You can help at MLK National Day of Service, Winter Palooza or Activate! in Bloomington

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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 links for the following opportunities can be found online at BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org.

MLK National Day of Service, 40 Days of Peace opportunities

To honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., MLK Day was created as a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, and is annually observed on the third Monday of January. This year MLK Day happens on Jan. 15. Following this meaningful “day on, not a day off” are the 40 Days of Peace, which run until the end of February. Americans are encouraged to make meaningful changes during this time, and finding local volunteer opportunities is a wonderful way to get involved. While there are many places where you can volunteer your time, the Bloomington Volunteer Network is featuring several volunteer opportunities set up by local nonprofits in the spirit of Dr. King. Those interested can visit https://tinyurl.com/2024-MLK-opportunities to view current opportunities. For more information or assistance, contact Michelle Moss at getconnected@bloomington.in.gov.

Winter Palooza

Bundle up and celebrate winter — snow is not required! Bloomington Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteers 16 years and older to help at Winter Palooza happening from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 20. Volunteers are needed to assist with the setup and tear down of the event, as well as manage the activity areas. There are winter-themed games and activities, a photo booth and more at Winter Palooza. On-site training provided. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have an Underage Waiver of Liability signed by a parent or guardian. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/winter-palooza-volunteers. Contact Tara Brooke at tara.brooke@bloomington.in.gov for assistance or additional information.

Activate! volunteers needed

Are you a volunteer, a member of an organization that utilizes volunteers, a board member, a committee or a commission member? Would you like a chance to share your experiences, share your volunteer needs, spread the word about your organization or motivate others in the community to get involved? If so, consider volunteering to share your stories. Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, which presents first-person narratives from people working for positive change. Interested participants will pre-record interviews at the WFHB Community Radio Station, which will air at a later date during the end of their 5 p.m. Monday Evening News. Currently interview slots are open on Tuesday and Thursdays at 6:15, 6:45 or 7:15 p.m.  Interviews can take up to 30 minutes but are often shorter. Learn more and sign up today at visit https://tinyurl.com/2024-Activate-interviews. Contact Michelle Moss at 812-349-3433 or getconnected@bloomington.in.gov for more information.

Community Wish List Spotlight

The holiday season is a special time for many nonprofits to provide additional services, meals and programs. During this season of giving, consider fulfilling a wish from one of the local nonprofit organizations that make up the Bloomington Volunteer Network Community Wish List. Wish lists include items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, household supplies, and much more.

Lend a helping hand by volunteering.
Lend a helping hand by volunteering.

To make a wish list donation:

  1. Visit https://tinyurl.com/community-wish-list to view current wish lists.

  2. Choose a wish list you would like to support.

  3. Make your donation.

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

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Volunteer at MLK National Day of Service, Winter Palooza, Activate!