Help build homes, participate in Chocolate Walk, or welcome refugees to Bloomington

Lend a helping hand by volunteering.

The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network provides information about volunteering locally. For a complete listing, visit BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org or call 812-349-3433. The inclusion of an organization in this list does not imply City endorsement or support of the organization’s activities or policies. Information and registration information for the following opportunities can be found online at BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org.

Habitat construction volunteer

Habitat for Humanity is holding special build days during the middle of the week as they break ground for a new home and they would love your help! New to building? That is OK, because there is no prior construction experience necessary to volunteer with Habitat. Dedicated crew leaders will teach you and work alongside you throughout your shift. Upcoming build dates are Oct. 31, Nov. 2, Nov. 3 and Nov. 8. All shifts run from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Learn more, and find sign-ups for individuals or groups at https://tinyurl.com/habitat-construction-volunteer. For additional questions contact their Engagement Team at 812-331-4069 or ec@monroecountyhabitat.org.

Chocolate Walk for the Animals

Help the Brown County Humane Society during one of their most exciting fundraising events, the annual Chocolate Walk in Nashville. Volunteers 15 years and older are needed Nov. 11 to help fill shifts between 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 1–5:15 p.m. Ticket holders for the Chocolate Walk stroll through town, visiting 40 shops and restaurants that have all made special chocolate-themed treats to sample. Volunteers help greet participants, check tickets and pass out the yummy chocolate treat at each location. Volunteers will check in at Jones Law Office (54 S. Jefferson St., Nashville, IN 47448) for a brief training and then be sent off to their assigned shop within Nashville. Visit https://tinyurl.com/chocolate-walk-volunteers to learn more. Registration to volunteer is requested by Nov. 1. Contact Megan Gushwa, Community Relations Manager, at volunteer@bchumane.org or 812-988-7362 with additional questions.

Welcome Team

Join the Exodus Refugee Welcome Team as they put together a new volunteer team of dedicated individuals who are eager to welcome refugees to the Bloomington community. Welcome Team members will help Exodus prepare to welcome newcomers to our community by assisting with housing set-ups, gathering toiletries and housing supplies, creating a welcome meal, and greeting families at the Indianapolis International Airport. Volunteers on the Welcome Team will be the first community members to engage with newcomers and help them transition into their new lives in Indiana! Volunteers on the Welcome Team will be required to complete a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement. Volunteers will also need to attend two virtual training sessions to learn how to be an effective volunteer with Exodus. Each training will last approximately one hour. Sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/welcome-team-volunteer. Questions? Contact Renee Miller at rmiller@exodusrefugee.org or 317-416-6091.

Community Wish List Spotlight

MCUM Food Pantry Donation Needs Wish List

Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) is a nurturing organization serving working families and those in distress by helping people achieve self-sufficiency and providing subsidized child care. MCUM provides quality education and a safe place for children, basic needs assistance for families experiencing hardship, and community service opportunities for all.

Donation delivery address: 827 W. 14th Court, Bloomington, IN 47404; staff members are on-site Monday–Friday from noon–4 p.m. to assist in collecting donations through a contact-less drop-off.

When you arrive, please call: 812-339-3429, ext. 14, 15, or 16

Contact: Erin Vaughn at 812-339-3429 or evaughn@mcum.org

Featured Wishes: peas, carrots, potatoes, corn, fruit (pineapple is the most popular), paper towels, all-purpose cleaners/wipes, diapers (Size 6 only), pull-Ups (3T/4T and 4T/5T only), and more

View their complete Wish List: https://tinyurl.com/food-pantry-donations

You can find the year-round Community Wish List at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Help build homes, participate in Chocolate Walk, or welcome refugees