Though many organizations depend on help throughout the year, April is National Volunteer Month. It’s a time to honor those who are already working hard and encourage others to take up volunteerism to support their communities.
Here are some local organizations that could use your help in April — and beyond.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
kibi.org
317-264-7555
April is Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s busiest month, according to Abby Dennis, director of volunteers at KIB, in part because of the April Great Indy Cleanup happening April 27 at Christian Park Family Center on the east side. Dennis said KIB needs about 400 volunteers for the cleanup, which will involve picking up litter and planting trees.
“We couldn’t do any of the work without volunteer help,” Dennis said. “Our staff is less than 30, and we’re a part of 800 community projects every year.”
Dennis said a bonus for volunteers is they can meet new people and try some of the programming they like in their own neighborhood.
Indianapolis Public Library
indypl.org
317-275-4049
Indianapolis Public Library doesn’t have any special events in April that need volunteers, but the library is always looking for volunteers to help with more routine tasks at different branches. Those tasks include maintaining book collections, putting on programs and helping with story times.
The library could also use volunteers to help patrons on computers do things such as open an email account and fill out a document, as well as deliver materials to homebound patrons and transcribe materials for digital collections.
“It really does help us expand our capacity for getting things done, getting materials in order and checked in,” said Nancy Stephenson, who manages Support Programs and Volunteer Resources at the library. “It helps us get material on the shelf. It frees up staff to do other things that volunteers can’t do. It really is a collaborative effort.”
Center for At-Risk Elders
indianacare.org
317-955-2790
The Center for At-Risk Elders has two tracks for volunteers. The Volunteer Advocates Program trains and matches volunteers to serve elders who don’t have the capacity to make their own decisions. Volunteers maintain regular contact with those patients and do things such as direct their health care. Erica Reichert, the center’s director of programs, marketing and communications, said the center is especially in need of these volunteers.
“It’s a rich and rewarding experience,” Reichert said. “It’s not for everyone because there’s some hard things involved, like decision making around medical decisions.”
The other group of volunteers handles more administrative duties such as bookkeeping, managing orders for elders and helping with events.
Meals on Wheels
mealsonwheelsindy.org
317-252-5558
Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers who can commit to one year and deliver meals to Central Indiana’s homebound population at least one day each month. Volunteers usually commit to one route, preferably in an area they’re already familiar with.
Vicki Wright, volunteer coordinator at Meals on Wheels, said the organization depends on volunteers to help lighten the burden on part-time drivers. Meals on Wheels has about 40 routes in the area.
“They should know that these people depend on them to be there and to bring their meal,” Wright said of what potential volunteers should know. “They just really need to be dependable.”
Riley Children’s Hospital
rileychildrens.org
317-944-8690
Riley Children’s Hospital has many areas for volunteers, and its greatest need is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The most popular of the volunteer programs is the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), where volunteers hold and rock babies. However, volunteers must complete a minimum service of six months to a year before they’re eligible for the NICU and must “demonstrate exceptional work ethic and dependability,” according to Riley’s online description.
Other volunteer opportunities include welcoming visitors to the hospital, helping in the library and offering a dog for pet therapy.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
Volunteer
