Community Volunteer Opportunities
December 2016
*Volunteer Opportunity is open to high school teens
United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) / AARP Tax Aide
Seeking volunteers to serve as tax preparers and intake specialists for 2017 tax year. Training begins in December.
Time commitment: 5 to 30 hours of training during December and January and 4 hours per week on site during the tax season from February through mid-April.
Contact: Volunteer Action Center at 812 -314-2706 or Latha at
Developmental Services, Inc.
Looking for 4 volunteers to help paint the lockers in our sheltered workshop. The clients would like to paint a design on the lockers so someone with an artistic background would be ideal. Also leadership skills are encouraged.
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00am-2:30 pm
Time Commitment: 8 hours total either in one day or spread out over several days.
Contact: Hanna Hodnett at or 812-376-9404 ext. 161
Developmental Services, Inc.
1 Volunteer to help with scanning and filing. Volunteer must be able to alphabetize.
Hours: Any day except Thursdays 9:30 until 3:30
Time Commitment: 20-24 hours total over several days.
Contact to Sign Up: Hanna Hodnett at or 812-376-9404 ext 161
America and Roby Anderson Center
4 Volunteers needed to staff the America and Roby and Anderson Center – 421 McClure Road, Columbus, Indiana to greet people, take messages, and do light cleaning. Times and days are flexible with the volunteer’s schedule.
Contact: Julie Bilz at or 812-371-7459
Love Chapel – Brighter Day Housing Facility
Unlimited volunteers needed to supervise residents staying at the facility. Staff will be accompanying volunteers as well.
Hours: 24/7 variety of times - 4 hour shifts.
Time commitment: 4 hours per month minimum
Contact to sign up: Kathy Thompson – 812-372-9421
Your Local American Red Cross
Volunteer client caseworkers needed - when clients experience a disaster of any kind, they need assistance to help get their feet back on the ground. Caseworkers meet with the clients after the disaster, at the client’s convenience to help them establish a recovery plan and to connect the clients with community resources. Skills required include excellent customer service and communication skills, ability to be empathetic with the clients, good writing skills; computer skills are a plus. Volunteers will be meeting with clients through their entire recovery process.
Volunteers 18 years and older are needed to help and will need to pass a background check.
Contact: 888- 684- 1441 or
Money STRONG Program
Volunteer Financial Coaches needed to help people meet their financial goals. The program offers free, confidential financial coaching to help individuals and families manage their money and improve their financial futures. Coaches work one-on-one with participants to define their personal financial goals and develop an action plan to achieve their goals. From paying rent, to increasing savings, to reaching a financial goal, the Financial Coach is there to help identify resources, offer support and encouragement that help participants realize success.
Time Commitment: 1 hour per week for 6 months
Contact: Katie Willett or 812-418-4930
Bartholomew County Triad
Bartholomew County Triad is a partnership between local law enforcement, older adults, and community groups. Currently, the Triad is working to identify needs of older adults in the community through a community needs assessment. We are in need of 2-3 volunteers to help distribute the assessment throughout the community.
Hours: Flexible
Time commitment: 5-10 hours over a two month time span (flexible)
Contact: Leah Boas at or call 812-376-9241 ext. 210
Developmental Services, Inc.
Cooking Classes: DSI is seeking community mentors to lead cooking classes on the first Wednesday of every month. On-going commitment preferred. Training provided to volunteers. Dates and times: December 7, 3:15-5:00.
Contact to sign up: Hanna Hodnett at or 812-376-9404 ext. 161
Developmental Services, Inc.
2-3 volunteers to help with gift wrapping for client and employee Holiday Party.
Hours: 3-4 hours
Time Commitment: 1 time on Wednesday December 14th 2016
Contact to sign up: Hanna Hodnett at or 812-376-9404 ext. 161
Developmental Services, Inc. – Holiday Party
5 Volunteers to help set up our Holiday Party and potentially finish wrapping gifts. Set up will include tables, table cloths, center pieces, and decorations
Hours: 12pm- 2/3pm Thursday December 15th
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours one time
Contact to sign up: Hanna Hodnett at or 812-376-9404 ext. 161
United Way 2-1-1-Holiday Helpline Registration
Answer phones and enter information into the database to register local children and families for gift/food assistance. New volunteers to Holiday Assistance will need to arrive half hour early for training on the programs we register and on the holiday database.
Date: October 17, 2016--- December 16, 2016
Time: Shifts Vary, 1.2 -2 hour shifts, Monday –Friday 9:00-4:00
Contact: Dede Parker, 812-376-0011, -- for the link to Sign-up Genius or for more information.
Foundation for Youth – Princess Ball
Travel Around the World to the eleventh annual Princess Ball! Volunteers are needed to set up, check in, and supervising the photo area, craft area and food tables. After the event volunteers will be needed to help tear down. Help make this a night to remember!
Time commitment: Saturday 1/7/2017 various shifts available
Contact to sign up: or 812-348-4558 x207
World AIDS Day
The Granny Connection is deeply dedicated to providing support, advocacy and funding to grandmothers who are raising children orphaned by AIDS. Help us raise awareness in preparation of this important event day by knitting red scarves today. Please put the finished scarves in the designated box at Mill Race Center. The scarves will be tied around town on event day then available to the public to afterwards to those who need them!
When: due in before 12/1
Where: Submit scarves to Mill Race Center
Contact: Ann Jones, 812 342 4680,
Thrive Alliance
We need volunteers to help with set up, hospitality and clean up.
Event: Adult Guardianship Christmas Party
When: Friday, December 16, 2016. 1pm - 5 pm
Where: 1531 13th St #G900, Columbus, IN 47201
Hours: 2 hour shifts
Contact: Kashmira Mehta/Tracy Heaton de Martinez, 812 372 6918 or email at
Family Service Inc.
Do you secretly love to organize?? We are in need of a volunteer to organize our office library and other administrative duties (making copies and putting packets together). Anyone interested in a couple hours weekly or biweekly.
Contact Arriann Custer at 812-314-2319 or
Score
interested in helping start up and/or experienced entrepreneurs and have a background in business and/or a related field, (e.g. legal, accounting, banking, manufacturing, retail, technology, etc.) you might want to consider joining the local SCORE Chapter to help new startups and existing businesses to be successful.
Our primary activity is to meet with and counsel start up and ongoing small businesses in one hour, face-to-face, confidential, free sessions with our Clients.
Other activities include: occasional local business related workshops, brief monthly Chapter meetings, etc.
Contact: Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 812-379-4457 or visit
National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP)
Is in need of several volunteers over the age of 21 to provide child care during foster parent support groups. These groups meet in the evening twice a month on varying days. Volunteers must be able to pass background checks and may be asked to assist in events for foster families and youth throughout the year such as the NYAP Fall Festival (Oct), Christmas Party (Dec), and Foster Appreciation Dinner (held in May). Hours: Varies, usually 5:30pm – 7:30pm or 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Time commitment: Varies based on availability and interest
Contact to sign up: Danielle Nickerson at or 812-344-6317
The Columbus Salvation Army
We are looking for volunteers to assist at our Gleaner’s Food Trucks. We have a truck the 2nd Tuesday and the 2nd Friday of the month. Tuesdays are 1p-3p at Cummins Fuel Systems and Fridays are 10a-12p at The Salvation Army.
Time Commitment: 2 hours per location
Contact:Capt. Jodi 812/372-7118,
The Columbus Salvation Army
We are looking for volunteers to assist in our food pantry, sort and stock food, and janitorial needs Monday’s 9a-12p, Tuesday’s 2p-6p, Wednesday & Thursdays 9a-12p.
Contact: Capt. Jodi 812/372-7118,
The Columbus Salvation Army
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in working with youth. We have youth programs on Wednesday evenings from 5pm-7pm. We are looking for volunteers who can teach musical instruments or singing. Also for volunteers who would like to work with the youth on earning badges. Volunteers will need to go through a Safe From Harm training before working with the youth.
Time Commitment: 30 minutes to an hour a week.
Contact:Capt. Jodi 812/372-7118,
Engage Columbus
International Tea Coordinator to plan monthly tea events. Creative, detailed oriented person who can lead a team of others to plan, prepare and present monthly themed teas.
Hours: Monthly Tea l- Last Wednesday of the Month 10:30-1PM
Location: Engage Columbus 431 Sixth Street
Time Commitment: 6 hours per month – (3 Hours day of the event, 3 additional hours of planning and coordinating between events).
Contact: Lara Hodson at 765-318-1384
Thrive Alliance
Thrive Alliance is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of social and human services to residents of south central Indiana. Volunteer opportunity includes helping with office clerical tasks (filing, copying, data entry and making phone calls). Times and days are flexible with the volunteer’s schedule.
Hours: 2 hours/week.
Where:1531 13th St # G900, Columbus, IN 47201
Contact: Kashmira Mehta/Tracey Heaton de Martinez at or 812 372 6918
Thrive Alliance
Activities (games, crafts, reading)/ visiting with the senior residents who are mostly homebound due to medical issues.
Youth groups can make cards throughout the year for homebound residents.
Once a month assisting residents with mobility issues with transportation to food pantries. They have difficulty navigating the city bus w/ their food pantry items and have had to turn down food because they can’t carry and have run out of food by end of the month.
Where: Cambridge Sq. Apartments 3301 McKinley Avenue Columbus, IN 47201
Contact: Kashmira Mehta/Tracey Heaton de Martinez at
or 812 372 6918
Thrive Alliance
Anderson Community Center (Meal Site)
Volunteer opportunity includes helping with cleaning, serving food, picking up lunches at CRH, organizing and running activities amongst other miscellaneous duties. Times and days are flexible with the volunteer’s schedule.
Hours: 10am-1 pm
Where:421, McClure Road, Columbus, IN 47201
Contact: Kashmira Mehta/Tracy Heaton de Martinez, 812 372 6918 or email at
Armory Apartments (Meal Site)
Volunteer opportunity includes helping with cleaning, serving food, picking up lunches at CRH, organizing and running activities amongst other miscellaneous duties. Times and days are flexible with the volunteer’s schedule.
Hours: 10 am -12 pm
Where:646 Franklin Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Contact: Kashmira Mehta/Tracy Heaton de Martinez, 812 372 6918 or email at
Bartholomew County Humane Society*
Needs volunteers for animal feeding, cleaning and other tasks. Also sometimes need foster homes for special needs animals and those recovering from injury.
Contact: 812-372-6063,
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Volunteers needed to help make costume patterns, sewing simple projects, pressing, and related efforts. No experience necessary. All volunteers receive a background check.
Where: Haw Creek Heritage Center at 111 Aiken Street, Hope, IN.
Time: 2-3 hours per week, Wednesday through Friday; open hours are from 9am-4pm
Contact: Anna Barnett, , 812-372-3541
Columbus Animal Care Services
Volunteers are needed for tasks such as walking dogs, socializing cats, cleaning, etc. as well as occasional events. Mid-day volunteers especially needed.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-12
Time commitment: varies, two hour time periods are typical
Contact: Alyssia Burriss, 812-376-2505
Columbus Regional Health
Volunteers needed in gift shop, information desk, reception areas and patient care areas.
Information: crh.org (click Foundation and Community, then volunteer opportunities).
Contact: Mary Campbell at 812-376-5305 or
Community Animal Rescue Effort
Needs volunteers to provide in-home care for dogs and/or cats in need until pets are adopted by new owners. All veterinary care is paid by C.A.R.E. Food and litter may also be provided.
Contact:
Developmental Services, Inc.
Community Mentors: DSI is seeking community mentors to share talents and hobbies with our clients in Education & Enrichment programming. Commitment may be one time or on-going. Looking for people that are willing to share their interest in cooking, sewing, music, pottery, theater, sports, gardening, carpentry, computer literacy, visual arts, and more. Hours depend on each volunteer’s availability. Opportunities to volunteer take place Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Education and Enrichment Support: DSI is seeking volunteers to support activities in Education & Enrichment programming. Commitment may be one time or on-going. Looking for volunteers that would like to work with clients in Education & Enrichment programming or to help prepare materials for programming. Hours depend on each volunteer’s availability. Opportunities to volunteer take place Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Hanna Hodnett 812-376-9404 ext 161 or
Horizon House
Help needed with sorting, stocking, child sitting, light maintenance and other tasks.
Contact: Michele Lee, , 812-372-8407
Just Friends Adult Day Service
Just Friends is seeking volunteers to function as either a Senior Companion (assisting participants with activities, conversation and games) and Walking Coach (willing to walk with participants within Mill Race Center) during inclement weather and outside the facility in nice weather.
Time: Anytime during open hours 7:30 AM -5:30 PM, Monday through Friday in 1-2 hour sessions
Contact: Marilyn Clerc, Executive Directorat r (812)372-6415
Love Chapel *
Columbus food pantry reaches more than 4000 Bartholomew County people each month helping residents with groceries. Pantry Leaders, need help with truck delivery, food stocking, janitorial, food stocking and sorting, client intake, information and technology and other areas of the nonprofit outreach.
Contact: Jane 812-372-9421,
Mill Race Center
Needs 4 or 5 volunteer drivers to pick up patients at their homes and bring them to their doctor appointments. They will need to use their own vehicles and be available for 3 hour shifts.
Contact: Dan Mustard,
Orphan Grain Train*
Volunteers needed for range of tasks at new location of Jonesville warehouse. Tasks include unloading and sorting donated items for families in need.
Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 10am - 3pm
Contact: Gene Ernst,
Our Hospice of South Central Indiana
We are looking for caring volunteers to help us “make every moment count” for our patients and families. Volunteer opportunities include providing companionship to patients and families living with an advanced illness, helping with office clerical tasks (filing, copying, and data entry) or working as volunteer support at fundraising events such as the annual Our Hospice Concert. There is a volunteer role to fit your talents and the time you can give!
Volunteers participate in an orientation program, training and ongoing education.
Contact: Jennifer Pasyanos, 812-314-8054,
Sans Souci*
Helpers needed to hang clothing, sort donations and assist at stocking shelving at the agency’s thrift store.
Hours: Monday–Friday 10-5, Saturday 10–4pm
Contact: 812-314-2930,
Turning Point
Need volunteers for 90 minute weekly childcare.
Contact: Anne Courtney, 812-379-9844 ex 107,
Developmental Services, Inc.
Looking for one volunteer to help with filing in our Behavioral Management Department. This can be one time or ongoing. They need help filing into client binders as well as updating training books. Skills include alphabetizing, stapling, and hole-punching.
Hours: Any time after 9:30 am Monday- Thursday
Time Commitment: Open ended
Contact to sign up: Hanna Hodnett at or 812-376-9404 ext. 161
Family Service Inc.
Do you secretly love to organize?? We are in need of a volunteer to organize our office library and other administrative duties (making copies and putting packets together). Anyone interested in a couple hours weekly or biweekly.
Contact: Arriann Custer at 812-314-2319 or
Foundation For Youth - Basketball Coaches, Asst. Coaches, & Scorekeepers
Do you love basketball? Interested in mentoring our youth grades K - 12? We need you! Basketball at FFYteach kids the fundamentals of the game, the importance of teamwork, & the value of good sportsmanship, life skill lessons that stick with them for years to come. Be a positive influence, and volunteer! All volunteers must be screened and a background checked prior to volunteering.
Hours: 2 hours, 2x/week M-F
Time commitment: Current-February 2017
Contact to sign up: or 812-348-4558 x207
Foundation For Youth - Boys & Girls Club – Afterschool Homework Tutor
Seeking mentors to assist with general homework help for club members of all ages, delivering a level of understanding that may correspond with each individual member’s age and personality. Homework help is essential to help our youth succeed at an early age. All volunteers must be screened and background checked prior to volunteering.
Hours:Min. 1 hr., Afterschool M – F 3p – 6p, and/or school breaks M – F 8a – 6p
Time commitment:12 weeks
Contact to sign up:r812-348-4558 x207
Foundation For Youth – Boys and Girls Club – STEM Teacher
BGC is seeking volunteers with a background inScience, Technology, Engineering & Mathematicsto be part of a team to teachto its members, grades K-6. Collaborate and help develop lessons.Share your excitement about STEM to the youth of Columbus and open the doors to endless possibilities. Allvolunteers must be screened and a background check ran prior to volunteering.
Hours:1 hr. or more, Afterschool M – F 3p – 6p, and/or school breaks M – F 8a – 6p
Time commitment: flexible
Contact to sign up: or 812-348-4558 x207
Thrive Alliance
Working w/ Teens: Teen Talk group meets once a week at 4:30pm (when school is in session) or 1:00pm (when school is not in session). Any adults who would like to demonstrate a youth-related hobby or activity. They also are interested in sports, crafts/ art work, any hands-on activities or games.