April is Global Volunteer Month!

Global Volunteer Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time and energy to support their local communities. At WindowDressers, our volunteers come together each year to support their local Community Build. Their efforts help keep neighbors warm, save energy, and cultivate community connections. Our volunteers are building not only insulating inserts, but stronger communities in the process.

Last season alone, our volunteers helped WindowDressers build more than 10,500 inserts, including over 4,000 special rate inserts for neighbors struggling with heating costs. This impact wouldn’t be possible without the thousands of volunteers that support our work every year.

In 2024, WindowDressers was able to work in 57 communities across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont and engaged more than 4,500 volunteers. Whether they are measuring windows, assembling inserts, or organizing community builds, each volunteer plays a vital role in the work we do.

The Power of Volunteerism

Volunteerism is the beating heart of the work we do here at WindowDressers. The collective impact we’ve made over the years is only possible because of the dedication and passion of our incredible volunteers. Their commitment ensures that the benefits of our insulating window inserts are felt in thousands of homes across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont each year.

Why Volunteer with WindowDressers?

You are welcome at WindowDressers regardless of who you are and what you believe. We strive to help reduce the many inequities in our society by encouraging and enabling everyone who wishes to participate in our programs. WindowDressers brings community volunteers of all economic and social situations together to improve the warmth and comfort of interior spaces, lower heating costs, and reduce carbon dioxide pollution.

For so many of our volunteers, WindowDressers is more than just a weatherization program; it’s where new friendships are formed, stories are shared, and a stronger sense of community is built. Below are a few testimonials that highlight the community building aspect of our program.

“My very elderly father stopped asking for a sweater when he walked into the room with the inserts. I LOVED the experience of the community build. I realized that after caregiving for so long, I needed the community aspect. I was completely impressed with the way the build tasks had been divided into easily doable jobs, even for someone with minimal tool experience. There was no judgement about how fast or slow I could work. The sign-up system was easy and made it clear as to how many volunteers were needed for each time slot, without having people standing around. Thank you. I’m going to volunteer forever.” – Krista W. from Hinesburg, VT

“Not only did I learn how to build inserts, I made a lot of new friends in the community. I enjoyed working with everyone immensely. It’s such a great experience. I would recommend it to everybody. And the outcome is a great indoor storm window that works beautifully.” – Roger E. from Eastport, ME