National Volunteer Week Highlights Needs of Central Minnesota Nonprofits

(KNSI) – Doing a good deed is in the spotlight for National Volunteer Week, and there are plenty of opportunities locally to leave a mark.

United Way of Central Minnesota Director of Volunteer Engagement Mary Krippner says her organization works as a referral source for several nonprofits, like Catholic Charities or Big Brothers Big Sisters. Krippner says the need for help is great at the moment.

“Volunteers are down right now. The majority of the nonprofits are looking for volunteers to help. And it’s those ongoing needs. So it’s that once or twice a week, the two hours a week types of things. We can fill those one-time volunteer opportunities or those events. Those are easier to fill than those things that are needed all the time.”

More regular volunteer opportunities include boxing and delivering frozen meals to seniors, donating blood, and mentoring, among many others.

Labor shortages have gotten a lot of attention since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but its effect on volunteerism has been just as jarring. Krippner says she senses that people are returning slowly.

“I think we’ll come back. People will come back and volunteer and give back their time again. I think we’re getting there. We’re getting a little closer.”

Krippner says she has been with United Way for 15 years and that has allowed her to develop a lot of contacts with area nonprofits. The organization runs a website that lists opportunities, all within the greater central Minnesota region. You can also call Mary directly for help. A link with more information is here.

National Volunteer Week is observed during April, which is designated as National Volunteer Month.

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