
VOLUNTEER WITH UNITED WAY OF MARATHON COUNTY
We can drive greater impact in our community when each of us uses our time, talents, voices and expertise toward a shared objective. Below you will find ways to get more involved in the work United Way of Marathon County is doing to reach our bold goal of lifting 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033.
Contact the office today at 715-848-2927 or contact Carly Hanney, Director of Community Engagement at channey@unitedwaymc.org for questions about any of the upcoming opportunities listed below.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
The Community Closet depends on dedicated volunteers to serve our guests. Volunteering with us is a meaningful way to give back, meet new people, and support individuals and families in need.
We offer two ongoing volunteer opportunities, with a commitment of at least two shifts per month:
- Guest Experience Volunteer: Welcome and assist guests while they shop, ensuring they receive respectful and friendly service.
- Donation Processing Volunteer: Sort, organize, and prepare donations behind the scenes so that high-quality items are available for shoppers.
No prior experience is required. Volunteers receive full training and support. Getting started is simple, and every hour you give directly impacts the lives of our neighbors.
Ready to volunteer? Contact Carly Hanney, Director of Community Engagement, at (715) 298-5719 or channey@unitedwaymc.org to learn more and sign up.
One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
If you want to give back but cannot commit to a regular schedule, one-time volunteer opportunities are a great way to get involved. United Way of Marathon County offers short-term projects that work well for individuals, groups, and workplace teams using VTO (volunteer time off). From sorting clothing donations and packing resource kits to helping with special events, these flexible opportunities let you make a meaningful impact in just a few hours.
First and Third Thursdays at the Community Closet
We offer one-time volunteer opportunities on the First and Third Thursdays of each month from 2-4pm. You will spend an afternoon with a small team helping sort clothing donations, arrange the shopping floor, do some light cleaning, and help with special projects that make the Community Closet a better resource for Marathon County families! No experience needed.
Third Thursday - 08/21/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
First Thursday - 09/04/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
Third Thursday - 09/18/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
First Thursday - 10/02/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
Third Thursday - 10/16/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
First Thursday - 11/06/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
Third Thursday - 11/20/25 - 2:00-4:00pm
Community Closet Seasonal Switchover
Help us prepare the Community Closet for fall! Volunteers will make sure shelves are ready for families to shop right after Labor Day. It’s hands-on, high-impact work that’s perfect for VTO. Sign up for one of these shifts:
Mobile Closet Distribution Events
Help us move closer to our Bold Goal: To Lift 10,000 Community Members to Financial Stability by 2033. By volunteering at the Mobile Community Closet, you will directly support families in Marathon County by providing free clothing, lightening their financial load, and helping them take the next step toward stability.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Unload the Mobile Closet truck and set up the shopping area.
- Assist guests with the check in and check out process, and in finding clothing that meets their needs.
- Pack up the truck at the end of the event.
- Your time will make an immediate and lasting impact on families in your community.
Sign up today to be part of this important work! Contact Carly Hanney at channey@unitedwaymc.org with any questions.
Mobile Closet at Community Center of Hope - Mosinee
Thursday, September 11 - 11:00am-3:00pm
Thursday, November 13 - 11:00am-3:00pm
Mobile Closet at John Muir - Wausau
Farm to Family Produce Program Box Packing
Each week of the growing season, the Hunger Coalition purchases produce from Red Door Family Farm and Cattail Organics, both based out of Athens, WI. This produce gets boxed and distributed to agencies in Marathon County. Your team will help pack the fresh, organic produce into 200 boxes that can more easily be distributed.
This opportunity occurs on Tuesday mornings at 10am and is a good fit for individuals or groups of 3-5.
8/26/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9/2/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9/9/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9/16/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9/23/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9/30/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10/7/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10/14/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10/21/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10/28/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11/4/2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11/11/2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11/18/2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11/25/2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Volunteering at Your Workplace
Clothing Drives: Help us collect the clothing we need to fill the Community Closet! We will provide you with a list of the most needed clothing items, you will set up a collection bin at your workplace and then sort the items by size before bringing them to the Community Closet where guests can get exactly what they need! Click here for more information. Call (715) 298-5719 or email channey@unitedwaymc.org.
Kit Building: We can help relieve a financial burden from households across Marathon County by providing for people’s basic needs – including adult and children’s hygiene items, snack packs, winter care kits, welcome home kits, and calm kits. We offer different levels of support based on your needs and make it easy for you to make a big impact. Click HERE to learn more.
Women United provides members with the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, philanthropic, and fun organization of women leaders that care about our community. They increase the self-sufficiency of women to improve their lives, the lives of their family, and the community as a whole. As a member, you participate at a level that works for you. You can attend events, volunteer for projects, join a committee or graciously make a financial contribution to support projects. Contact Emily at echampine@unitedwaymc.org for more information.
United Way Emerging Leaders is the next generation of professionals who want to make a difference in our community. Through deeper involvement, members gain insight and take action to improve the quality of life today and build the foundation for the work of tomorrow. Our members enjoy exclusive opportunities to network with business leaders, volunteer for projects, and improve the community we serve. More than 450 members enrich their lives and the lives of others through Connect, Serve, and Lead opportunities. Contact Emily at echampine@unitedwaymc.org for more information.
United Way Retire United program is designed for individuals who are retired or nearing retirement and recognize the importance that philanthropy and volunteerism play in building a stronger community.
Your lifetime of skills and experiences can benefit future generations. And we can help you find a meaningful way to stay engaged in the community. For more information call Director of Community Engagement Carly Hanney (715) 298-5719 or email channey@unitedwaymc.org.