Match site allows nonprofit volunteers to Get Connected

MIDDLETOWN — Volunteers are truly the backbone of many nonprofits. They fill vital roles that help keep organizations up and running and allow them to continue to help those in need who may otherwise go without.

Here at Middlesex United Way, we couldn’t do our work without them. We rely on volunteers for everything from helping to collect food donations to making funding decisions. We are so grateful for their work and expertise, and we’re proud to say that we had more than 800 volunteers involved in our work last year.

We frequently receive calls and website visits from individuals looking to get involved in volunteering. We match hundreds each year with local nonprofits seeking help. If you are involved with a nonprofit seeking volunteers or you are someone looking to give back (individually or as a group), we invite you to visit our volunteer match website, Volunteer Connection.

Volunteer Connection helps local nonprofit organizations meet the increased demand for services by matching more than 500 registered users to opportunities that align with their interests, skills and time availability. Visitors to the site will be able to find the organization that best aligns with their goals and schedule and donate their time to truly make a difference.

If you are someone looking to get involved, visitors to the site can browse for opportunities or become a “fan” of your organization to receive an email when you post a new need. This can be particularly helpful to students sometimes challenged in finding volunteering opportunities in their area that work with their busy schedule.

Nonprofit organizations looking for volunteers can use Volunteer Connection to create one-time or ongoing opportunities, manage referrals and record volunteer hours. Volunteers can also register and search the site by keyword, agency or length of volunteer commitment. Recently, our Volunteer Connections page helped River Valley Services gain two new board directors from its posting/ advertisement on the page.

Simply visit getconnected.middlesexunitedway.org and create an account for your organization. Once your account is approved, you’ll be able to post volunteer opportunities, events, photos and more. The site is easy to use, and if you get stuck, there are instructions and videos to help you out. Last year, this portal received over 12,000 views, and around 100 new volunteers sign up annually.

Local nonprofits already using the site include Adelbrook, American Red Cross of Connecticut, Middlesex Habitat for Humanity, Amazing Grace/St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, St. Luke’s Community Services, Columbus House, Women and Families Center, United Labor Agency and more. Currently featured is an opportunity to provide fundraising event help to Seamster Park Playground in East Hampton. Duties include planning, organizing and running various fundraising activities.

We hope this site will continue to facilitate longlasting partnerships between volunteers and local organizations. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to call us at 860-3468695 or contact us at maria.wood@middlesexunitedway.org

Contributed photo / Middlesex United Way Employees of Change Inc. in Middletown recently donated their time and efforts at YMCA Camp Ingersoll in Portland after joining the Middlesex United Way’s match website, Volunteer Connection.