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.
Building networks among women has been a goal of Women’s Service Day (WSD) since the very first event in West Michigan 20 years ago. That network is now paying off in an unexpected way!
In late summer, the WSD planning team was contacted by several women who work for Yanfeng in West Michigan and in Novi; they’re a part of the Women’s Resource Network at that company. Several of them had participated in the West Michigan WSD event; others had heard about it from coworkers.
They didn’t want to miss out, and they saw an opportunity for women to come together on the east side of the state to do the same kind of good our volunteers have accomplished here! They’ve worked with local-to-them agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, and are ready to launch this first satellite WSD event this Thursday, October 14. Agencies supported are:
Earthworks, where volunteers will do seasonal garden maintenance
Crossroads in Michigan, where they’ll package condiments for the soup kitchen
First Step Domestic & Sexual Violence, where they’ll beautify the area outside of the shelter
Food Gatherers, where they’ll sort donations and pack food boxes
Michigan Council of Women in Technology, where they’ll pack bags for high school students
Like the “mother” event, the SE Michigan event is using SignUpGenius so volunteers can select the opportunity that’s most appealing, and one or two half-day crews. This event has been publicized within Yanfeng by the Women’s Resource Network; they welcome friends, family, and colleagues from other organizations.
Available opportunities are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the Women’s Service Day Planning Team has put these protocols in place for in-person participation:
Mask wearing is required indoors regardless of vaccination status
Mask wearing is required outdoors when social distancing is not possible
Follow CDC and State of Michigan DHHS guidelines for recommended protocols
How can you help launch this SE Michigan event? Spread the word! The initiative to create this event demonstrates that our networks extend across Michigan and beyond.
We have a record number of women signed up this year! We’re thrilled—and so are the area agencies we’ll be serving. Here’s how volunteers will be working with the agencies to help women and children in the community.
Center for Women in Transition creates and sustains an environment that enhances the voice, opportunities, and strength of women and girls in Allegan and Ottawa Counties. Volunteers will be sorting and organizing curriculum for the Girls on the Run program.
Eighth Day Farm uses urban fields as a classroom to cultivate healthy and sustainable communities locally and globally. Volunteers will be weeding, harvesting, planting garlic, and cleaning.
Holland Rescue Mission develops and delivers programs of excellence for the homeless and less fortunate. Volunteers will be cleaning all of the daycare rooms, including equipment and toys, at the Stepping Stones Day Care from top to bottom, as well as deep cleaning and organizing the offices at the Family Hope Ministry Center. They will also help clean and organize the catering closet.
Kids’ Food Basket aims to attack childhood hunger to help young people learn and live well. Through its Sack Supper program the organization serves nearly 7,000 kids each weekday in West Michigan. Volunteers will be making sandwiches for Sack Suppers, which will be distributed to local children later that day.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity builds housing with partner-owners based on the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live and that our community is a better place when that occurs. Volunteers will be working to complete a new home construction in Holland.
My House Ministry provides a safe place for women to eventually transition into independent living. Volunteers will be working at two housing locations in Holland, doing a variety of tasks: washing windows, cleaning, sanding drywall, vacuuming, painting indoors and outside, hanging curtains, yard work, and several other home improvement jobs.
My Sister’s House II, sponsored by the Holland Deacons’ Conference, cares for women with physical and developmental challenges by assisting them with the activities of daily living in an adult foster care home. Volunteers will be cleaning, washing floors, walls, door frames, windows etc. They will also help organize cupboards and closets, and may be planting bushes.
Nestlings Diaper Bank serves as a central location to collect, store, and distribute diapers that have been donated by the local community or purchased through fundraising efforts. Volunteers will be wrapping diapers into packs of 12 for distribution through area nonprofit organizations to mothers in need, and possibly stuffing envelopes for a mailing or helping out with light office duties.
Pathways, MI is committed to demonstrating excellence in providing responsive and compassionate service to all individuals, families and communities who seek their assistance. Services they provide include: counseling, early childhood programs, Great Start Western Regional Resource Center, parent and family support and education, foster care, adoption and participation in community efforts to improve life for children and families. Volunteers will be continuing last year’s renovation project to make the facility more welcoming by cleaning up baseboards in preparation for laying carpet, installing blinds, and painting. Outdoor work will include landscaping and clean-up of the central courtyard.
Ready for School aims to create communities of readiness where all children thrive and reach their full unique potential. Ready for School prepares children for success by equipping parents through integrated support of the Holland/Zeeland/Hamilton communities. Volunteers will disinfect, clean, organize, label, and update inventory of toys and materials in bins that the organization uses to engage families with young children in the community.
The Salvation Army is an international movement, motivated by the love of God to meet human needs in Jesus’ name without discrimination. Volunteers will clean and re-sort the pantry, which needs a fresh look. This food pantry is available to people in southern Ottawa County and most of Allegan County who are in need of some supplemental pantry items. It offers a large selection of both perishable and non-perishable items.
Our annual raffle is one of the highlights of lunch (along with the food, of course). Once again this year it features a variety of items, including some beautiful, handcrafted items. Proceeds will help support continuing renovation work at Pathways MI, with some portion covering minor event costs.
We have two raffles, featuring fabulous donations from local artisans and businesses, and designated by white and red tickets:
Red Raffle Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $12
White Raffle Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25
The slideshow below gives you a sneak peek of a few of the items you can win. Bring your checkbook and your generosity!
That’s awesome! Consider holding a donation drive within your network for the Nestlings Diaper Bank, a clearinghouse that provides low-income families and babies in need with diapers and wipes, for the following items: Disposable diapers (especially sizes 4, 5, and 6) and wipes. They also accept open packages of diapers. We’d be happy to add your contribution to ours on October 6! Or—easiest of all!—you can donate directly to Nestlings online.
We’d also love your financial support for our continuing renovation work at Pathways MI, where many of you worked hard over the last two years. Donations fund the paint, carpet, and furniture that makes the facility welcoming and healing for the children and families who receive services there.
We’ll also be hand-crafting delicious pigs-in-blankets during our Women’s Service Day event on the 6th, with, again, proceeds going to the renovation fund for Pathways. Pigs are $12 for a dozen, and orders must be received by October 1. Order yours via this online form.
Monetary donations may be made directly to Pathways through their website. All gifts are tax-deductible. To support Women’s Service Day projects there, choose the Building Renovation Fund option when you click “donate.” (Note that Pathways becomes a program of Arbor Circle Corporation on October 1, so you may receive a receipt from that organization.)
To complete the project at the Pathways MI facility, we’re on the lookout for furniture, equipment, and supplies, as well as skilled trades and crews willing to volunteer throughout the year. Please contact us to discuss our needs.
The pigs are back in town! We’ll be making Dutch pigs-in-the-blankets* on Women’s Service Day again this year. Cost is $12 per dozen, and all proceeds will support our continuing renovation work at Pathways. Volunteers will be preparing your orders in the Hope Church kitchen on October 6.
Using our online form, please enter the required fields and submit the form no later than October 1.
Your purchase of pigs must be picked up on October 6 between 3 and 6 p.m. at Hope Church, 77 West 11th Street, Holland. Payment is accepted by cash, credit card, or checks written to Arbor Circle Corporation, with “Women’s Service Day” in the memo line.
And, if you’re interested in selling to your church or book club, let’s talk! Please e-mail us at womensserviceday@gmail.com.
Show some heart! Thursday, September 15, is the deadline for ordering commemorative T-shirts. We’re offering long-sleeved, short-sleeved, v-neck, and crew-neck shirts and even a hoodie! Proceeds benefit our renovation project at Pathways, which works to improve life for children and families by providing services like counseling, foster care, and education. Don’t delay just a few more days! Visit https://www.booster.com/wsd-2016 for full details and to place your order.
Women's Service Day 