As the holiday season approaches, many people find this is the perfect time to give back. Here are a few organizations around Bloomington calling upon the community for donations.
New Hope for Families
New Hope for Families is a non-profit organization that works with families experiencing homelessness in Bloomington. It provides shelter and resources for these families while helping them transition to more stable housing.
In 2015, New Hope for Families opened its Early Learning Center. This program provides early childhood care and education programs for families using the shelter, but also other families in the community experiencing a scarcity of childcare. There is currently a wait list form on their website for anyone looking to enroll in this program.
New Hope for Families has an ongoing need for resources it gives to the families it serves. Items like shampoo, body wash, pillows, diapers, bath towels, shelf-stable food and other items listed on its website are accepted year-round.
“When people donate to New Hope, they’re donating to families and children right here in the community,” New Hope for Families Operations Director Chase Techentin said. “They’re making sure that our neighbors can move quickly through a crisis, so we really appreciate the support of the community.”
To arrange a donation delivery, contact New Home for Families’ office, located 1140 S. Morton St, at 812-334-9840 or through email at thom@newhope4families.org
Bloomington Animal Care and Control
As a division of the Department of Public Works, the Bloomington Animal Care and Control operates the local animal shelter and provides animal control assistance for the city. Many of the unwanted animals or strays around the city end up in the hands of Bloomington Animal Care Control.
In 2022, the shelter took in 3,203 animals as opposed to the 3,145 animals they took in the year prior. As they take in more animals yearly, the more there is a need for specific resources. Aside from monetary donations, the Bloomington Animal Care Control’s donation list includes items like soft dog treats, canned/wet food for dogs and cats, towels, cat and dog beds, spray cheese and plastic animal crates.
“If you support what we do as an organization and you want to see the level of care for animals in our community rise, supporting the shelter is a great way to do that,” Director of Bloomington Animal Care and Control Virgil Sauder said. “If you don’t have the funds but you do have the time, we are also always looking for volunteers or foster families to help with what we do.”
There is currently a wait list for animal shelter volunteers, but the foster program applications are open.
The donations are accepted in person or can be mailed to Bloomington Animal Care and Control at 3410 S. Walnut St.1. If there are any questions involving donations, the department can be contacted at 812-349-3492.
Middle Way House
The Middle Way House is an organization that works to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking. The organizations offer various resources from emergency shelters to legal advocacy.
There are several ways that people in the community can help the Middle Way House, including a wish list for each program it has. The organization is looking for material products such as toilet paper, bowls, cleaning supplies, baby bottles, bedding and other items.
The Middle Way House website provides contact information and donation instructions for each program.
The Goat Conspiracy Sanctuary
In the winter of 2024, The Goat Conspiracy Sanctuary transformed from a sustainably oriented farm and creamery to a sanctuary/retirement home for goats and chickens. The sanctuary cares for animals that were previously raised on farms for agricultural purposes, while also providing an environment where people can learn about the farming system in the U.S. and how it affects animal welfare.
The organization created a wish list for the community to donate the resources needed to keep the animals healthy. Items on this wish list include lumber, screws, bales of hay and chicken feeders
“Our goats love people, and our people generally love goats,” Executive Director Alex Valdez said. “By helping us provide for them, you’re caring for the animals. Animal agriculture is extremely detrimental on climate, and we want to raise awareness for that sort of thing.”
To contact the sanctuary for donations, its email is info@thegoatconspiracy.org. It accepts donations seven days a week at 6030 E. Kent Road.
In addition to the organizations listed above, the Bloomington Volunteer Network has compiled a working list of other places in the community that offer volunteer and donation opportunities.
