Volunteerism

Life of giving enriches everyone

Community volunteer Ed Amaya shares how the pandemic has given him more opportunities to find the places where he can make a difference.

Latest in Volunteerism
#ShareTheStimulus campaign offers ways to ‘invest in our community’

Ottawa County nonprofit and government leaders are encouraging people who don't need their COVID-19 relief checks to use the extra money to help those who are struggling.

Fostering kittens during the pandemic

GVSU student Kathryn Agar is spending her extra time at home to care for orphan kittens. She shares how fostering is challenging but rewarding volunteer work. (Spoiler alert: lots of adorable kitten photos)

Jeff Robinson of Hybrid Machining removes a 3D printed face mask from a printer donated by Reed City on March 30, 2020 at Hybrid Machining in Holland. Robinson is donating his time and his space to help create more face shields and masks for essentia
Volunteers launch 3D printer network to fill gap amid PPE shortage

It began as a small group of West Michigan volunteers making Personal Protective Equipment on their 3D printers to protect the health of frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. And then it quickly grew into 3Dc19.com, a multi-state network of volunteers. Meet the people who made this happen. 

Carmen VanHaitsma
Amid pandemic, volunteer says Mission is where she’s supposed to be

When Carmen VanHaitsma was laid off from her job because of the COVID-19 crisis, she saw an opportunity to devote more time to helping the homeless. 

Holland Rescue Mission staff Aaron Paul and Lonny Young show off donated reusable cloth masks that will help keep staff, volunteers and residents at the shelter safe.
Mission takes extra steps to protect homeless from COVID-19

The homeless – already vulnerable – are among the most susceptible to coronavirus. In response, the Holland Rescue Mission has taken numerous safety precautions to protect the residents staying at the Holland shelter.

Emergency grants, community donations provide thousands of meals

In the past month, Community Action House provided more than 59,000 meals’ worth of groceries to families in need during the COVID-19 crisis. This was possible because of $50,000 in emergency grants and a #StayHomeFightHunger campaign that inspired many to donate food.

Love In Action staff sort food donations.
Emergency grants help nonprofits get more food, services to those in need

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, nearly $120,000 in emergency grants were given to Ottawa County nonprofits in the last week to provide more food and services to those in need. 

Community Kitchen Assistant Rachel Nolan holds hot meals boxed and ready to go home with those who come to the soup kitchen daily.
Community Kitchen mission continues with boxed meal pickup

The COVID-19 crisis has forced The Community Kitchen to switch to boxed meals, but it hasn’t shut down the operation that feeds hundreds of people.

Lakeshore nonprofits make it safe and easy to help from home

If you can pack a box, you can help. Community Action House’s #StayHomeFightHunger campaign is asking people to help those in need by donating a box of food. 

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