The city of Bloomington Volunteer Network provides information about local volunteer opportunities. 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 at BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org.
Donation Intake Assistant
Opportunity House Thrift Store is supported by donations of goods from the Bloomington community. Money raised from sales goes to support the programs of Btown Pathways, including their income-based childcare and self-sufficiency program. Volunteers are needed to assist their part-time staff with receiving donations and organizing them. Good communication and customer service skills are a plus; some heavy lifting is required.
Location: 907 W. 11th St., Bloomington, IN 47404
Available shifts: Shifts are flexible, approximately 3 hours once a week (or more if desired) between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Learn more and sign up: tinyurl.com/intake-assistants
Contact: ophouse68@gmail.com or 812-336-2443.
Snow Buddies 2025-2026
Volunteer to be a Snow Buddy! The city of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility (CCA) is looking for volunteers to help with snow removal for those with disabilities and the elderly. Volunteers will be assigned to a Bloomington neighbor needing help for the 2025-2026 winter season and will commit to shoveling a path to their entryway each time it snows. The Snow Buddies program covers the removal of snow from the pathway, including steps, between the residence’s door and the sidewalk, as well as the public sidewalk along the property. Buddies are not expected to clear snow from driveways, cars or other areas. Buddies are expected to clear snow from the resident’s sidewalk and pathway within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall or to alert the program if they are unable to. If you have specialized snow-clearing tools, such as a truck with a plow attachment, and wish to be a Superhero Snow Buddy clearing multiple houses or driveways, please let them know!
Learn more and find their sign-up link: tinyurl.com/snow-buddies
Contact: ccaassist@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3478.
Step Team instructors
The Cry of the Children step team instills a great sense of discipline and attention to detail in young people. The precision and boldness teach them honor, pride, and a sense of self-fulfillment. If you love working with young people, whether you are a community person or an Indiana University student, you are welcome to work with this step team! Volunteers must be able to teach during the school day and after school at one of the local schools, as well as two Saturdays a month. Minimum age is 18.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/step-team-instructors
Contact: Dellsie Boddie at 812-269-6397 or cryofthechildren@gmail.com
Wish List Spotlight
New Hope Wish List
Donations to New Hope For Families will directly benefit families in our community navigating the crisis of homelessness. Staff members work with families to make sure they have the necessary essentials, food, and the support they need to move from homelessness to stable housing.
Donations: accepted most weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Please call the office at 812-334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.
Location: 1140 S. Morton St., Bloomington, IN 47403
Contact: For questions or special arrangements, email thom@newhope4families.org
Featured Wishes:
View current wish list: tinyurl.com/new-hope-wish-list
You can also find year-round in-kind donation needs on the Community Wish List at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Opportunity House and Cry of the Children need helpers, city looking for snow buddies
Reporting by The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
