I’ve never been good at keeping New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps that’s because most of my goals are generic and center around self-improvement: less screen time, consistent exercise, improved nutrition, etc. They’re typically low-risk commitments and impact only one person…me.
This year, however, I’m trying to shift my perspective. I’m emphasizing the why instead of the what, pushing myself to create a purposeful resolution that focuses on the greater good.
Volunteering has always been something I enjoy. But, starting a career and building a family has limited my ability to give back on a consistent basis. My goal for 2024 is to set aside the time to create a step toward positive change to do something I love while helping those around me.
There are a plethora of incredible nonprofit organizations around the Indianapolis area. So many rely on the time and efforts of volunteers. I’m highlighting a few, hoping that others might also be looking for the opportunity to create a meaningful impact in the New Year.
Second Helpings: Indianapolis
An Indianapolis-based community kitchen, Second Helpings has a three-part mission: food rescue, hunger relief, and job training. This organization turns perishable and overstocked food into nutritious meals while helping to train unemployed and underemployed individuals for careers in the culinary industry. Second Helpings partners with dozens of agencies to provide meals and snack bags for children and their families. Individual and group volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, from answering phones to food prep and cooking to picking up donations and delivering meals.
Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program, Hamilton County
With locations across the county, HCYAP serves youth ages 3-17 who are facing challenging life circumstances. The organization coordinates a variety of services, including mental health counseling, food relief, and financial assistance. The mentoring and educational tutoring programs are two unique aspects of the group and are supported solely by volunteers.
Read Up, Central Indiana
United Way’s literacy initiative, Read Up, helps students gain confidence and a deep love for reading. The program serves hundreds of children and connects volunteers with students in 23 central Indiana school districts.
Beloved, Columbus
Beloved’s goal is to supply children in foster care with a duffle bag full of items to support their physical and emotional well-being. In addition to packing bags, volunteers help stock snack tables once a month at local DCS offices. Food is provided for children who arrive hungry, and plenty of items are left for social workers facing long shifts. Even youth can help donate time by writing cards (to be incorporated into Beloved Bags), and by participating in designated packing events.
Susie’s Place, Avon, Bloomington, and Terre Haute
A child advocacy center, Susie’s Place promotes the prevention, justice, and healing of victims of abuse and violence. Three levels of volunteers help support the work of this organization, with roles ranging from cleaning and maintenance to greeting and hosting families. While much of the work is deeply personal in nature and requires volunteers to have extensive background checks, Susie’s Place also hosts Impact Days when the center is closed. Anyone, including children and teens, is welcome to help with these events.
Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry, Avon
While not always common knowledge, many Indianapolis area school districts are home to or partner with food pantries. The Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry was founded a few years ago and supports the students and families of the Avon Community School Corporation. Volunteers are needed to organize donations and stock shelves, as well as serve patrons while shopping.
Additional volunteer opportunities for children can be found here. Help make a difference by donating time this New Year.
