Needs From: United Way of Cayuga County, Inc.

Book Buddies volunteers meet twice a month for a 30-minute reading session with their buddy.

Background checks are required by the school district in order to become a Book Buddy.

We need help distributing our Personal Care Drive boxes across Cayuga County!

This opportunity is for someone who is interested an willing to drive to our County South locations in Union Springs, Aurora, King Ferry, and Moravia to set up our Personal Care Drive collection boxes.

Volunteer would pick up boxes, signs, tapes, and other materials from United Way office (along with their snack bag and t-shirt) between August 3 - 5. When you register, Development & Engagement Manager, Julisa Stone-Szpaicher, will reach out to coordinate the delivery day to let locations know when to expect you! Delivery and box assembly can happen between August 4 - 6.

After you set up the box, we ask that you take a photo of the box in the space as well as a photo of the outside of the building.

We need help distributing our Personal Care Drive boxes across Cayuga County!

This opportunity is for someone who is interested an willing to drive to our County North locations in Fair Haven, Cato, Port Byron, and Weedsport to set up our Personal Care Drive collection boxes.

Volunteer would pick up boxes, signs, tapes, and other materials from United Way office (along with their snack bag and t-shirt) between August 3 - 5. When you register, Development & Engagement Manager, Julisa Stone-Szpaicher, will reach out to coordinate the delivery day to let locations know when to expect you! Delivery and box assembly can happen between August 4 - 6.

After you set up the box, we ask that you take a photo of the box in the space as well as a photo of the outside of the building.

Day of Caring: August 6, 2026

Please sign up here to participate in the 2026 Annual Day of Caring! 

Ambassador Book Buddies serve as the on-site leaders for the Book Buddy program. They act as the primary liaison between the school/site and United Way staff, ensuring smooth program operations. Ambassadors help manage volunteer check-in, monitor attendance, and support positive, effective reading sessions for students and volunteers. They may assist with volunteer training and recruitment. Must be available to be on site at one of our Auburn Enlarged City School District Elementary schools for 1 hour per week. 

This position will require an interview with the Office & Programs Assistant Administrator, Sarah Sayles. 

 Hybrid (UW office, remote and in-community outreach)

Key ResponsibilitiesCommunity Outreach & RecruitmentContact local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to share information about the Cayuga Volunteer platform.Encourage organizations to become registered posting agencies and support them through the onboarding process.Distribute flyers and promotional materials at community locations and events.

Training & SupportAssist UWCC staff with virtual or in-person training webinars for agencies and volunteers.Provide basic guidance to users on platform navigation and best practices (with staff support). 

The United Way of Cayuga County is in need of books for our growing Book Buddies Program.

With our Book Buddies program, 2nd grade students are partnered with vetted community members for the academic school year. During this time our volunteers read with students during their lunch period, utilizing books from the school library, while engaging in meaningful conversations. The mission of our program is to promote a life-long love of reading, exploration and learning through books, and an opportunity for youth mentorship. 

Our program is currently in two elementary schools at Auburn Enlarged City School District, and our goal is to expand to every elementary school in Cayuga County. We currently do not have any funding for our program, so we appreciate any books you may be willing to donate to our program that are appropriate for 2nd grade students. 

We appreciate your kindness and generosity. 

Please reach out to our Office & Programs Assistant Administrator, Sarah Sayles, to schedule a drop-off time. 

ssayles@unitedwayofcayugacounty.org or 315-253-9741 x119

Volunteers needed for a variety of events that United Way of Cayuga County may be assisting the community with. Volunteers are needed on a regular ongoing basis.