Needs From: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Volunteer: Community Auctions Volunteer 

Are you available for a quick, hands-on task that supports United Way of Southeast Minnesota’s fundraising efforts? We’re looking for a Community Auctions Volunteer to help us keep our auction tables looking sharp and running smoothly. 


This essential volunteer helps us raise over $1,000 each month through our partnership with Community Auctions! 


Time Commitment:  

A flexible, weekly volunteer project that must be completed by Thursday each week (you can choose to complete it on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday; whatever works best with your schedule!)  

30 minutes to one hour (depending on the location spread) each week  

Minimum of four weeks (one month) commitment  

Initial training provided – approximately 30 minutes   

Volunteer Requirements 

Must have a valid driver’s license or alternative transportation method to reach four to five locations throughout Rochester each week.  

Must commit to a minimum of four weeks (one month) of volunteering after receiving initial training. 

Mileage reimbursement provided at the current IRS set reimbursement rate, for travel to locations from United Way office. Must submit United Way reimbursement request form monthly to receive mileage reimbursement.  

What You’ll Do 

Visit four to five local businesses each week with pre-set up silent auction tables.  Complete a simple table refresh to keep our auction tables organized and up to date.  

Volunteer Tasks:  

1. Take photos of any bid sheets with bidder information; remove any scribbled or irrelevant sheets.  

2. Replace old bid sheets, straighten pens, and tidy the table.  

3. Upload the photos and log the number of bid sheets in the Community Auctions portal.  

4. Take a photo of the refreshed table and upload it to the portal.  

5. Log and report any issues (such as damaged or missing items) in the portal comments and notify us so we can follow up with Community Auctions.  

6. Once all locations have been refreshed, submit the action in the Community Auctions portal to ensure all uploads are recorded properly.  

7. Repeat this process for each of the four to five locations.  

Interested?  

Contact Sam Lewis, Development Operations Coordinator, at saml@uwsemn.org or 507-287-2487 for more information or to start volunteering.  


Agency: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Are you available for a quick, hands-on task that supports United Way of Southeast Minnesota’s fundraising efforts? We’re looking for a Community Auctions Volunteer to help us keep our auction tables looking sharp and running smoothly. 


This essential volunteer helps us raise over $1,000 each month through our partnership with Community Auctions! 


Time Commitment:  

A flexible, weekly volunteer project that must be completed by Thursday each week (you can choose to complete it on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday; whatever works best with your schedule!)  

30 minutes to one hour (depending on the location spread) each week  

Minimum of four weeks (one month) commitment  

Initial training provided – approximately 30 minutes   

Volunteer Requirements 

Must have a valid driver’s license or alternative transportation method to reach four to five locations throughout Rochester each week.  

Must commit to a minimum of four weeks (one month) of volunteering after receiving initial training. 

Mileage reimbursement provided at the current IRS set reimbursement rate, for travel to locations from United Way office. Must submit United Way reimbursement request form monthly to receive mileage reimbursement.  

What You’ll Do 

Visit four to five local businesses each week with pre-set up silent auction tables.  Complete a simple table refresh to keep our auction tables organized and up to date.  

Volunteer Tasks:  

1. Take photos of any bid sheets with bidder information; remove any scribbled or irrelevant sheets.  

2. Replace old bid sheets, straighten pens, and tidy the table.  

3. Upload the photos and log the number of bid sheets in the Community Auctions portal.  

4. Take a photo of the refreshed table and upload it to the portal.  

5. Log and report any issues (such as damaged or missing items) in the portal comments and notify us so we can follow up with Community Auctions.  

6. Once all locations have been refreshed, submit the action in the Community Auctions portal to ensure all uploads are recorded properly.  

7. Repeat this process for each of the four to five locations.  

Interested?  

Contact Sam Lewis, Development Operations Coordinator, at saml@uwsemn.org or 507-287-2487 for more information or to start volunteering.  


Agency: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 55902

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Mini Library Book Stocking

United Way of Southeast Minnesota Is an organization that connections people to resources. We focus on the building blocks of a good quality of life, education being one of those. We need your help to keep great books accessible to communities!   

This volunteer opportunity calls for stocking our local mini libraries with donated children’s books.. By keeping mini libraries stocked with books we are  inspiring readers and expanding access to books. .    

This volunteer opportunity is one you can do whenever works for your schedule! Your time commitment could be a one-time project or a regular book distribution schedule so please specify how you would like to be engaged on this project.   

Books will be available at the United Way service building located at 903 West Center Street suite 100. Please schedule book pick up from our office. Here’s a guide to help you get started: 

Identify Locations:  We will provide map showing the locations of mini libraries around town. We will give input on what locations other volunteers have dropped books off at already, though we cannot guarantee that all the locations we suggest will have room for our books. We will suggest 3-5 libraries at a time, though you are welcome to do more!  Books pickup :  Schedule pickup from Unite Way services building by calling the front desk at  507-287-2000 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. United Way will arrange the books.  Distribute Books:  Volunteers will take a mix of books to each location to ensure a variety of genres and age-appropriate selections are shared among various locations.  

Locating Mini Libraries in Rochester, MN:

To find a mini library near you, please follow these steps: click here for the map tool

1. Enter Your Zip Code or "Rochester, MN": Use the search bar on the map tool.

2. Locate the Nearest Mini Library: The map will display the mini libraries closest to your entered location.

3. Select Your Preferred Mini Library: Click on a library marker on the map to view more details or directions.

For more information, contact our Impact Operations Associate, Zeni Aly at 507-287-7877 or zenia@uwolmsted.org. Thank you for giving back to your community!

Agency: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

United Way of Southeast Minnesota Is an organization that connections people to resources. We focus on the building blocks of a good quality of life, education being one of those. We need your help to keep great books accessible to communities!   

This volunteer opportunity calls for stocking our local mini libraries with donated children’s books.. By keeping mini libraries stocked with books we are  inspiring readers and expanding access to books. .    

This volunteer opportunity is one you can do whenever works for your schedule! Your time commitment could be a one-time project or a regular book distribution schedule so please specify how you would like to be engaged on this project.   

Books will be available at the United Way service building located at 903 West Center Street suite 100. Please schedule book pick up from our office. Here’s a guide to help you get started: 

Identify Locations:  We will provide map showing the locations of mini libraries around town. We will give input on what locations other volunteers have dropped books off at already, though we cannot guarantee that all the locations we suggest will have room for our books. We will suggest 3-5 libraries at a time, though you are welcome to do more!  Books pickup :  Schedule pickup from Unite Way services building by calling the front desk at  507-287-2000 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. United Way will arrange the books.  Distribute Books:  Volunteers will take a mix of books to each location to ensure a variety of genres and age-appropriate selections are shared among various locations.  

Locating Mini Libraries in Rochester, MN:

To find a mini library near you, please follow these steps: click here for the map tool

1. Enter Your Zip Code or "Rochester, MN": Use the search bar on the map tool.

2. Locate the Nearest Mini Library: The map will display the mini libraries closest to your entered location.

3. Select Your Preferred Mini Library: Click on a library marker on the map to view more details or directions.

For more information, contact our Impact Operations Associate, Zeni Aly at 507-287-7877 or zenia@uwolmsted.org. Thank you for giving back to your community!

Agency: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 55902

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: High Schoolers: Earn Your Varsity Letter in Community Service!

What is Varsity Letter in Community Service? 

Through the Varsity Letter in Community Service (VLCS) program, United Way of Olmsted County partners with high schools in our coverage area- Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted and Winona Counties- to recognize and reward students for their volunteer efforts in the community. High school students who volunteer 100 hours in one program year can earn their school varsity letter. With 52 weeks in a year, that is equivalent to about 2 hours per week!

We invite students to explore Get Connected for local volunteer opportunities. 

2024-2025 School Year Applications are due Saturday, March 1, 2025.  Learn more at: www.uwolmsted.org/volunteer (Click on the Varsity Letter in Community Service tab)

How to Apply Review the 2024-2025 application packet.  If you're new to VLCS, email Sonja so she knows you're interested and can answer any questions you may have!Keep track of your volunteer hours throughout the year. You will be asked to turn in a volunteer hour tracker with your application.  Each time you volunteer, either take a photo OR get your volunteer supervisor to sign a piece of organization letterhead or send Sonja an email verifying your volunteer time. Complete a reflection piece that includes:What you have learned about yourself during your volunteer experiences over the program yearWhat you have discovered about your community through your volunteer experienceWhat you enjoyed most about the experienceHow you feel this experience has shaped your worldview Turn in all application materials to United Way of Olmsted County by March 1, 2025:Your reflection piece Volunteer hour tracker Verification for each organization you volunteered withThe personal information and signature sheet

Application Materials

All supplemental materials including Requirements & Resources, Volunteer Hour Trackers, and FAQs are included in the application packet. 

Email Sonja Sommerfeldt, Impact Program Coordinator sonjas@uwolmsted.org with any questions. 

Important Dates Hours are for eligible volunteer work from March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025. Application deadline is on or before March 1, 2025. You may email sonjas@uwolmsted.org OR mail/hand deliver your application to our office at: United Way of Olmsted County, 903 West Center Street, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55902, Attn: Sonja Sommerfeldt VLCS What to Expect After You Apply United Way of Olmsted County will notify you via email that we have received your application. United Way of Olmsted County will notify you by April 1, 2025 with a determination of whether you are receiving this award. A student who qualifies for the Varsity Letter in Community Service, will receive an award certificate and a community service pin from United Way of Olmsted County if he/she is a first, second, third or fourth year earning the award. These are currently free of charge. Participating high schools will offer the school's varsity letter and any associated acknowledgements/awards.

Agency: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

What is Varsity Letter in Community Service? 

Through the Varsity Letter in Community Service (VLCS) program, United Way of Olmsted County partners with high schools in our coverage area- Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted and Winona Counties- to recognize and reward students for their volunteer efforts in the community. High school students who volunteer 100 hours in one program year can earn their school varsity letter. With 52 weeks in a year, that is equivalent to about 2 hours per week!

We invite students to explore Get Connected for local volunteer opportunities. 

2024-2025 School Year Applications are due Saturday, March 1, 2025.  Learn more at: www.uwolmsted.org/volunteer (Click on the Varsity Letter in Community Service tab)

How to Apply Review the 2024-2025 application packet.  If you're new to VLCS, email Sonja so she knows you're interested and can answer any questions you may have!Keep track of your volunteer hours throughout the year. You will be asked to turn in a volunteer hour tracker with your application.  Each time you volunteer, either take a photo OR get your volunteer supervisor to sign a piece of organization letterhead or send Sonja an email verifying your volunteer time. Complete a reflection piece that includes:What you have learned about yourself during your volunteer experiences over the program yearWhat you have discovered about your community through your volunteer experienceWhat you enjoyed most about the experienceHow you feel this experience has shaped your worldview Turn in all application materials to United Way of Olmsted County by March 1, 2025:Your reflection piece Volunteer hour tracker Verification for each organization you volunteered withThe personal information and signature sheet

Application Materials

All supplemental materials including Requirements & Resources, Volunteer Hour Trackers, and FAQs are included in the application packet. 

Email Sonja Sommerfeldt, Impact Program Coordinator sonjas@uwolmsted.org with any questions. 

Important Dates Hours are for eligible volunteer work from March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025. Application deadline is on or before March 1, 2025. You may email sonjas@uwolmsted.org OR mail/hand deliver your application to our office at: United Way of Olmsted County, 903 West Center Street, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55902, Attn: Sonja Sommerfeldt VLCS What to Expect After You Apply United Way of Olmsted County will notify you via email that we have received your application. United Way of Olmsted County will notify you by April 1, 2025 with a determination of whether you are receiving this award. A student who qualifies for the Varsity Letter in Community Service, will receive an award certificate and a community service pin from United Way of Olmsted County if he/she is a first, second, third or fourth year earning the award. These are currently free of charge. Participating high schools will offer the school's varsity letter and any associated acknowledgements/awards.

Agency: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 55901

Allow Groups: No