Help Stone Belt, mentor refugee families or help Boys & Girls Clubs with a holiday meal
The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network is your source for 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.
In-Home activity volunteer
Visit people in their homes and play games, do art projects, watch a movie, cook and much more! Stone Belt is currently experiencing a staffing crisis. This means many folks with developmental/intellectual disabilities aren't getting many opportunities to get out of the house or to play games and have fun at home. Volunteers are asked to commit to once-a-week, twice-a-month, or once-a-month shifts. You will get to know people, make new friends, and spread some joy. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/in-home-activities, or contact Rev. Sarah McKenney, at 812-332-2168, ext. 153, or smckenney@stonebelt.org for more information.
Community Support Mentor
Perfect for an individual or small group, Community Support Mentors partner with Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc. to assist a refugee family with adjusting to life in the U.S. Individuals/groups typically work with a family during their first 90 days in the U.S., but may also be placed with a recently arrived family who would benefit from support. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least three “Welcome” activities, such as meeting the family at the airport, setting up an apartment, providing transportation to appointments, teaching English, providing financial assistance (rent, utilities, school supplies, etc.), and more. Requirements: Minimum 90-day commitment. Must be comfortable working with individuals with limited English proficiency. Mentors must complete comprehensive training and all participants must pass a criminal background check. Visit https://tinyurl.com/community-support-mentor to respond to this opportunity, or contact Renee Miller, volunteer coordinator, at 317-416-6091, or rmiller@exodusrefugee.org to learn more.
Thanksgiving dinner for Boys & Girls Clubs volunteers
Each year the Thursday before Thanksgiving the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for members and their families that might not have a great dinner for the holiday otherwise. This is an event where members get to invite their families to join them for a great meal, bingo, games and an all-around great time. Volunteers make this event possible, from setting up and breaking down the tables and chairs, serving the food, to leading games and activities, this event is better with you! Volunteers are needed on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Ferguson Crestmont Club for shifts running between 4:30-8:30 p.m. To sign up for this event, please go to https://tinyurl.com/Thanksgiving-dinner-volunteers. Questions? Reach out to Courtney Payne at cpayne@bgcbloomington.org or 812-322-5254
Community Wish List Spotlight
Pantry 279 Wish List
Pantry 279’s is celebrating its 7th birthday on Nov. 2! Now is a great time to make the gift of a donation to the pantry and honor their monumental efforts. Donations support individuals of all ages and help to feed upward of 3,200 people a month, representing 10 counties (although mostly Monroe, Owen, and Green), and their numbers continue to grow.
Donation Information: Donations can be made on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 501 E. Temperance St., Ellettsville, Indiana 47429 (large marked donation box located on the side of the building).
Contact: Cindy Chavez, at 812-606-1524, or pantry279@yahoo.com.
Featured Wishes: canned goods (desperately needed), Sharpie markers, zipper storage bags, Post-It notes, sugar, food and spices, toiletries, cleaning supplies, gift cards to Walmart or Kroger, and more. View their complete Wish List online at https://tinyurl.com/Pantry-279-wish-list.
You can find current in-kind, material needs on the year-round Community Wish List at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Stone Belt, Exodus Refugee Immigration and Boys & Girls Clubs need help
