Making a Difference

Members of “Friends of the Quffas” volunteering at a fundraising event at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, MI 2024. Photo by Maryam Qoda

Ways to volunteer in the community

By Jenna Abroo

It’s often said, “It takes a village,” meaning that people rely on their communities to help raise and support their families. This principle extends to making a positive impact on the world around us. A common thread across cultures, religions, and communities is a commitment to charity and service. Volunteering not only fulfills a sense of civic duty but also aligns with our faith. As 1 John 3:18 reminds us: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

There are endless opportunities to make a difference, especially as the holiday season approaches. This is why many students in extracurricular organizations are required to volunteer a certain number of hours in their communities. This is true for students in groups such as the National Honor Society, mentoring programs, sports teams, and faith-based youth groups. Volunteering allows individuals—whether students, professionals, or community members—to make a meaningful impact while also building connections. These relationships can lead to friendships, professional networks, and even additional volunteer opportunities.

At Oakland University, students in the Human Resources program must take a semester-long course focused on volunteering to meet graduation requirements. As a graduate of this program, I was required to complete this course. The assignment involved forming teams, selecting a local nonprofit, and creating a project to support that organization. We were required to track our volunteer hours, report progress to our professor, and present our work at the end of the semester. My group chose Affirmations, a crisis center in Ferndale, Michigan. Their mission is to provide a “welcoming space where people of all expressions and cultures can find support and unconditional acceptance, and where they can learn, grow, socialize, and feel safe.”

Affirmations runs food drives, collects hygiene supplies for the homeless, provides mental health resources, and supports domestic violence survivors. During my time volunteering there, I witnessed firsthand how their work is grounded in kindness and inclusivity. I have continued volunteering with them since. Their commitment to community support makes Affirmations an excellent place to volunteer. For more information, visit their website at goaffirmations.org.

Faith-based volunteering is another great way to get involved. Many churches and religious organizations host regular volunteer events to serve the less fortunate. A great example is St. Mary’s Assyrian Church of the East in Warren, which organizes year-round service opportunities for their parishioners and the broader community. This December, the church is hosting a Bottomless Toy Chest drive to provide less fortunate children with Christmas gifts. For more information, visit stmarysmi.com.

The Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas The Apostle, U.S.A. also runs a charity, Chaldean Charities of America, that supports persecuted Christians and minorities, particularly in Iraq. The organization funds humanitarian services such as food, shelter, medical care, and legal support. Their efforts include the HELPIRAQ.ORG Network, which aids displaced Christians in the Middle East, and the “Adopt a Refugee Family” program, which provides support to families in Jordan and Lebanon. 100% of donations go directly to these initiatives. To learn more, visit chaldeanchurch.org.

Local businesses are also playing a role in community service. Drifter Coffee, a bakery in Ferndale, Michigan, has partnered with the group “Friends of the Quffas” to fundraise for a displaced family from Gaza. The group was formed in 2024 when Rateb Quffa, a Gaza resident, reached out to Michigan businesses for help evacuating his family. Drifter Coffee has hosted several events, including donation-based yoga sessions, movie nights, and craft markets, to raise money. As of November 15, 2024, the group has raised over $32,000 of its $40,000 goal. To support the cause, visit their Instagram at @FriendsoftheQuffas.

Volunteering as a Family

Volunteering as a family is not only a great way to give back to the community, but it also provides a valuable opportunity to teach children the importance of compassion and service at an early age. Many local organizations offer family-friendly volunteer opportunities, allowing parents to engage their children in activities that promote kindness and teamwork. For instance, food banks often welcome families to help sort and package food for those in need. Organizations like Gleaners Community Food Bank and Feeding America have family volunteer days where children as young as five can help with sorting donations or assembling food boxes.

Additionally, some community centers, churches, and nonprofits host “service days” designed for families. These events might include creating care packages for the homeless, cleaning up local parks, or assembling holiday gift baskets for families in need. Volunteering together can be a bonding experience and a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of helping others. Many families also find that these experiences teach kids about empathy, generosity, and the joy that comes from contributing to the well-being of others.

For parents with small children, many organizations provide age-appropriate tasks that kids can participate in. Some volunteer opportunities include making cards or crafts for hospital patients, assembling hygiene kits for homeless shelters, or participating in community clean-up events. These simple yet impactful activities help children understand that their actions—no matter how small—can have a big impact on the lives of others. To find local family volunteer opportunities, check with community centers, churches, or websites like VolunteerMatch that allow you to search by age range or family-friendly events.

The common thread across all these volunteer opportunities is a shared commitment to service. Whether at a crisis center, a church, or a local business supporting important causes, every effort makes a difference. Volunteering not only strengthens communities but brings joy, peace, and solidarity to those who give their time. This holiday season and beyond, consider donating your time to a local soup kitchen, charity event, or outreach organization. The impact of our collective service stretches far beyond what we may ever see.