The grassroots event has been annual since then, and while it started out with women at Herman Miller (which allows each employee sixteen paid volunteer hours each year), it has expanded to include women from all over the community. This year’s event, held October 1, had 100 volunteers working for 12 agencies, including Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Holland, Holland Rescue Mission, and 70×7 Life Recovery. The women weeded, landscaped, cleaned, painted, organized, collated, and sorted, and through a silent auction of handmade items, the group raised $1,000, which it donated to the Holland Free Health Clinic.

With seven years under their belts, the organizing committee has a well-defined planning process, which they’re willing to share. If you’d like to use that process to launch an effort like this in your community, remember the power of the ask! Send your request for the process template to womensserviceday@gmail.com.