Volunteer Center at United Way of Portage County

06/16/2026

We are wrapping up our Community Diaper & Hygiene Drive here at United Way! Don't forget, we are still taking donations through Sunday, June 21st!

Every donation we receive helps support families across Portage County who are struggling to afford basic essentials.

We are looking for:
🧷Diapers (especially size 4-7)
🩲Pull-ups
🧻Baby wipes
🧴Diaper creams
🫧Baby lotion and shampoo
💵Monetary donations

Donating to the diaper drive is an easy and effective way to make a big impact in the community and positively impact the lives of many families right here in Portage County.
For more information on donating, visit our Community Diaper & Hygiene Drive page!
www.unitedwaypoco.org/community-diaper-drive

06/11/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍!✏️✂️

United Way of Portage County is collecting school supplies for Project Fresh Start! There are multiple drop-off locations across Portage County where you can donate school supplies now through August 10.

Click the link to learn more about donating or to register for supplies:
www.unitedwaypoco.org/ProjectFreshStart

05/22/2026

Laurel’s Little Diaper & Hygiene Bank will be closed on Saturday, May 23rd for the holiday weekend. We will reopen with normal hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

We hope everyone has a safe, fun, and relaxing holiday weekend!

Learn more about Laurel's Little Diaper & Hygiene Bank: https://www.unitedwaypoco.org/Laurelslittle

05/21/2026

What a fun evening with the Village of Plover! Thank you to everyone who came, explored, and donated supplies!

The event invited families to climb and explore machinery. Attendees were asked to bring a pack of diapers to donate.

04/24/2026

Help us recognize our final volunteer for National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Jennifer Williams.

Jennifer is a dedicated volunteer for the Learn for Life program. For the past three years, Jennifer has spent her Tuesday afternoons supporting students at Roosevelt Elementary School, building meaningful connections, and helping students grow in confidence and learning.

Jennifer brings genuine enthusiasm, kindness, and encouragement to every session. She greets students with a big smile, supports them when they need an extra nudge, and uses humor to brighten even the toughest days. It’s no surprise that students look forward to their weekly time with her.

Thank you, Jennifer, for the care, dedication, and positivity you bring to our students and community! 👏

04/23/2026

Help us recognize more amazing community volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💙

The next group we want to highlight is the incredible students from the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women's Leadership at UWSP
Volunteering is a natural fit for their mission of preparing students and emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions in their communities. Through their partnership with United Way of Portage County, students have the opportunity to step beyond campus, build relationships, and see firsthand how leadership can create positive change.

One of the most rewarding moments for the group was coming together to pack 80 hygiene kits for community members in need. The experience not only created a tangible impact but also built teamwork, leadership skills, and a strong sense of pride among the students who participated.

Their message to other organizations considering volunteering? Go for it. Volunteering is a powerful way to strengthen teams, build leadership, and make a real difference in the community.

Thank you to the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership for helping make our community stronger! 👏 UW-Stevens Point Sentry School of Business and Economics

04/22/2026

Help us recognize more amazing community volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💙

Today we’re highlighting the incredible raking team from Gamber-Johnson for going above and beyond during Make a Difference Day.

The team spent the week helping neighbors across Portage County by raking yards and lending a helping hand.

One of the most rewarding parts of the experience for them was meeting community members and hearing their gratitude. It’s a powerful reminder of how much good exists in our community, and how meaningful it is to be part of something that helps neighbors who may not be able to do these tasks themselves.

Their advice for other teams thinking about joining? Do it! It’s a simple and impactful way to give back each year, and a great team-building experience too.

Thank you, Gamber-Johnson team, for helping make our community stronger! 🍁

04/21/2026

🎉 Volunteers Needed for the Portage County Cultural Festival!

🎉 Volunteers Needed for the Portage County Cultural Festival!

Held each May at Stevens Point Area Senior High, this is one of the largest cultural festivals in the Midwest, and it’s completely free for the Central Wisconsin community thanks to the support of hundreds of volunteers. Every part of the event is organized, staffed, set up, and taken down 100% by volunteers!

They currently have the greatest need for volunteers on Saturday, May 2, especially for:
• Children’s Area: 11:45 AM – 2 PM
• Security & Parking: 9 – 11:15 AM & 11 AM – 1:15 PM
• Takedown: 5 – 7 PM

April is National Volunteer Month, so what better way to celebrate than by giving back to your community? ❤️

👉 View roles and sign up here: https://www.volunteersrock.org/aem/general

04/21/2026

Help us recognize more amazing community volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💙

Today we’re celebrating employees at Delta Dental of Wisconsin for their commitment to giving back.

At Delta Dental of Wisconsin, volunteering is simply “the right thing to do.” Their team is encouraged to serve during the workday, and through United Way of Portage County they’ve connected with many opportunities to support local nonprofits and neighbors.

One of the most rewarding parts has been bringing employees from across departments together to serve the community, share their talents, and build stronger connections, both with each other and with the community.

Their advice for other organizations thinking about volunteering? The best time to start is now! A few helping hands can make a big difference.

Thank you, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, for helping make our community stronger! 👏

04/20/2026

As part of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re excited to recognize another incredible volunteer, Deb Kedrowski, who is making a difference through our Learn for Life program. 💙

Every Tuesday, Ms. Deb volunteers her time to work with a second-grade student, helping students build confidence and strengthen their reading skills. Her positivity shines from the moment she walks through the door.

The student she works with is always thrilled to see her and even comes to school each Tuesday with a big smile saying, “It’s a Ms. Deb day!” That kind of excitement makes a huge difference and helps turn reading into something fun and enjoyable.

Ms. Deb’s kindness, encouragement, and dedication create meaningful moments that help young learners grow.

Thank you, Ms. Deb, for sharing your time, talents, and heart with our students!

-Mary Bohlman
2nd Grade Teacher, Madison Elementary