Our Volunteer Center was established as the first VolunteerCenter in the state of Illinois. We connect residents from the Northeast Suburbs of Cook County in Metropolitan Chicago to non-profit organizations that need their help both locally and abroad.  It was conceived in 1960 as a collaborative project between the WinnetkaPublic Schools, the NorthShoreSeniorCenter and NewTrierHigh School. Retirees were paired with students who needed tutoring. As the program grew, other schools in the township sought volunteers for tutoring as well as curriculum enhancement and career discussions. The program was chartered with the Secretary of State of Illinois as The Volunteer Talent Pool. The volunteer base spread to people of all ages who wanted to share their time and skills with others.

Soon not-for-profit organizations began to express a need for volunteers, and The Volunteer Talent Pool started referring people to do social service work. In 1995, the name was changed to The Volunteer Center to encourage people to help, regardless of their abilities or talents. The change has been successful. We now register over 10,000 people annually who serve tens of thousands of individuals in need.

The Volunteer Center currently works with over 200 non-profit organizations. Research the Categories of Service  on each of our pages for contact information about the agencies assist people and their causes . We help groups develop and implement effective service learning programs.  Please CONTACT US and we will help you find a volunteer opportunity for you, your family or your service group.