The Volunteer Center plays an integral role in United Way of Palm Beach County’s mission to change lives and shape our community. Our volunteer program is aimed at making volunteering easy and flexible to fit everyone’s busy schedule. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, families, organizations and corporations.
To find a volunteer opportunity, use the links below.
Search For Volunteer Opportunities
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
Registered Administrators and Volunteers
Search for Volunteer Opportunities
You can search for opportunities based on your interests, skills, and geographical location. Or, simply enter a keyword.
Search Now
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways individuals and families of all ages can serve our community, even while social distancing! Here are a few virtual volunteer opportunities:
Stars of Hope
Use your creativity to give hope, show compassion, and promote healing by decorating a Star of Hope. Download the Star of Hope template here.
Bookmark
Create a bookmark to encourage the love of literacy in young readers. Download the bookmark template here.
Thank a Local Champion
Use this form to share a heartfelt message with our local Champions, such as first responders, healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and many others, for their dedication to our community during this time.
Volunteer Bingo
Vertical, horizontal, or corner to corner – No matter which way, you will be making a difference in our community! Download the virtual bingo card here.
Please email your completed items to volunteer@unitedwaypbc.org or mail to: United Way of Palm Beach County, Attn: Volunteer Services, 477 S. Rosemary Avenue, Suite #230, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Register as a Volunteer
To register as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteer, please click here.
To see all volunteer opportunities, please register using the link below. When you register with us, you will receive e-mails notifying you of opportunities and special events that match your volunteer profile.
Register Now
Register as an Agency
Nonprofit organizations and agencies can post their opportunities and update information as needed. It’s a great way to promote your organization!
Register Now
Registered Administrators and Volunteers
Log In
Note:
Registered nonprofits, please note, it is up to you to keep your agency information and opportunities current. If you have misplaced your agency password, please contact Donna Pulda, Vice President of Volunteer Services, at (561) 375-6600.
Disaster
United Way’s Disaster Management Role
United Way of Palm Beach County’s Volunteer Center is actively involved with disaster management efforts as the lead volunteer agency for Palm Beach County Emergency Management ESF-15. As such, United Way coordinates volunteers to support the relief effort in the county before and after a disaster. That responsibility includes calling into action United Way’s trained volunteers, opening a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) to mobilize more volunteers (within 72 hours after a disaster strikes) throughout the county.
Resources:
Navigating a Disaster Within a Pandemic – United Way and other local partners hosted a preparedness training to ensure our nonprofit community is ready for a storm while still operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Review these helpful resources below:
2020 Hurricane Season Outlook – Sean Miller, Meteorologist at National Weather Service Miami
Impact of COVID-19 on Hurricane Season – Armen Gregorian, PBC Emergency Program Coordinator
Preparing Your Organization: Business Continuity Plan – Dearmayl Sherrod, PBC Special Projects Coordinator
Legal and Human Resources Considerations – Vanessa Coe, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
United Way’s ESF-15 History
United Way of Palm Beach County and its Volunteer Center have a long history of promoting volunteerism in our community, and in preparing for, and recovering from, disasters. Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, United Way (and Volunteer Center staff and volunteers) took a leadership role in the local response and recovery efforts. Shortly after, Palm Beach County government named United Way as the lead agency for ESF-15 in its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. During the hurricane season of 2004-2006, United Way of Palm Beach County recruited more than 3,000 volunteers who worked close to 20,000 hours in relief efforts, and in distributing ice, water and food at various distribution sites throughout the county. United Way of Palm Beach County is actively involved in supporting the county’s disaster-related volunteer needs, working closely with officials to develop a more effective disaster management plan. To view the ESF-15 Plan, please click here.
Here’s how a VRC would work:
The VRC would open within 72 hours of a disaster and would serve as a central location for the coordination of volunteers assisting in the relief efforts. In an instance of disaster, United Way of Palm Beach County would open a VRC and would call registered VRC volunteers to help staff the VRC. Next, the County, other governments and agencies would inform United Way where they need assistance. Then, United Way’s VRC would coordinate volunteers and send them to the areas in need.
Become a Disaster Assistance Volunteer!
United Way recruits year-round for disaster volunteers, and provides VRC training. If you would like to be a disaster assistance volunteer, or would like a presentation to your group about such volunteer opportunities, please contact Meghan Foley, Associate Director of Disaster Recovery, at 561-375-6678.