You can volunteer in a way that’s simple, easy and quick while still making a big impact in your own community. We help connect agencies in need with volunteer groups who are looking to make an impact. No matter your cause or initiative, we have a care package to help you get involved!

In our tri-county area (Berrien, Cass and Van Buren), 40 percent of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is on the rise.

Many local agencies routinely ask for items or care packages that they can distribute to their clients.   Often these items or care packages are easy for a group of any size to procure, assemble and distribute.  The care packages can make a direct impact on those who struggle to afford these items. 

If you are interested in helping with these care packages there are 2 ways you can go about it. 

Option 1: Host a drive or secure items on  your own.  If you want to put together care packages like these yourself or make blankets on your own... that’s great!  This option provides you the most flexibility and is likely more cost effective. You can purchase items or hold a donation drive to collect items when it works in your team's schedule.  Once you’ve collected the supplies, assemble them into individual bags or boxes that are easy to give to an individual or family.  When they're all assembled, contact us at volunteer@uwsm.org and we'll connect you to an agency or two that can use them at that time.   

Option 2: Let United Way organize the event for you (there are costs associated with this option).  If you would like the United Way team to purchase the supplies and organize a packing or blanket-making event for your group, we’d be happy to do that once we receive funds from you to offset the costs of the project.  Contact us for current pricing.  Prices fluctuate, but generally range from $15 - $200 each depending on the type of care package that you'd like to put together. To provide adequate time to prepare for your event, please provide at least 60 days notice.