VOLUNTEERING
When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful and enduring change right in your own neighborhood. Volunteers are at the heart of the Y. We were founded by a volunteer and we continue to be governed by volunteers. A great many of our programs for children, families and people with disabilities are only possible because of the incredible people in our community who volunteer their time.
To ensure the volunteer experience is a rewarding one for everyone, applicants will be contacted for a personal interview to discuss skills, experience, time commitment and any training required.
Volunteering is more than just sharing your time and talent, it's about the satisfaction of knowing you are helping people become stronger, giving back to your community and gaining valuable work experience that will enhance your career opportunities.
See something that interests you? Complete our Intent to Volunteer form to get started.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact:
Brandon Vanderhoof
920.886.2136
bvanderhoof@ymcafoxcities.org
Volunteer Opportunities:
TOGETHERHOOD®
At the Y, we are dedicated to strengthening community by giving back and supporting our neighbors. We invite you to participate in Togetherhood®, a program that gives Y members the opportunity to select, plan, lead and participate in meaningful community service projects that benefit people and organizations right here in our neighborhood! Here are some of the projects currently happening in different YMCA communities around the Fox Cities:
Y-SERVICE CLUB
The Appleton Y-Service Club meets twice per month (September through April) at the Appleton YMCA. Members develop a program schedule, which includes community speakers, Y staff presentations orienting members to Y programs, social events, and planning fundraising events to help the YMCA support innovative, impactful programming for youth, adults, and families.
Location: Appleton YMCA, 218 E. Lawrence St., Appleton, WI
When: Saturday, April 12, 2025 beginning at 8:00 AM
What: Fun and Competitive special event that challenges all areas of fitness.
Location: Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville, WI
When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 9:00-11:00 AM
What: The Adopt-A-Highway program brings together generous volunteers to remove trash, recyclables and litter from roughly 11,800 miles of state, federal and interstate highways.
Location: Camp Shioc, N5414 Pluger Rd, Shiocton, WI
When: Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
What: Assist with opening the camp for summer. Sprucing up shelter, grounds, and pond area. Lunch provided.
Location: 18369 Okonto Lane, Lakewood WI
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
What: We have a project wish list we hope to accomplish on Work Day. If you have a particular skill, trade, or expertise (for example carpentry, electrical, plumbing) that you would like to share at the Work Day, please let us know when you register, and we will have a special project for you. We also need help with raking, cleaning and sprucing up camp for the summer season. While there is no cost to attend this event, we do ask you to register so we can get an accurate count for lunch. Lunch will be provided.
Location: Calder Field Menasha
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025
What: The Sports & Recreation department is in need of volunteers for this year’s Track & Field Meet. With close to 500 athletes participating in our league this season, we need your help to run another successful meet! As a volunteer, you may choose to be a timer/lane assistant or work at our welcoming/ribbon table.
Location: Apple Creek YMCA, 2851 E Apple Creek Rd, Appleton, WI
When: TBD
What: Join us to prepare the large Apple Creek YMCA Garden. We are looking for your help to prepare the garden. Plan to get dirty cleaning up and weeding the space. Please bring gloves & boots, and dress for the weather! We are also looking for ongoing assistance weeding and watering the garden this summer.
Each YMCA puts on special events like family nights and summer block parties. Join us in providing these great opportunities to the community. A few of these events are listed below.
Appleton – Rock the Block Party on Tuesday, July 22
Fox West – Monday, September 22
Heart of the Valley – Christmas in July on Thursday, July 24
Neenah-Menasha – Block Party on Thursday, August 7
Location: Erb Park Pool – Appleton WI
When:
Friday, June 13 | 7:00 PM Setup
Saturday, June 14 | 7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Sunday, June 15 | 7:00 AM-1:00 PM
What: Concessions, Lane timers and set-up/take down help needed throughout event.
Location: Shattuck Park – Neenah, WI
When: Thursday, July 3 | 7:45-8:45 PM
What: Assist with the supervision of the dance party and help hand out giveaways.
Location: Lions Park, Greenville WI
When: Friday, July 11 | 4:00- 8:00 PM
What: Volunteers needed to help set up, monitor, and take down the Tadpole Trot and Y booth.
Location: Erb Park Pool, Appleton WI
When:
Thursday, July 10 | 7:00 PM Setup
Friday, July 11 | 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13 | 7:00 AM-6:00 PM
What: Concessions, Lane timers, and set-up/take-down are needed throughout the event.
Location: Lions Park, Greenville
When: Saturday, October 11 | Time TBD
What: Volunteer opportunities include Course Officials (guiding runners), Timers, Greeters, Finish Line Photographer (to help keep runners in order) and a Pace Biker. It is a great day and a fun day. Volunteers could commit to part or all of the morning.
Location: Heart of the Valley YMCA – 225 W. Kennedy Ave, Kimberly WI
When:
Set up - Friday, November 7.
Competition - Friday, November 7, Saturday, November 8 & Sunday, November 9
Take down – Sunday, November 9
What: Blocks of time are available to assist with set up, data entry, music, score cards, concessions, take down and more.
Assist with our annual runs. Opportunities include registration, water stations, food and beverage, course set-up and take-down, finish line, refreshments, and intersection control.
Freaky 5K
Location: Pierce Park, 1000 W. Prospect Ave. Appleton
When: Saturday, October 25 8:30 AM
What: 5K Run/Walk, Kids 1K Fun Run
Festival Foods Turkey Trot
Location: Fox Cities Exhibition Center
When:
Wednesday, November 26 | NOON–6:00 PM
Thursday, November 27 | 6:00–10:00 AM
Sign up for volunteer opportunities at festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com
Location: Riverside Park – Neenah WI
When: Sunday, September 21, 2025
What: Volunteer with the YMCA of the Fox Cities’ team in the food tent! This rewarding volunteer experience involves handing out food to the marathon participants who have completed the race. It is great fun, the time passes quickly, and the marathon participants are grateful. Come join us for a fun-filled activity. Sign up for volunteer opportunities beginning in July at www.foxcitiesmarathon.org/volunteer.
Volunteer to assist with activities and fun at Camp Hope. Camp Hope is a 2-week-long day camp for children ages 6-12 with physical and cognitive disabilities. This camp gives children the opportunity to experience outdoor activities in a safe setting built around special themes each day.
Location: Appleton Montessori School – Plamann Park
When: July 7-18, 2025 | 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Time blocks are available during the day.
Camp Inspiration is a two-week-long day camp for children ages 13-18 with physical and cognitive disabilities. This camp gives children the opportunity to experience outdoor activities in a safe setting built around special themes each day.
Location: Appleton Montessori School – Plamann Park
When: July 21-August 1, 2025 | 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Time blocks are available during the day.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:
Help keep the YMCA grounds and garden looking beautiful. Tasks include weeding, planting, lawn mowing and watering. Opportunities are available at many YMCA branches!
Apple Creek YMCA, 2851 E Apple Creek Rd, Appleton, WI
Volunteers are needed for many outdoor tasks such as tree trimming, trail maintenance, brush removal and more. Hours and dates are flexible and weather dependent, with most occurring in the spring and summer. Individuals and small groups can be easily accommodated.
Appleton YMCA Early Learning Center would welcome volunteers to read to children or lead an art project. Times available on any Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9 -11AM. Staff will provide reading and art materials we just need your energy and smiles.
YMCA Locations: Appleton, Fox West, Heart of the Valley, and Neenah-Menasha
Provide skill development in a variety of sport leagues. Instill our character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Provide young athletes with a good role model for sportsmanship and teamwork. Sports include Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer, T-Ball, Track and Field, Volleyball.
Leagues days: Saturdays and/or weeknights, 2-6 hours per week for 6–8-week sessions.
Assist with raising funds March-August.
This group will work with staff, Board and community members from throughout the YMCA Association to solicit our donors and sponsorships.
Special Events Committees - Golf Outing Committee
Timeframe: March through August
This committee will assist in the planning of our Annual Golf Outing Monday, August 26
North Shore Golf Club. As a committee member, we would ask that you assist with the following:
- Attend monthly meetings beginning in March.
- Secure event sponsors
- Acquire live auction donations.
- Volunteer the day of event if not golfing.