When there are so many scary things happening around us, it’s hard to know how to help, especially when the best thing we can do is stay home.
Even though we can’t physically go anywhere to volunteer or give back in Indiana right now, there are plenty of ways to do it from your living room in your PJ’s! Maybe you have a knack for sewing or your kids would be excited about creating colorful thank you cards for essential workers. Wherever your heart leads you, use this list to volunteer and give back from the comfort of home.
Ways to Volunteer in Your PJ’s
Get Crafty
Handmade Face Masks
We’re sure you’ve heard about the nationwide face mask shortage. If you’ve got a sewing machine and some fabric, you can help protect some Indianapolis’ most vulnerable essential workers! These places are currently accepting handmade face masks:
- Eskenazi Health
- American Senior Communities
- Fairbanks
- IU Health (contact [email protected] to see what they need and how you can get it to them)
Do you know of somewhere else accepting face masks? Let us know: [email protected]
Second Helpings
Working to combat hunger in Indiana, Second Helpings staff and volunteers are working long hours these days. A colorful encouragement note would surely help keep the wheels turning. These can be mailed to Second Helpings, Attn: Nora, 1121 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Donate
Do you have a nonprofit that’s special to you for whatever reason? They could probably use donations right now, whether monetary or specific supplies. Here are some nonprofits for you to look into to if you’re not sure where to start.
The Villages
A non-profit that fights for every child’s right to a safe, permanent, and nurturing home, The Villages is in need of gift cards and monetary donations. A lot of the gifts cards are going to the youth in their Independent Living Program, as well.
Coburn Place
Coburn’s asking for activity kits, stocked full of whatever you think kids and parents will enjoy doing to help pass the time. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, coloring books, markers and pencils – anything! They’re also in need of trash bags, diapers, non-perishable food items, sanitary pads, and more. Check their Amazon wish list to order directly from there. If you have items on hand already, email [email protected] to set up a no-contact drop off or mail them directly to 604 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Gleaners Food Bank
Gleaners is working overtime to provide food for families and children who rely on school and other services to get meals. Learn how to give funds here and/or donate food through their virtual food drive here.
Horizon House
Connecting folks experiencing homelessness with services, Horizon House has a running wish list to help the people they’re serving. Check it out and see how you can help!
American Red Cross
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. The Red Cross is asking for plasma donations from fully recovered COVID-19 patients to help current patients. Read more here to see if you qualify and how you can help.
Spread Awareness
There are plenty of causes that still need attention, perhaps now more than ever. You can do your part to help spread awareness and support the organizations that are still working for these causes.
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
Purchase and display a pinwheel garden in your yard as a sign of your commitment to prevent child abuse in your community. You can also participate in Wear Blue Friday every week, posting your blue photos to social media with #GreatchildhoodsIN and/or #PCAINgoesvirtual.
