United Way’s COVID-19 Volunteer Response

*This post is updated daily with new opportunities
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.
 
 

THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS HAVE URGENT NEED WHERE YOUR HELP IS NEEDED:

*This post is updated daily with new opportunities

Volunteer & Donate Items
Added on March 18:

Click here to learn about volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank.

Click here to view the Horizon House wish list.

Click here to view the Second Helpings emergency volunteer waitlist.

Click here to learn more about volunteering at Sharing Place Food Pantry.

Click here to learn more about volunteering at Wheeler Mission.

Added on March 24:

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.

Click here to learn more about donating items to the Churches in Mission Serving Morgan County

Added on March 25:

Click here to learn more about donating healthy food to the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition

Added on March 26:

Click here to learn more about how you can provide telephone reassurance for our senior community members through CICOA

Click here to learn more about how you can help make face masks for our community’s healthcare workers and nursing home residents

 
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