How many people does it take to change a community?

If you guessed thousands, you're absolutely right. Staff, board members, sponsors, grantors, event volunteers, investment teams, impact committees, employee campaign coordinators, municipal partners, community partners, impact partners... The people connected to United Way are everywhere, and every single one of them plays a role in making Southwest Michigan a better place to live.

Across Southwest Michigan, nonprofits, schools, and community partners rely on volunteers to help meet critical needs. These needs range from fighting hunger to supporting families during the holidays. At United Way of Southwest Michigan, Volunteer United exists to make those connections easier by bringing together organizations with needs and teams of volunteers ready to help. I’d like to tell you about one of those teams: Gast Manufacturing of Benton Harbor.

Southwest Michigan is a community powered by people who step forward—often quietly—to make life better for their neighbors. From mentoring youth and organizing food drives to serving on nonprofit boards and responding in moments of crisis, volunteers are the heartbeat of our region. Their commitment strengthens families, supports nonprofits, and creates lasting change.