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Civic Engagement Opportunities

The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning maintains a list of current volunteer and service opportunities for students.

Last updated on June 14,  2019.

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Local Community Service Opportunities

Home Sweet Home Ministries 

Home Sweet Home Ministries is seeking volunteers for a variety of roles. In particular, they need individuals to help with their supper clubs or adopt-a-meals on June 26 and July 10. They also need kitchen assistants and servers for Fridays and Saturdays. Their Bread for Life Co-op could use help with errands (must be over 21 with a valid driver's license) or with event set-up, tear-down, or meal serving for the Co-op's upcoming anniversary celebration on July 19. Additionally, they have an ongoing need for volunteers to work in their Mission Mart or to help sort donations at their Warehouse, located at 1700 West Washington Street, in Bloomington. Individuals or groups up to 25 in size can sign up to volunteer anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applications may be submitted HERE. Contact Felicia Young at 309-319-2821 or fyoung@hshministries.org for more information or to schedule a time to serve.

Midwest Food Bank

Midwest Food Bank is in need of volunteer help to clean their offices this summer. They also need year-round help answering phones, scanning, and filing paperwork, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteer work can be one day a week or multiple days, temporary or long-term. If you enjoy talking to people and general office duties, contact them at (309) 663-5350.

School Street Food Pantry

The School Street Food Pantry is an organization that is dedicated to providing students in the local community with the food, supplies, and knowledge they need to become self-reliant in the future. They are a volunteer-run non-profit operating out of the First United Methodist Church in Normal, right next to Illinois State University. Volunteer positions vary based on time commitment and labor conditions. The volunteer application explains the duties and commitments volunteers will have to adhere to when working for the pantry. Click here to find the application. Please contact isufoodbankvolunteer@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

The School Street Food Pantry also needs help with their community garden at the Illinois State University Horticulture Center. Work days are typically Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Gardening experience isn't necessary. Email isufoodbankvolunteer@gmail.com for more information. 

MDA Summer Camp Volunteers

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is recruiting volunteers to support the MDA Summer Camp of Illinois program taking place at the Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson, Illinois, from July 6 to July 12. Volunteers are by campers’ sides day and night so that the campers can do all the fun activities that camp offers such as zip-lining, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and more. Volunteers will participate in activities with the campers, push wheelchairs, lift and transfer kids, assist with daily living tasks, and have fun! For more information or to apply, visit the MDA website.  

Tommy's Kids Camp Volunteers

AMITA Health in Hinsdale, Illinois, is looking for volunteers to serve as camp counselors or support staff for a children's bereavement camp. The camp runs June 24-28, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more information, contact Laura Cottrell at (630) 856-6985 or laura.cottrell@amitahealth.org.

Timber Pointe Outdoor Center

Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson, IL, is looking for spring volunteers for weekend camps. Volunteers would assist kids with special needs and their families with arts and crafts, canoeing, ziplining, serving meals, and more camp classics. Apply online to volunteer. For more information, visit their website or contact tpoc@eastersealsci.com.

Reel Fun Summer Fishing Program Volunteers

The Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal and Mid Central Community Action are looking for volunteers for their Reel Fun Summer Fishing Program. Reel Fun Fishing will meet each Thursday in June at 9:15 a.m. The first and third Thursday they will meet at Miller Park, the second and fourth they will meet at White Oak Pond. Click here to sign up for the days you are available, and then please register as a volunteer, too. For more information, contact Jennifer Hall at jhall@bgcbn.org or (309) 829-3034.

Children's Discovery Museum

Children’s Discovery Museum needs volunteers for week day, after school, and Saturday programming such as art studio, innovation station, and assisting with groups and campus.  Volunteers are also needed for special events.  All volunteers are required to participate in an orientation prior to volunteering. Visit the Museum's website for information on orientations in early June. Contact Amy Pitzer at apitzer@normal.org for more information. 

Food Forest Workdays

The Food Forest is hosting regular workdays on Friday mornings between 8 and 11 a.m. starting May 24 and running through July 26. Everyone is welcome to come for any amount of time. They will be hanging birdhouses, spreading woodchip mulch, pruning, managing fruit trees, planting seeds, and weeding. The Food Forest is located at 701 Lincoln Street in Normal.

Easterseals 100 Planning Committee Volunteers

Easterseals Central Illinois is looking for volunteers for their planning committee for Easterseals 100, a bike ride supporting Easterseals Central Illinois and honoring its 100th anniversary. The event will take place September 28, 2019. Planning committee volunteers are particularly needed in the areas of sponsorship, volunteer needs, and ride logistics. If you are interested in being on the Easterseals 100 event committee, please contact Cathy Oloffson at coloffson@eastersealsci.com or by phone at (309) 662-8271.

INtegRIty Counseling 

Integrity Counseling is looking for front desk reception volunteers. They need both regular volunteers (2 hours or more per week) and substitute volunteers who can be called when someone is ill or on vacation. They especially need volunteers for late afternoons, evenings, and every other Saturday morning.  Their reception volunteers answer our phones, do phone screenings, and help schedule clients based on counselor availability.  They are flexible with schedules and are a great volunteer placement for retirees and students. For more information contact Luella at 309-827-9100 or email info@integrityhelps.org. 

For a Better Tomorrow Opportunities

Local nonprofit For A Better Tomorrow seeks volunteers for these upcoming 2019 events:

  • Youth Global Citizen (YGC), youth leadership program
    • Month of June, Friday evenings and Saturdays
    • IWU Campus
    • Volunteer Opportunities: program planning now through June; assist during learning events
    • Contact Mark Killick, mkillick1687@gmail.com
  • Why I See You (YICU), youth service recognition banquet
    • September 8, 2019
    • DoubleTree
    • Volunteer Opportunities: program planning; day of event setup
    • Contact Terri Helregel, thelregel@gmail.com

Additionally, For A Better Tomorrow is seeking volunteers who are committed to sustainable philanthropy, social justice, and eliminating the gap between abundance and need, both locally and globally. they are looking for a volunteer with experience in marketing, book keeping, website content and forms maintenance, committee members, and potential board members. If you would like to learn more about FBT’s mission, please contact FBT/Terri Helregel at contactus@forbettertomorrow.org.

Heritage Health Volunteers

Heritage Health in Normal is looking for volunteers to help with events and large group activities.

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: BINGO! Volunteers will assist residents who have hearing and vision impairments and call out during BINGO.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Heather Clark at (309) 468-4125 or hclark@Heritageofcare.com. Please also email her this volunteer application if interested in volunteering.

Morton Pumpkin Festival Volunteers

Volunteers at the Morton Pumpkin Festival will be working in one of the food venues preparing and serving fair foods, pumpkin treats, and for this year’s Luck O’ the Pumpkins Festival theme, Irish food. The Pumpkin Grill serves ribeyes, pork chops, hot dogs, nachos, pumpkin chili, and other foods perfect for lunch and dinner. The Pumpkin Sweet Shop offers pumpkin desserts like pumpkin ice cream, shakes, pies, and cookies. The Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast, only offered on Saturday, September 14, is a all-you-can-eat pumpkin pancake and sausage breakfast. The festival runs September 11 to 14. Sign up for your volunteer role online. If you have questions, visit the Pumpkin Festival website or contact Crystal at csewell@mortonillinois.org or (309) 263-2491.

Salvation Army

Food Pantry Sorter (Family Services)
Multiple Shifts Available:
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to noon 
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to noon 
Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (tech savvy; will be using a tablet)

Volunteers can assemble food bags/basket and distribute food baskets to clients, stock and organize pantry shelves and freezer as needed, take phone messages when needed, and receive, document, organize and sort donations. 

Day Center Assistant (Safe Harbor Shelter)
Multiple Shifts to Available:
Mondays: 8 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m.
Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to Noon
Thursdays: Noon to 4 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. to Noon and Noon to 4 p.m.

Volunteers will greet and check in clients, act as a liaison between clients and case managers, answer the telephone and complete basic administrative duties, log medications and distribute hygiene supplies to clients, receive/document gifts in kind, and sort donations.

To volunteer please contact Joyce Glasscock at (309) 829-9476, ext. 203 and complete an online application.

Habitat ReStore

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore needs support from someone who can serve as a volunteer cashier or answer phone calls. The role requires no previous experience, just a positive attitude, a friendly smile, and honesty when handling money and transactions. The volunteer cashier will ring up customers, answer phone calls, and answer basic questions from customers or simply direct the customer to a staff member. The volunteer can read a book or study in between customers and calls. Volunteers are needed anytime Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any number of service hours is appreciated. No advance scheduling necessary. Contact Dawn Ruest at dawn.ruest@habitatmclean.org for more information. 

Luther Oaks Art Project

Luther Oaks is looking for Art or Design students to create art for the My Tapestry Memory Care Unit. They would like some art that is tactile and that can be used to engage the residents in conversation. Please contact Debi Terfruchte 309-557-8043 to learn more.

St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry 

Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday to assist with distribution of food pantry items.  Volunteers are also needed every Friday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to assist with loading food as well as the second Tuesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to assist with the mobile food pantry.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Holy Trinity Church at (309) 829-2197. 

Normal Theater

Volunteers are a crucial part of our operations, offering support in the concessions area and serving as ticket takers. Volunteers work for the hour prior to the start of an event, and then are free to watch the show. Volunteers are welcome to free popcorn and soda during the event. Following the event, volunteers assist in a general cleaning of the theater, taking no more than 15 minutes. The Normal Theater uses an online scheduling system, and you get to choose the shows and positions for which you’d like to volunteer. We also ask that all volunteers be at least 16 years old, and are capable of lifting up to 20 pounds.  Volunteer Application can be found here! Please contact Amy Pitzer with any questions at apitzer@ilstu.edu. 

Oakdale Elementary

Are you looking to make a difference in a child's life?  Needing a convenient time to volunteer in a place that is close to campus?  Wanting to work with an awesome team of people who love what they do?  If so, Oakdale Elementary is the place for you to gain the experience of a lifetime.  We are a school full of caring faculty looking for a team of people to join us in changing the future of children.  We are nestled in the heart of Normal, IL just a 5 minute walk from campus.  Time between classes could change the life of a child for a lifetime.  Please join us in mentoring our children towards greatness! For more information please contact Andrew Shelby at shelbya@unit5.org. 

Volunteer in the IMC at Oakdale Elemenary School (on Adelaide, close to ISU campus). There are volunteer shifts from 7:45-2:30 Mondays - Thursdays.  Shifts/classes are 50 minutes.  Contact Kara Thompson, the IMC specialist at: thompsok@unit5.org. 

Meadows at Mercy Creek 

Chair Exercise Leader to conduct low impact/seated exercise with seniors in assisted living in Normal. 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteer one or more times a week. For more information contact Janie at Meadows at Mercy Creek 309-268-1408.

Snack Shop for assisted living residents in Normal. Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Serve hand dipped ice cream and popcorn and visit with residents. Volunteer one or more Tuesdays per month. For more information contact Janie at Meadows at Mercy Creek 309-268-1408.

St. Joseph Medical Center 

There are a variety of volunteer needs at St. Joseph Medical Center, including:
  • Karing Partners Therapy Dog Program
  • Transport volunteers
  • Surgical Family Waiting Lounge Host or Hostess
  • Hospitality Cart volunteer
  • Cheerful Information Desk volunteers

Orientation and training are offered for ALL volunteer positions. The volunteers must be able to pass a background check and receive a flu shot in order to be considered.  Contact Bobbi Hynes at bobbi.a.hynes@osfhealthcare.org or 309-665-4728 to learn more about an opportunity or sign up.

Faith in Action Medical Transportation

Help older individuals stay independent.  Provide rides to and from doctor’s appointments. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity where you can pick and choose the rides that fit into your schedule.  Sign up to attend a volunteer orientation at this link and click on “Get Involved”. You may also call Faith in Action at 827-7780 or email robin@bnfia.org

Prairie Aviation

Whatever your skill or interest, we can use you here at Prairie Aviation Museum! Greet guests, collect admission fees, collect sales from gift shop, and meet new people. There is a lot you can do! Maintain aircraft, paint, small repairs, Web design! We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to match your skill and interest set! Please email info@prairieaviationmuseum.org Attn: Barn Edwards to sign up or to collect more information! 

Home of Hope Committee 

We are looking for new individuals to join any of our three committees. This is a chance for your voice to be heard! Bring your fresh, new ideas to the table and assist us in growing and developing our existing fundraisers and programs! Help us network and spread the good word about our organization and the work that we do. This is a volunteer opportunity but can be used as a reference for a job well done.
For more information email Holly at: hphillips@homesofhopeinc.org or call the office at 309-862-0607.

Volunteer Drivers and Helpers Needed 

Recycling Furniture for Families is in desperate need of volunteer drivers to help deliver furniture to people in need and pick-up furniture that is donated to our organization. A special license is not required to drive our trucks. Days/Times Needed: Monday-Thursday 5-7 p.m. and Saturday 9-11 a.m. One day a month would be a big help to our organization and the people in need in our community! Please contact Frank Downes at director@rf4f.org if you are interested in helping us.

IHSA State Finals

The Athletic Department is proud to host various IHSA State Finals events throughout the year. These successful events are largely dependent upon the outpouring of generous volunteers from the Bloomington-Normal and surrounding communities. While our volunteer base is loyal and strong we are looking to bolster our volume. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in learning more about specific or upcoming volunteer opportunities; please reach out to Sarah Bonnett – Director of Events and Game Operations, Redbird Athletics – slbonne@ilstu.edu or 438-3637.

Junior Achievement Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities 

Junior Achievement's volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial  literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. Volunteers visit classrooms just a few times throughout the semester. They share their workforce experience with kindergarten-12th grade students, all while teaching sound economic principles and reinforcing class curricula. Here is how it works: 

  • Sign up for a class in need of a volunteer at a participating school 
  • All materials and training are provided 
  • Set up JA dates/times directly with assigned classroom teacher 
  • Facilitate 5-7 sessions of less than an hour  

Contact Sienna Beard at sienna.beard@ja.org or (309) 682-1800 with any questions. Review the JA General Informational Flyer for additional details.  

PATH/United Way 2-1-1 Hotline Volunteer 

Adult volunteers are needed to answer phones on the 24-hour hotline. Volunteering your time on the hotline offers a rewarding experience and a great opportunity to give back to your community.  A complete training program and professional backup is provided. Our training program teaches you everything you need to know, including communication techniques and information about community resources. The next 8-week training class begins February 1, 2018. If interested, the volunteer application is available online . Classroom training meets on Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Questions? Call Kevin at 309-834-0541.

The Bloomington Housing Authority and Marcfirst

The Bloomington Housing Authority and Marcfirst work together to support adults with developmental disabilities through the Congregate Housing Service Program (CHSP). The Housing Authority provides apartments to 24 adults with diagnoses at the Irvin Apartments at 823 W. Oakland and 810 W. Jackson in Bloomington. Marcfirst staff provides services and training to assist the participants to become more independent. Therefore, volunteers are asked to commit to a weekly schedule.  The length of time spent with participants would vary.  However, volunteers should devote at least a half hour at a time. This opportunity is ideal for students to find out if they want to pursue a career working with people with developmental disabilities. If you have further questions, please contact Jen Mayer at 829-3360 ext. 208. 

 

Other Engagement Opportunities

VISTA Positions for the Immigration Project 

The Immigration Project is looking for four AmeriCorps VISTA staff members. The organization provides immigration legal aid through their offices in Normal and Champaign. The open positions are:

To apply, submit an application through the AmeriCorps system. For questions, contact Charlotte Alvarez.

Teacher Positions, YWCA 

The YWCA needs additional teachers for this school year and would love for you to join their team. They are looking for child care professionals focused on fostering a positive learning environment for children. You can find additional information regarding before and after school teacher positions here and special education positions here. Please direct questions to Melissa Breeden at mbreeden@ywcamclean.org. 

ILCC Service Corps 

Illinois Campus Compact is beginning an AmeriCorps State Program. This program is for college students at ILCC member institutions who are passionate and committed to service. Selected students have one year to service at least 300 hours building capacity for campus and community partnerships . Once these hours are completed the student will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. If you have any questions regarding ILCC Service Corps please email Marina LoCasto. Find more information online. 

Summer Discovery 

Summer Discovery partners with universities across the US and UK to provide pre-college enrichment programs for high school and middle school students. They are now recruiting Resident Counselors for summer 2019. The resident counselor position is very similar to that of an RA and Preview Guide combined. This job is perfect for the involved student who is looking for a unique and really fun summer opportunity. https://www.summerdiscovery.com/summer-jobs

Casa de Esperanza, Service Internship

Casa de Esperanza provides residential care to children birth through six who are in crisis due to abuse, neglect, or the effects of HIV. Care is provided in our neighborhood by our Hands of Hope interns. Our interns, most of whom are recent college graduates, join us for a year of service (a twelve-month full-time post-graduation internship). We provide on-site housing (interns live with the children they are caring for) and interns join us from all over the United States to be part of our internship program. Information about our internship may be found here: https://www.casahope.org/hands-of-hope-internship

Give, Hope, Fight Poverty

Give Hope, Fight Poverty works in schools, orphanages, and clinics in rural eSwatini, Africa - in communities ravaged by HIV to listen to challenges these young orphans face and work together with Swazi community leaders and partners to develop sustainable solutions to address their basic needs. Through our international service-learning programs, we offer an experience for US students to become engaged with global efforts to offer orphans the tools necessary for lifting themselves out of poverty.  The US participants gain a culturally competent perspective that will make them more marketable in our global world and instill in them the importance of making an impact in their community and abroad!! Travel with us on our 10 day service learning experiences and participate in hands-on programming in pediatric HIV clinics, child-headed households, rural schools, and more. On past trips we've built homes/toilets, planted vegetable gardens, delivered emergency food packages to child-headed homes, built children's libraries & provided healthcare to orphans, etc. You can find info about our current programs here: https://youtu.be/WzKft6AxGWs and if you have any questions, reach out to CEO Annie - anniefightspoverty@gmail.com or cell: 765-532-2586". 

Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program

The Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program provides full-time college students an approximately eight-week paid summer internship to assist community organizations and gain experience with diverse social issues. All nonprofits and public organizations within the designated communities are eligible to apply, however, applications are especially encouraged from those focused directly or indirectly on hunger relief, adult education, and immigrant services. Organizations will be selected based on need and capacity to provide a quality student experience. Organizations that received this grant last year are encouraged to apply with an updated job description.  Applications are also open for student interns and can be found here.

Donor Registry

There are almost 5,000 people on the organ transplant waiting list in Illinois. You can give hope to those who are waiting by deciding what your wishes are in regards to organ/tissue donation, and officially registering your wish by joining the Illinois Secretary of State’s Organ/Tissue Donor Registry, and by sharing your wish with family and friends. To arrange for a speaker to give a ½ hour informational presentation to your organization, or to arrange to have a donor drive, please contact Karen Kohnke, Regional Coordinator for the Illinois Secretary of State’s Life Goes On Organ/Tissue Donor Program. Email Karen at kkohnke@ilsos.net, or call/text her at 309-830-3296. One donor has the potential to save as many as eight lives and improve up to twenty-five lives. For further information on the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry, go to www.LifeGoesOn.com.

2019-06-14T16:16:19.039-05:00 2019