Giving Compass' Take:
- Mandy Sharp Eizinger and Michael Layton discuss how a Day of Service can go a long way towards building community and fostering generosity.
- Which organizations could use the help of volunteers in your community? What can you do to support local causes you are passionate about?
- Learn more about best practices in giving.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits in your area.
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On Saturday, January 25, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) students and staff participated in the National Day of Service to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and commitment to civic action. When volunteers set off to their service locations, to nonprofit organizations they may have never encountered otherwise, two compelling questions emerged: “What impact will we have today?” and “What impact will this service have on me?”
An essential element of a successful day of service is the coordinating team. They encourage volunteer participation, ensure everyone reaches their designated locations, and connect volunteers with organizations that can maximize their contributions. In this case, GVSU’s Office of Student Life Civic Engagement Team deserves a big shout out!
A Warm Welcome at Gilda’s Club for a Day of Service
Like most volunteers that day, we had no personal encounter with Gilda’s Club before signing up with GVSU. As we pulled into the long driveway, we had a feeling this volunteer experience was going to be different – in a good way.
The front door opened before we could even knock, and we were greeted by Denise Hillen, the organization’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable Volunteer Coordinator who had only been with the Glida’s Club for six weeks. For her ease and grace, it felt as though she had been working there for six years – due to her prior experience in volunteer coordination, she possessed a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome.
Denise explained the importance of volunteers in this way:
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids could not fulfill our mission and vision of being able to provide free emotional help support to anyone navigating a cancer or grief journey, without the volunteers who work alongside the staff every day. Volunteers help with everything from making the meals for supper together to being the first welcoming face you see when entering the clubhouse.
Read the full article about meaningful volunteering by Mandy Sharp Eizinger and Michael Layton at Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy.