Needs From: United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties

United Way is in need of volunteers to help distribute warm winter wear to program participants.  You will be helping people find sizes and locate items they are in need of.  You will also be hanging, re-hanging and organizing winter items while you are here.  Feel free to bring a laptop, book or other items with you for non-busy times!

Love to organize? Enjoy chatting with people? Always wanted to try retail?

This is your chance — as a volunteer!

Our thrift store is thriving and growing, and we could use lots of helping hands. There’s a role for everyone:

-Sort and organize donations (so satisfying!)

-Greet shoppers and run the till with great customer service

-Help tidy and clean the sales floor

Try out the fun of retail without the pressure of a paid job

Volunteering here isn’t just work - it’s a way to meet great people, support the shelter, and have fun while making a difference.

This is a new volunteer program to provide shelter dogs with a short field trip to give them a break from the shelter. Take them on a walk in town, at a park, etc. By taking them out for just a few hours a day, our temporary residents can exert pent up energy as well as be mentally stimulated to new experiences and people!

As a result of a Dog Day Out, our dogs are less anxious or exuberant when they meet potential adopters and they gain useful life skills that they wouldn’t get from just sitting and waiting in the shelter. Another added bonus is that people who are not likely to come into shelters are still able to see our available animals! Please note that shelter dogs will not be allowed to go to dog parks or to homes or settings with other dogs in order to ensure safety for all parties unless otherwise noted by staff.

If you are interested in becoming a Dog Day Out Volunteer, fill out our application. Once reviewed, you will be notified via email and you will get a link to our online orientation video and get a link to our monthly Google Calendar Sign-up.  

For outings we will provide you with a leash, harness, collar with ID tag, a dog walking fanny pack with treats, water bottle, collapsible water dish, poop bags, and adopter interest cards. 

Interested? Fill out our application:  https://new.shelterluv.com/form/volunteer/PCMN/64722-doggy-day-out-volunteer-application

We are looking for volunteers to come in and help us with our daily tasks at the shelter:

Examples:

Will need to fill out volunteer application and waiver: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeipDEjaTWqeLcWmkK48vhWC_y2O6aqwSnf4VmL_d38Mr9EGw/viewform

We are looking for volunteers to help with Winter Wear Distribution in Wadena! United Way Lakes and Prairie partners with businesses, service clubs, and community members to gather gently used and new winter wear items that are distributed at no cost to those in need. 

October 22, 2025

Shift 1 (1:00pm-3:00pm):  Volunteers help organize coats by size

Shift 2  (3:00pm-7:00pm):  Volunteers help families "shop" for items they need

We are looking for volunteers to help with Winter Wear Distribution in Perham! United Way Lakes and Prairie partners with businesses, service clubs, and community members to gather gently used and new winter wear items that are distributed at no cost to those in need. 

October 23, 2025

Shift 1 (1:00pm-3:00pm):  Volunteers help organize coats by size

Shift 2  (3:00pm-7:00pm):  Volunteers help families "shop" for items they need

The United Way Food Drop is coming up and we can’t do it without volunteers like you!  The drop will be at New Life Christian Church on Wednesday, November 26th.  We have multiple volunteer shifts available (if you are unable to work an entire shift, but would still like to volunteer, I will work with you).  

Shift 1 (10am-12:30pm):  Set up tables, Open paper bags, Cart food from outside to inside, Open cardboard outer cartons and unpack food, Load food onto tables, Bring cardboard out to recycling, Empty trash

Shift 2 (12pm-3pm):  Using carts, load food into bags for households, Sanitize table clothes & tables, Vacuum fellowship, Put tables away, or reset, Repack refrigerated or frozen food into bags per household, Clean up plastic wrap & cardboard, Set up outdoors for distribution (move pallets)

Shift 3 (2pm-5pm):  Move bags from church to outside, Monitor pallet/station, Reload pallet with groceries, Help or direct recipients with loading groceries, Empty all remaining trash, Vacuum entry & hallways, Mop kitchen & bathrooms

The United Way Food Drop is coming up and we can’t do it without volunteers like you!  The drop will be at Glenwood United Parish on Wednesday, December 17th.  We have multiple volunteer shifts available (if you are unable to work an entire shift, but would still like to volunteer, I will work with you).  

Shift 1 (10:30am-12:00pm):  Set up tables, Open paper bags, Cart food from outside to inside, Open cardboard outer cartons and unpack food, Load food onto tables, Bring cardboard out to recycling, Using carts, load groceries into bags, Repeat until done, Clean up.

Shift 2 (1:10pm-4pm):  Move bags from church to outside, Monitor pallet/station, Reload pallet with groceries, Help or direct recipients with loading groceries, Empty all remaining trash, Clean up

The United Way Food Drop is coming up and we can’t do it without volunteers like you!  The drop will be at Glenwood United Parish on Thursday, October 30th.  We have multiple volunteer shifts available (if you are unable to work an entire shift, but would still like to volunteer, I will work with you).  

Shift 1 (10:30am-12:00pm):  Set up tables, Open paper bags, Cart food from outside to inside, Open cardboard outer cartons and unpack food, Load food onto tables, Bring cardboard out to recycling, Using carts, load groceries into bags, Repeat until done, Clean up.

Shift 2 (1:10pm-4pm):  Move bags from church to outside, Monitor pallet/station, Reload pallet with groceries, Help or direct recipients with loading groceries, Empty all remaining trash, Clean up

Bring your pet to Grand Arbor, Nelson Gables or Nelson Care Center to visit with the residents.  Pets must be current on vaccinations.  For more information, please contact Judy Thielke, Supervisor of Life Enrichment at Nelson Care Center.  320-763-1162 or judy.thielke@vivie.org

Gather residents and serve coffee and cookies to them.  Monday - Friday at 2:30.  Volunteer one day a week or more!  Bring a friend or family member to volunteer with you.  Contact Judy Thielke, Supervisor of Life Enrichment at Nelson Care Center for more information.  320-763-1162 or judy.thielke@vivie.org

The residents at Nelson Gables enjoy Spa Day.  Volunteers give hand massages, manicures and visit with the ladies during Spa Day.  For more information, please contact Judy Thielke, Supervisor of Life Enrichment, at Nelson Care Center.  320-763-1162 or judy.thielke@vivie.org

Come and help plant flowers and help maintain our beautiful gardens at Knute Nelson, Nelson Gables and Grand Arbor.  Volunteers will receive assistance and direction from staff.  You pick the day and the time that works for you!   For more information, please contact Judy Thielke, Supervisor of Life Enrichment at  320-763-1162 or judy.thielke@vivie.org

At Vivie, we’re always looking for caring volunteers to join us in bringing joy, connection, and purpose to our residents’ lives. Whether you enjoy playing games, leading crafts, reading stories, or simply sharing conversation and fresh air, there’s a place for you here.
No matter how you choose to get involved, your presence makes a difference.
Interested in learning more? Contact Judy Thielke, Supervisor of Life Enrichment, at (320) 763-1162 or judy.thielke@vivie.org.

You can play a vital role in Safe Families for Children (Safe Families) by volunteering as a Family Coach to help parents in crisis get back on their feet. 

As a Family Coach, you will:

You will also:

We are looking for volunteers who wish to support families in their community! In Douglas County we greatly need Host Families and Family Coaches to keep up with the frequent requests from our community for support!

Family Coaches: Provide support to both the parents we are serving and the volunteers in the circle of support by checking in with all parties through phone calls, emails, or getting together to ensure that parents have the support they need to meet their goals and that volunteers have the support they need to serve the family well. 

Host Families Are trained and approved to support families by providing short-term care for children in their homes. This care is often babysitting during the day or very short-term requests often, for one or two nights. 

Family Friends/Mentors: Provide friendship, resources, and support to parents, children, or other volunteers through getting together, encouragement, transportation, meals, babysitting (not in the volunteer's home), etc.

Resource Friends: Give tangible items or support the movement through gift cards, meals, assistance with Safe Families events, or errands. Resource friends support the circle by helping families served or volunteers ensure that all needs are met. 

Ambassadors: Promote and facilitate volunteer service in their churches or community groups. Help build awareness of our program and help build the volunteer pool throughout our region so that we can constantly increase our capacity to serve and meet the needs of our communities. 

We are looking for adults ages 55 and up to assist kids in classrooms or in other non-profit settings.  Teachers guide you on which children to help and how to assist.  You will love the intergenerational relationships that develop with being a "classroom grandparent"!  Share your time and unique talents with children you enjoy interacting with.  The kids crave the assistance and attention from our FGs and teachers appreciate the extra help.

Do you have knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby or other subject are are willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts?

Merit Badge Counselors offer their time, knowledge and other resources to help Scouts learn and complete requirements of a merit badge. One of the methods of Scouting is association with adults who act as mentor and guides.

Want to learn more Merit-badge-tips-guide/merit-badge-counselor/ or call Brenda at 320-760-5605.

Some merit badges can be completed in a few hours. Others require field trips, outings and excursions (like, say a visit to a museum or historic site) that are carried out over a period of weeks, or even months, in between other Scouting activities.

The job of the merit badge counselor is not to go on every single outing or excursion with a Scout. It’s to make sure the Scout knows what is required of them to earn the badge, and to help them with any requirements that can be completed in a group setting.

The Coffee Break is a program  designed to benefit  family caregivers as well as care receivers. As a group respite program, it provides care receivers the opportunity to socialize with others in a fun, friendly and secure setting, and affords caregivers time for their own activities.  The Coffee Break meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 1-3PM.  Please contact Elder Network at 320-763-9084 if you are interested in volunteering. 

Allow a caregiver to take a well deserved  short break from their duties by spending 1-4 hours per week providing companionship and conversation to a care receiver.  Help support family caregivers and care receivers by becoming a respite volunteer.  Please call Elder Network at 320-763-9084 for an application and more details.

Volunteers meet with older adults in their homes approximately one hour once a week to provide support and companionship due to life changes, loss, loneliness or emotional concern.  Please call the Elder Network office at 320-763-9084 for an application and more details.

Someplace Safe depends upon the support of people like you who are interested in:

Event Coordinator or Event Assistants:

Someplace Safe depends upon community members like you who are interested in:

Crisis Line Volunteer:

The crisis line is operated every weekday from 4PM to 8AM the next morning, and day and night on Saturdays and Sundays.  Because of the training required Someplace Safe requires a minimum time commitment of once per month for one year. 

-Assist children in schools, Head Starts, or other non-profit settings where kids need support.

-Earn hourly cash that is non-income and tax-free if you qualify. 

  It will NOT affect Social Security or other benefits you may receive. 

-Mileage or transportation reimbursement is paid to all.

-We recruit and train new Foster Grandparent classroom volunteers year-round.

-Help children under the guidance of classroom teachers.

-We are looking for men and women ages 55 and above.

Is there an age group of children or grade level that you really enjoy interacting with? 

Do you have a few hours a week to spare? Seasonal can work.  260 hours per year minimum.

We have immediate openings in Douglas and Pope Counties, and in 14 other counties in central MN.

We are looking for volunteers to pilot our Trishaw bikes! Training required prior to piloting a bike. You will get to interact with a wide variety of people and create your own volunteer schedule!

A volunteer chaplain provides chaplain services to patients who request a clergy visit and who are either not affiliated with a church or have been unable to contact their affiliated church to request a visit. The hospital chaplain will sensitively and prayerfully minister to each patient at the patient’s point of need. The hospital chaplain does not function as a spokesperson of a particular religious denomination or body, but rather respects the spiritual and religious diversity of the patient. This may include end-of-life situations.

Two chaplains are scheduled "on call" at a time for 1-2 weeks per month.

Volunteers are a great addition to our busy Rehabilitation Department.

Seeking a volunteer to assist at the Alomere Health Gift Shop. Volunteers would work 4 hour shifts each week from 9 am -1 pm. Volunteer would work with an employee. Cashier duties - including selling giftshop and food items. This opportunity can be quite fast-paced while interfacing with both employees and visitors within the hospital. Experience handling money and operating a Point-of-Sale system is helpful, but not required.

Interested in the opportunity or have additional questions, please contact Marilyn Craig at 320-762-6024.

Contribute to the health of our community and soak in a few hours of joy by volunteering at the Early Education Center! Volunteers are needed to read to, play with, and enjoy the company of young children from 0 - 4 years.

Purpose
● Create a connection between elementary students and adults in the community
● Provide undivided, individual attention to students from an adult friend outside of their family.
● Support academic and social development for students through role modeling and interaction.

Responsibilities
● Commit to attend every other week (40 min) on a regular basis for the duration of the school year. Bring your lunch or enjoy a school lunch.
● Spend one-to-one time with your student in a separate area from the lunchroom, enjoy your lunch and play some board games.

Assist Activity Manager with various resident-focused activities. Promote our mission by creating a joy-filled environment for our residents. Examples of actvities include:

Provide support and comfort to patients and staff in our Oncology Infusion area.

Seeking volunteers ready to welcome visitors and patients with a smile!

At the Hospitality Desk, volunteers work 4 hour shifts, either morning or afternoon 8:00-12:00 or 12:00-4:00. 

Please call Marilyn Craig at 320-762-6024 to learn more.

Help residents feel their best by giving manicures. All supplies are provided. This opportunity will offer a lot of one-on-one opportunities to visit with residents. No professional license is required. 

Volunteer at our front desk to help greet visitors, help residents, and ensure that everyone has a joyful experience at Windmill Ponds. Hours can vary depending on your availability. Some administrative tasks may be involved. 

This person would help with track the volunteers and get them plugged in where they fit and we have the need.

This person or team would be the point person for the fundraiser.

Would work with the Director/Board on the events.

Needs to be self-motivated and creative ideas on how to raise money for the ministry center.

This person would help in all areas outside:

This person would help with emails to organization, churches and other entities giving information and schedule times to do presentations.

We are looking for individuals, partners or groups to help repair vehicles to give to those in need. Car Care Program has a location, car lift, tools and resources to provide the necessary repair, but needs volunteers that are looking to make big impact in help "Restore Hope, One Car at a Time."

Our volunteer hours are flexible and fun! We have the ability to repair cars Monday-Friday 8-5 at Koeps Korner. You will be lead by a certified mechanic and have everything you need to complete the task at hand!

Are you good at fixing things and/or building things? The Runestone Museum can put your talents to good use! Project-based tasks may include anything from installing handicapped ramps to updating exhibit lighting. Please reach out to us at director@runestonemuseum.org today!

Volunteers are an important part of the Runestone Museum Foundation.  If you like people, the Museum Store is the perfect place for you!  Meet interesting people from all over the world, help them enjoy their museum experience, and assist them as they shop for clothing and gifts.  Join our team today and help create life-long memories for our visitors and yourself!  Training is provided.

Please call 320-763-3160, email bigole@rea-alp.com, or stop on by and ask for Amanda!

Help Preserve our Past. 

Theatre L’Homme Dieu is looking for volunteers to usher and work at the concession counter for shows and concerts during the summer of 2018.

Age Qualifications:  Volunteer ushers must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteer Concession Workers must be 18 years of age.

All volunteers should demonstrate effective customer service skills and stay through completion of duties. 

As a thank you, you’ll be able to watch the show for free the night that you volunteer and you’ll be invited to the annual Volunteer Appreciation event, along with other perks and benefits.

Usher Responsibilities Include:

Concession Responsibilities Include:

Time Commitment:  Volunteers need to arrive at the theater 45 minutes before curtain. Average time commitment time is 3 hours.

Minimum Qualifications:  Volunteer ushers must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteer Concession Workers must be 18 years of age.

Dress:  Volunteers are expected to wear nice theatre attire, all black preferred. We will provide a volunteer name tag for you to wear.

Location: Theatre L'Homme Dieu

*NOTE: TLHD uses Sign Up Genius online system to manage show volunteers. To volunteer, please reply to this message with your interest and we will reply from our Volunteer email. 

TLHD is hosting it's first ever fundraising gala in August 2018 and we're looking for a person or two to be the Event Chair(s) to help us build a fun, yet effective fundraising event. 

Start date: ASAP, ending after event is over, all bills have been paid, thank you's sent, reporting complete. (Likely April through September)

This opportunity to Chair the event may require a substantial time commitment, and we hope the result leaves you with a sense of achievement, knowing that your work made an big impact on the Arts and the vitality of your community. 

Chairperson duties include: 

Helpful skills: 

TLHD is hosting it's first ever fundraising gala in August 2018 and we're looking for community members to help us build a fun, yet effective fundraising event. 

Be a part of the primary force behind planning the gala. Committee members have the flexibility to choose their level of involvement - from long-term commitments to stuffing gift bags. Whatever time commitment you choose - we hope the result leaves you with a sense of achievement, knowing that your work made an impact on the Arts and the vitality of your community. 

(Event Chair(s) also needed. See additional TLHD posting.)

We are seeking committee members for various tasks - including

TLHD celebrates opening night! Audiences are invited to join the Cast & Crew at the Opening Night Party, held immediately following the show on opening night. The event is held in the Main Lodge on our campus. We'd love some help with the planning, set up, and hosting! 

The coordinator(s) is responsible for: 

-Coordinating food - donations and purchases, when necessary

-Decorating and set up - often to the theme of the show

-Hosting (or coordinating volunteers to) the party.  TLHD staff will be also there to tend the bar and help as necessary.

Opening night party dates in 2018 (all Tuesdays): 

June 26, July 10, July 17, July 31, Aug 7

The coordinator and hosts should plan to be there from about 6:45 - 11 pm. 

Help us arrange activities to enhance the experience of our guest artists! 

The artists - professional actors and musicians - typically stay on our TLHD campus for one week in the summer and perform nearly every night. We'd like to give them the best experience we can and need some help coordinating experiences that we can offer. 

Examples of experiences might be: yoga by the lake, golf, boat rides, bike rides, guided hikes through Carlos State Park, trips to Legacy of the Lakes museum.

The Activities Coordinator would work directly with the TLHD Executive Director. The Activities Coordinator would plan and schedule the activities, coordinating with members of the community that would like to participate or host.  

Other volunteers may assist, but we'd ideally like one person to take the lead as the Coordinator.

Note: Artists will be in Alex from mid-June to mid-August, but the work may begin any time in the spring. 

Someplace Safe is organizing a 40 hour sexual assault/domestic violence volunteer training for our crisis line. 

This training is for volunteers who are interested in working on the 24 hour crisis line, or helping to provide direct services to victims and survivors of crime in any Someplace Safe's community advocacy offices.  The training dates and times will be determined based on the availability of interested participants.  Training is provided via a live web-based program.  

If you are interested in this training, please send inquiries to: deirdre.k@someplacesafe.info

We are looking for Runestone Museum tour guides!  We have information sheets to acquaint tour guides with our museum and also provide training so our guides feel comfortable explaining exhibits to visitors.

Please call 320-763-3160, email bigole@rea-alp.com, or stop on by and ask for Amber or Amanda!

Volunteer drivers needed:
Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Grant & Douglas.
• You pick your schedule.
• You pick your driving area.
• Mileage reimbursement available.
• Help seniors maintain their independence.
• Feel good that you are giving back to your community.

Someplace Safe depends on volunteers and community members like you.  Currently we are looking for people interested in:

Office Support:

Miscellaneous Short-Term and Ongoing Opportunities

For information on these and other opportunities to help please visit http://someplacesafe.info/volunteer or call 320-762-1995.

Someplace Safe depends upon community members like you who are interested in the position of:

Volunteer Advocate:

Because of the amount of training required we request that volunteer advocates make a minimum time commitment of one day per month for one year.  Daytime hours from 8AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday.

Hello!  Someplace Safe often sends food with victims who are placed into temporary emergency shelter.  We need non-perishable, single serving meals or snacks to send with clients.