Finding the right people can be tough—we can help.

Through our Volunteer Center, we match individuals, students, families, and teams with organizations like yours.

Posting your needs on our volunteer center page makes it easier for volunteers to find you, sign up, and stay engaged.

You can also reach out directly to Allison Patzner, Community Engagement Director, to discuss your volunteer needs and explore additional ways we can help you connect with the right people.

📧 a.patzner@wapellocouw.org | ☎️ 641-682-1264 ext. 18

👉 Read more about Get Connected »

👉 Register your agency on Get Connected »

Partner with RSVP: Gain Skilled Volunteers. Expand Your Impact.

RSVP connects adults 55+ with local nonprofits in Wapello, Jefferson & Monroe Counties.

As a Volunteer Station, your organization will:

• Access experienced, reliable volunteers

• Receive recruitment & staff support

• Benefit from volunteer insurance & recognition

👉 Read more about our RSVP Program »

Our Get Connected Volunteer Center is the hub for local volunteerism in Wapello, Jefferson, and Monroe Counties. By posting your volunteer needs, you’ll make it easy for individuals, students, families, and teams to find you, sign up, and track their hours.

Why Use Get Connected?

• Increases visibility. Your opportunities will be seen by community members actively looking to serve.

• Simplifies sign-up. Volunteers can register and track hours directly through the site.

• Supports reporting. You can see how many people served and how many hours they contributed.

• Builds connections. Stay engaged with volunteers who support your mission.

How to Get Started

1. Register your agency. 👉 Set up your free account »

2. Post your volunteer needs. Be clear, specific, and include photos if possible.

3. Update regularly. Keep opportunities fresh to attract new and returning volunteers.

4. Track and thank. Use the platform to log hours and show appreciation for your volunteers.

👉 Register your agency & list your volunteer needs today »

A well-written listing helps volunteers understand your needs and feel confident signing up.

Here are a few best practices:

• Use clear, inviting titles. Instead of “Help Needed,” try “Mentor a Local Student” or “Garden Helpers Wanted.”

• Be specific about the role. Let volunteers know what they’ll be doing, the time commitment, and any training provided.

• Show impact. Share how their service makes a difference—for example: “By delivering meals, you’ll ensure seniors in our community don’t go hungry.”

• Include flexible options. Offer both one-time and ongoing opportunities when possible to appeal to a wider audience.

• Add photos. Listings with images get more attention and feel more welcoming.

Need a hand creating materials or a volunteer need listing?

Contact Allison Patzner, Community Engagement Director, to discuss your volunteer needs and explore additional ways we can help you connect with the right people.

📧 a.patzner@wapellocouw.org | ☎️ 641-682-1264 ext. 18

Your mission deserves a bigger audience and we can help you create compelling marketing materials and promote your programs, special events, and Days of Service.

From social media spotlights to community newsletters, we’ll share your story and connect you with more supporters.

You don’t have to do it alone— we can also help your organization create professional materials such as flyers, social media graphics, and press releases to make sure your message stands out.

💡 Did you know?

Nonprofits can sign up for a free Canva Pro account to design high-quality graphics, flyers, and videos with ease. 👉 Learn more and apply here »

Tips for Promoting Your Programs

Strong promotion makes it easier for people to notice, remember, and act on your opportunities.

Here are a few best practices:

• Lead with the “why.” Share the purpose and impact behind your event or program, not just the logistics.

• Keep it clear and concise. Busy readers skim—make sure the key details (who, what, when, where, why) are easy to find.

• Use visuals. Photos, videos, and graphics increase engagement and make your post more shareable.

• Tell real stories. Highlight a volunteer, client, or community partner to show the human side of your mission.

• Promote consistently. Share multiple reminders across different channels (social media, email, flyers, community boards) instead of a single post.

• Invite action. End with a clear next step like “Sign up today,” “Donate here,” or “Join us Saturday.”

👉 Want help spreading the word?

Contact Allison Patzner, Community Engagement Director, at a.patzner@wapellocouw.org.

211 Iowa is a free, statewide resource and referral line that connects people with housing, food, health care, financial assistance, child care, and more.

By listing your services in the 211 database, you ensure that individuals in need (and professionals making referrals) can find you quickly.

Why Your Organization Should Be Listed:

• Reach more people. Families in crisis often call 211 first—being listed means they’ll be directed to your services.

• Support partner referrals. Social workers, case managers, and community advocates use 211 to connect clients to trusted providers.

• Keep your info current. Updated listings ensure your community knows what you offer and how to access it.

How to List Your Services:

1. Visit 211iowa.org.

2. Scroll to the “Agencies” section and complete the service provider form.

3. Provide details about your programs, eligibility, and contact info.

4. Update your listing anytime your services change.

👉 Learn more and submit your information to 211 Iowa »

United Way of Wapello County connects nonprofits and the community.

We regularly receive corporate donations of overstock merchandise as well as community inquiries from individuals and businesses asking where their donations can best be used.

By sharing your in-kind donation needs with us, we’ll know exactly who to contact when items such as household goods, hygiene supplies, or program materials become available.

Tips for Managing & Sharing Donation Needs

Making your donation needs clear and accessible helps us—and the community—get the right resources to you when they’re available.

Here are some best practices:

• Create a prioritized list. Share the items that would make the biggest impact first.

• Include seasonal needs. For example, school supplies in the fall, coats in winter, or summer activity kits for kids.

• Be specific. Instead of “food,” list “peanut butter, cereal, and canned vegetables.” Specific requests are easier for donors to fulfill.

• Update regularly. Needs change—keeping your list current helps avoid surplus of some items and shortages of others.

• Think about storage and transport. Share any requirements for drop-off, pick-up, or storage limitations so donors can plan accordingly.

👉 To share your donation needs with us, contact Allison Patzner, Community Engagement Director, at a.patzner@wapellocouw.org or 641-682-1264 ext. 18.

Behind every mission is a solid foundation.

We can help you:

• Streamline your standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Improve volunteer recruitment, management, and retention

• Build systems that make your organization more sustainable and effective

Tips for Strengthening Your Organization

Small improvements in how you operate can create lasting impact.

Here are some simple places to start:

• Document your processes. Write down step-by-step guides for routine tasks (like volunteer onboarding or donation tracking). This helps train new staff or volunteers and keeps things consistent.

• Create clear volunteer roles. Define responsibilities and expectations so volunteers know how they’re contributing.

• Show appreciation often. Regular thank-you notes, small gestures, and public recognition go a long way in retaining volunteers.

• Collect feedback. Ask your staff, volunteers, and clients what’s working and where you can improve—it builds trust and helps you grow.

• Use simple tools. Don’t overcomplicate things—free or low-cost tools like Google Forms, shared calendars, and volunteer management systems (like Get Connected) can streamline your work.

👉 Ready to strengthen your operations?

Contact Allison Patzner, Community Engagement Director, at a.patzner@wapellocouw.org or 641-682-1264 ext. 18.