Volunteer With Us

United is the Way to Make a Difference

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about building a better community, together. Whether you're a student looking for experience, a family wanting to give back, or a company hoping to serve as a team, we’ll help you find meaningful ways to connect and make an impact right here in Wapello County.

  • Head to our Volunteer Center to explore local opportunities, sign up for events, and track your hours—all in one place.

    We’ll match you with volunteer roles that align with your interests, skills, and goals—whether that’s with one of our United Way programs or another trusted local nonprofit.

    Get involved with:

    • 🌱 Community Food Pantry Garden – grow and harvest fresh produce for local pantries

    • 💸 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) – help families access free tax support

    • ✏️ Reading Buddies & Pen Pals – support literacy and connection with local youth

    • 💼 Work-based learning at our office – develop real-world skills through filing, scheduling, shredding, scanning, answering phones, and building soft skills

    • 📣 Marketing & Media – help us tell our story through social media, graphic design, or newsletters

    Whether you want to serve once or build a long-term commitment, we’ll help you find a role that’s meaningful to you.

  • 🎓 Students: Earn Silver Cord hours, build job skills, or complete internship requirements
    🧒 Families: Volunteer together and model service, empathy, and compassion
    👫 Groups & Teams: Plan a service project for your school, workplace, or club
    🛠️ Career Builders: Gain hands-on experience to boost your resume or test out a new field
    ❤️ Everyone: Choose flexible or ongoing roles that align with your passions
    🤝 Cause-Driven: Support local efforts in education, food access, housing, health, and more
    ✅ Court-Ordered? Complete your service in a safe, supportive, judgment-free environment

  • Need volunteers? We’re here to help.

    We assist local organizations in recruiting, managing, and retaining volunteers to support your mission.

    From one-time events to long-term needs, we’ll help spread the word and connect you with people ready to serve.

  • No matter your age, background, or experience, there’s a place for you to make a difference.
    Because when we volunteer together, we grow together—as individuals, families, and a community.

    Let’s get started!

    Allison Patzner
    📧 a.patzner@wapellocouw.org
    📞 641-682-1264 ext. 18

    🔗 Visit our Volunteer Center »

Ready to Make a Difference?

Volunteers are the heartbeat of United Way of Wapello County.

Whether you have an hour, a day, or ongoing time to give, your service creates lasting change right here at home. From mentoring students, to growing food for local families, to lending your professional skills—there’s a place for you.

👉 Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form today and we’ll connect you with opportunities that match your time, talents, and passions.

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight

Student Volunteers, Help Us Share the Story of Service!

United Way of Wapello County is excited to invite students with a passion for creativity and communication to join us as volunteers!

 Service doesn’t just happen in food pantries or at community events—it also happens behind the scenes when we tell the stories that inspire others to give back.

 As a student volunteer, you’ll help with:

·    Writing newsletter articles that highlight community impact

·    Drafting engaging social media posts

·    Brainstorming fun and meaningful ways to connect with your peers through TikTok

 This opportunity is more than just a way to earn Silver Cord hours—it’s a chance to promote youth volunteerism, amplify the voices of young people in our community, and build valuable skills that will serve you well in any future career.

You’ll have the chance to learn important job skills such as:

·    Designing graphics in Canva

·    Using the Microsoft Office Suite

·    Building email campaigns in Constant Contact

·    Exploring website design

·    Writing clear, effective copy that gets results

 Not only will you gain hands-on experience in digital communications, but you’ll also strengthen your resume and open doors for future opportunities.

 If you’re a student with a creative spark—or simply want to learn while serving—this is your chance to shine.

 👉 Contact Allison Patzner, Community Engagement Director to learn more and get started.

Doing Good Looks Good on You