The current Coronavirus Pandemic is challenging us to protect our own health which also keeps others well. As a result, it has also brought us a new formula for social norms which require distance and isolation from family and friends — and make traditional ways of volunteering and human connection particularly challenging. As usual, compassionate volunteers are eager to support the frontlines as much as they can. But we will get through this together!
Please support our nonprofit partners –There are many ways volunteers can continue to safely provide help and support
The Volunteer Center of N.E. Metro Chicago contacted its nonprofit partners (featured on this website) to see if they needed any support from volunteers to help them continue their unique missions. You may find additional information about each of these nonprofits by visiting this page on our website. Whether it is financial support, food or clothing donations, meal deliveries or safe social and educational connections, below is what we have heard so far. Please contact us – info@volunteercenterhelps.org if you are aware of additional needs and nonprofits that could use volunteer help and other important assistance. We will continue to update this Guide as new needs are posted.
URGENT NEED ASAP! Great project to share with your family, friends and service groups. The Volunteer Center is responding to a volunteer who lives on the North Shore who has many family members working in the ER and on the front lines in hospitals and other medical facilities who still are in urgent need of additional PPE equipment – specifically masks and surgical caps. They are eager to receive purchased or DIY fashioned coverings for multiple uses. The Volunteer Center is helping her enlist volunteers to make the equipment. There is a minimum goal of 300 masks and 150 caps. She has identified the facilities that need them and will deliver as the VC hands them off to her. If the goal is exceeded, we will deliver to additional needs.
If you have a favorite DIY pattern, use it. If not, try these:
Face Mask with Pocket from T-shirt
To make caps, DIY Easy Scrub Caps
9 Retailer fabric masks to purchase
N95 masks for purchase – will arrive by Monday, April 27th
The Glencoe, Keilworth, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka Public Safety Departments have generously agreed to serve as drop-off facilities for your PPE donations.
Glencoe: drop off box inside their Public Safety vestibule located at 325 Hazel Avenue in Glencoe
Kenilworth: 419 Richmond, Kenilworth Police Station vestibule
Northfield: 1800 Winnetka Road, Northfield in front of the Fire station under the canopy by the US flag drop off box.
Wilmette: Wilmette Police Dept, 710 Ridge Road.
Winnetka: drop off box inside their vestibule located at 410 Green Bay Road in Winnetka
ALONE.TOGETHER. Let’s Make a Difference and Get This Done! More details – info@VolunteerCenterHelps.org
NEW Group Service Project Opportunity. The Lawrence Hall youth and families of our DCFS, Foster Care, Transitional Living and residential youth are in need of some supplies and items. We would love if some volunteers can assemble care packages for them. We ask that all care packages MUST be pre-made/prepackaged before drop off. All drop offs MUST be scheduled and set for a specific date and time. Some of the care packages are broken down below:
Transitional/Independent Living
• Extra cleaning supplies, soap and food for TLP youth
• Games, books, headphones, and food for community youth
• Hygiene bags and Food bags Hygiene Bags ▪ Toothbrush/Toothpaste ▪ Deodorant ▪ Carmex/ChapStick ▪ Kleenex ▪ Soap ▪ Hand Sanitizer ▪ 8 pr. Rubber Gloves
Food Bags ▪ Microwave Popcorn ▪ Tuna Kit ▪ Microwavable Rice Bowl ▪ Pringles Potato Chips ▪ Fruit Cup ▪ (2) Rice Krispies Treats ▪ (1) Bowl of Cereal ▪ (6) Packages of Instant Oatmeal
Foster Care
General
Please contact Lawrence Hall – Monique Davis (mdavis@Lawrencehall.org) to coordinate a date and time to drop-off care packages in bulk! All drop offs will be at our Main Campus location.
If you’re in a low risk situation, this link will take you to a form where we have several opportunities to volunteer with some of our elderly and other high-risk residents: picking up groceries or medication, helping with cleaning, or even just giving them a call a few times a week to check in and chat.
If you have stable income, this link will take you to a page where you can donate specifically to help with the cost of rent for those in our community who have been furloughed or lost their jobs because of the safety precautions enacted. We thank you in advance for any and all ways you can help.
Masks needed. If you (or anyone you know) is able to sew, here are instructions on how to sew a mask. We have the filter inserts, but we do need help sewing these masks. If you are able to help with the masks, please let Shama Valame know by e-mailing her at svalame@clearbrook.org The mask can be dropped off or shipped to 1815 W. Central Rd. Arlington Heights IL. 60005. Thank you!!
Make a personal connection with Center for Enriched Living (CEL) members and make a real difference in their lives with CEL’s #PanPals.Many of these members have limited interaction with family members on a regular basis, and with the Coronavirus that has been compounded. With CEL’s programs transitioning to virtual, they now don’t have access to the friends and support they rely on.
Simply click https://www.centerforenrichedliving.org/panpals/ and choose a member (or members) to send a letter, card or picture to and let them know you’re thinking of them. You can also support our efforts to combat social isolation and keep our members connected by donating here. Your gifts are what allow our staff to keep working so they can deliver virtual programs for those with online access.
URGENT NEED! Our local New Trier Township pantry has a very diminished stock of food and paper supplies. Now more than ever, pantry users are in need of help. The pantry is eager to continue to serve these families in need. Donations of either checks or cash will help pantry staff purchase exactly what is needed. Checks should be addressed to New Trier Township Angel Fund, Inc.. Or, donate any non-perishable foods and paper goods MTW &F (closed Thursdays) between 10am and 2pm. As the township offices are on lock-down, you must call Brian Leverenz in advance 847-446-8203 and set up a drop off. Something you could also do is organize a food drive with your friends and neighbors. Leave a note at your neighbors’ giving them a specific day and time you will pick up donations and then set up with Brian Leverenz the date and time you will drop off. Terrific family project while you’re all homebound together. Plan it out!
The Counseling Center of the North Shore’s clinical staff is operating remotely, proving telehealth therapy sessions via HIPAA-compliant videoconference and telephone (www.ccns.org). However, the Winnetka Thrift Shop, the primary source of funding for CCNS, is temporarily closed. You can support CCNS in two ways: 1. Make a donation online at www.ccns.org/donate, and 2. Purchase Winnetka Thrift Shop items online at Poshmark.com, ebay.com, and soon the Winnetka Thrift Shop’s online store. Information at www.winnetkathriftshop.org.
We are collecting food right now to distribute to our families here in Waukegan. With the shutdown of restaurants and bars, many of our families are not going to be paid for several weeks. We are in need of shelf stable food like canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, etc. All donations can be dropped off at our center located at 603 S. McAlister, Waukegan, IL p.(847) 497-5787
If anyone has any questions they may call Barbara LaFasto, Co-Founder of Beacon Place (847) 609-6768.
IMMEDIATE NEED – Help Line of Technical Support for parents in their after school program who are struggling with e-learning – either access or knowing what to do. Looking for volunteers who could form an online help resource.
Our early childhood team and DCFS team are receiving calls from families who have lost their jobs or hours have been severely cut who are in desperate
need of diapers, formula, food. They are loading their cars with what we have on hand and making deliveries. We could use some help with the purchasing and delivering of these items. Our teams are getting worn out. Colette Allen. Director of Evanston, Family Focus – Evanston, 2010 Dewey Avenue, Evanston IL, 60201, Ph: 847.475.7570
Currently our greatest needs are donations of hand sanitizer and financial support. Please consider a gift of either. If you are able to help with hand sanitizer please call our office (we are working remotely – calls are being forwarded to the Volunteer Coordinator at 847-316-1337 to make arrangements for drop off. If you are able to assist with a monetary gift please go to our website https://mealsonwheelsnei.org/donate
Use your time at home to sort through children’s books (ages birth through 6th grade) that you no longer need and donate to Bernie’s Book Bank
A Just Harvest is not open for sit down meals and has suspended its food pantry until further notice. Volunteer orientations are also suspended.With the help of our partners, our nightly hot meal is being offered “to-go” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.This also means that opportunities for on-site volunteers are greatly reduced at this time.
**HOWEVER, we could use help in the purchasing, ordering and/or delivering of supplies. (please find LIST here). Financial gifts are crucial in sustaining our work in this crisis. (please DONATE here).
Due to the COVID-19 situation and the NCAA Tournament cancelation, the Sports Shed Bracket Challenge has been cancelled. We are thinking of all athletes and families who are facing sickness, disappointment and hardship at this time. If you would like to still donate to make summer AAU basketball possible for girls in programs like Lady Reign Basketball please do so below.
Lady Reign gives 80 girls on six teams the opportunity to compete in tournaments that set them up for higher level of play and possible scholarship opportunities.
Affordable Tele-Mental Health Services. We are here for you by Zoom or phone: Call 847-441-5600 x 1 to schedule an appointment. Tele-psychiatry • Tele-therapy-Case management • The Living Room (ages 18+) • Supported employment (ages 18+)
Our Living Room is a free service staffed by Peer Specialists. To talk with our Peer Specialists, call 847-496-3170 Monday-Friday between 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am – 2pm.Josselyn accepts Medicaid, Medicare, most private insurance, and we have a sliding fee scale. If you have other medical questions, please consult with your primary care physician or pediatrician.
Setting Up Zoom info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPlbiZUSoW4
Thank you Women’s Exchange for this Zoom help: Click Here for a Helpful YouTube re: Using Zoom
Tips and Technology Suggestions for Working at Home and More from Executive Service Corps
https://mailchi.mp/execservicecorps/workathomewithkids?e=ee3f53ffd5
Supporting Families During COVID-19
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
What to do if you have been exposed:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
The Volunteer Center and the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce invite you to a luncheon and a results-based program lead by Sherry Quam Taylor, President of Quam Taylor LLC. Sherry teaches nonprofit leaders how to shift from small-dollars to investment-level donations. Working with Sherry, you’ll learn how to confidently prepare and ask for the donations that fully fund your programs and mission every year.
Luncheon and Program
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
11:30-1:30
Kenilworth Assembly Hall
410 Kenilworth Avenue, Kenilworth
Together, we’ll each create a practical step-by-step path to grow your organization’s funding. And she’ll also share the things you might be doing that are keeping larger donors from giving to you. You’ll walk away with hands-on strategies you can use immediately to help you get larger donations.
Check out Sherry’s Website: www.QuamTaylor.com
Sandi was struggling to grow her charitable giving. Working with Sherry she learned the 3 most important things she needed to prepare for solicitations. After she applied them, her organization’s annual gala grew from $75,000 in 2018 to over $200,000 in 2019.
Bing was struggling to secure and grow larger gifts for her nonprofit. Major corporations gave regularly, but their gifts were relatively small. Using the engagement strategies she learned in Sherry’s program, Bing built relationships with the decision makers. This strategy grew an annual gift from a major financial institution from $5,000 gift to $25,000 the 1st year.
David was faced with the high start-up costs of a Capital Campaign for his new Nonprofit. David knew he had a few large donors in his network, but didn’t have knowledge or experience in asking for large gifts. He invested in Sherry’s LET’S GROW 90-Day program — and secured a $300,000 lead gift in the first 60 days of the campaign.
After years of not really having a solid strategy to increase our donor base or gift dollar amounts, this program has given me the tools, resources, and confidence I have been looking for. (Kim, Founder and Executive Director of ARTS)
I’ve met or exceeded my fundraising goals while working with Sherry – she’s coached me to successful high 5-figure asks! (Simone, Executive Director of Naomi’s House)
This program is a game-changer. Your expertise and guidance is sincerely appreciated and we look forward to what’s to come. I am grateful for this opportunity. (Jeannine, Board Member)
Walk-ins are discouraged.
Volunteer Center: info@volunteercenterhelps.org
Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce: director@winnetkanorthfieldchamber.com
COVID-19 is not stopping the Volunteer Center from again helping people in need at Good News Partners (GNP) this Thanksgiving! Any individual, family or group looking for a way to safely help may fill either a cloth or double bagged paper bag or small box with all the items in the list below, then drop it off between 10am and noon on Thanksgiving morning to 1600 W. Jonquil, Chicago (Rogers Park area off of Howard).
Although there is no contact with residents this year, it will still remain a very beneficial experience for all participants as it sets the tone for a thankful day in a very challenging year. Reservations are not required, but masks are, of course! The staff is prepared to receive the generous donations. Thank you for your help!
The List:
Cereal
Peanut Butter
Coffee
Pasta
Tomato sauce
Canned fruit and veggies
Soup (microwavable bowls)
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Cookies
Nonprofit Directors and Communications Officers, please join the VC — and 2 industry heavy-hitters — for breakfast and a highly motivational training program designed to help you build effective marketing and communications strategies for your nonprofit. This will be a thought-provoking workshop that will also be a valuable opportunity for you to network with other nonprofits facing the same challenges you are. The VC will also share a comprehensive local media contact list for attendees. Registration Required by November 18 am. Registration form below.
Tuesday, November 19
8:30-10:30am
Winnetka Community House
620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka
Susan Noyes
Founder & Publisher of Make It Better Media Group
Susan will discuss “Activating Your Audience”, highlighting best communication practices that have proven to build awareness of and support for successful nonprofits – particularly online. This Amplification & Connection Strategy is particularly effective in improving sponsorships, donations and ticket sales for major fundraising events.
Chris Hogan
Managing Director of i3Insights and Executive Service Corps Member
Chris will cover “Marketing Your Nonprofit”, with focus on applying Marketing Positioning to define and solidify your nonprofit’s image in the hearts and minds of your constituents. He will provide you a framework to help you articulate your nonprofit’s unique benefit, and why your constituents will believe it, over other relevant non-profits.
About Susan Noyes
In 2007, Susan founded makeitbetter.net, a small, community website. It blossomed into a multi-platform publishing company, serving similar demographics throughout Chicagoland, Marin County and San Francisco Bay Area — with a vibrant digital ecosystem, print magazines, custom publishing partnerships, videos, awards and signature events.
All three publications–Better, Marin Magazine and SPACES and their corresponding digital platforms help generate those powerful, positive connections that will inspire you to live, love, work and play with greater purpose.
She also launched the Make It Better Foundation and annual Philanthropy Awards in 2012. She occasionally appears on CNBC’s Closing Bell Investor Roundtable. Susan practiced law for Sidley & Austin from 1983-1989, then focused her efforts as a philanthropist, and uber volunteer while raising 6 children. She serves on multiple Chicago nonprofit boards including American Red Cross Chicago Chapter, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Poetry Foundation.
Better, formerly known as Make it Better began as a small website 12 years ago and has grown into a multi-platform publishing company, serving similar demographics throughout Chicagoland and the San Francisco Bay Area — with a vibrant digital ecosystem, print magazines, custom publishing partnerships, videos, awards and signature events.Better’s dream continues to be to create, strengthen, and connect communities across the country. Simply put, Better helps generate those powerful, positive connections that will inspire you to live, love, work and play with greater purpose.
About Chris Hogan
Chris is the Founder and Managing Director of i3Insights, a marketing and consumer insights consultancy across many industries. Chris is also a member of Executive Service Corps (ESC) an organization which provides consulting for non-profit organizations. He brings to his clients the knowledge gained and lessons learned from 35 years of experience working in consumer insights, shopper insights, analytics and category management. Chris has also taught consumer research as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Chicago.
Previously, Chris was SVP Consumer Insight & Analytics at ConAgra. His responsibilities included insights and analytics for both the Consumer and Commercial Business Units. Prior to ConAgra, Chris had a variety of insight positions with increasing responsibility at Kraft Foods including: VP Consumer Insights & Strategy Kraft International responsible for consumer and shopper insights in 70 countries around the globe; VP Category Management Kraft North America responsible for the creation and leadership of Kraft’s Shopper Insights team, as well as leading the Category Management initiatives for the Kraft Sales organization; Director Consumer Insights for multiple business units across the Kraft U.S. portfolio of products.
i3 Insights was founded by Chris Hogan, after Chris successfully accumulated 30+ years of experience leading Insights, Analytics and Category Management teams at multiple Fortune 100 companies. This includes both U.S. and International experience identifying marketing insights that drove Brand Strategy, Brand Communication, Innovation and Category Management Opportunities. As a result, i3 Insights provides an uncommon level of both breadth and depth of knowledge in activating consumer insights, shopper insights, analytics, and strategic marketing that influences, inspires and impacts your business results. Chris also is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Chicago,teaching consumer research design and analysis.
Need to spice up your faith-based or school’s community service program for your families and students? Don’t currently have a service program? This Volunteer Center workshop will give you a solid foundation to start — or enhance — one. We will provide new ideas to engage your youth in age appropriate service activities that benefit nonprofits who are making a difference in our community. Network with your volunteer colleagues and share insights at this best-practices training on how to plan Service Projects or full scale Service-Learning Programs that will inspire your congregations and students to a lifelong passion for service.
The Volunteer Center is also excited to introduce a new Junior Board for public, private and parochial middle school students! More information will be shared about this at the workshop as well.
Join Us! If you have questions, please e-mail us at info@volunteercenterhelps.org, or call Barb Tubekis 847-441-7665
Make A Difference Day is one of the North Shore’s favorite opportunities to lend a hand to local nonprofits serving people in need. Even with the challenges of the pandemic, this year was no exception. With support from our dedicated volunteer partners from Highcrest Middle School — and this year’s host Wilmette Junior High School — we were able to send our nonprofit partners away with cars and trucks bursting at the seams with valuable donations. And our guest dog from Orphans of the Storm even found a home! Many thanks to all who helped make this such an inspiring event.
Books4Cause — Gently used books, all genres, including textbooks, CDs, DVDs and vinyl
Childcare Network of Evanston — Infant Baby diapers, size newborn to 6. Baby wipes and pull-ups, especially 3T-4T boys and girls. Formula – Regular, Gentle Ease and Similac
Connections for the Homeless — Men’s casual winter clothing and coats, hoodies and sweatshirts; duffels, sleeping bags, suitcases
Counseling Center for the North Shore — Women’s clothing and coats
Gear 4 Goals — Sports equipment
Glass Slipper Project — Women’s jewelry and formal/dressy purses
Hadley Institute for the Blind and the Visually Impaired — Eyeglasses & Cases
Junior League of Evanston/North Shore — Casual purses, travel-sized toiletries
New Trier Township Food Pantry — Non-perishable Food, paper goods, laundry detergent
Northwestern Settlement — Baby, toddler and children’s clothing, coats and shoes
Orphans of the Storm — Pet supplies, food, newspapers, pets to adopt!
Refugee One — Winter boots for all ages and genders
Woman’s Club of Evanston — Prom dresses and dress shoes
Working Bikes — Adult bikes in repairable condition and gently-used kid’s bikes
YMCA of Metro Chicago — Toys, games and school supplies
The Volunteer Center is looking for board members who enjoy working with like-minded people who want to make a difference in our community by giving back to those in need. We are a working board that also has a lot of fun!
At the heart of our work are the Days of Service we sponsor throughout the year, which encourage volunteers of all ages to get involved. We also host training and networking events for our 160+ Nonprofit partners.
We’re currently seeking Board members in a variety of different roles, including marketing, communications, fundraising, project management, event planning, and finance and accounting.
Find out more about Board membership here.
Donations to The Volunteer Center are tax-deductible.
DonateBecome a Community/Corporate Sponsor
email: info@volunteercenterhelps.org
The Volunteer Center
520 Glendale Avenue, Suite 211
Winnetka, IL 60093
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