While COVID-19 continues to impact our lives, keeping us home and safe, somethings have not changed, like the need for volunteers at nonprofits.
Enter virtual volunteering, a way to help nonprofits from home, and keeping safety standards. DTE pivoted to virtual volunteering in order to continue our mission to inspire and encourage engagement in the communities where we live and serve.
Opportunities vary from transcribing documents and virtual book reading to writing letters to those in need. Some volunteers are getting creative, like Rebecca Foley, information coordinator – FG Monroe, Chelsea Garrison, contractor – FG Monroe, and Lauren Foley, associate planner in training – DO. They have been making cards for seniors who may be experiencing isolation during the pandemic in the Muskegon area. So far, they have made 120 cards!
For others, there are more personal ties. Stephanie Kerwin, manager – fleet administration and operation, was raised by a middle school and high school science teacher, who promoted women in STEM. Stephanie’s daughters were inspired by this, attending Sally Ride Science programs at University of Michigan in their summers, to eventually become a doctor, ICU nurse and business woman. When Stephanie learned that DTE had swapped its physical volunteer opportunities to virtual, including transcribing historical documents for the Smithsonian, she jumped at the opportunity to transcribe Sally Ride’s journals from her space travels.
As the pandemic continues to impact our lives, nonprofits will continue to need a helping hand, and DTE volunteers are willing and ready to step in! Nonprofits in need of skills-based volunteers can submit this form, and will be paired with DTE volunteers when available.