Civic Engagement Opportunities

Service Type

Organization

Details

Virtual

Luther Oaks

Brighten the day of a resident in the skilled care units at Luther Oaks by sending a card, letter, or artwork! No visitors are currently allowed because of the pandemic. Send your artwork/letters to:

Jill Miller-Roberts
Director of Resident Amenities
601 Lutz Road
Bloomington, IL 61704

Virtual

The Loft of Normal

Brighten the day of a nursing home resident by sending a colored picture, card, note, or letter! No visitors are currently allowed, and they cannot hold large group activities, either. Send your artwork/letters to:

The Loft of Normal
Molly - Activities
510 Broadway
Normal, IL 61761

Virtual

PATH/United Way 2-1-1 Hotline

Adult volunteers are needed to answer phones on the 24-hour crisis hotline. Volunteering your time on the hotline offers a rewarding experience and a great opportunity to give back to your community, especially as suicide rates are rising at an alarming pace in this country. A complete training program and professional backup is provided. The training program teaches you everything you need to know, including communication techniques and information about community resources. Training takes place on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The next class begins February 3. More information is available on the  PATH website , and the volunteer application is also available  online . Questions? Call Adam at (309) 834-0507.

Virtual

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line 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.

Virtual, In person*

Unity Community Center

Unity Community Center has a variety of volunteer opportunities for the Spring semester. They will be doing a hybrid program with some children coming in person (sixth grade through twelfth grade) and some interacting virtually (Kindergarten through twelfth grade). Unity operates in the evening Monday through Friday, and volunteers have the option to volunteer via Zoom or in person. Unity's first day for the semester is February 1. For more information see the volunteer packet and sign up for volunteer orientation.

In person*

Miller Park Zoo

Miller Park Zoo has a variety of in-person volunteer opportunities.

• February 8, 9, and 10, 10 a.m. to Noon: Preparation for Bunny's Birthday event, making decorations
• March 6, times TBD: Miller Park Zoo Stampede, help with directions along the route, traffic/parking, and check-in
• March 27, Noon to 3 p.m.: Bunny's Birthday Celebration, various jobs for day of the event

For more information or to volunteer, contact Morgan Hinchen, Guest Services and Volunteer Coordinator, at mhinchen@cityblm.org or (309) 434-2829.

In person*

Faith in Action

Faith in Action provides transportation to medical appointments for seniors. They are looking to fill a variety of volunteer roles, including medical transportation, grocery shopping, friendly visits/phone calls, maintenance, and more. For more information, contact Mary Idleman at (309) 827-7780 or mary@bnfia.org, or visit their website.

In person*

Prairie State Legal Services

Prairie State Legal Services’ Bloomington office needs individuals to serve as fair housing testers. These volunteers are trained to pose as renters or buyers. They meet with housing providers and record their interactions in detailed reports. Prairie State Legal Services' staff review those reports for evidence of illegal housing discrimination. If you are interested in becoming a tester or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Cuevas, Fair Housing Testing and Outreach Coordinator, at jcuevas@pslegal.org or (815) 668-4412. If you have questions about Prairie State Legal Services’ Fair Housing Project to assist residents of Bloomington and Normal who have experienced housing discrimination, please contact Staff Attorney Emily Petri at epetri@pslegal.org or (309) 433-0066.

In person*

Red Cross of Central Illinois

The Red Cross of Central Illinois is also looking for Blood Drivers, individuals interested in transporting blood and blood product throughout our region. You’ll be able to make your own hours, have the use of a Red Cross vehicle, and all training needed for this position is provided. They are also recruiting for volunteer Donor Ambassadors. As a Donor Ambassador, you help to provide excellent customer service at local blood drives to enhance the donor experience. To find out more about either opportunity please contact Sasha Welch-Moore at (309)322-0566 or Sasha.Welch-Moore@redcross.org.

In person*

INtegRIty Counseling, Inc.

INtegRIty Counseling is in need of volunteers who want to get involved and make a difference in stigma-free mental health services. Their volunteer opportunities include Front Desk Support, Counseling, and Interpreters. The Front Desk would include greeting clients, answering phones, handling donations, appointment scheduling, etc. Counselors require credentials to volunteer. Interpreters would be in session interpreting. They are specifically searching for those who speak Spanish, however they welcome any multilingual volunteer. All volunteers must pass a background check. To inquire about volunteering please contact Alexia, Front Office Coordinator, at alexia.jade25@gmail.com or call (309) 827-9100. For additional information about INtegRIty visit their website.

In person*

School Street Food Pantry

The School Street Food Pantry is located on the edge of campus, serves local college students, and has a variety of volunteer needs throughout the fall. Complete their volunteer form in order to sign up for specific volunteer positions.

n person*

Holy Trinity Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry

The Holy Trinity Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry needs volunteers, particularly on Mondays, for food distribution. Food will be placed in car trunks and social distancing will be practiced. For more details, contact them at svdp.htpantry@gmail.com.

In person*

Midwest Food Bank

Midwest Food Bank in Normal is in need of volunteers to help package food for distribution. (Many of their regular volunteers are retirees and are in vulnerable health situations that keep them from helping during this time.) If you are healthy and able, they are updating their needs and shifts daily via SignUp Genius.