Earth Day Starts with You:

Volunteer Events that Celebrate our Community

Each year on April 22, people around the world unite in action for Earth Day - a global movement that began in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental challenges and inspire collective responsibility for the health of our plant. It's a time to reflect on our relationship with the earth and take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. One of the most impactful ways to honor this day is through volunteer service - giving your time and energy to projects that protect and restore the natural world around us.

The United Way of the Lakeshore Volunteer Center is proud to connect individuals and groups with opportunities that make a difference in celebration of Earth Day and beyond. We invite you to get involved this spring with one of these incredible volunteer events across the Lakeshore area:

Camp Newaygo Spring Volunteer Day

Friday, April 11 | Newaygo Help Camp Newaygo get ready for their upcoming season! Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand with trail clearing, indoor organizing, & outdoor clean-up—plus enjoy coffee, lunch from Ridge Catering, & great company.

Earth Day at McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm

Tuesday, April 22 | Muskegon Celebrate Earth Day with a hands-on volunteer experience at McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm! Join small teams to tackle projects like greenhouse clean-up, painting, weeding, & prepping garden beds—all while supporting local food access & a greener Muskegon.

Annual Muskegon Lake Spring Clean Up

Sunday, April 27 | Muskegon Join the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership for a morning of shoreline stewardship as volunteers work together at multiple sites to clean litter and debris from around Muskegon Lake.

Camp Henry Spring Work Day

Saturday, May 10 | Newaygo Say goodbye to winter & hello to sunshine by helping Camp Henry gear up for the season ahead! Volunteers will assist with cleaning, light repairs, & outdoor projects to get this beloved camp ready for a summer full of adventure.

Volunteering during Earth Day is more than just giving back - it's a commitment to leaving our world a little better than we found it. Whether you have an hour or a day, your time can make a meaningful impact on our environment and our community. Together, we can grow, clean, and care for our corner of the planet - one project at a time!

Celebrate Earth Day with Us!

Help Wanted: Volunteer Roles That Need You Now!

Oceana County Mobile Food Pantry - Friday, April 25, 2025, at Shelby Elementary.

Enchanted Forest Volunteers - Saturday & Sunday, April 26 & 27, 2025 at Camp Newaygo's Enchanted Forest Weekend.

Community Impact Day - Hosted by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Community Baby Shower - Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Muskegon Heights Academy.

Community Investment Panels - There's still time to make a difference on the Early Childhood Development & Youth Success Panels happening in April & May!

Camp Henry - Put your skills to good use at this beautiful camp in a variety of ways!

Click Here to Check Out All Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities!

Honoring the Heart of Our Community

Celebrating Global Volunteer Month

April is Global Volunteer Month, a time to uplift, celebrate, and recognize the individuals who give their time, talents, and hearts in service to others. Here at United Way of the Lakeshore’s Volunteer Center, we know that volunteers are the backbone of stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Whether it’s lending a hand at a local food pantry, mentoring a student, raking leaves for a senior neighbor, or helping to beautify our shared spaces, volunteers inspire hope and create lasting change.

So many of us choose to volunteer because we believe in a brighter future. We serve to give back, to pay it forward, to connect, to heal, and to lead. No matter the reason, each act of kindness contributes to something greater—and that’s what makes volunteerism so powerful.

This month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the everyday heroes who make our community a better place.

Spotlight on Service:

The Heroes Celebration

On Thursday, May 1st, we’ll gather at the Delta Hotel in Downtown Muskegon for our annual Heroes Celebration, a special evening dedicated to honoring the selfless individuals who go above and beyond to serve others. This event is our way of recognizing the volunteers, neighbors, coworkers, and community members who quietly and consistently make a lasting impact.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized?

We’re currently accepting nominations for our 2025 Heroes Celebration—and we need your help! Tell us about the everyday heroes in your community: the ones who show up, who step in, and who make a difference without expecting recognition.

Learn More & Nominate an Everyday Hero!

Save the Date! United Way Partners with Parties in the Park - Friday, July 25!

Mark your calendars for Friday, July 25, 2025 — United Way of the Lakeshore is excited to host Parties in the Park at Hackley Park as part of the beloved summer concert series in downtown Muskegon.

This year’s United Way party will feature live music from local favorite, Westside Soul Surfers, along with great food, cold drinks, and an incredible atmosphere filled with community spirit. Proceeds from our event will benefit the Volunteer Center, helping us connect even more individuals with meaningful opportunities to give back across the Lakeshore.

Parties in the Park is a long-standing tradition that brings people together every Friday throughout the summer, and we’re honored to be part of it once again. We’ll be looking for a strong team of volunteers to help us make the night a success — from beverage service to set-up and everything in between.