Melanie McNamara is Delhi Townships’ new volunteer bureau coordinator, a new position within the Holt Non Profit Coalition, a 501(c)(3) organization started by the Delhi Downtown Development Authority, that aims to connect volunteers in the community with organizations in need of extra help.
“There’s a whole spectrum of ways to volunteer in Holt,” McNamara said.
Whether people want to set up a weekly volunteer commitment with a local organization, coordinate a community event, or simply help out on a free afternoon, there are many organizations throughout the community in need of volunteers.
McNamara and the Holt Non Profit Coalition are looking to build a database of organizations in need of volunteers and community volunteers looking for new ways to get involved. The database will help strengthen community connections.
McNamara felt this community support on a personal level. When she developed breast cancer a few years ago, her family, friends, and community rallied around her and hosted a benefit in her honor at Buddies Grill. Now, a two-year cancer survivor, she’s looking for ways to give back. When she heard about the job opening, she jumped at the opportunity to apply.
“I love helping,” she said. “I love connecting people and I think it sounds really exciting to meet with different people and help them make connections.”
McNamara and her family have lived in the Holt area for the last 15 years and have fallen in love with the community. She is also an associate broker/realtor with Keller Williams Realty located here in Delhi Township.
“It’s got that small town feel while having the benefit of the Greater Lansing area and everything it has to offer,” she said. “It’s a place where you can really get to know your neighbors.”
All three of McNamara’s children attended Holt Public Schools, a place where McNamara first discovered the community’s love of service.
“I see many people who are really involved in the community and the school system and it’s very inspiring,” she said.
Right now, McNamara is working on identifying Delhi Township organizations in need of volunteer help and recording their calendar of events and general needs. As she reaches out to local organizations, McNamara hopes that this database project and the spirit of volunteerism in Holt will continue to thrive.
“I believe it’s important to volunteer,” she said. “It gives you some perspective on life in general and helps you to be a productive member of the community. It’s important for your mental and physical health just to get out there and meet new people.”
McNamara also said that volunteering can help you connect with your neighbors and community members in ways that you might not otherwise.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘No single act of kindness ever goes unnoticed,’” she said. “Even if you only have an hour to spare, it will make an impact.”
If you are a Delhi Township nonprofit organization and would like to learn more about connecting with volunteers in our community, please email HoltVolunteer@gmail.com.