*This post is updated regularly and the opportunities below are current
United Way of Central Indiana is working closely with other community-based organizations to share their most immediate needs while dealing with the coronavirus while connecting volunteers to safe opportunities in their communities.
URGENT OPPORTUNITIES WHERE YOUR HELP IS NEEDED THE MOST:
FOOD
Click here to learn about volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank (3/18/2020)
Click here to view the Second Helpings emergency volunteer waitlist (3/18/2020)
Click here to learn more about volunteering at Sharing Place Food Pantry (3/18/2020)
Click here to learn more about donating items to the Churches in Mission Serving Morgan County (3/24/2020)
Click here to learn more about donating healthy food to the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition (3/24/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can help provide meals to Indianapolis area Front Line Heroes (4/1/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can help the Salvation Army with their Food Pantries (4/1/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can help with senior food and prescription delivery in Hamilton County (4/3/2020)
Click here to learn more about what you can do to supply Seniors in Hamilton County with basic need items (4/3/2020)
HOUSING
Click here to view the Horizon House wish list (3/18/2020)
Click here to learn more about volunteering at Wheeler Mission (3/18/2020)
Distribute food to Near Eastside families through Westminster Neighborhood Services. Contact volunteer coordinator Azaria Brown at azaria.brown@westmin.org or visit westmin.org for more information (3/24/2020)
VIRTUAL – Utilizing Technology
Click here to learn more about how you can provide telephone reassurance for our senior community members through CICOA (3/25/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can share your love of books through a Virtual Storytime (3/30/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can share a message of hope with men, women and families through Volunteers of America (4/3/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can connect with Seniors in Hamilton County (4/3/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can share well wishes with Seniors in Hamilton County (4/3/2020)
Click here to learn more about students connecting with seniors as phone buddies (4/3/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can be a volunteer community navigator for the Indiana 211 Partnership to assist those impacted by COVID-19 (4/6/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can make companion calls and provide technical assistance to seniors for the John H. Boner Center (4/21/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can help HVAF with their virtual clothing drive and hygiene kit build needs (4/29/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can help HVAF with their virtual clothing drive and hygiene kit build needs (4/29/2020)
Click here to write a virtual Thank You note to front line workers (5/29/2020)
REMOTE – From your home
Click here to learn about how you can help Coburn Place Safe Haven through volunteering at home (4/2/2020)
Click here to learn more about how you can help Concord Neighborhood Center with making children’s face masks (4/21/2020)
DONATE BLOOD
Versiti Blood Center of Central Indiana is accepting donations at their downtown center, located at 3450 N. Meridian St., from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or 6 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Donations are also accepted by appointment or from walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the following blood centers:
Carmel: 726 Adams St., Suite 150
Fishers: 11005 Allisonville Rd.
Greenwood: 8739 U.S. 31 South
The American Red Cross is also seeking donors. Potential donors are asked to make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor smartphone app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND …
Community members are encouraged to help support urgent community needs created by the Coronavirus outbreak, but we ask that you keep the following in mind:
Honor the public health recommendations. If you’re delivering supplies or food to a family or organization, follow the suggestion of social distancing – ring the doorbell and move away from the door, text them beforehand, etc.
Feel connected through solo volunteering. Even if you’ve signed up for a solo volunteering opportunity – like delivering food to someone who needs it or distributing door hangers with information – know that the people you’re helping appreciate your outreach and you’re helping people feel connected. You’re also staying true to the health department’s suggestion of social distancing.
Look for opportunities that are limited in size. Organizations know how important of a role they play in minimizing the spread of the disease. If you are committed to volunteering with others, look for a group size of 10 or less.
Stay home when you are sick. Of course, you should be doing all of the things to stay safe – hand washing, limiting exposure, etc. – but this one deserves a second shout out. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and get well. Thanks to people who think like you, there will be plenty of volunteers out there to help when needed.
INTERESTED IN OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER IN CENTRAL INDIANA?
Click HERE to find other available volunteer opportunities in the Central Indiana community.
If you have questions about volunteering, email us at volunteer@uwci.org.
Give to the Community Economic Relief Fund
