Hello, potential volunteers!
We are so glad you're here!!!
We are so excited to have you volunteer with us at United Way of Freeborn County! We have many opportunities to get involved, and there is a place for you here! Volunteers are a vital part of our organization, and they allow us to serve our local community each and every day.
Take a few minutes to look over the roles that need filled and consider what role(s) in which you have an interest. Once you've looked at those, please fill out the application. Once we receive your application, our volunteer manager will reach out to you to help you get started.
Are you looking for a recurring volunteer role?
We have a number of roles and shifts available to you through our programs here at UWFC.
Please fill out the application linked below.
Looking for a short-term role? Community service hours?
We have a number of roles and shifts available to you through our programs here at UWFC.
Please fill out the application linked below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering at the United Way of Freeborn County
We welcome youth volunteers when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We want to be clear that volunteering with us is not intended to be used as a lesson, punishment, or a way to help children “appreciate what they have.” Our approach is centered on dignity and respect for all individuals we serve. Youth volunteers should participate through their own choice. We also encourage a conversation ahead of time about what they may encounter. In a small community, it’s possible they may see classmates, neighbors, or others they know, and it’s important that they’re prepared to handle those situations with respect and confidentiality.
With that said, we want all our volunteers to have a role. That includes our youth volunteers. They should be able to follow directions and operate independently of their parent. We don't want them just hanging out with their parent, but we want them to be actively engaging and helping while they volunteer. Is that the type of experience you were hoping to give your youth? If so, please submit, or have them submit, an online volunteer application after completing yours!
You will receive an automatic application confirmation if you have filled out the online application.
Once we process your application, you will receive an welcome email with a video all volunteers are required to watch yearly, directions on how to log into our volunteer database, and some other helpful information.
Volunteers are asked to sign up for available shifts/roles in our volunteer database.
Our offices are located in the old Streaters' building
411 S. 1st Avenue, Suite A
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Volunteers are asked to park on the south end of the parking lot and enter through the doorway labeled United Way of Freeborn County located at the top of the stairs and accessible wooden ramp.
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Please wear close-toed shoes for your safety.
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Dress for the forecasted weather. This is especially important for roles that involve going in an out of the building (Grocery Carryout).
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Volunteer lockers are available for personal items. Please leave valuable items at home
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A volunteer break room is provided with refrigeration and water.
- During your first shift, please find your way to one of our staff members. Our staff will greet you, give you a short tour, and show you how to clock in for your shift.
- If you are volunteering during at the Welcome Pantry, about 20 minutes before opening, staff will host a volunteer huddle with daily instructions. Staff will introduce you to the other volunteers and/or staff, but please introduce yourself to any volunteers who may arrive later.
- During your shift, please be a friendly, welcoming person to our clients. If you receive any questions you don't know the answer to, please ask a staff member.
- After the clients have come and gone, there are often a number tasks that need to be completed. Examples below:
- Empty trash
- Sweep
- Vacuum
- Wipe down surfaces
- Restock items (Welcome Pantry)
- Etc.
- Once your shift is done, you will clock out at our volunteer kiosk. If you need help with your PIN or remembering how to clock out, just ask another volunteer or staff member. We are always here to help!
- Please wear close-toed shoes for your safety. Volunteer lockers are available for personal items, but we ask for you to please leave valuable items at home.
- A volunteer break room is provided with refrigeration and water.