we will suggest sources for books.

Qualifications:

Benefits: Experience the satisfaction of getting more books into the hands of readers while connecting with your community. You’ll get a free Little Free Library t-shirt after you record your first impact in the Team LFL hub. 

Questions: You can contact the Community Engagement Manager to ask questions. We also offer virtual Q&A sessions where you can ask questions.

Communities are hungry for books! Help Little Free Library fulfill its mission of book access for everyone by coordinating a local book drive. You can lead a book drive and distributed the collected books to local Little Free Libraries. Little Free Library staff can answer your questions along the way. 

This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. You can coordinate your book drive during the times that work best for you and your community. 

How to get started: Register online. After you register, we will send you a guide about how to coordinate a book drive. 

Purpose: By keeping Little Free Libraries filled with books, you are helping to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. 

Responsibilities:

Time Required: A typical book drive lasts about two weeks to one month, plus time beforehand to plan and promote the drive. 

Training & Resources Available: We will help you get to know our organization and share our tips for planning a successful book drive. 

Qualifications:

Benefits: Experience the satisfaction of getting more books into the hands of readers while connecting with your community. You will get a free Little Free Library t-shirt after you record your impact in the Team LFL online hub. 

Supervision & Support: You can connect with the Community Engagement Manager to ask questions. We also offer virtual Q&A sessions for volunteers. 

At WayForward Resources, we rely on the little things that make a big difference. This holiday season, we’re asking for in-kind donations of Ziploc bags to help us sort and distribute essential items like diapers and menstrual products.

We go through them quickly, so all sizes and brands are welcome. Your donation will directly support our day-to-day operations and help us continue providing vital resources to those in need.

But wait! There's another bag need: 13 gallon trash bags or 20x10x26 plastic shopping bags would be oh, so helpful for our Clothing Center guests. 

Thank you for helping us make a difference, one bag at a time!

Donations can be dropped off at WayForward Monday through Friday between 9am and 4:30pm.

You can write about transit in Dane County in various ways. By doing so, you are participating in a democratic process that involves informing our electorate. Maybe you ride the bus. Maybe you do not. You can explain why, why not or something else. Do you walk, bike and/or drive a car? Why or why not? You can write about actual or anticipated experiences. Does weather matter? Does time of year matter? What would be ideal? Why?

You could write a nonproprietary column or blog for our website (www.busadvocates.org/blog.html). Or you could pitch an opinion or article somewhere else. Letters to the Editor, columns, blogs and articles are all important. Write your own composition or help draft one with others.

Your work could help fulfill a classroom assignment or a requirement for community service.

Show the transit situation in Dane County with pictures. By themselves or in conjunction with text that discusses a transit situation in more depth. You might want to show one or another feature of a transit vehicle -- taxi, rental bike, accessible van, regular 40' bus or or a new 'wiggle wagon." You might want to show a new Bus Rapid Transit station, an electric re-charging device, a new fare meter, bike parking, the 'before and after' of shelter removal from a regular bus stop, traffic on a street with a red bus-only lane, an electronic announcement board, new and old methods of wheelchair securement, people boarding a bus through different doors. or something else.

Consider brief videos in addition to stills. We attribute the photographer when posting a photograph on our website.

Your contribution might help fulfill a course or community service requirement.

Looking to give back this holiday season? Donate a gift to Toys for Tots! We’re looking for new, unwrapped toys for children ages 14 and younger. We recommend spending $35 or less per toy. Gifts are especially needed for children ages 9 -14 years old. Prefer to shop from the comfort of your couch? Order the hottest toys of the season from our Amazon Wishlist and your items will be shipped directly to United Way!

You can also drop off items at United Way or click here for other drop off locations.

Deadline to donate is Friday, December 19, 2025.

MARC South's wish list for the holidays is as follows:

* Bean bag chair

* Weighted blanket

* Spice rack for nail polish

* 2-3 nail polish cadies

* Tattoo markers

* Nail files

* Nail polish remover

* 35 little bins (for client’s nail accessories)

* Nail art

* Nail polish

* Cotton balls

*Micro phones and machine

*Glow in the dark stars for the ceiling

*Restaurant gift cards

*Decaf coffee

*Hot chocolate

*Puzzles

*Paint

*Paint brushes

*Markers

*Fidgets

*Seasonal Bingo

*Construction paper (pastel colors)

* Pretend cell phone

*Kids CD player for music

*Kids small keyboard

*Movie gift cards

Thank you for your support!

MARC Mt. Horeb Holiday Wish List

Thank you for your support!

RES would like the following items:

Holiday craft kits – All seasons needed

Colored paper – all sizes

Fidget Toys

Bingo Prizes

Movie Ticket Passes

Holiday Décor for all holidays

Tablecloths for various seasons’

Floor Rug and the glue to hold it down’

Board games like Connect 4

Memory games of various kinds

Puzzles – large pieces with no more than 100 pieces

Modeling clay

Glue

Current DVD’s

Cleaning supplies, Dawn, Laundry soap, 13 gallon garbage bags

Decaf Coffee

Tea bags various flavors

Sugar free Hot Choc

Color books

Word Finds

Sensory Light Covers

Googly Wiggly eyes for art projects- all sizes and colors

Canvas to paint on- various sizes

Thank you to our supporters!

Want to have a fun time while supporting an important cause? Volunteer with the Habitat ReStore!

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, building materials and appliances at a fraction of the retail price. Our ReStores have diverted 12,000 tons of building materials from Dane County’s landfills, and we need help processing all of the donations.

Volunteers are needed to:

Position Requirements:

Shifts are available 9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays. 

Volunteers receive 10% off ReStore purchases!

Individuals can visit https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com to register and sign-up.

Groups can contact volunteer@habitatdane.org to reserve a shift.

Do you love bringing joy to kids? We’re looking for a volunteer Site Leader to help provide birthday boxes for children in need in the Madison area. If you enjoy organizing and want a meaningful way to give back to your community, this could be a great fit for you.

As a Site Leader, you will:

Host a drop-off and pick-up location at your home (front porch or similar space) or business

Coordinate birthday box requests with local agencies

Set up volunteer sign-ups online and invite helpers

Coordinate and assemble 5–15 birthday boxes each week

Make completed boxes available for agency pick-up

We currently have active sites at 3506 Country Grove Dr. and 6229 Dominion Dr, so we’re looking to add a leader in a different area to reach more families and social workers. Our ideal location would be in the SASY neighborhood, but we’re flexible within the east or near-east side.

Time commitment: about 5–10 hours per week. We provide full guidance, materials, and ongoing support.

This is a volunteer role that makes a real difference for families in our community.

About Madison Birthday Boost
Madison Birthday Boost is a local nonprofit that helps children from families facing financial hardship feel celebrated on their birthdays. Each birthday box includes everything needed for a fun celebration, including decorations, gifts, party supplies, and a game or activity, so every child can experience the joy and confidence that come with being celebrated.

After enrolling in our HSLP Mentoring Program, Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on interests and preferences (gender, race, age, etc.) Once the Match is approved by Big, Little, and parent/caregiver, they can start meeting!

BBBS conducts regular check-in conversations and observations with Bigs and Littles to ensure the relationship is healthy, safe, and thriving.

Interested in learning more about getting involved as a mentor or a partner?
Reach out to Miriam Whiteagle, Site-Based Program Coordinator,
at mwhiteagle@bbbsmadison.org or 608-661-5437 ext. 1122.

At Madison Birthday Boost, our mission is to make sure every child in Madison feels celebrated on their special day, no matter their family’s circumstances. Each birthday box we create includes everything needed for a joyful celebration, including decorations, games, gifts, and party supplies, all delivered with care to families through local social workers.

The holidays are one of our busiest times of the year. Many families already stretched thin by seasonal expenses struggle to provide birthday celebrations for their children. You can help by donating items to fill our supply closets so we can continue spreading joy all season long.

We’re currently in need of:

Party games or activities (for the birthday child and 6 guests)

Decorations (balloons, streamers, tape, ribbon)

Party favors (sets of 6)

Gifts for kids (toys, art sets, sports equipment, etc.)

Rolls of wrapping paper

Find more specific ideas on our Amazon wishlist

We serve children ages 1 to 12. Donations can be mailed or dropped off anytime at either of our two Madison locations:
3506 Country Grove Dr. or 6229 Dominion Dr., Madison, WI 53718.

Your generosity helps bring smiles, confidence, and a sense of belonging to kids who need it most. Thank you for being part of the celebration!

This holiday season, we’re assembling Family Support Kits to help local families meet their everyday needs. Many of us take things like laundry detergent, toothpaste, and cleaning supplies for granted, but these items can make an enormous difference for a family working hard to make ends meet. If you’re able, we invite you to sign up to donate one or more items from the list. Every contribution, big or small, helps lighten someone’s load and shows our community that we care about one another. Thank you for helping us spread comfort and dignity this season.

Click below to purchase items, and ship them to our office at 2059 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI, 53704

https://a.co/1m2iyzM

Want to be part of making holiday magic for families in need? Help out by volunteering for a Toys for Tots shift with United Way of Dane County. 

Upon arriving for your shift, drive up to the gate and press the call box, letting whoever answers know you are there for a Toys for Tots shift, and they will direct you where to go.

November dates: Lunch will NOT be provided

December dates: Lunch WILL be provided

Volunteers Needed!

2025-26 School Year

John Muir Elementary School, an MMSD public school on the West Side of Madison, is seeking volunteers to make a difference in the lives of our students!  Our school is highly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, languages spoken at home, and socioeconomic status, with approximately 50% students with free and reduced lunch.
 
We will work with your interests and your availability to find a great volunteer opportunity for you!  Specific needs include literacy and math tutoring, classroom support, lunch/recess supervision, mentoring, gardening, shelving library books, or anything YOU might have in mind.
 
Any amount of time would be helpful.  Our school day begins at 7:35am, and ends at 1:10pm on Monday and 2:30pm on Tuesday-Friday.
 
If you’re interested in learning more, please email JohnMuirPTO.Volunteers@gmail.com.

You can also sign up on the Muir Classroom Volunteer Needs Google doc here: https://tinyurl.com/MuirVols
 
Together we can make a difference for Muir Elementary School!  Thank you!

Do you have two or more free days each month?

Do you like birds or want to learn more about them?

Or maybe you want to become more involved in the community and donate time to a nonprofit!

Come volunteer with us! While we primarily need weekday volunteers (Mondays and Fridays mostly), we will gladly take new faces and helping hands any day of the week.

Volunteering begins at 10:00 a.m. and/or 6:00 p.m. every day. Volunteers provide fresh food and water to all birds as well as assist in any other cleaning tasks needed that day. Once the daily chores are done, socializing and playing with the birds is not only allowed, but encouraged! 

Want to volunteer but you're not the most confident with birds? Not a problem at all! We have volunteers with varying experience from no bird experience to owning large parrots.

We require all volunteers be at least 10 years of age. If between the ages of 10-16, you will need to be accompanied by a guardian. 

Want to volunteer? Go to www.feathered-friends.com/volunteer and submit an application today!

Come join our flock!

Donate your new, or gently-loved binoculars! We will use them to inspire the next generation of nature lovers. They will be added to our lendable kits for bird watches, nature trainings, and hikes. New binoculars may be used for our community give-aways. Please no damaged or binoculars older than ten years old. You will be helping our K-12 Environmental Education efforts, our annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon and our Wayfarer trips for new naturalists.  Please call or email to set up drop off time. Ben Strand, 608-921-2391, ben.strand@wisconservation.org

Donate your new garden or work gloves, and hand tools (shears, clippers, bow saws) for ourdoor conservancy work! We will use them to inspire the next generation of nature lovers. They will be added to our lendable kits or given to our interns at the start of the work year. New items, may be used for our community give-aways. Please no used gloves or tools.

You will be helping our K-12 Environmental Education efforts, our annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon and our Wayfarer trips for new naturalists.

Please call or email to set up drop off time. Ben Strand, 608-921-2391, ben.strand@wisconservation.org

We are growing! More people want to receive your print communications. We are hoping to purchase a $4,500 (estimate) new machine to help us fold, insert, and distribute our flyers, brochures, and mailings. Your help will greatly improve our ability to quickly reach our growing network. Having this pledge for the 2026 calendar year would greatly help us plan for our 40th Anniversary in 2026!

You will be helping our K-12 Environmental Education efforts, our annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon and our Wayfarer trips for new naturalists. Call or email to set up drop off time. Ben Strand, 608-921-2391, ben.strand@wisconservation.org

Join us at Bikes for Kids Wisconsin and help to repair, clean, and distribute bikes to individuals who need them most. Whether you're a bike expert or willing to lend a hand, any amount of work helps us achieve our mission of transportation accessible for all.

Sign-up online at BikesforKidsWi.org by visiting the “Volunteer” Page.

Happy ensure that our teens have a joyous holiday season, too, by donating presents to our Teen Holiday Party! Gift requests include: wireless headphones, beauty items (soap, lotion, body spray), board games, and gift cards to Kwik Trip, wings restaurants, and The Thrill Factory. Items can be dropped off Monday-Friday 9am-5pm until December 22nd. 

Help keep our Front Office stocked and running through the holiday season with donations of: pens, colored printing paper, staplers, post-it notes, and computer mouses. 

Help our families have a safe and stable holiday season by donating: self-stable food items, Kwik Trip gift cards for gas, underwear for children 4-7 years old and socks for children 4-10 year old. 

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County is looking for volunteers to help at our Sun Prairie construction site, building affordable housing! No prior experience is needed - all the tools and training are available on site. Opportunities are available Thursdays-Saturdays from 8:15am-3:30pm.

Volunteers must be 18 or older; flexible and willing to be trained; and comfortable standing/working for the duration of the full shift. 

Please visit our VolunteerHub website to view current construction volunteer opportunities and sign up today: https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com. You will be able to view all construction opportunities throughout Dane County along with ReStore opportunities. For additional information, contact volunteer@habitatdane.org or call Julie at 608-620-4922.

Gather your colleagues, friends, and neighbors to make a difference for the people that rely on Bike For Kids Wisconsin's services. Between October through March, your team can tour the largest bike center in Wisconsin, assist with mission-critical tasks, and help refurbish bicycles. Mission-critical tasks can include cleaning bikes, reorganizing bikes, organizing bike parts, loading bikes into trucks, and more!

Refreshments will be provided.

Group volunteer experiences occur on Fridays between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (depending on which option you select). We have two time slots available to best suit your group.

Small Team: (Up to 6 people)

Large Team: (6-12 people)

Your group will leave knowing more about bikes, basic repairs, and will gain valuable knowledge. For inquiries, email us at ride@BikesForKidsWi.org.

We are accepting reservations now. For questions, please call the bike center at (608) 405-0385. You may also drop-in at 354 Coyier Lane, Madison.

Help brighten the season for young people in our community! Your donations from our Holiday Wish List provide essential items and special gifts for youth served through Briarpatch programs. Every contribution—big or small—helps make the holidays a little warmer and more hopeful.

TOYS                  

Diverse Babydolls

Fold up Dollhouse

Diverse Figurines for Dollhouse

Storage for Dollhouse and other Toys 

Bin Buckets

Toy Car Set

Toy Planes 

Tool Set

Travel Sand Tray Set

Doctor Set

Toy Treasure Chest

Toy Bugs and Animals

Capes

People Puppets

Superhero Figurines

Army Men

Finger Puppets

Food Kitchen Set

GAMES

Uno

Jenga

Mindful Conversation Cards

BOOKS

A Terrible Thing Happened

Invisible String

ART

Paint By Number

Scratch Art

Poster Board

A Dozen Different Sized Canvas Boards

Fabric Crayons and Black T-Shirts

SENSORY/PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL

Marble Maze Sensory Mats (Click on to follow link)

Spot of Feelings Set

FURNITURE

Lawn Chairs ( 6 chairs with solid colors:  yellow, purple, blue, red, green, orange)

Small Round Table with Adjustable Legs (34 inches in diameter preferred no bigger than 38-40 inches in diameter)

OTHER

Gift cards for our clients and support groups for the following:

Haircuts

Movies

Restaurants and Take-Out

Grocery Stores

Gas

YWCA MADISON - MOST NEEDED ITEMS: 

Every day, YWCA Madison provides a safe and stable home for more than 100 women and families at our downtown location, and supports many more individuals and families living throughout the greater Madison community. The people we serve are often facing significant barriers such as homelessness, poverty, and systemic inequities.

Your support makes an immediate and lasting difference. By donating essential items, you help ensure that every resident and program participant has access to the basic necessities that provide dignity, stability, and hope. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more equitable community for everyone.

Below are links to our Wishlist of our most urgently needed items:

Amazon Wishlist items can be delivered directly to our downtown location at 101 E Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703. To drop off a donation in-person, please set up a drop-off time with the front desk at 101 East Mifflin Street by calling 608-257-1436 option 2.

Ready to turn your passion for community support into action? Volunteer to help sort, label, or pack/re-pack food into family-friendly portions for distribution to our community throughout our 16-county service area!

Group and Individual Volunteer Opportunity:

Help us sort, label, and pack/repack food to ensure nourishing food is ready for distribution! For example, you might sort fresh produce, label frozen pizzas, transform 1,000 pounds of potatoes into family-friendly 5-pound bags, or place packaged products into boxes. Volunteer projects are well-organized, safe, and led by our wonderful staff members.

To see current availability and sign up for open shifts, click here!

I’ve also included the link here for you to paste into your browser: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084ba8a72baaf49-second

Volunteer Shift Times

Volunteer Information

Group Size

Minimum Volunteer Age

Projects

Directions/Information

Have any questions? Contact Brie McNett, Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteers@secondharvestw.org or call 608.216.7214.

Volunteers are needed to assist our pantry guests through the food pantry and help take the groceries out to their car. There is also a free clothing and household goods area to keep neat and tidy. Helpers will also keep the pantry fully stocked. We can 100% guarantee a good time for our volunteers! The hours are 1:30-6:00pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 9:30-1:00pm on Fridays. Feel free to volunteer for whatever portion of the shift you can.

The pantry will be closed when outside conditions are unsafe, such as snowstorms, or bitterly cold wind chills. Any closings are posted on our website and Facebook page.

Help WayForward Resources spread holiday cheer with a delicious twist by creating a baking basket full of essentials for local families!

Put together a basket or box of shelf-stable and non perishable essentials for holiday baking to donate to our food pantry. All baskets should contain: flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Consider personalizing your baking basket with a new, special add-on or two such as: decorating sugar or sprinkles, spices like cinnamon, cocoa powder, baking mixes, canned frosting, packets of instant yeast, cookie cutters, oven mitts, spatula, a cookie sheet, or a rolling pin. Have fun and make it festive!

Drop items off items at the WayForward Distribution Center (at the back of the parking lot), 3502 Parmenter Street, from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12, during the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Want more information? Contact Community Engagement Manager Jill Bradshaw, jill@wayforwardresources.org.

At Access Community Health Centers, our mission is simple but powerful: Improving Health. Improving Lives. Each year, we serve more than 33,000 patients by providing compassionate medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy care to individuals and families who might otherwise go without. But good health is about more than medical visits—it’s about dignity, comfort, and the chance to thrive.

You can help close the gaps that create disparities in health and opportunity. We are seeking donations of essential items that bring warmth, stability, and hope to those we serve.

Picture and Chapter Books for and teens in multiple languages help nurture learning and literacy in our clinic waiting areas--but our collection is stronger based on your donation to keep our shelves full.   

Diapers and onesies can make a world of difference for our youngest patients. Through our Maternal Child Health services, we provide these essentials to families who need them most.

Bus passes provided by the Patient Services Team offer a lifeline, helping patients reach their important medical appointments and access critical community resources. 

Blankets, sweatshirts, and sweatpants for both adults and children offer warmth through the cold months, while new socks bring small but meaningful comfort and dignity.

Each of these items makes a profound difference. They help restore hope to someone facing difficult circumstances, improve quality of life for families, and remind our patients that their community cares deeply about their well-being.

Together, we can continue to build a healthier, more equitable community—one act of kindness at a time.

To arrange a donation for any of these items, please contact Emilie Schada at Access Community Health Centers, emilie.schada@accesshealthwi.org. 

Thank you. 

Sunny Side Development is seeking several new board members to fill anticipated vacancies on its Board of Directors for 2026. Please contact us if you are passionate about affordable, sustainable housing in Wisconsin and interested in serving on our board!

Volunteers at our front desk and our resource advocates play an integral role in supporting our program and community. They assist in connecting individuals to needed resources, monitor computer access times in the SJC resource area, and take part in relevant trainings.

Tasks

Skills

Setting

This role will primarily take place at the community space area of the SJC, with occasional trips to other parts of the building (if mobility is an issue, accommodations can be made). The work environment can be lively, with other people working nearby. Volunteers are welcome to bring food/snacks to eat and other activities to work on when there is downtime.

Schedule

At this time, our weekly Resource Advocacy sessions are Wednesday and Friday afternoons, but there are many times throughout the week where Resource Advocates can be on-hand to assist walk-ins or calls.  These hours range from 9am-3pm on weekdays in 2 to 3 hour shifts.  There is no minimum number of shifts required. Volunteers will be shown how to sign up for available shifts on a weekly or monthly basis.

Training and supervision

All volunteers will be provided with written and on-line informational materials regarding the SJC and its member organizations, building layout and operations, community resources, and SJC-dedicated software including Discord, TeamUp, SLAB, BaseCamp and Google Drive.  There is a core curriculum of training modules on local social services and resources that volunteers are required to complete to become a resource advocate. Training on trauma-informed practices and de-escalation will be provided to resource advocacy volunteers, with additional training opportunities available for those looking to build their skills.

Screening

After being referred to SJC by another organization such as the University or RSVP of Dane County, an informal interview will occur to ensure a good fit for all parties. Volunteering as part of an outside/third-party program, (such as earning hours for credit or fulfilling a community service requirement), should be discussed during the interview process or before beginning volunteer hours. Volunteers participating in these kinds of programs are always welcome when the following information is provided:

Want to help those in need by donating items or hosting a donation drive? Maybe you love to shop and bargain hunt but want to shop for someone else? Well we need your help! Our essentials pantry is having a supply and demand issue: demand is increasing and our supply can't keep up! Help us provide free essential items like personal hygiene products, toiletries, underwear and socks, cleaning/home goods, phone chargers and more - see below for our most-needed items:

PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS - TOP PRIORITY!
Menstrual products (tampons preferred), deodorant, dental hygiene (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash), shaving and grooming supplies (razors, shaving cream, tweezers, nail clippers), body wash, facial cleanser

TOILETRIES
Both travel and regular size, bath and body products, skincare, haircare 

PACKS OF UNDERWEAR
UNOPENED, UNUSED underwear, men and women’s, variety of sizes and styles for all genders and body types. Preferences: Men’s = boxer briefs, preferred women’s = anything with medium coverage, both in dark or neutral colors (not white)

HOME ESSENTIALS
Laundry detergent, cleaning spray, dish soap, sponges, wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper etc.

HEALTH & WELLNESS
First aid supplies (band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic spray), chapstick, tissues, cotton swabs, OTC meds for fever, heartburn, nausea etc., condoms

OTHER KINDS OF IMPORTANT ITEMS: 

If you want to go the quick and easy route, click here's to order from our amazon wishlist. We are always happy to receive substitutes and encourage community members to support local, small businesses and purchase environmentally-friendly, ethically-made products as much as possible. Supplies can be dropped off Wednesday afternoons during our pantry hours, or anytime during business hours (just drop them off at the front desk!)

Volunteers are needed to unpack and inventory supplies from our Fall 2025 season of Girls on the Run. The supplies were used by our coaches to facilitate lessons and deliver GOTR programming at over 70 locations.

Our organization needs support in unpacking coach bins and first aid kits, removing/discarding used items, and taking detailed inventory of remaining supplies that can be repurposed for the following season. 

If interested in helping with this project, please contact Julia.miller@girlsontherun.org or call 608-831-4687.

Girls on the Run has a great use for supplies to deliver our program each season. Our supplies provide a high-quality, safe, and fun program experience that is sure to inspire, motivate, and empower the kids we serve. Commonly needed items include, markers (washable), pens, sidewalk chalk, poster board, stickers, pipe cleaners, pony beads, index cards, zip lock plastic bags, and more. For a full list, visit our Amazon Wish List.

Computer Paper

Fax Toner - HP 26x Laser Jet

Lexmark C2326 Toner - Black, Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow

Change a life through literacy. For more than 50 years, Literacy Network has helped thousands of adults in Dane County build English and literacy skills to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. You can help make learning possible by donating:

Your gift supports over 1,550 adult learners working toward a brighter future. Thank you for making a difference!

We would greatly appreciate donations of Cedar Chips from Menards for our gardens.  Here is link to make it easy for you to find just what we need.  https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/mulch/cedar-chips-2-0-cu-ft/1803008/p-1444444230769-c-1539779646023.htm

Our veggie garden feeds our residents, staff, volunteers, and through donation, the community!  We will greatly appreciate donations of the following items to support the growth of our vegetable garden:  

25 (or any) sturdy tomato cages
2 containers liquid garden fertilizer - any general, all purpose versions.
6 Bags of seed starting soil
All sizes seed starting containers/trays w clear humidity lids.
Plastic Plant markers

Crafts and art activities are a vital part of community.  We will greatly benefit from donations of the following items to keep the creativity flowing:  multi colored construction paper and cardstock, double sided tape, watercolor sets (here is a link to watercolor sets)

Monthly potlucks are a favorite community event.  All are invited!  Parties are essential to nurturing the soul and celebrating life.  We go through a lot of party supplies so if you are able, donations of the following items will keep the parties well stocked:  

small plastic cups
small and dinner sized paper plates
paper or plastic bowls
plastic forks

We serve over 1,500 children each month with a reliable source of diapers. In order to keep our commitments to families that depend on us, we need your help! 

Here are the items we need most:

- Size 4 diapers

- Size 5 diapers

- Size 6 diapers

- Size 7 diapers

- Training pants in all sizes (2T - 5T)

- Wipes

- Costco gift cards

To ship a donation directly to us, check out our Amazon wishlist here. 

Thank you for your support!

We're looking for volunteers to help us inventory, sort, and repackage diapers for families in need. Please visit https://volunteer.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/opportunities/IHAWD8AonR to register for a timeslot. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a group volunteer session outside of our normal hours, please email hello@villagediaperbank.org.

As the need grows in our community, more and more individuals are utilizing our services here at The Beacon Day Homeless Resource Center!  A great way to help us support our mission of helping the unhoused community is to donate your time or make an in-kind donation! 

We are currently asking for the following:

You can access our Wishlist here!

Beacon Wish List

A digital display data entry and voice-over volunteer is needed at Oakwood Village University Woods Retirement Community.  The volunteer would enter data from University Woods monthly Life Enrichment calendars to create slides for Life Enrichment offerings on campus displays and create voice-over for the slides.

A volunteer needs strong computer/technology skills and available once a week 2-4 hours each week, which can vary based on the week of the month.

Interested persons need to get registered and make a minimum 6 month commitment to be considered for placement.  Training provided upon placement as needed. Strong computer/technology skills and commitment to volunteer 2-4 hours weekly, for 2-3 weeks a month, are necessary.   

A volunteer with great computer/technology skills, to include data entry experience, is needed to help the Oakwood Village University Woods Volunteer Services Coordinator onsite at University Woods at least once a week, Monday-Friday, 2-4 hours each week.

A volunteer will help the coordinator with various projects in the Volgistics volunteer records database, to include recording hours, and other computer/technology projects to include Excel spreadsheets. 

Volgistics database/data entry and Excel/Microsoft Office 365 experience is required.  This opportunity will need to be onsite at University Woods, so not available to do remotely.  

Interested persons need to get registered and make the commitment to volunteer a minimum of 6 months for placement set up.

More volunteers are needed to help the newly merged Village Store & Gift Shop service for Independent Living at Oakwood Village University Woods.

Cashiers are needed to serve in the store/gift shop a few times a month Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  New volunteers will be trained about opening/closing, and using the computerized cash register.  Scheduling is flexible.

One or a couple Grocery Ordering Assistant volunteers are needed to help do simple online ordering of grocery items one or 2 days a week for Monday afternoon and Wednesday afternoons.  Training will be provided.  Interested volunteers need to have and bring their personal laptop or tablet to use to do the online ordering.

One or a couple Grocery Delivery volunteers are needed to help meet and get grocery items delivered to Oakwood to take to the Village Store & Gift Shop.  Volunteers are needed to help once a week Tuesday mornings, 9:45-10:45 a.m.  Training provided.  Volunteers will use a good-sized flatbed cart so physical ability to operate cart is necessary.

More of these volunteers are needed to ensure the Village Store & Gift Shop is open as scheduled to maintain as a beneficial Oakwood Village University Woods amenity for residents and other customers.

Interested persons for any of the Village Store & Gift Shop needs will need to get registered for placement set up.

Learn by doing! Freewheel's mission is bicycle education and transportation justice. We teach the community bicycle repair skills. Drop in at any open shop and learn how to fix your bike, or work on donated bikes. Visit www.freewheelbikes.org to view the current shop schedule. 

Freewheel is always accepting donations! We gratefully welcome donations of bikes, parts, and accessories in any condition, and may be able to pickup your donation in the Madison area.

Leave a voicemail or text (608) 698-9205 or email info@freewheelbikes.org

Help WayForward Resources provide good quality clothing to those we serve by:

The ideal volunteer will be available for a regular volunteer shift. Of course, this is with the understanding that a volunteer may need flexibility for vacation, sickness, appointments, etc.

Volunteer shifts are available Tuesday through Friday with a particular need for help on Wednesday evenings for all or part of the 3:30pm-7:15pm shift.

For more information, check out the WayForward website at wayforwardresources.org and fill out a volunteer inquiry form or contact Pam Higham at pam@wayforwardresources.org or 608.826.3409.

Food Rescue volunteer drivers will carefully drive WayForward vehicles to pick up food from local retail food partners and unload the food at WayForward. Some volunteers may prefer to use their own vehicle for smaller donations.

Because of volunteers, these critical donations become available to WayForward food pantry guests who need help keeping food on the table!

Our current need is for substitute drivers who can be contacted to see if they are available to help out when there are openings on the schedule.

For more information, check out the WayForward website or contact Pam Higham at pam@wayforwardresources.org or 608.826.3409.

You can help make it possible for WayForward to have an incoming supply of food and clothing for guests.

As a Donor Greeter you will:

Donations ebb and flow so this is a great volunteer assignment for someone who is flexible and willing to help sort food, complete other small tasks,  or who would like some quiet time to work on something of their own - read a book, bring a craft, work on your laptop, etc.

The ideal volunteer will be available for a minimum of one regular shift on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis for at least 3 months. Of course, this is with the understanding that a volunteer will likely need flexibility for vacations, sickness, appointments, etc.

If you're interested in this opportunity, please visit our website at www.wayforwardresources.org to fill out a volunteer inquiry form or simply contact Pam at pam@wayforwardresources.org or 608.826.3409.

Help us make everyone's holiday better with a donation of new or gently used toys, books, and games. We can also use lots of clothing for adults and children in all sizes. Books in Spanish are particularly needed. 

Other urgent needs include: 

Donations can be dropped off at Extended hands Pantry at 6402 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI 53711. Hours are on Monday and Tuesday from noon to 6pm, and on Friday from 9am to 1pm. Other times available by appointment, or we can pick up. 

The State of Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Programs are in need of volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of people 60 or older living in long-term care facilities throughout Wisconsin. Volunteers make visits to an assigned facility weekly for 2 to 3 hours.  They advocate for residents in making sure that their rights are being met. We provide the training - no special background needed.

Make that positive difference in someone’s life.  You can sign up onlinehttps://wi.accessgov.com/public/Forms/Page/boaltc/boaltc-volunteer-ombudsman-signup

Or call for more information: 1-800-815-0015

https://longtermcare.wi.gov/Pages/Volunteer.aspx

We are looking for volunteers to help staff our front desk, act as greeters, answer phones, and do light administrative tasks. We are looking to fill 2-3 volunteer shifts per day, with our needs being Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

Volunteer contributors have already helped us identify 711 volunteer resources across 324 communities in the US!

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

We are in constant need of assistance with Spanish speakers. We have many clients who only speak Spanish, so we need someone to help with translation during open hours. 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Tuesdays: 1:00pm-3:00pm, and 4:30pm -7:00pm

Wednesdays: 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays: 10:30am -1:00pm

Saturdays: 8:30am -12:00 pm

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc 

Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Our diaper bank distributes over 50,000 diapers each month directly to families in need, and that number keeps increasing. We serve over 1,300 children each month, as well as provide diapers to area partner agencies. Help us keep up with community demand by hosting a diaper drive at your church, school, workplace or neighborhood. 

It's easy! Share our current wish list, collect donations, and drop-off at our center. 

Amazon Gift List

https://babiesandbeyondwi.org/donations/diaper-drives/

Email us at Volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org  to get more information! 

Help get the center ready for our next open hours by hosting a group volunteering day with us!

With how busy we have been, it is highly needed to get groups in to be able to continue serving families in need. Groups of up to 30 people are welcome to reach out about volunteering with us. We love working with a variety of groups, from school, church groups, workers, or even friends and family. 

Groups of 10 and under have the option to come during open hours to help out. They are also welcome to schedule for days that we are not open.

Groups of 10-25 we suggest days that we are not open to bettter accomodate. Groups are welcome to schedule times that we are not open to the public.

Register your group here:

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc

Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Help sort baby items for our Sharing Center! Items include baby and maternity clothes, toys and equipment. 

  Duties include sorting donations, hanging clothes, replenishing bins, equipment, organizing etc. 

Come individually or with a group!  We have lots of open space to spread out.

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Mondays 12:00pm-3:00pm

Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30 -7:00pm

Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am, 10:30am -1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 8:30am -12:00 pm

View our website and schedule to get started! 

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc

We can accommodate groups larger than 12, reach out for more information.

Email volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started.

Help our team by repackaging donated diapers into smaller bundles for us to distribute to clients and partner agencies!

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Mondays 12:00pm-3:00pm

Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30 -7:00pm

Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am, 10:30am -1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 8:30am -12:00 pm

 Other days and times available to accommodate groups, as well!  

Register here: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc

Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Babies & Beyond is always in need of donations of babies supplies. Below is a list of most needed ones.  Donations can be dropped off at our Donation Center during our Open Hours or you can email to coordinate another time that works. To view a list in more detail about our donation view our website: https://babiesandbeyondwi.org/donations/

Thank you!

Diapers size preemie - 7 (new or open packages welcomed) Most needed sizes are 4, 5, 6, 7

Pull-Ups size 2/3T, 3/4T, 4/5T, 5/6T-- Most needed sizes are 4/5T and 5/6T

Winter and Summer Toddler Clothing

Industrial Size Food Film - for wrapping bundles of diapers

Bags - grocery sized, paper, and trash bags

Baby Wash and lotion

Diaper Cream

Wipes

Menstrual Care

Order from our wish list and ship to 1922 S. Stoughton Road, Madison, WI 53716

We could use cloth bags with handles to provide for newly released Jail Residents as well as community members that may need them.

Our afterschool program is seeking a tutor with strong skills in algebra and trigonometry to support our high school students with understanding and completing their math homework. 

High school programming is Wednesdays 6-8pm and Saturdays 1-6pm. We need the most support on Wednesdays. 

The high school program is small, with less than 15 kids, and is a very welcoming and communal space. If you are interested, please reach out!

Create a welcoming, friendly visitor experience at the Arboretum Visitor Center welcome & information desk volunteer.

As a volunteer in the Arboretum visitor center you will greet and welcome people from across Madison and around the world. You'll help people have a good visit by answering questions, suggesting tour routes, providing maps and other brochures. Welcome & information desk volunteers also answer phones and direct calls to appropriate staff people, and occasionally help with clerical tasks. This is a great position for outgoing people with good communication skills who want to foster a welcoming, inclusive experience for visitors of all identities.

We offer training as needed for potential volunteers. Staff and experienced volunteers provide the training. We also offer continuing education opportunities so volunteers can learn more about the Arboretum and the natural world. Volunteers are asked to make an initial commitment of two shifts (4 hours each) per month for six months following training. Good interpersonal skills are essential. Fluency in languages other than English is a big plus!

If interested in this opportunity, please respond to this post.

Currently in need of grounds help at the CMC Beld St location for Fall 2025!

Help make the Center a welcoming place for all! Keep the grounds well-maintained so the center can have a positive image for our neighborhood and be a dignified place for people to come and get services.

The CMC is in need of some extra help with the care and keeping of our grounds in the Spring through Fall months. We have many flowerbeds and a rain garden that need watering and tending too, so if you have a green thumb or just want to spend some extra time outside we would love to have your help! 

This opportunity takes place weekday mornings, preferably twice a month. Activities include pulling weeds, planting flowers, trimming plants and bushes, picking up litter, mowing the lawn, watering plants. Qualifications include enjoying working outside; ability to bend and do light to moderate lifting; comfortable working with basic yard tools; ability to work independently; basic knowledge of yard care or native plants is a plus.

Please contact sarah@cmcmadison.org for registration.

Currently in need of help Tuesdays 1:30-3:30 pm and Thursdays 10-12 am for food pantry distribution! Help with inventory and stocking is needed Wednesdays!

Accepting help stocking other weekdays as well. 

Help provide food to more than 80 families in need each week! The CMC is in need of volunteers to help in the food pantry various days and times of the week, please contact us to find out our current schedule needs. Pantry volunteers help with getting ready for the pantry to open and then with distributing food to guests. Tasks include greeting guests, assisting guests with getting pantry items, and weighing/bagging items.

Great customer service skills, a friendly attitude, reliability and patience are all crucial qualities for this position. The ability to do moderate lifting (15 to 40 pounds) is also very useful, along with the ability to speak Spanish or another language (though not required). Days to help available outside of hours listed above.

Please contact us if you would like to join our food pantry team!

The CMC is currently in need of volunteers to work as assistants in the jobs office.

This position includes giving one-on-one help to guests by:

Volunteer schedules may vary, but the jobs office is open Tuesday through Friday. Volunteers can help out anywhere from 1 hour to a full day. Spanish and English speaking skills are helpful. If interested in this opportunity, please respond to this post or email us with any questions or if you are interested!

We are now recruiting for morning shifts for Fall/Winter 2025 school year! Currently in need of drivers most mornings! 

Help deliver fresh and healthy food to local schools! The Culinary Creations Catering enterprise delivers catering orders prepared by trainees and staff to four area schools each weekday and to other locations around Madison throughout the week, and we depend largely on volunteer help to make these deliveries happen!

Scheduling

Volunteers are asked to sign up for a weekly shift, one weekday morning delivering catering orders for area school lunch programs. Shifts are 1.5 or 2.5 hours long. 

Qualifications

You do not need a commercial driver's license or even experience driving a van...as long as you have good driving skills, we'll gladly train you! You will be driving our catering van, so it is not necessary to have your own vehicle.

Your work as van driver will help strengthen the social enterprise and contributes to the mission of providing meaningful training and work experience to individuals facing barriers to employment!

We are now accepting new volunteers for this position for the Fall of 2025! Childcare also needed during English classes Monday and Wednesday 11-12:30, as well as other times for events. 

Give young children a safe, fun place to grow and learn while their parents attend adult education classes or events! Hang out in our child care room to play games, read stories, and do art activities with a small group of children ages 3 to 12. Childcare is on an as needed basis, and every 2nd Saturday of the month for the FUNNE program 9:30-11:30am.

Volunteers will work in the child care room, where we have a variety of books, games, and toys. Volunteers should enjoy spending time with children, especially younger children, and be able to keep kids engaged with various activities. Typically one to five children come to morning child care. Some children may speak a limited amount of English, but as long as you know how to have fun you need not speak any other language!  

A background check and one-time training is required before working with kids.

Our after-school school program is looking for bookworms who want to share their love of reading with youth. Many of our kids could use extra reading time, whether 1:1 or in small groups like a book club. As a reading tutor you will have the opportunity to make a difference in a young reader's life.

Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin (PSR WI) is seeking ongoing volunteers to assist with the following:

-Planning and facilitating events such as movie nights that can be used to raise awareness for PSR's mission

-Tabling at events

-Event set up and takedown

-Volunteer recruitment

-Participating in a focus group for young adults

-Other opportunities as they become available

UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY - ACHIEVEMENT CONNECTIONS VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION

VOLUNTEER POSITION TITLE: Math Coach + Tutor

REPORTS TO: AmeriCorps Member, Program Manager, Program Director

AVAILABLE SCHOOL PLACEMENTS: East HS, West HS, Memorial HS, La Follette HS

APPLY HERE: Volunteer Interest Form

Achievement Connections is an AmeriCorps program with four math tutoring centers at local MMSD high schools. Led by a team of AmeriCorps members and volunteers with support from program and school staff, these tutoring centers provide one-on-one support to a diverse set of students striving to improve in Algebra 1 and Geometry. Together with our partners, we aim to help students graduate, and in doing so, help close opportunity gaps to make Dane County a better place to live.

Achievement Connections believes in all staff and volunteers modeling and practicing the skills and habits we expect of our students. Our program strives for enjoyable, yet rigorous tutoring sessions based on a belief in students’ assets, rather than their deficits. The structure and expectations of our staff and volunteers detailed below is based on these beliefs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ● Build relationships with students within an asset based, Positive Youth Development model ● Provide academic math coaching, tutoring, and support to students ● Provide essential support to program coordination, administration, resources, and capacity ● Attend and/or complete required volunteer coach training as well as required MMSD volunteer training ● Maintain timely communication with program staff and tutor coordinators ● Abide by school and program policies ● Maintain appropriate boundaries with students

INITIAL IMPACT ● Volunteer Math Coaches + Tutors often make an immediate impact on a student’s upcoming tests and assignments, as well as their in-class performance. Additionally, volunteers provide critical support of the overall capacity of the tutoring program by supporting the essential functions of coordinating tutors, supporting students in attending tutoring sessions, compiling resources, and supplementing administrative tasks.

SUSTAINED OUTCOMES ● Volunteer Math Coaches + Tutors often make long term impacts on students’ attitudes toward math and academics, their Social Emotional Learning skills, their confidence as a learner, and maintaining a stable GPA throughout the academic year. Furthermore, volunteers strengthen the ongoing school-program partnership by increasing tutoring capacity and contributing to the quantity and quality of available resources.

TRAINING ● Volunteers will participate in required MMSD district training, math curriculum and tutor manual training, as well as be offered opportunities to engage in ongoing training around a variety of relevant topics.

SUPPORT ● Volunteers will receive support from their AmeriCorps member tutor coordinator(s) as well as program staff through scheduled check-ins, on-site coaching, and one review each semester.

COMMITMENT ● Minimum 2 hours per week ● Minimum 1 academic year ● Tutoring occurs during school hours, typically between 8:30a - 4:30p. ● Volunteers may be expected or have the opportunity to attend a small number of training events. ● Volunteers will be able to identify which of the 4 available high schools they would like to support. ● Volunteers will be matched with 1 or more students at their chosen school.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS ● Ability to develop meaningful, appropriate relationships through an asset based, Positive Youth Development model. ● Some tutoring or high school age youth experience is preferred, but not required ● Familiarity with Algebra and Geometry and a positive attitude toward math is typically ideal ● Communication skills including timeliness and empathy ● Some technology skills preferred, but not required ● Willingness to learn and be of service

BENEFITS ● Volunteers will receive the benefits of spending quality time building meaningful relationships with students in their community ● Opportunities for networking and ongoing learning ● Connection to school and community

Do you love math, social studies, science, or just helping kids? We are looking for volunteers to help our small group of middle schoolers complete their schoolwork, practice their math skills, or support their STEAM activities.

Academic support times fall on Mondays (3-5), Tuesdays (5-7pm), and Thursdays (5-7pm)

Please reach out if you are interested or have any questions!

Be a part of a brand new opportunity!  RSVP’s Intergenerational Programs is piloting a new program this year called True Connections.  True Connections is a hybrid Computer Buddy/In-Person program that offers the opportunity to support student literacy skill development while also forging a meaningful intergenerational relationship.  Volunteers are paired with one fourth or fifth-grade student for the duration of the school year. The program provides both monthly in-person connections and weekly electronic pen pal-type writing through a blog platform to encourage a deep connection with the student throughout the school year. Program participants are asked to view a recorded training prior to the first Meetup.  Mileage reimbursement is available for the in-person Meetups.

The program kicks off with an In-Person Meetup on Monday, September 29, at 3:30 pm at Lake View Elementary.  Each monthly meetup will include an activity focused on an area of life connection. (ie: food, music, arts, literature, etc.) Weekly electronic pen pal communications continue to develop the relationship by co-creating ideas and deepening connections between in-person Meetups.  

Are you ready to change a life from the comfort of home?

Join ENGin as a conversation partner! This is a flexible and unique opportunity to make a direct impact on someone’s life while discovering a new culture and meeting a new friend.

We’ll pair you up with a buddy in Ukraine for weekly videochats at times that are convenient for you. During your conversations, you’ll practice English with your partner, learn about each other’s cultures, and offer an empathetic, authentic space for connection.

No teaching experience or knowledge of Ukrainian is required to volunteer with us. All of our participants can understand and hold a basic conversation in English. We offer ample training resources, session materials and total flexibility to customize your sessions to fit your/your partner’s goals and preferences. You’ll also have access to online communities to share ideas and ask questions.

Our only requirements for volunteers are English fluency, a strong internet connection, and the ability to commit to one hour a week for a minimum of 10-12 weeks.

Here's what three ENGin volunteers say about their experience.

To learn more about ENGin and become a volunteer, please visit www.enginprogram.org/volunteer. 

If you’d like to learn more about ENGin before joining, please watch the recording of our info-session here.

Please message us if you would like to volunteer with the homework club Fall 2025!

Help make sure the children in our community succeed in school! The CMC homework club afterschool tutoring program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 to 5:00pm to offer students homework help and extra practice in subjects such as reading, writing, math, Spanish, and more. Volunteer tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students grades 1 through 8. Students must register, so the group of students is consistent throughout the school year.

The homework club is in need of additional volunteer tutors for Fall 2025.  Volunteers will work under the direction of the volunteer homework club leaders to go over homework assignments with students and give them extra practice in various subjects. Volunteers must be able to manage kids in an informal classroom setting, assist with planning grade-level appropriate activities for kids, and oversee other volunteers in conducting the activities with the kids.

Past teaching or tutoring experience, experience working with children, and being able to speak Spanish is helpful for this position. All volunteers working with children at the CMC are required to go through an online background check and child abuse prevention training.

Learn how to teach elementary-age youth to read as a trained tutor. Goodman Community Center is offering a tutoring program that teams adult tutors with elementary youth.

Teams of adults and youth will work to improve the young person‘s reading skills, with support from our Goodman Literacy Specialist.

This program runs for a total of 13 weeks, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-5pm (off for Thanksgiving Break). Start date is September 9th, 2025. Last day is December 11th, 2025. Sessions are broken into two chapters (see below): Chapter 1: For the first 5 weeks, all new tutors attend a Science of Reading evidence-based training where they learn to use toolboxes of literacy resources and activities (before tutor sessions begin).  Chapter 2: The next 8 weeks (following the training) volunteers tutor elementary students in an after school "Lit Club." 

All tutors are assigned to a tutor team that provides continued coaching and support. Ideal tutors and enthusiastic about reading and literacy and are available for the listed 6 hours per week. If interested, please indicate interest on this link AND either text 262-757-5330, call 608-204-8048 OR email abigail@goodmancenter.org

We need help in our front office! You'll be answering phone calls, doing basic organizing tasks, directing guests, and assisting with our diaper bank. Sometimes there's downtime so feel free to bring a book or homework. 

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people affected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. We can’t do it without you.

Help provide clients with comfort and safety after disasters by supporting
the day-to-day activities within a shelter. This may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter.

Responsibilities (vary depending on assignment)

Time Commitment

Qualifications

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

Application processors work within an animal adoption software program.  The program provides detailed information about each cat adoption applicant. The processor uses this information to follow several steps in making a decision about whether the applicant meets criteria for adoption. 

The steps include checking for previous applications from the applicant, conducting a background check on all adults in the household, checking home ownership in online records or phoning/emailing landlords for apartment dwellers, calling vets for care history on current and past animals, and calling one to two personal references.

Once the steps are completed, the processor updates the software program on the status for that applicant. If approved the processor sends the application on to an adoption coordinator.

The steps can usually be completed for four applicants within 2-3 hours. If information is requested of applicants or calls are not completed to vets or landlords, more time during the day can be required. In addition to processing applications, the processor monitors a 9 Lives email account for messages from applicants as well as a chat conversation with other 9 Lives personnel. 

The organization holds periodic social gatherings.

Location:  Virtual volunteer job in your own home.  Computer or tablet recommended to do the job.  Phone required.

Time required:  1 and ½ day shift.  First day is following application processing steps for up to 4 applicants.  Second day is follow-up for those applicants if needed.  Volunteers usually work one to two shifts per week.  The days of the week for work can be arranged.

Requirements for the job:

Work independently.

Good verbal and written communication skills to communicate with applicants, vets, landlords, references and others in the 9 Lives organization.

Computer and phone skills.  Texting skills if choose to text instead of use phone for some contacts.

Willingness to receive phone calls from landlords, vets, and references. 

Good organization skills to keep up with overall status of applicants and with steps to complete application processing for each person.

Judgment to know how to make decisions about applicants and about when to ask for help (chat or email others in the organization).

Availability to work 1-2 hours during business hours for calling vets and landlords.

Willingness for calls from references or unreached landlords to come in outside work hours.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. Join us by becoming a volunteer today!

Looking for phone or interview skills? The Red Cross has the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! If you enjoy speaking to interesting people and want to volunteer from home, join our Volunteer Screening Team. Bonus if you can speak a second language!

Screening Team members seek to understand what brought prospective volunteers to the Red Cross, their areas of interest and what position they would find most meaningful. Screeners use their understanding of the volunteer and match it with the needs of the organization, connecting volunteers with positions for which they are both interested and well suited.

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org. 

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The Red Cross collects and distributes about 40 percent of our nation’s blood supply. You can help save lives and deliver hope to those in need. Join us by becoming a volunteer today!

Medical Screener volunteers join the blood collections staff to ensure timely processing of donors at blood drives. Medical Screeners collect and confirm donor demographics and health histories, determine procedure eligibility, and conduct physical exams (oral temperature, pulse, blood pressure). This position provides you with the opportunity to validate your training and skills at a nationally recognized organization while providing service to your community. 

Screen and examine blood donor candidates to approve or defer for health concerns.

Collection and confirm donor demographics, determine procedure eligibility.

Conduct physical exam to include oral temperature, pulse, BP and hematocrit according to procedure.

Facilitate and evaluate self-administered health history.

Comply with applicable Federal, state, and local regulations as well as all American Red Cross policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Time Commitment: minimum of two shifts per month after training commitment.

Training: Orientation to the Red Cross, virtual, classroom and on the job instruction. All training provided free of charge. 

Training will be 40 hours per week for 4 consecutive weeks through a combination of both virtual and in-person training. Please ensure your schedule can accommodate 4 consecutive weeks of training.

Qualifications: No medical background necessary. 

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org. 

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. You can help comfort and support people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other emergencies, so they don’t have to face tough times alone. Inspire hope in your local community and beyond. Volunteer with us!

Supporting the recovery of disaster affected individuals, households, and communities by providing referrals, advocacy, and financial assistance through RC Care (case management system).

Responsibilities 

Time Commitment

Qualifications 

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months.

You can help comfort and support people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other emergencies, so they don’t have to face tough times alone. Inspire hope in your local community and beyond. Volunteer with us!

Work with shelter residents to understand their resources and transition roadblocks to help households create an individualized action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months.

You can help comfort and support people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other emergencies, so they don’t have to face tough times alone. Inspire hope in your local community and beyond. Volunteer with us!

The role of the Disaster Spiritual Care (DSC) volunteer is to serve as a member of a temporary work unit on a disaster relief operation to provide disaster spiritual care support to individuals and families who have been impacted by a disaster.

Qualifications:

Required:

Time Commitment:

Locally – Monthly shift calendar available to support local disaster responses. All volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a minimum of one shift per month.

Nationally – Minimum 2 week commitment working 10- or 12-hour shifts.

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months.

Every day, the American Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people trying to cope with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and more devastating wildfires. As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater.

Virtual opportunity to coordinate local response teams that provide basic comfort and care to families after home fires and other disasters.

Responsibilities

Time Commitment

Qualifications

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The Red Cross collects and distributes about 40 percent of our nation’s blood supply. You can help save lives and deliver hope to those in need. Join us by becoming a blood drive volunteer today!

The American Red Cross - Wisconsin Region is looking for volunteers to help support blood drives around Dane County.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. Join the Red Cross Disaster Health Services team in your community today!

Disaster Client Health Services Volunteer

This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department. Disaster Health Services volunteers work in person before, during and/or after a disaster event (hurricane/wildfire/tornado/flood). Volunteers in this role provide assistance and healthcare to shelter residents as needed.

Responsibilities 

Time Commitment

Locally – Monthly shift calendar available to support local disaster responses. All volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a minimum of one shift per month.

Nationally – Minimum 2 week commitment working 10- or 12-hour shifts.

Qualifications 

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.

Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. Whether helping one displaced family or thousands, providing care and comfort to an ill or injured service member or veteran, or teaching others how to respond in emergencies, it’s through the efforts of ordinary people that we can do extraordinary things. The Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes, and our vital work is only possible because of people like you. Join us by becoming a volunteer today!

Assist community members to prepare for home fires and other disasters.

This position is responsible for the tasks involved to implement the preparedness program including:

• Support the annual preparedness goals, RDO objectives, and regional plan for preparedness programming through participation in meetings, projects, and local preparedness activities

• Execute assigned projects and local preparedness activities according to the activities you are trained in: Home Fire Campaign

• Serve clients and/or support Red Cross team members in providing residents with free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education

• Complete tasks such as implementing preparedness activities, meeting with partners to build relationships, conducting inventory, and procuring or receiving necessary preparedness supplies

• 5-10 hours per weekend, twice a quarter on average

• Home Fire Preparedness Campaign Events are located throughout the state of WI within assigned neighborhoods

• Ability to relate effectively with diverse groups and individuals

• Excellent interpersonal, and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, and review program guidelines and tools

Questions? Contact Alaina at alaina.riedel@redcross.org.