Current Volunteer Opportunities

Organization: BCAI Cultural Arts & Humanities

Details:
BCAI - Breaking Chains & Advancing Increase Cultural Arts & Humanities, uses various cultural art forms to inspire self-awareness and help facilitate self-actualization while co-creating safe community. They have open internship positions for a variety of roles including marketing, event and management assistance, cultural production, and social service. Find a list of roles and contact info in this document.

Organization: Crisis Text Line

Details:
The Crisis Text Line is looking for volunteers to serve as crisis counselors and respond virtually to needs across the United States. They require a minimum of four hours of volunteer time per week, and their peak hours are overnight. Visit their website for more information.

Organization: Project XV Museum

Details:
Project XV Museum is the first voting rights museum in the state of Illinois. They are seeking volunteers to help work fundraisers, edit their website, and provide tours. They are located at 1 West Front Street, El Paso, IL. For more information and to sign up, visit the Project XV Museum website.

Organization: Faith in Action

Details:
Faith in Action (FIA) provides transportation to medical appointments for seniors. They need volunteers (aged 21 years and up) for driving, grocery shopping, friendly visits/phone calls, maintenance, and more. For more information, contact Stacey Bill, volunteer coordinator, at stacey@bnfia.org, or visit their website.

Organization: Housing Authority City of Bloomington

Details:
The Housing Authority of The City of Bloomington, Illinois, is looking for volunteers to assist the Resident Services Department with helping to organize and supervise activities for our children/youth. Interested students should contact Alton Shelvin at altons@bloomingtonha.com or (309) 834-2120.

Organization: Salvation Army

Details:

Safe Harbor Volunteers
The Salvation Army, Safe Harbor in Bloomington is looking for volunteers to answer phone calls between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteer opportunities are also available in the evenings. Ideally, volunteers would work a few hours at a time. This allows case management staff more time to meet with clients. For more information, visit their website. For more information, reach out to Residential Service Director, Kiowna "Kiki" Towns at kiowna.towns@usc.salvationarmy.org 

Food Pantry Volunteers
The Salvation Army food pantry is seeking volunteers to serve as stockers, baggers, check-in assistants, sorters, or other roles. Volunteers are needed on Thursdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. Learn more and fill out a volunteer application on their website. For more information, reach out to Community Service Director, Adam Lovell at Adam.lovell@usc.salvationarmy.org 

Pathway of Hope
Long-term internship positions are available through the Pathway of Hope program, assisting with client intakes, resume assistance, benefits applications (SNAP, housing, etc) and more. For more information, reach out to Community Service Director, Adam Lovell at Adam.lovell@usc.salvationarmy.org 

Organization: Normal Public Library

Details:
The Normal Public Library is looking for college student volunteers for the Partners in Reading program, where they are matched with a grade school student and meet weekly with them throughout the semester to enjoy reading together. Times are flexible. Volunteers can get letters of recommendation or service hours signed off. Interested students can email lcarney@normalpl.org . 

Organization: Health 360

Details:
This nonprofit organization is seeking AmeriCorps members to serve at PATH Crisis Inc, as crisis call counselor. Members will serve in person at PATH Crisis, answering their crisis calls/texts/and chats. This AmeriCorps service term is an amazing opportunity for students who are interested in the mental health field, about to graduate, and may be looking for a gap year before jumping right into employment. Contact Jackie Nickolas at nickolas@health360.org for more information.

Organization: Western Avenue Community Center

Details:
Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington offers many programs to support the community. They are looking for volunteers to help with their Hispanic Outreach Program (Interpretation & Translation Services), Senior Programs, and Food Program. Visit their website to learn more or email their staff.

Organization: YWCA McLean County

YWCA Stepping Stones
Become a volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual assault. You can be there for someone in crisis, either directly or indirectly, by being a trained volunteer support person at YWCA Stepping Stones. A free virtual training is required of all volunteers. Learn more or submit an application using the link https://www.ywcamclean.org/ssvolunteer/ 

Service Volunteers
YWCA needs volunteers for a project day on October 5th. Tasks include painting, landscaping, and organizing supplies. Volunteers can sign up for one-hour shifts. Find a complete list of tasks and register using SignUp Genius.

Organization: PATH/United Way

Details:
Become a PATH/United Way 2-1-1- Hotline volunteer. PATH answers phones for multiple 24-hour hotlines and depends on volunteers to answer those calls. The volunteer training course includes communication, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, mental health, etc. A volunteer application is available online at www.pathcrisis.org . For questions contact Eva or Candyce at (309) 834-0507 or ekomar@pathcrisis.org/cjarmon@pathcrisis.org .

Organization: CASA

Details:
You can help change a child’s story by becoming a CASA volunteer. McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in foster care until the child finds a safe, permanent, and loving home. CASA Volunteers spend about 5-10 hours per month on their case, and the average case length is 12-18 months. Apply on the website.

Organization: Unity Community Center

Details:
Unity Community Center is a K-12th grade after school program close to campus. They host educational youth programs and offer homework help. Unity is looking for volunteers to help with homework, assist with programs, and interact with the students. Internship and volunteer opportunities are available for Fall of 2024 and Spring of 2025. Contact Robin at etnyre@illinois.edu for more information.

Organization: The Children's Discovery Museum (CDM)

Volunteering
Volunteers are currently needed for Playla, a special event on the evening of September 7. Volunteers lead hands-on experiences, assist with catering, and ensure a great experience for everyone! Volunteers are needed from 5:15-10:15 p.m., with breaks and dinner provided. More information and sign-up links can be found in this document. Can't make it that day? Volunteers are needed to help with exhibits, special events and education, including day camps, home school workshops, preschool classes, afterschool programming and education outreach. Volunteers are required to attend a 90-minute orientation and complete a background check. Apply online. Contact Shelly Hanover at (309) 433-3453 or shanover@normal.org.

Internship
Is event planning your thing?  Join CDM to research and develop fun, themed evening events for families filled with hands-on activities, food, and entertainment. Responsibilities include research, activity development, promotional materials, and donation requests. Interns must be available to assist the night of the event. Events include Halloween Hoopla, Jammies & Jingles, Noon Year’s Eve. Contact Amy Pitzer at apitzer@normal.org to get started.

Organization: Mid Central Community Action (MCCA)

Details:
MCCA provides proactive support, advocacy, and education for individuals and families in McLean and Livingston Counties. This non-profit organization serves to eliminate domestic violence, combat homelessness, and create a community hub for financial stability. They are currently looking for volunteers to do data entry, basic cleaning duties and light maintenance duties. You can apply using the signup form or find more information on their website.

Organization: Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal

Details:
Make a one-time commitment with our "Done in a Day" option or become a mentor as a support volunteer. Group and individual experiences available. For more information, contact Leslie Adams, Family & Volunteer coordinator, at (309) 829-3034, ext. 112, or ladams@bgcbn.or or visit the website.

Organization: Family House

Details:
Are you, your RSO, or club interested in providing a meal for families, conducting a "Fill the Pantry" drive, doing a fundraising event, organizing a group volunteer day, or doing work study hours? Contact Family House at (309) 685-5300 or email Melissa Young.

Organization: West Bloomington Revitalization Project

Veggie Oasis 
Veggie Oasis volunteers glean produce at the end of the Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market and deliver it to distribution sites in the Westside food desert, where the food is given away for free to local residents along with recipes, nutrition education, food insecurity information, and promotional materials for the farmers’ market. Distribuition happens on Saturdays, with dates available until October 2024. Find more information on volunteer roles and sign up online.

Book Bike
The Book Bike will be at the Downtown Farmer's Market from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, unless it’s raining. Staffing the Book Bike is fun and easy, and allows us to share more information about WBRP programs and services. Volunteers can staff the bike (and not worry about riding it), ride it to and from the market, or do both. This can be occasional or on a regular schedule. Sign up here.

Bike Co-op
Do you have some skills and experience in bicycle maintenance? We're in need of mechanics anytime between 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. This would involve assisting patrons with simple bike repairs that can be completed in under 30 minutes, as well as fitting them with the right bicycle if they’re purchasing.

Tool Library
The Tool Library can always use a “tool expert” during our open hours to help with questions about tools and projects. We also have tools and equipment needing repairs/cleaning/maintenance. Having someone with carpentry and small engine experience would be especially helpful. Volunteer here.

Front desk volunteer
This isn't a "one and done" volunteer role; it requires a serious commitment. The ideal candidate is detail oriented and a team player, has basic computer skills, retail experience, and some knowledge of tools and bicycles. Responsibilities include welcoming patrons and volunteers, checking tools in and out, managing Tool Library accounts, making sales transactions, monitoring the front entrance, answering phone calls, light cleaning and organizing, and opening and closing the building. With this position, we are hoping to be able to open our doors an additional day during the week, as well as have a backup in case our front desk person is ill or has an emergency.

Organization: Ecology Action Center 

Details:
Help the Ecology Action Center (EAC) prepare for summer library recycling programs. The EAC is looking for workday volunteers to convert the aluminum from cans to sheets so they can be used for embossing by students during summer programs. Two-hour shifts are available on select dates from April 10 to May 23. Find more information and sign up on the EAC website.

Organization: Habitat for Humanity of McLean County

Details:

Build Sites:
There are several volunteer opportunities available. Come work alongside a family to help build their home by signing up for a shift from 8 a.m. to noon on a Saturday. If you have questions about construction and office volunteering, contact Lindsey Jarboe or (309) 827-3931.

ReStore:
Our store at 1402 W. Washington in Bloomington gets donations daily and it takes many hands to sort, clean, and price items. There are volunteer opportunities for all ability levels, flexible scheduling, and areas of interest. See the online orientation. If you have questions, contact ReStore email or call (309) 454-6047.

Organization: Red Cross of Central Illinois

Details:
Blood Donor Ambassadors are needed to help at local blood drives. There is also an urgent need for Disaster Action Team members who are trained to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recruitment Team members are also needed. To find out more, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer or contact Sasha Welch-Moore at (309) 322-0566 or email Sasha.WelchMoore@redcross.org.

Blood drivers also needed. Help transport blood and blood products in a Red Cross vehicle. Training is provided; multiple shifts available.

Organization: Carle Hospice

Details:

Hospice Volunteer
Carle Hospice is seeking to expand its corps of trained volunteers. Hospice volunteers commit their time once a week for 1–2 hours at a time in tasks of their choice. Some examples of ways you can help include: Providing companionship to a patient, sewing memory pillows, helping with office tasks, and the ability to comfort and support patients and families. Extensive training and professional backup is provided. Those interested can contact Miranda Hamilton, Carle Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 309-268-2034 or Miranda.Hamilton@carle.com. 

Organization: Integrity Counseling

Details:

Volunteer Counselors
If you have a master’s degree in counseling or social work and can offer just one hour a week, we would love to have you. We rely on volunteer counselors so the uninsured and underinsured have access to mental health care. Appointments can be done in person or via telehealth. We also provide clinical supervision for those working toward clinical licensure, and our volunteers are covered by our group liability insurance. For more information, email integ502@outlook.com.

Front Desk Volunteers
We are also in need of volunteers to help greet clients, coordinate scheduling, and answer phones. Regular and substitute volunteers needed. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus. For more information, email Kathleen at kathleenc@integrityhelps.org.

Organization: The Baby Fold

Details:
The Baby Fold serves over 1,200 children and families annually across Central Illinois. Volunteer opportunities include administrative duties and do not typically include client interaction. Volunteers are needed between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday in Normal. Please click here if you are interested.

Organization: Home Sweet Home Ministries

Details:
Home Sweet Home Ministries is a nonprofit Christian shelter that provides service to those experiencing homelessness. We have multiple opportunities for volunteers. Visit the website for more information.

Organization: OSF Peace Meals

Details:
OSF Peace Meals provides nutritious meals five days a week for seniors 60 and older. Volunteers are needed to assist with meal delivery and preparation, as well as to serve at various locations. Visit the OSF volunteer form to apply.

Organization: St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

Details:
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, near Holy Trinity Church in Bloomington, needs strong volunteers to help unload pallets on Fridays around noon. Visit the website to learn more.

Organization: LIFE Center for Independent Living

Details:

Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program Volunteers
LIFE CIL offers a Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program. This program, aimed at helping those in need, lends durable medical equipment to the community, primarily through referrals from hospitals, medical professionals, and doctors in the Bloomington-Normal area. This program relies on the dedication of volunteers and the generous donations from community members. This opportunity fosters skill development for health career students. Find more information in the volunteer letter.

Front Desk Volunteers
LIFE Center for Independent Living is looking for a volunteer receptionist for the Bloomington office. The volunteer will provide receptionist, switchboard, clerical, and other support. For more information and to apply, visit their website.

Organization: McLean County Child Protection Network

Details:
The McLean County Child Protection Network (CPN) is searching for a student Board Member Intern. Learn more about being a board member at the CPN website and reach out to Jackie Young at communityengagement@mcleancpn.org to receive more information about becoming engaged with CPN.

Organization: School Street Food Pantry

Details:
The School Street Food Pantry is located on the edge of campus, serves local college students, and has a variety of volunteer needs, including helping repackage and label spices into smaller containers for distribution in individual serving sizes. Email Elaine Capek at ssfpmgr1@gmail.com to set up a time to volunteer.

Organization: Traditions Health

Details:
Traditions Health is committed to quality and compassionate care in the final season of life. Volunteers are need in Bloomington for the following:

• Office Assistance: paperwork and filing.
• Bereavement Program: mailing cards or making phone calls.
• Patient Companionship: sitting and visiting with patient, spending time with patient while caregiver is away, cooking dinner, building a wheelchair ramp, yard work, and many other opportunities.

For more information on these oppotunities, contact Megan Fonner, volunteer coordinator, via phone or email.

Organization: Midwest Food Bank

Details:
Midwest Food Bank is a local non-profit with national and international reach. They are looking for a variety of volunteers.

• Distribution volunteers: lift and load boxes of food for various agencies. Register online.
• Loyal Loaders: commit to volunteering once a month to assist with food distribution. Register online.
• Service project volunteers: complete a variety of projects such as repackaging food or assembling boxes/bags of food. Register online.
• Photographer: take photos of volunteers; must have their own equipment
• Writer for nutritional newsletter: must have strong writing skills and nutrition proficiency to help create content for monthly nutrition newsletter
• Front desk volunteers: answer phone calls, direct walk-ins, answer volunteer questions, and assist with volunteer check-in; must commit to a regular weekly time slot

For more information on these opportunities, contact Donna Haas, volunteer coordinator.

Organization: Illinois Science and Technology Coalition - Education (ISTC Education) 

Details:
New mentors are being welcomed onto the Mentor Matching Engine, an online collaboration tool that allows high school students across Illinois to connect with mentors in a safe and secure environment anytime, anywhere. Students and mentors communicate on a weekly basis over the course of a semester or the school year. Mentors have control over which project(s) they accept. Sign up online or email tanvi@istcoalition.org with questions.

Organization: Star Literacy

Details:
The Star Literacy program is looking for volunteers to help adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills or help non-native English speakers improve their language skills. Tutoring sessions are flexible to accommodate volunteer’s schedules. Sign up using the online form.