Eaton County United Way Home Page

Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Whether it’s reading to children, or leading financial literacy classes for hard-working families, or delivering meals to homebound seniors, there are hundreds of volunteer options available every day.

Give the gift of you. Volunteer.

Hello all,

Well, if you have found this website, then you have taken the first step in embarking on one of the most fulfilling journeys of your life…becoming a volunteer!

My name is Bob Monschein. For most of my (very near) 50 years I have lived in “my hometown” Charlotte. I’ve been active throughout my life in organizations that affect not only my life, but those around me. During my first chance at life (more on that in a minute) I was involved in everything from student councils, serving two terms as a city councilmember to 26 years as a union health and safety official. Over the years, I have also been a member of various boards and commissions in Eaton County.

Then like many of us, I hit a speed bump in my life. I retired in 2006 from GM, due to a life altering struggle with stage four head and neck cancer. This cancer and the end result changed not only how I look, but how I speak. Though cancer took its toll on me physically, it has not changed my spirit. As I’ve told many, “thanks to the good Lord, good medicine, and good love from my family and friends” it looks as though I’ve pulled through.

Now, that I’ve been given a second chance in life… I’m committed to help those that need help and to lend a hand to those can’t.

For the past year, I along with other very special volunteers at the Eaton Clothing Center, St. Vincent DePaul food bank and Courthouse Square Museum have “Lived (and worked!) United” helping others in our community. I can honestly say a day or even a few hours, working as a volunteer has been far more fulfilling and satisfying than any day I worked for a paycheck

So, if you are looking for personal fulfillment, making a positive difference in your community and sharing your life learned skills to benefit others… Live United and try out volunteering. It’s a journey you will never forget!

Looking for a Way to Feel Good at Tax Time?

Be a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteer!

You can be personally involved in promoting financial stability to low-income individuals and families by volunteering to provide free tax preparation at the Eaton County United Way’s VITA site.

To help ensure that Eaton County’s working families are filing for the tax credits they have earned and to help those families save hundreds of dollars in commercial tax fees and predatory “rapid refund” loans, the Eaton County United Way supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) awareness. Families all over the county making a household income of less than $40,000 can access VITA sites and have their taxes prepared for FREE! The EITC is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in America and lifts more children out of poverty than any single program or category of programs in the United States. Our VITA site will ensure that eligible families receive their often-unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit.

Such a volunteer role is a unique way to be involved in direct service and see the “fruits of your labor.” It can be a moving experience to help a working poor family realize the tremendous financial boost that results from their Earned Income Tax Credit.

No accounting experience needed. Tax software guides you every step of the way, or you can volunteer to do customer service.
No liability to volunteers. Free training is provided beginning as early as October/November and sites are IRS-approved. The tax preparation service is provided January through April.
Time commitment is up to you. Volunteer as much or as little as you like.
Evening and daytime hours available. Select times that are convenient for you. Volunteer work hours are flexible, based upon volunteer’s desired commitment.

If you are interested in volunteering as a VITA tax assistance volunteer, email Joni Risner at joni@ecuw.org or call 517-543-5402.

Click here for a printable copy of the VITA information.

Additional Local Volunteer Opportunities

Tips for Volunteering

Be selective

Think about what matters to you, and be selective about where you spend your time. Choosing opportunities that make you feel good while helping others builds stronger communities, and enriches your own life at the same time.

Choose carefully

United Way and community Volunteer Centers work with volunteers and local nonprofits to develop the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors to serve. When you work with your local United Way or Volunteer Center, you can feel confident about the quality of the opportunity you choose and about the organization you donate your time to support.

Research causes that are important to you

Whether it's helping children achieve their potential, helping families become financially stable, or improving people’s health, find out what cause is closest to your heart and make a difference.

Consider the skills you have to offer

Would you like to write an agency's newsletter? Or would you rather build a house? Find something you enjoy doing and enhance your skills through volunteering.

Learn something new

Volunteering can also teach you valuable new skills that you can use in other parts of your life. For example, learning how to handle crisis calls may help you communicate better.

Don't over-commit your schedule

Stick to a volunteering schedule that makes sense for you and leaves you time to enjoy the activity.

Consider volunteering as a family

Group volunteering is a wonderful way to bond with your family or co-workers. Not only will you create lasting memories, but you will help someone in need. See also: Volunteering as a Family.