For many people, the holidays are filled with family, food and joyous festivities, but it’s also a time when many families struggle and have to come to terms with just how hard of a year it’s been.
That’s why many community organizations, with the help of thousands of volunteers, plan and execute so many dinners, food drives, toy giveaways and more; it’s why shoppers can’t enter a store without hearing the jingle of the Salvation Army Red Kettle bell.
But research shows the people on the receiving end of those charitable ventures aren’t the only ones who benefit. Research published in the Harvard Business Review found people who volunteered their time reported feeling like they actually had more free time, similar to another study that found people who donate money felt a higher sense of wealth. There’s also a whole body of research showing a correlation between volunteerism and certain health benefits, like a lower risk of depression and a boost in cardiovascular health.
There are many ways to get involved and reap those benefits for oneself, while also giving back to the community. Here are some suggested local organizations from VolunteerMatch.org, broken out by area of interest:
Advocacy and human rights
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Mission statement: The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana.
Contact: (800) 628-2909 or in.gov/icrc.
Animals
FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic
Mission statement: The FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic is committed to ending pet overpopulation and the misery, suffering and death that accompanies it for thousands of homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens every year in the Indianapolis area.
Contact: (317) 638-3223 or facespayneuter.org.
Arts and culture
Rivoli Center for the Performing Arts
Mission statement: The Rivoli Center for the Performing Arts Inc. will restore, maintain and manage the historic Rivoli Theatre as a cultural and social center. The organization will use the Rivoli as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and economic development.
Contact: (317) 445-9139 or rivolitheatre.org.
Children and youth
Simon Youth Foundation
Mission statement: Simon Youth Foundation exists to help youth — who are at risk of dropping out of high school — graduate, develop life skills, and pursue post-secondary education and career paths.
Contact: (317) 263-2361 or syf.org.
Crisis support
Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis
Mission statement: To provide education, advocacy and service through programs designed to: promote mental health; positively affect public attitudes and perceptions of mental illness through support and knowledge; and improve the care and treatment of persons with mental illness
Contact: (317) 251-0005 or mhaindy.net.
Education and literacy
Indiana Reading and Information Services (IRIS)
Mission statement: Founded in 1982, Indiana Reading and Information Services (IRIS) is an around-the-clock communications link for the print-challenged.
Contact: (317) 614-0404 or wfyi.org/iris.
Homeless and housing
School on Wheels
Mission statement: The mission of School on Wheels is the enhancement and enrichment of educational opportunities for homeless children, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Our goal is to shrink the gaps in the education of these children and assist them with high quality educational assistance and mentoring.
Contact: (317) 202-9100 or indysow.org.
Hunger
Indy Hunger Network
Mission statement: Our mission is to create a system by 2015 that ensures anyone who is hungry can access the nutritious food they need.
Contact: (317) 925-0191 or indyhunger.org.
Immigrants and refugees
Exodus Refugee Immigration
Mission statement: Exodus Refugee Immigration works with refugees — worldwide victims of persecution, injustice and war — to establish self-sufficient lives in freedom and sanctuary for themselves and their families in Indiana.
Contact: (317) 921-0836 or exodusrefugee.org.
Justice and legal
Indiana Legal Services
Mission statement: To use our resources to provide poor persons with a variety of aggressive, quality legal services which will help them to gain equal access to the courts, legislative bodies, and government agencies; empower them to control their lives; and impact on the major causes and effects of poverty.
Contact: (317) 631-9410 or ilsi.net.
Seniors
CICOA Aging and In-home Solutions
Mission statement: CICOA helps build communities that enable older persons and those of any age with a disability to live with the greatest possible independence, dignity and quality of life.
Contact: (317) 803-6003 or cicoa.org.
Veterans and military families
Save Our Veterans
Mission statement: Save Our Veterans devotes an unyielding commitment to our Veterans and their families by enhancing their lives by promoting self-sufficiency through career opportunities.
Contact: (317) 400-5396 or saveourveterans.org.
Women
Dress for Success
Mission statement: To empower women to enter and thrive in the workforce with style, confidence and hope for the future.
Contact: (317) 940-3737 or dressforsuccess.org.
This is just a handful of thousands of organizations looking for volunteers. To find more opportunities, visit volunteermatch.org, call 2-1-1 or check with your local neighborhood or community association.
