The time of giving thanks and giving gifts is upon us! If you're looking for a way to contribute to the greater Bloomington community during the holiday season, here is a list of six nonprofit organizations that require volunteers year round and have holiday opportunities.
Hoosier Hills Food Bank
HHFB is part of the United Way of Monroe County, which is associated with Feeding America, according to its website.
The food bank distributes to nonprofit agencies in six counties in southern Indiana, who in turn distribute to the hungry. Volunteers can work in the food bank’s garden to grow fresh produce and to sort and pack food. Leading up to holidays, Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Engagement Ryan Jochim said HHFB could use more volunteers to help out.
To find out more, visit the food bank's website.
Monroe County United Ministries
MCUM is an agency whose goal is to rid Monroe County of poverty starting with two different programs, according to its website. The Compass Early Learning Center gives parents access to low-cost childcare and gives young children a jumpstart on their education. There are two MCUM locations in Bloomington. The Self-Sufficiency Center helps families and individuals who are struggling by giving them food, supplies and coaching to help them find stability.
Volunteers can organize a group food drive or visit the center to work in the pantry.
MCUM also asks for volunteers to donate items for Santa Bags that are stuffed with items such as clothing necessities and fun toys. There is a list of wanted items on MCUM’s website. MCUM will distribute these Santa Bags to children at the Compass Centers. All donations are due by Dec. 2.
To find out more, visitthe MCUM website.
My Sister’s Closet
This nonprofit thrift shop supports women in poverty searching for employment by providing them with professional attire and resources to find jobs, according to the organization’s website. My Sister’s Closet runs a Success Institute in which women can receive job training, help with resumes, assistance with interview skills and more.
There are plenty of ways to volunteer year-round at My Sister’s Closet such as going into the store to help wash, tag and organize or to volunteer outside the store with the Success Institute and promote My Sister’s Closet. As a way of saying thank you, Sandy Keller, the founder and executive director, said that My Sister’s Closet offers 25% off on merchandise for volunteers and one dollar of store credit for every hour worked. Keller said during the holiday season, it becomes two dollars per hour.
To check out more volunteer opportunities at My Sister’s Closet, you can visit its website.
Pantry 279:
Pantry 279 is a local food pantry that is open 4 to 6p.m.Monday through Wednesday and 3 to 5p.m.Saturday,according to its website.
Right now, the pantry is still accepting money and food donations for its annual Thanksgiving Box Distribution. Director Cindy Chavez said there is a list of needed items on Pantry 279’s Facebook page, and the pantry is also looking for volunteers to distribute boxes in the evening Nov. 23.
Later in the holiday season, Chavez said the pantry runs Elf Dispatch.
Elf Dispatch is a program that provides underprivileged children with gifts for the holidays. The pantry needs volunteers to be Secret Santas for the kids, to help wrap the presents and to distribute the presents to the parents.
For more information about Pantry 279 and their holiday opportunities, you can visit the food pantry's website.
The Shalom Community Center
The Shalom Community Center provides resources for those experiencing poverty and homelessness, according to its website. The center runs housing programs, including an emergency shelter called “A Friend’s House.” Shalom also serves meals, supplies necessities and provides shelter.
A wish list on its website contains some of the items the center needs.
The Shalom Community Center has a post on the Bloomington Volunteer Network website asking for volunteers during winter break because many regular volunteers are busy during the holidays.
Wheeler Mission
Wheeler Mission is a social services organization located in both Indianapolis and Bloomington, according to its website. It has men’s and women’s facilities that distribute food, clothing and other necessities to the homeless and poor. This holiday season, Wheeler Mission is trying to give out 28,783 meals by Thanksgiving. The cost for each meal is only $2.10. You can volunteer time, donate money, raise funds and donate clothing and household items. You can visit Wheeler Mission’s website to learn more.
If you're interested in perusing more local volunteer opportunities, visit the City of Bloomington website or the IU student affairs website.
