Frequently Asked Questions
What is Women’s Service Day and how was it founded?
A grassroots event that began in 2002 with 50 women who responded to a call to build a Habitat for Humanity house for a single mother has blossomed into an annual event called Women’s Service Day. The day of service has these goals:
- Make a difference in our community—and have a great time doing so
- Increase awareness of issues for women and children in our community
- Promote networking among women in our community
Can any woman serve? My mom, daughter, etc. What about men?
Any woman over the age of 18 may participate. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and may not be eligible for every agency location. Men are welcome!
Who in the community is served during the day?
Women’s Service Day supports 10-12 nonprofit agencies in the Holland/Zeeland area. We especially aim to serve organizations that align with our goal of addressing issues for women and children.
How long do I need to volunteer during the event?
Volunteers can serve during the morning or afternoon or both. Each half-day crew is about three-and-a-half hours, with a networking lunch for all participants from 11:45 to 1:00.
Whom do I serve? Do I get to choose what I do? Can I be assigned with my friends?
We assign volunteers based on shift availability (morning, afternoon, or both); then we do our best to match skill preferences with agency projects. Because of the complexity of coordinating crews among more than 100 participants, we ask for your understanding in being assigned where you’re needed most. We also try to fulfill our networking goals by creating crews with people from various organizations.
Do I bring my own lunch if serving all day?
You are invited to a networking lunch, which will be held at Hope Church, a central location in Holland, regardless of what shift(s) you work. (We ask for a nominal donation to cover costs.)
What if I have physical disabilities? Are there other things that I can do during the day?
We make it a priority to accommodate physical limitations, which participants flag when they register.
In addition to the physical tasks done that day, are there other ways I can help the organizations?
There’s a donation drive on the event day, as well as a raffle or auction during the networking lunch. There are also opportunities to help with financial support, as well as continued volunteering.
Are you a 501c? My company requires that I volunteer at a 501c organization.
Nearly all of the agencies for whom Women’s Service Day recruits and coordinates volunteers have 501c3 status. When you register, mention this as a “physical limitation” and you’ll be assigned to a qualified 501c3 organization.
How do I learn more about WSD and how do I register?
Sign up for our email list, or contact womensserviceday@gmail.com. Stay in touch throughout the year on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.
How is WSD responding to the coronavirus pandemic?
We want our volunteers to be safe and decided not to hold an in-person event in 2020. Instead, we partnered with local agencies to offer Women’s Service Season, with options for participants in four primary areas of community action:
- Volunteering in-person (safely) or from home
- Giving financial support
- Giving or collecting items nonprofits need
- Joining (and spreading the word about) events nonprofits themselves are planning
Women's Service Day 