CHIRP Radio is partnering with the Chicago Community Trust to produce a special series on volunteerism in the Chicago region. It's part of the Trust's centennial program, Stories of Philanthropy. You’ll hear stories about people who donate their time and talent to make a real difference in our community.

Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy Coaches Carry on a Tradition of Volunteering

Mike Joyce learned how to box when he was young. His volunteer coaches and mentors made such a strong impression on him, he decided to carry on that volunteer tradition when he started the Celtic Boxing Club on Chicago's south side more than 20 years ago.

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy podcasts

Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy Making Music Personal

Clothes, dinner, a computer, tires, scuba gear. You can have just about anything delivered to straight to your home these days. Thanks to GroupMuse, now you can add live musicians to the list. And they’ll play your classical house party for free, too.

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy podcasts

Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy Helping Refugees Find a New Home and Community

The civil war in Syria drove the Adris family from their home. The war claimed three family members. After a three-year wait, they were able to resettle in Chicago thanks to the Syrian Community Network, and Suzanne Akras Sahloul, who runs that organization as a volunteer.

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy podcasts

Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy Volunteer Entertainers Deliver Passion and Connection

Our series reporter Christopher Johnson checks out a variety show at a senior residence in Edgewater. The show’s volunteer organizer is herself a performer, and she uses her connections to recruit other local performers to volunteer. Seniors may seem like a tough crowd, but these performers make a real connection with their audience.

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy podcasts

Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy Neighbors Creating Neighborhoods

Sheenita Robinson is a community activist. And she's not happy about the boarded up and abandoned buildings in her Washington Park neighborhood that attract gang activity. She’s got an idea for a mobile app she hopes will hold the owners of those buildings accountable for them and help the neighborhood become safer through community involvement.

photos by Eve Szokolai

Download this episode Subscribe to all podcasts Subscribe to all Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy podcasts