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Volunteer and Scholarship Opportunities
Exciting Volunteer Opportunities in Canton
Meaningful volunteer work is a rewarding experience. Volunteering allows you to develop new skills and make new friends. Many organizations serve the Canton community and welcome volunteers to assist with their programs and activities. If you are looking for fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunities in the Canton community, please call 734/394-5191.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
- VOLUNTEER TRAINING
- Canton Farmers Market
- Trick or Treat Parade
- Indoor Volleyball League
- Goodfellows Food Drive
- Turkey Trot
- Tree Lighting Celebration
- Breakfast with Santa
- Goodfellows 5K Run
- CLS Volunteer Opportunities
- Meals on Wheels
- Other Community Service OpportunitiesÂ
Name of Event: Volunteer Training
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Place: Canton Administration Building
Freedom Room
1150 S. Canton Center Road
Canton, MI 48188
Time: 6-7 pm
Brief Description of Event: All Canton volunteers are requested to attend at least one volunteer training per year. Staff will discuss Canton Leisure Services policies and procedures, event information, customer service expectations, and emergency information.
Volunteers should attend, if they have not come to a prior training session and would like to volunteers for the following events:
- Trick or Treat Parade – October 30, 2019
- Turkey Trot – November 28, 2019
- Breakfast with Santa – December 7, 2019
- Tree Lighting – December 4, 2019
- Canton Goodfellows Food Drive – November 22-24, 2019
- Canton Goodfellows Gift Collection & Sorting Project – December 5-14, 2019
- Butterfly Ball Daddy Daughter Dance – February 7-8, 2020
- Mom to Mom Sale Setup and Event – March 20-21, 2020
- Easter Bunny Breakfast – Saturday, April 4, 2020
- Easter Eggstravaganza – Saturday, April 4, 2020
- TEFAP – Ongoing opportunity
Registration required: To register or for additional information, contact Paula Kosbe at 734/394-5191 or email pkosbe@canton-mi.org
Name of Event: Canton Farmers Market
Event Dates: Sundays, May 12 - October 13, 2019
Shift Time: 8:45 am - 1:15 pm
Location: Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road, Canton
Brief Description of Event: Open air market featuring a variety of Michigan grown and made food as well as hand crafted items. Adult volunteers are needed to help with a variety of jobs. Volunteers can pick and choose which Sundays they would like to help. It is asked that you commit to 3-4 dates.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do
Market Greeter/Information Booth - Greet patrons throughout the Market, direct patrons, distribute information, collect surveys, help with vendor signage as well as set-up & take down of information booth supplies.
Bartlett-Travis House Tour Guide - Provide tours of the Bartlett-Travis house for patrons. Tour information is provided.
Children's Activities Assistant - Assist children with the craft and or activities for the day. Supplies and craft sample are provided.
Special Event Assistant - Help out with special activities at the Market which could include cooking workshops, Market collections and assisting with other special Market events.
Attire/Special Instructions: Casual attire, athletic shoes are recommended.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734/394-5191
Email Address: Email Paula Kosbe
On-Site Contact Person: Nikki Flynn
Farmers Market Contact Number: 734/394-5375
Name of Event: Trick or Treat Parade
Event Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Shift Time: 3:45-8:00 pm or 7:30-9:30 pm
Location: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188
Brief Description of Event: Join Canton Leisure Services for our annual Trick or Treat Parade through the Summit on the Park. Each room at the Summit on the Park will have themed stations where Canton children can trick or treat in a safe environment.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
Shift Time 3:45-8:00 pm
- Assist with event
- Distribute information/maps
- Direct lines
- Volunteers are asked to wear a kid-friendly (non scary) costume)
Shift Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
- Assists with general clean-up after the event
Attire/Special Instructions: Volunteers working the event from 3:45-8 pm are asked to wear a kid-friendly (non-scary) costume. Bring a jacket, you may be asked to work outdoors. Individuals that sign up to volunteer must work the full shift. Volunteers will check-in at Kid’s Corner at the Summit on the Park.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734-394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Julie Allen
Name of Event: Indoor Volleyball League
Event Dates: Fridays, November 1, 2019 - March 29, 2020
- November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- December 6, 13, 20, 27
- January 3, 10, 24, 31
- February 7, 14, 21, 28
- March 6, 13, 20, 27
Brief Description of Event: Adult Volleyball League at the Summit on the Park
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
- Scorekeeping – Volunteers will flip scores or use the scoreboard
Location: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188
Attire/Special Instructions: Volunteers do not need to commit to the full season. You can pick and choose which dates you would like to help. It is recommended that you commit to at four or more sessions. Casual attire, athletic shoes are recommended.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734/394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Coralee Ott
On-Site Phone Number: 734/394-5460
Name of Event: Goodfellows Food Drive at Holiday Market
Event Dates: November 22-24, 2019
- Friday, November 22
Shifts: 4-6 pm and 6-9 pm - Saturday, November 23
Shifts: 9 am-12 pm, 12-3 pm, 3-6 pm - Sunday, November 24
Shifts: 12-2 pm and 2-4 pm
Brief Description of Event: The Canton Goodfellows will be holding their annual food drive at Holiday Market, 520 s. Lilley Rd., Canton MI 48188. In 2018, the Goodfellows served 134 families with 333 children. This is a wonderful opportunity to keep up with the tradition of "No child without a Christmas" in Canton.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
- Distribute flyers asking shoppers to buy a non-perishable food item while they are shopping.
- Accept donated items.
Location: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188
Attire/Special Instructions: Volunteers are asked to wear comfortable clothes and dress for the weather. The project will be held in the vestibule at Holiday Market.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734/394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Jon LaFever
Name of Event: Turkey Trot
Event Date: Thursday, November 28, 2019
Shift Time: 8-11 am
Location: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188
Brief Description of Event: The Turkey Trot is a 5K Run/Walk through Heritage Park and Pheasant Run golf club. Proceeds from the race benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Volunteers will check in at the Summit on the Park in the banquet area.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
- Registration
- Pass out water
- Helping at food/beverage station
- Directing runners/walkers along the course
Attire/Special Instructions: The majority of volunteers will be stationed outdoors; dress warm and comfortable.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734-394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Ann-Marie Carravallah
Name of Event: Tree Lighting Celebration
Event Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Shift Times: 5:15-9 pm or 8:15-10 pm
Location: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188
Brief Description of Event: Canton’s kickoff for the holiday season is the annual Tree Lighting celebration at the Summit on the Park. There is always a special guest appearance by Santa.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
Shift: 5:15-9 pm
- Help with refreshments
- Assist with arts/crafts or games
- Direct guests through out the building
Shift: 8:15-10 pm
- Assist with event clean-up
Attire/Special Instructions: Volunteers are asked to wear black pants and a red, white, or green top.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734-394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Julie Allen
Name of Event: Breakfast with Santa
Event Date: Saturday, December 7, 2019
Shift Time: 8:30-11:30 am
Location: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188
Brief Description of Event: Families will enjoy a special breakfast with Santa at the Summit Grand Ballroom. Children can share their special wish list with Santa.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
- Registration
- Coat check
- Seating guests
- Help guests carry plates
- Setup and cleanup
- Assist with pictures with Santa
Attire/Special Instructions: Volunteers are asked to wear a white shirt and black pants/skirt. Men may wear a holiday tie.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734-394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Lauren Pettovello
Name of Event: Goodfellows 5K "No Child Without a Christmas" Run
Event Date: Sunday, December 8, 2019
Shift Time: 7-10 am
Location: Pheasant Run golf Club
46500 Summit Parkway
Canton MI, 48188
Brief Description of Event: The Canton Goodfellows is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The 5K run is a major fundraiser for the “No Child without a Christmas” program. In 2018, the Canton Goodfellows provide assistance to 134 families with 333 children.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
- Pass out snacks and water
- Direct and cheer runners/walkers along the course
Attire/Special Instructions: Dress according to weather conditions; hat, gloves, boots, and warm coat.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734-394-5191
Email Address: pkosbe@canton-mi.org
On-Site Contact Person: Tina Gitary
Leisure Services Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing
- Canton Club 55+
- Local Non-Profit Agencies
- Meals on Wheels
- Pheasant Run Golf Club: Ages 18+
- TEFAP
- Village Theater Volunteer Usher: Ages 18+
Summer (June - September)
- Farmers Market
- Liberty Fest: Rotary Club Beverage Tent
- Liberty Fest: Canton Lions Pancake Breakfast
- Liberty Fest: Information Booth Greeter
- Liberty Fest: 5K/10K Run and Walk
- Rally on Ridge
- Family Field Day
- Historical Society - Brews, Brats and Bands at the Barn
Fall (October - December)
- Canton Goodfellows Gift Sorting
- Canton Goodfellows Food Collection
- Trick or Treat Trail
- Turkey Trot
- Tree Lighting
- Breakfast with Santa
Winter (January - February)
- Butterfly Ball Daddy-Daughter Dance
- American Doll Spa Day
Spring (March - May)
- Easter Bunny Breakfast
- Easter Eggstravaganza
- Mom To Mom Sale
- Mother-Son Dance
- Farmers Market
- Indoor Triathlon
- Youth Basketball League
- Rookie Baseball Program
- Senior Summit
Name of Service: Meals on Wheels Drivers
Event Date: Volunteer will be scheduled
Shift Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Brief Description of Event: Drivers are needed to pick up and deliver home meals, one day a week to home bound Canton residents. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday. The routes consists of 7-10 homes. Subs are also needed for the program.
Type of tasks volunteers will be asked to do:
- Pick up meals at Club 55+ at the Summit on the Park and deliver them to selected homes in Canton.
Special Instructions: All volunteers must be subjected to a background check and a driving record check through the State of Michigan.
Volunteers should be compassionate and relate well to others.
Contact Person: Paula Kosbe
Phone: 734/394-5191
Email Address: Paula Kosbe Opens a New Window.
On-Site Contact Person: Madeline Carpenter
Community Service Opportunities
The following organizations serve the Canton Community and welcome volunteers to assist with their programs and activities. Also included are services available for seniors. Call Canton Community Volunteer Events Coordinator for additional information, 734/394-5191.
Cultural Activities
- Canton Historical Museum: 734/765-6704
- Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, & Heritage: 734/394-5362
- Plymouth Symphony: 734/451-2112
- Village Theater at Cherry Hill: 734/394-5191
Food Banks
- Capuchin Soup Kitchen: 313/579-2100
- Gleaners: 313/923-3535
- Harvest Loves Food Pantry: 734/895-3280 ext. 3
- Open Door Food Ministry: 734/397-1777 ext. 201
Human Service Agencies/Organizations
- American Cancer Society: 248/663-3489
- American Red Cross: 313/494-2862
- Angela Hospice: 734/464-7810
- Beaumont Hospital Wayne: 734/467-4183
- Canton Goodfellows: 734/394-5191
- Canton Community Foundation: 734/495-1200
- Compassionate Care Hospice: 734/983-9050
- First Step: 734/416-1111
- FISH of Plymouth-Canton:734/480-3940
- Growth Works: 734/495-3074
- Habitat for Humanity: 734/459-7744
- Michigan Humane Society: 734/721-7300 ext. 6
- Muscular Dystrophy Association: 734/416-7076
- Passages Hospice: 734/744-5091
- PBJ Outreach: PBJ
- Plymouth-Canton Clothing Bank: 734/416-6179
- Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club: 734/502-5776
- Salvation Army: 734/453-5464
- Special Olympics: 734/721-0418
- St. Joseph Mercy Health Service: 734/712-4159
- United Home Health Service: 734/981-8820
- United Way Community Services: 313/563-3900
- United Way Plymouth: 734/453-6879
- Veterans Administration: 1-800/827-1000
- Wayne County Family Center: 734/721-0590
Local Libraries
- Canton Public Library: 734/397-0999
- Plymouth District Library: 734/453-0750
Senior Services
- Alzheimer's Association: 734/369-2716
- Canton Place: 734/981-6420
- Canton Club 55+: 734/394-5485
- Meals on Wheels: 734/394-5191
- MI Office of Service to the Aging: 517/373-8230
- Senior Alliance: 734/722-2830
- Waltonwood Carriage Park: 734/844-3060
- Waltonwood Cherry Hill: 734/981-7100
Service Clubs
- Business & Professional Women: 313/729-6744
- Civitans: 734/981-7259
- Kiwanis Club: 734/812-3153
- Lions Club: 734/945-5137
- Plymouth Canton Jaycees: 734/453-8407
- Rotary Club of Canton: 734/986-1436
Teaching/Mentoring
- Community Literacy Council: 734/589-0011
- Plymouth-Canton Community Schools: 734/416-2700
Youth and Recreation
- Boy Scouts of America: 313/897-1965
- Girl Scouts: 1-800/482-6734
- Canton Leisure Services: 734/394-5191
Applications & Information
- Organizations Looking for Volunteers (PDF) Opens a New Window.
- Volunteer Application for Adults (PDF) Opens a New Window.
- Volunteer Application for Youth (PDF) Opens a New Window.
- If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email Opens a New Window. .
Volunteer Training
Canton Township volunteers are required to attend training a minimum of one time per year. The training provides volunteers with information about upcoming events, customer service, and emergency preparedness. All registered volunteers will be emailed of upcoming volunteer training dates.
Meals on Wheels and Pheasant Run Golf Club Volunteers
For positions requiring driving, volunteers must submit a Michigan Driving Record Check form, in addition to the Volunteer Application for Adults. Please complete sections 3 and 5.
- State of Michigan Driving Record Check (PDF) Opens a New Window.
- If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email Opens a New Window. .
Scholarship Opportunities
Canton residents who have lived in the Canton community for 2 or more years are eligible to apply for a Canton Leisure Services Scholarship that can be applied towards Leisure Services classes and programs. Recipients can receive up to $400 per family in a year and are required to provide 1 hour of community service for every $20 awarded. For additional information, please email the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Canton Leisure Services Scholarship Information and Application (PDF)
- If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
Employment Opportunities
In addition to Volunteer positions, Canton Township has a variety of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions available. For more information on current employment opportunities, please visit the Human Resources page.