Hand in Hand’s 16^th annual Chili Cook-Off presented by Quad City Bank and Trust is not just an event; it’s a community celebration that brings people together to support children and adults of all abilities. This exciting event wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers like you! Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to the cause, there’s a place for everyone at the Chili Cook-Off. Here’s how you can get involved and what you can look forward to as a volunteer.

Deb Mueller first connected with Hand in Hand as a volunteer during Read United with the United Way of the Quad Cities. She spent time reading to school-age kids at the Edwards Church location in Davenport.

Meet a few of our volunteers: Steve, Izzy, and Heidi!

I’m 14 years old and have volunteered at the summer camp and am now volunteering in the rec program. I was inspired by helping in a STEM class for special needs at my school and heard about Hand in Hand from my dad. I started volunteering during the first week of camp on July 2023.

People with Purpose have been volunteering at the Figge Art Museum for about two years. The group helps the museum maintain their Family Activity Center.

People with Purpose has had a long-standing relationship with GiGi’s Playhouse, volunteering with the organization over the last 7 years and visiting about 2-3 times a year. The crew helps clean, sort, and package outreach and awareness kits and most recently worked on getting items ready for GiGi’s upcoming fundraiser.

People with Purpose has had a long relationship with New Kingdom Trailriders but reenergized their partnership earlier this year and the crew remains consistent volunteers for the organization.

People with Purpose began volunteering at Family Resources in June of 2020. Hand in Hand was busting at the seams at the time for space during our summer programs so the group needed a new home base during that time. We formed a partnership with Family Resources to use some of their free space and PWP began volunteering for them soon after.

Kim Nielsen, a Pediatric Physical Therapist with Genesis Pediatric Therapy Center, joined us for our first week of camp this year and was paired up with one of our campers to help give her a fulfilling experience as she went swimming, did archery, made crafts, and went fishing.

Have you ever wondered how to get involved with Hand in Hand? Maybe you’ve volunteered at our Chili Cook-Off but don’t know what else to volunteer for. Maybe you’ve donated to us but want to get involved in person. Maybe you want to get involved virtually. Either way we’ve got an opportunity for you!

People with Purpose have been volunteering with the River Bend Food Bank for several years now. The group helps in the food bank’s warehouse sorting through donated food, ensuring that it is safe. The group then organizes it into weighted categories that are made available to the food bank’s Agency Partners through their online order form.

The Quad City Botanical Center has been a partner with People with Purpose for over 5 years now. The crew helps with a lot of tasks at the Center including cleaning up the Sun Garden, preparing craft materials, helping plant the ability garden, helping clean up the outdoor gardens, and more.

Heart of Hope Ministries is one of our newest community partners. PWP started volunteering with them March 1 of this year doing light household chores like emptying garbage receptacles, vacuuming, mopping, folding donated clothing, picking up debris on the grounds of the facility, and packing food boxes.