Important note:  If you are interested in finding a volunteer opportunity that is eligible for the "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." program, you must sign up at www.disneyparks.com.  All eligible opportunities for the program are available on Disney's website only!  Click on our link on the left for more information.

If you represent a group of volunteers, please contact United Way's Volunteer Connection directly by calling (937) 225-3039 or emailing us.

If you represent a nonprofit organization and would like to post your volunteer opportunities, please contact United Way's Volunteer Connection to register. Visit the Agency Tool Kit to learn more about the services provided to nonprofit organizations.

February Community Volunteer of the Month

Jim Berecek lives united by sharing the hidden gems in our community.   He has brought music to thousands of households in our communities through the Miami Valley Communications Council.  United Way’s Volunteer Connection is pleased to name Jim Berecek as Community Volunteer of the Month for February.

Jim has volunteered with the Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC) since March of 2005.  MVCC is a government organization whose mission is to provide the best public, educational, and government local television programming throughout Ohio, cablecasting shows that truly matter to residents.  According to Richard Diaz, MVCC’s Government Producer, “As a volunteer, Jim Berecek best exemplifies that very goal!”

Jim first learned about MVCC when his daughter was a student in Centerville City Schools and Jim was the president of the Centerville City Schools Orchestra.  Along with the 700 orchestra members and their families, Jim was searching for a way to have his orchestra, rated 2nd in the nation, more known and visible in the community.  At this time, Jim saw a TV ad for MVCC’s service of creating a television program and putting it on the air for free.  Jim contacted MVCC and has been a loyal volunteer ever since.

An electrical engineer and IT manager by trade, MVCC’s course in television production was a natural fit for Jim.  After completing the course, he started to create television shows of his orchestra performances.  Although Jim has moved on as president from Centerville’s Orchestra after his daughter graduated, he has been active with MVCC to share and promote the unique features and events in our community.  His dedication has resulted in two regional awards for excellence in programming and allowed hundreds of parents to enjoy the efforts of their children on TV.  In 2008, Jim spent an entire year following the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and produced an award-winning documentary.  In addition to his love of the arts/music, Jim also volunteers on at least one MVCC-produced government program informing citizens on news that affects them.

“You need to give back to your community.  That’s a strong belief of mine,” says Jim of his motivations for volunteering.  He has fun and takes pride working in television, and knows that his efforts are greatly appreciated.  Says Diaz, “Television is a very team-based medium, and our programming runs on volunteers.  To have a production team leader like Jim is invaluable, and whenever you need him, he’s there – rain or shine.”

United Way’s Volunteer Connection is proud to announce Jim Berecek as Community Volunteer of the Month.  

To learn more about the Miami Valley Communications Council, go to www.mvcc.net.  To view some of Jim's work, watch part one and part two of his documentary on the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Do you work for a nonprofit organization and think one of your volunteers should be our next volunteer of the month?  Click here to complete our nomination form!