United Way launches new program for volunteers
The United Way of Greater St. Joseph announced a new program to provide community members with volunteer opportunities.
The Caring Connection Crew is a series of volunteer events for people of all ages.
Kylee Strough, president of the local United Way shared that the organization wanted to create more volunteer opportunities within their location at 118 S. 5th St. in St. Joseph.
“We really wanted some volunteer opportunities that were kind of in our house,” Strough said. “(We) worked with our partner agencies and the other nonprofits in the community to help provide them things that they need for their clients.”
For those worried about lengthy time commitments, volunteer opportunities with the Caring Connection Crew are flexible to fit each person’s schedule.
“This is a come when you can,” Strough said. “You sign up when it works for you. We’re hoping to engage some new people with this and meet some people who’ve otherwise not been able to participate before, but really want to help with our community.”
Strough says that one of the goals of the Caring Connection Crew is to reach people of all ages.
“We’re hoping that it becomes something that attracts multiple generations,” Strough said. “So you don’t feel like ‘I have to do this at work’ or ‘I have to do this when I have a babysitter’ or ‘I’ll do this when my kids are a little bit older.’ Come one, come all and we’ll have something for you to do.”
The first volunteer opportunity through the Caring Connection Crew will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at United Way.
Volunteers will pack meal boxes to be distributed through InterServ’s pantry. Strough said the overall goal is to have monthly opportunities, but they will have more events if needed.
Volunteers can sign up by visiting the United Way’s website at stjosephunitedway.org, by calling 816-364-2381 or by emailing Kylee Strough at kylee.strough@stjosephunitedway.org.
