Yesterday wrapped the 22nd Women’s Service Day and we wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to our volunteers, participating agencies, and all who attended any portion of this incredible day of service!
Despite the rain, 130 volunteers showed up to serve 16 agencies in the morning and afternoon!
Many participants and agency representatives joined us for our mid-day celebration, including lunch and fundraiser benefiting Ready for School. We are thrilled that our volunteers raised $2482 during our lunch fundraiser. Along with a match and bonus from the MillerKnoll Foundation, the grand fundraising total was $3482!
Plus, volunteers donated several boxes of clothing for Cora’s Care Closet at Children’s Advocacy Center, for children and teens leaving homes of abuse or neglect.
We are always interested in how we can improve Women’s Service Day for next year. If there was anything you loved or thought could use improvement, please share your feedback here anonymously.
For now, we just want to say thank you for opening your hearts, pulling on your work clothes, and supporting your community!
– The Women’s Service Day Organizing Committee
Nancy Corvers, Marcia Davis, Cindy De Graaf, Sue Gadbois, Jamila Jawahir, Alison Lechner, Lois Maassen, Carolyn Maalouf, Angie Martin, Jill Ryan
We are so excited for your enthusiastic participation on Women’s Service Day this year. Here’s what to expect.
Please review your SignUpGenius communications to be sure you know what clothing or equipment might be helpful to your specific assignment.
Morning or all-day session: Plan to arrive at your worksite in Holland at 8:30 a.m and come to the Mid-Day Celebration by noon.
Afternoon session:Join our Mid-Day Celebration at noon, then head to your worksite by 1:30 p.m.
Mid-Day Celebration Downtown Holland: If you signed up to attend, a $10 donation will cover your lunch, including sandwich, chips, fruit, home-baked cookies, coffee and water. (Directions to Hope Church: centrally located at 77 West Eleventh Street in Holland–between River and Pine Avenues, just south of downtown Holland and west of Centennial Park.)
We’ll hold a raffle to support Ready for School. Proceeds from our raffle will support Ready for SchoolPreschool Scholarships for 3-year-olds to help alleviate the serious strain on the family budget of preschool tuition. The raffle is your chance to take home some incredible items including Herman Miller chairs, gift cards from local businesses, and handmade art from local artisans! Cash, check and Venmo are accepted. Every Mid-Day Celebration attendee will receive one free raffle ticket!
We’ll also collect items to donate to Cora’s Care Closet at Children’s Advocacy Center, for children and teens leaving homes of abuse or neglect—often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We are requesting NEW coats, boots, hats, and mittens for children (including teenagers):
Coats: Children’s sizes 7-8, through adult XL
Boots: Children’s size 1 to adult size 10
Last-minute change in plans (sickness, business crisis, etc.)? Please update your registration in SignUpGenius or email us as soon as possible. To contact event organizers the day of the event, call or text Cindy at (616) 368-0346.
Follow the day through photos on Facebook and Instagram (@womensserviceday) and updates on Twitter (@womenserviceday). Share your experiences with the hashtag #WSDHolland!
Looking forward to seeing you October 5!
The Women’s Service Day Organizing Committee
Nancy Corvers, Marcia Davis, Cindy De Graaf, Sue Gadbois, Jamila Jawahir, Alison Lechner, Lois Maassen, Carolyn Maalouf, Angie Martin, Jill Ryan
For Women’s Service Day this year, there are multiple ways to help our community: Your volunteer efforts during the day, plus our fundraiser raffle and donation drive during the Mid-Day Celebration.
2) Come to the Mid-Day Celebration, have a sandwich, apple, homemade cookies, coffee, and bottled water for just $10, and participate in our raffle to raise funds forReady for School. Everyone who attends the Mid-Day Celebration receives a free raffle ticket!
All proceeds will go toward Preschool Scholarships for 3-year-olds in our community to help alleviate the serious strain on the family budget of preschool tuition. Bring your generosity! Cash and Venmo are accepted.
Our donation drive will benefit Cora’s Care Closet at Children’s Advocacy Center, for children and teens leaving homes of abuse or neglect—often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We are requesting NEW winter outerwear—coats, boots, hats, and mittens for children (including teenagers):
We’re excited to announce the agencies we’ll be supporting on Women’s Service Day October 5. There are three ways to help: Your volunteer efforts during the day, plus our fundraiser raffle and donation drive during the Mid-Day Celebration.
Please help us stay in touch with women whose email addresses have changed. Forward this email to friends and colleagues, and opt in to our email communications with your preferred email address to be certain.
Join us as we celebrate our 22nd year! Women’s Service Day 2023 is planned for Thursday, October 5, and it’s time to sign up! To be a part of this West Michigan day of volunteering and make a difference in our community, pleaseregister by September 28.
You Can Make an Impact
Philanthropic giving in the US has declined, following two years of record generosity. These decreases in giving can affect the ability of nonprofit organizations to meet needs and fulfill their missions. When you volunteer on Women’s Service Day, you’ll have the opportunity to help one or two of the 17 West Michigan agencies that support women and families.
Join us for our Mid-Day Celebration and receive a free raffle ticket!
Participate in our raffle to raise funds to help increase children’s readiness for kindergarten.
Bring donations in kind to the Mid-Day Celebration and help meet emergency needs for children of sexual abuse.
What to Expect
For a morning or all-day session, plan to arrive at your worksite in Holland at 8:30 a.m. and come to the Mid-Day Celebration (noon – 1:00). For an afternoon session, kick off the fun at our Mid-Day Celebration at noon and head to your worksite by 1:30. A $10 donation will cover your lunch from Joe2Go, a local, woman-owned business.
We’ll hold a raffle to supportReady for School. All proceeds will go toward Preschool Scholarships for 3-year-olds in our community to help alleviate the serious strain on the family budget of preschool tuition. Bring your generosity! Cash and Venmo are accepted.
Our donation drive will benefit Cora’s Care Closet atChildren’s Advocacy Center, for children and teens leaving homes of abuse or neglect—often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We are requesting NEW winter outerwear—coats, boots, hats, and mittens. (Details to follow!)
How to Register
We’re again usingonline registration by SignUpGenius, which allows you to choose specifically where and when you’d like to volunteer on Women’s Service Day. Volunteer opportunities are limited; they’ll be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please keep two things in mind: Most agencies require that volunteers be 18 or older; look for notes on the few that are available to younger volunteers. And because some of our volunteers have physical limitations, please choose options that align with your capabilities.
If you’re not familiar with SignUpGenius, just follow these four easy steps:
GO TO THE FORM:Click here to go to the WSD 2023 Registration Form on SignUpGenius.
CHOOSE YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Click on the green “Sign Up” button next to a volunteer opportunity you’d like to do. To volunteer all day, choose both a morning and an afternoon assignment.
If you have a physical limitation and don’t see an appropriate task for your abilities on the list, please contact us at womensserviceday@gmail.com. We definitely have a place for you.
Once you’ve picked your assignment(s), click on the big purple “Submit and Sign Up” button.
SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT: Create a SignUpGenius account (or log in if you already have one). This will allow you to get email reminders and other important messages about the event.
Complete the remaining questions on the form and click the big green “SIGN UP NOW” button.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: You’re now all set for WSD on October 5! We’re counting on you, so make sure you add your assignment(s) to your calendar.
And by all means, please invite your friends to sign up — the more the merrier!
Once you sign-up, you’ll receive confirmation that we’ve received your information, and you’ll be on an email distribution list for future event communications. Remember, we’re counting on you! We plan our agency projects based on the number of registrants, so please be sure it’s on your calendar.
Watch for additional details about our event in future blog posts!
Looking to serve women and children in our community this year? Mark your calendars for October 5, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This year marks 22 years of Women’s Service Day, a one-day volunteer event in support of nonprofit organizations that serve women and children in Holland, MI. We have an exciting lineup of agencies to volunteer with in person along with great opportunities to help with fundraising or donation drives for participating nonprofits that are doing amazing work.
Now is the time to recruit your friends and colleagues! There will be more communication throughout the summer about Women’s Service Day, including a registration email – so feel free to forward this announcement to anyone who might be interested. We will share the date on all of our social media accounts as well (details below).
Please help us stay in touch with women whose email addresses have changed. Forward this email to friends and colleagues, and opt in to our email communications with your preferred email address to be certain.
We’re still buzzing from the success of this year’s Women’s Service Day and wanted to share some of the stories about our incredible volunteers! Below is just a sample – if you have any special moments from your experience as a volunteer, we’d love to hear! Send an email to womensserviceday@gmail.com.
Harvest Stand Ministries
“I just wanted to share a story with you from this last week. We absolutely loved having the volunteer group here and they were wonderful to work with. They served doing things that are not the most fun things to do and they did it with a smile. The ladies asked a lot of questions and we loved the opportunity to meet them and share with them about our mission. One of the things that they asked was what items we have the greatest need for, they noticed working in the pantry that we have a lot of some items but hardly any of others. I shared with them that we are often low on things like pasta sauce, cooking oil, snacks, breakfast items, condiments, etc. When I came in on Saturday to get ready for an event, we had entire cases of these items on our shelves. Now I don’t know if these ladies dropped the donations off, but it was such a blessing to us either way. I wanted you to know that THEY were such a blessing to us. Thank you”
– Jessica Starks | Office and Communications Coordinator
Kids Food Basket
Our incredible volunteers packed packed 741 meals for that evening PLUS 626 meals for the following night in one session! Way to go!
Nestlings
The morning crew at Nestlings set an agency record for the most diapers wrapped in a session: 14, 412 diapers total! Our agency contact stated that they usually can wrap about 20,000 in a week, but our volunteers nearly hit that number in just a few hours!! Way to go!
The Period Project
The Period Project was very happy with the collection of personal care products–nearly everything was suitable for their purposes! Thanks to all of your donations, we donated 4 large boxes of supplies for girls in need.
Eighth Day Farm
The Eighth Day Farm team was so appreciative of all volunteers and for the donation from the charity fundraiser, which was matched by MillerKnoll Cares and equaled $4875.86 in total!
Community Action House Kitchen
The leftovers from lunch were sent to Community Kitchen. Their chef was so grateful! We donated two large pots of chili, sugar, flour, garlic, dessert, etc. Enough to feed quite a few.
Thank you again to all who donated, participated, and showed up to support Women’s Service Day 2022! You are the reason we are able to help so many in our community!
Yesterday wrapped the 21st Women’s Service Day and we wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to our volunteers, participating agencies, and all who attended any portion of this incredible day of service!
130 volunteers across 13 agencies
(To see our historical numbers of hours volunteered, funds raised, and gifts in kind donated, visit our History page that highlights two decades of philanthropy from our community.)
This year was a beautiful, sunny fall day that featured 130 volunteers registered to serve 13 agencies in the morning and afternoon. Many participants and agency representatives joined us for our networking and charity lunch to benefit Eighth Day Farm.
We are thrilled that our volunteers raised $2875.86. Along with a match and bonus from the MillerKnoll Foundation, the grand fundraising total was $4875.86! Plus, volunteers donated a several boxes of feminine products for The Period Project.
Stay tuned for the full story with event photos to see all we accomplished in just one day!
For now, we just want to say thank you for opening your hearts, pulling on your work clothes, and supporting your community!
– The Women’s Service Day Organizing Committee
Nancy Corvers, Harris Hof, Marcia Davis, Cindy DeGraaf, Sue Gadbois, Alison Lechner, Lois Maassen, Carolyn Maalouf, Angie Martin, Jill Ryan
We are so excited for your enthusiastic participation on Women’s Service Day this year!
Here’s what to expect:
Volunteer Crews
Please review your SignUpGenius communications to be sure you know what clothing or equipment might be helpful to your specific assignment.
For a morning or all-day crew, plan to arrive at your worksite in Holland at 8:30 a.m (or 9 a.m. if volunteering with Kids Food Basket).
For an afternoon crew, plan to arrive at our lunch location by noon for a celebration lunch. If you are unable to attend the luncheon, please arrive at your worksite by 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Details
Our lunch celebration will be from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hope Church, centrally located at 77 West Eleventh Street in Holland (between River and Pine Avenues, just south of downtown Holland and west of Centennial Park).
Note that Pine Avenue is closed for construction from 10th Street south. Enter 10th Street from the east to park on the street or in the church parking lot, or park in the west lot (furthest from the building) of the United Methodist church, just north of Hope Church between 9th and 10th Streets. Overflow parking is available in the back lot of the Methodist Church across the street from Hope church. Please do not park in the front lot of the Methodist Church.
A $10 donation will cover your lunch, with any surplus to be donated to Eighth Day Farm.
We’ll hold a raffle to support Eighth Day Farm. Proceeds from our raffle (tickets are $5 or 3 for $12; or $10 each or 3 for $25) will support Eighth Day Farm in providing donated fresh, locally grown produce to Community Action House and their Food Club. Bring your wallet! (We’ll accept cash, check, credit card, and Venmo.)
More details on lunch and the charity fundraiser can be found here.
Donation Drive
We’ll also collect items to donate toPeriod Project 49423. Here are the items they need most:
1. Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths (individually wrapped wipes)
See the full wish list of items here. Please bring your donations to lunch! We’ll have boxes ready to collect them.
Last-minute change in plans (sickness, business crisis, etc.)? Please update your registration in SignUpGenius or email us as soon as possible. To contact event organizers the day of the event, call or text Angie at (616) 283-3341.
Follow the day through photos on Facebook and Instagram (@womensserviceday) and updates on Twitter (@womenserviceday). Share your experiences with the hashtag #WSDHolland!
Looking forward to seeing you Thursday!
The Women’s Service Day Organizing Committee
Nancy Corvers, Harris Hof, Marcia Davis, Cindy DeGraaf, Sue Gadbois, Alison Lechner, Lois Maassen, Carolyn Maalouf, Angie Martin, Jill Ryan
Here is the complete list of all prizes that will be available to bid on during the lunch portion of Women’s Service Day 2022. In addition to morning and afternoon volunteer sessions with this year’s nonprofit organizations, the WSD hosts a networking lunch and charity fundraiser, which will benefit Eight Day Farm in partnership with Community Action House. This lunch is your opportunity to meet other folks in the Holland community and a chance to bid on some amazing prizes!
Furniture
1. Herman Miller Keyn Office Chair. $695.00. Donated by Office Outlet in Zeeland, MI. Value: $695.00.
Keyn Chair
2. Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair. Donated by MillerKnoll Foundation. Value: $1400.
Aeron Chair #1
3. Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair. Donated by MillerKnoll Foundation (Picture is only representative of product: colors and options may change.) Value: $1200.
Aeron Chair #2
4. Haworth Maari Chair. Donated by Marcia Davis. Value: $450
Maari Chair
Homewares & Food
1. Wine Basket#1 including three bottles of wine, air drying rack, wine opener. Donated by Nancy Corvers. Value: $50.
Wine Basket #1
2. Wine Basket #2 including three bottles of wine, bottle opener, three wine stoppers. Donated by Angie Martin. Value: $45
Wine Basket #2
3. Fustini’s Olive Oil Sampler, donated by Anonymous. Each bottle is 2 oz. Value: $35.00.
Fustini’s Sampler
4. Four Michigan wine glasses and a bottle of wine from Warner’s, donated by Anonymous. Value: $45.00.
Warner’s Wine & Glasses
5. Crane’s Preserve Gift Basket, includes: Three 12 oz. preserves. Donated by: Crane’s Pie Pantry, Restaurant & Winery. Value: $20
19. Clutter Keeper 15-Pocket Hanging Organizer. Donated by Carrie Ypma.
Clutter Keeper #1
20. Clutter Keeper 44-Pocket Hanging Organizer. Donated by Carrie Ypma.
Clutter Keeper #2
Treat Yo ‘Self
1. Spa Basket, includes: Custom made Libra candle, soy candle, body wrap, body lotion, HUM supplement, self-tan facial crème, towel, wax melts and hair band. Donated by: Nicole McAndrew with Furry Friends Pet Recovery & Stephen Ales. Value: $75
Spa Basket
2. Gift Bag from Harbor Health Massage containing healing balm, hemp muscle relief, hand & body soap, lip balm, & body butter bar. Donated by Harbor Health and Massage. Value: $75.
Harbor Health Gift Bag
4. Fall Spice of Life Gift Basket. Includes: Yankee candle, Bath & Body Works shower gel, bath bar, Hempz lotion and loofah. Donated by: Anonymous. Value: $75.
Fall Gifts
5. Mary Kay Timewise Miracle Set, package of 4. Donated by Nancy Kempker. Value: $120.
Mary Kay Gifts
6. Gift Card to Engels Jewelry in Grandville. Gift bag contains $50 gift certificate, jewelry cleaner, and cleaning cloth. Donated by Engels Jewelry. Value $50.
Engels Jewelry Gift Card Bag
7. Crazy Horse Gift Certificate (1of 2) . Donated by Sally & John Janssen. Value: $50
Crazy Horse Gift Card
8. Crazy Horse Gift Certificate (2 of 2). Donated by Sally & John Janssen. Value: $50
Crazy Horse Gift Card
9. An original artwork by local artist Erin Drews. “Macaroni & Magnolias,” 9″ by 12″ piece, Oil, Acrylic, and Oil Pastel on cradled Wood Panel. Donated by the artist. Value: $140.
Painting by Erin Drews
10. Scenery Photography Note Cards. Donated by Mary Hildore. Value: $24
Scenery Note Cards
11. Floral Photography Note Cards. Donated by Mary Hildore. Value: $24
Floral Note Cards
12. Hua Garment, can be worn 20+ different ways. Donated by Sue Gadbois. Value: $30.
Hue Garment
13. Liquid candle, crystal picture holder, and Iron Pillar Lantern Holder. Donated by Sue and Larry Wolters. Value: $45
Liquid Candle Gift
14. Certificate from Brewery Vivant. Donated by Kris Spaulding. Value: $50
Brewery Vivant Gift Card
Bring your checkbook, credit card, Venmo, or cash, and your generosity! Proceeds from our charity fundraiser (tickets are $5 or 3 for $12; or $10 or 3 for $25) will support Eighth Day Farm in providing donating fresh, locally grown produce to Community Action House and their Food Club. Please note, the ticket colors are changing this year, the red tickets are the $10 tickets and the teal tickets are the $5 tickets.
A few more notes about lunch:
Our lunch celebration will be from 11:45 to 1 p.m. at Hope Church, centrally located at 77 West Eleventh Street in Holland (between River and Pine Avenues, just south of downtown Holland and west of Centennial Park).
A $10 donation (cash collected upon arrival) will cover your lunch. Any additional dollars you give that exceed food costs will be added to our group donation to Eighth Day Farm!
As a reminder, Women’s Service Day isOctober 6, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please help us stay in touch with women whose email addresses have changed. Forward this email to friends and colleagues, and opt in to our email communications with your preferred email address to be certain.
Women's Service Day 