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.
Dash 4 Shelter
Wheeler Mission — Bloomington is organizing their annual Christmas-themed 5K run/walk, Dash 4 Shelter, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon at Karst Farm Park. All event proceeds will support Wheeler Mission— Bloomington’s programs and services for those experiencing homelessness in south-central Indiana. Volunteers 15 years and older are needed to help before, during and after the event. Volunteer opportunities include Promotion/Marketing, Goody Bag Assembly, Start Line/Finish Line/Setup/Teardown, Registration, Fun Patrol, Food Court, Awards and more. Visit https://tinyurl.com/dash-4-shelter to learn more and find their volunteer opportunities link. For event questions, contact Chris-Michael (C-M) Morrison at cmmorrison@wheelermission.org.
Become a tax hero!
Not all heroes wear capes. Some help hardworking families file their taxes for free! Last year, incredible volunteers helped hardworking families file 865 tax returns. Volunteers are needed between Jan. 27 and April 14, with training opportunities starting in late November through mid-December. Volunteers will help with two roles: intake specialists who welcome taxpayers to the site, ensure they have the required documentation for their tax appointment, and assist them in filling out the intake and interview form, and tax preparers who will sit one-on-one with taxpayers, use their tax forms along with the intake & interview forms and complete tax returns on the IRS provided software (returns are typically simple 1040 or 1040EZ). Volunteers are needed at locations in Bloomington, Ellettsville and Spencer. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2025-tax-hero for information and to find their online application. Contact Tax Hero Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Blankensop at catherine@unitedwaysci.org with questions or for more information.
2024 Angel Tree distribution
Join a magical day of giving! Volunteers are essential to the success of the Angel Tree Distribution, happening Wednesday, Dec. 18, at The Salvation Army-Bloomington (111 N. Rogers St.). Volunteers 18 years and older are needed to assist in distributing gifts for each registered Angel Tree family. Six two-hour shifts are available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The last shift is the cleanup crew. These volunteers will need to be able to organize and lift heavier items. Teams of up to 12 are welcome! Learn more and sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/2024-angel-tree-volunteers. Questions? Contact Captain Brenna Lee at brenna.lee@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Wish List Spotlight
ReStore/Habitat for Humanity Wish List
The Monroe County Habitat ReStore is a discount home improvement store that sells new and like-new furniture, appliances and more. Donating working appliances and furniture helps Habitat Monroe County build affordable homes. Additionally, donating helps reuse/recycle items for a more sustainable planet while reducing solid waste disposal.
Donations: Donations can be made Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 850 S. College Mall Road, in Bloomington. ReStore offers a pick-up service for appliances and furniture.
Contact: For more information, contact Ron Smith at 812 331-2660, ext 101, or ronsmith@monroecountyhabitat.org.
Featured Wishes: working, gently used appliances like stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers; furniture in good condition like sofas, tables, chairs, etc.
View Current Wish List: https://tinyurl.com/restore-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: Help at Dash 4 Shelter, with tax prep or with Angel Tree distribution
