Opportunities From: United Way of Bartholomew County Volunteer Site

Join Turning Point's Not-Too-Extreme Makeover Team for the United Way Day of Service! 

We're looking for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and tackle a variety of projects that will make a big difference for survivors of domestic violence.

Projects include refreshing our walls with paint touch ups, transforming the Empower Store into a cozy Fall/Winter shopping experience, enhancing our curb appeal through landscaping projects, and restoring the showroom shine to our mobile advocacy vans.

We'll keep your energy up with our signature dirty soda bar—because every makeover crew deserves a few tasty perks!

Join us because every brushstroke, shovel of mulch, and bucket of soapy water helps create a place filled with HOPE, powered by ACTION, and designed for CHANGE.

United Way of Bartholomew County is excited to partner with Versiti to host a blood drive during Day of Service—and we’d love for you to be part of it!

By donating blood, you can double your impact for the day!

If you’re unable to participate in a traditional volunteer project, this is a meaningful and lifesaving way to give back to our community. Even better, the blood collected stays local—supporting patients at Columbus Regional Health.

As a thank-you, all blood donors will:

Schedule you're donation appointment here:
https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11643248

Why it matters:

Your donation can truly save lives—right here in our community. Join us and make your Day of Service count in a powerful way!

Help give the Columbus Firemen's Cheer Fund building a fresh new look! Volunteers will paint a large interior wall, helping brighten the space for the volunteers who come and bring holiday cheer each year. No painting experience is necessary—just a willingness to lend a hand. We'll provide the paint, supplies, and instructions. Come ready to roll up your sleeves and make a visible impact in just a few hours!

Help United Way of Bartholomew County tackle some much-needed office organization at our Tax Office! Volunteers will assist with moving and removing furniture, rearranging office spaces, lifting and organizing file boxes, and helping prepare workspace for future needs.

This project involves physical labor, including lifting, carrying, and moving heavy items.

If you don't mind breaking a sweat and enjoy hands-on work, we'd love to have your help! Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Volunteers must be able to climb stairs as our elevator is down.

DPW is seeking volunteers to help make our entrance into the city bright and beautiful! Volunteers will assist with with pulling weeds and spreading mulch at the Discover Columbus location on 46W. Volunteers will meet at the back parking lot of Burger King, and we will walk to the work site. DPW will provide gloves, safety glasses, water and bug spray.

Come help us weed and mulch in our educational native plant gardens around the Purdue Extension-Bartholomew County office. These plants were lovingly planted by a United Way Day of Caring Team several years ago and have filled our space with color and pollinators ever since. We are also planning a big clean out of our main storage area, and some participants will help us haul all our items out of the storage area to be cleaned and sorted. 

Help the Bartholomew County Historical Society spruce up the outside of our facility! This project includes applying a coat of clear sealer to our wheelchair ramp (it's already prepped and ready to go!) and giving our east-side garden some TLC by weeding, cleaning out overgrowth, and edging the beds.

It's a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, make an immediate impact, and leave our space looking fresh and welcoming for everyone who visits. No special skills are needed—just a willingness to pitch in and have fun!

Bartholomew County Humane Society is seeking volunteers to help us dig, pull, and clear out old landscaping as we prepare for an exciting new look!

This is the first step in refreshing our outdoor space, and we need plenty of helping paws to make it happen.

No experience is needed, just a positive attitude and a willingness to get a little dirty. Join us for some fun, teamwork, and the chance to help shape what's next!

Help protect and improve Children, Inc. Learning Center's building joining our Gutter Cleanup Crew! Volunteers will remove leaves and debris from the building's gutters and bag the material for easy disposal. This important project helps prevent water damage, keeps the property looking its best, and prepares the building for the changing seasons. It's a great opportunity to work outdoors, make an immediate impact, and help ensure the organization can continue serving our community. Every bag of debris removed makes a difference!

Help give the shed at Solid Waste Management a fresh look! Volunteers will assist with repairing wood on a storage shed and painting fences, the shed, and outdoor poles.

No special skills are required—just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and help. This project involves light to moderate physical activity, including standing, bending, and working outdoors.

Your efforts will make a lasting impact by helping keep our property safe, well-maintained, and welcoming.

Are you a passionate photographer looking for a way to give back to your community?

United Way of Bartholomew County is seeking volunteer photographers to capture the energy and impact of our Day of Service projects throughout the county!

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Location: Various project sites across Bartholomew County (location assignments will be shared prior to the event)

Shifts Available: 7:45AM – 11:45AM • 11:45AM – 3:45 PM

Requirements:

Volunteer photographers should plan to spend at least 15 to 30 minutes at each site capturing a variety of images.

Your photos will help United Way tell the story of community impact and be used in marketing and communications materials showing the incredible difference volunteers make.

Just Friends Garden is seeking experienced volunteers to help assemble a new metal garden shed. The shed will provide secure storage for gardening tools, equipment, and supplies that support our community garden and its programs.

Your skills and time will make a lasting impact by helping create a safe, organized storage space that keeps Just Friends Garden running smoothly. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our community!

Just Friends Garden is seeking experienced volunteers to help assemble a new metal garden shed. The shed will provide secure storage for gardening tools, equipment, and supplies that support our community garden and its programs.

Your skills and time will make a lasting impact by helping create a safe, organized storage space that keeps Just Friends Garden running smoothly. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our community!

Help give downtown Columbus a fresh, clean look! Volunteers will work alongside City of Columbus Department of Public Works (DPW) crews to paint curbs throughout the downtown area, helping improve safety and the appearance of our community.

Volunteers should meet at 1350 Arcadia Drive to check in with the traffic crew before traveling together to the work sites.

DPW will provide all necessary safety equipment, bug spray, and water. Please wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes for this outdoor project

Columbus Fellowship Club is teaming up to get our building and grounds ready for the changing season! Whether you enjoy working indoors or outside, there's a project for everyone. Volunteers will assist with painting and organizing indoor storage areas, or lend a hand outdoors with weeding, tree trimming, gutter cleaning, and other seasonal landscaping tasks. Join us for a fun day of teamwork while helping create a clean, welcoming space for everyone who visits the Fellowship Club.

Weed Wrangles are events that bring volunteers together to remove invasive plants that are negatively impacting our public spaces. During these events, community members learn to identify and control invasive plants which are causing harm to our native plant communities. We work to foster a collective effort to have a substantial positive impact for our native plants, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

During a Weed Wrangle Indiana® you will not only learn about plants, wildlife and how to manage invasive plants, but will also join a national effort to positively impact our communities.  And it’s fun! Each event is a rewarding opportunity to work together locally to celebrate and protect our cherished green spaces and natural areas! 

This Weed Wrangle will be at Mill Race Park.  We will park near the Basketball Courts.

Start the day by helping set up tables and chairs for the Day of Service volunteer lunch, ensuring everything is ready to welcome volunteers from across the community later in the day. Once the lunch area is set, the team will move to an office space that is being repurposed and work together to remove glued-down carpet squares.

This is a physically demanding project that requires plenty of sweat equity. Volunteers should be comfortable with repetitive lifting, kneeling, scraping, and pulling up carpet tiles. If you enjoy hands-on work and don't mind breaking a sweat while making a lasting impact, this is the project for you!

Roll up your sleeves and help transform an office space for its next purpose! Volunteers will spend the afternoon removing glued-down carpet squares from an office area that is being repurposed. This hands-on project requires teamwork, determination, and a willingness to put in some serious sweat equity.

After the carpet removal work is complete, volunteers will help take down tables and chairs from the Day of Service volunteer lunch area and assist with resetting the space.

This is a physically demanding project that involves kneeling, lifting, pulling, and repetitive work. Volunteers should come prepared to work hard, get a little dirty, and make a big impact through their efforts!

We're looking for volunteers to help clean the gutter on the north side of 311 Center St.

The job will involve:

This is a great opportunity for someone who doesn't mind a little outdoor work! (And if you have a pressure washer... even better!)

Love Chapel is seeking a few volunteers to help tame the jungle at our newly acquired lot at 361 Center St.!

The weeds have been growing fast, and we'd love some helping hands to get the lot back in shape.

Help the Propeller lounge a fresh new look! We're looking for volunteers with a keen eye for detail and a willingness to roll up their sleeves.

Whether you're a painting perfectionist or just enjoy helping out, we'd love to have you on the team. Come make a difference, meet some great people, and help create an even better space for our makers and the community!

Come join the Columbus Scottish Festival planning committee in the final push for Festival set up! The Columbus Scottish Festival is a 32 year tradition that started in by East High School and made it's way to the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds. 

The Festival planning committee is a strong group of volunteers but needs your help to get the Festival set up over the finish line! As a setup volunteer, you may be stringing bunting to create our Heavy Athletic fields or helping move bleachers into position under tents or folding the Festival brochures! There is something for every group at the Festival! 

The United Way Day of Service crew is always a welcome sight for committee members! We thank you for your help and many hands to make light work! 

Columbus Youth Camp is looking for volunteers to help clear and maintain the trails by removing debris and adding mulch. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back and support the camp's outdoor activities.

Bring your energy and enthusiasm to help keep the trails clear and accessible for everyone who enjoys the outdoor activities at camps.

Your efforts will directly support the camp's mission and ensure the trails are safe for all visitors. Join us and make a lasting impact in a beautiful natural space! 

Columbus Youth Camp is looking for volunteers to help clear and maintain the trails by removing debris and adding mulch. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back and support the camp's outdoor activities.

Bring your energy and enthusiasm to help keep the trails clear and accessible for everyone who enjoys the outdoor activities at camps.

Your efforts will directly support the camp's mission and ensure the trails are safe for all visitors. Join us and make a lasting impact in a beautiful natural space! 

Be part of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Sans Souci running! Volunteers will assist with sorting donations, preparing merchandise, stocking the store, and organizing items for display. These efforts directly support our programs by turning donated goods into affordable resources and opportunities for our community.

Book Buddies is looking for caring, dependable volunteers to support young readers at any of the 11 Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) elementary schools.

Volunteers serve just one hour per week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday during scheduled Book Buddies program times. By reading with and encouraging elementary students, you'll help build literacy skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.

Whether you're a retiree, college student, working professional with a flexible schedule, or simply someone who enjoys working with children, your time can make a lasting difference in a child's life

Help make a difference for local Girl Scouts! Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of projects that support the Girl Scout mission. Depending on current needs, tasks may include event preparation, camp maintenance and beautification, organizing supplies, or helping with seasonal projects.

Whether you're lending a hand behind the scenes or helping create memorable experiences for girls, your time and talents will have a lasting impact. Join us for a fun and rewarding project that helps empower the next generation of leaders!

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to participate in our ongoing Career presentations and help inspire children by sharing their career experiences. Volunteers will visit Foundation for Youth to talk about what they do, how they got there, and what skills or interests are helpful in their field.

This is a great opportunity to encourage curiosity, confidence, and big dreams in kids by showing them the many paths their future can take. No formal presentation experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to engage with students in an age-appropriate, interactive way.

Volunteers may answer questions, share stories, bring simple visuals or tools from their job, and help students connect school subjects to real-world careers. Your time and perspective can make a lasting impact!

Every Thursday morning we pre-package groceries for up to 100 families at the food pantry warehouse. These groceries are later distributed at our Mobile Outreach Pantries, which are held in the outlying areas of the county.

These drive-thru pantries offer much-needed nourishment to our food-insecure neighbors, especially those facing transportation and other barriers.

Love Chapel is seeking individuals or teams to help pack food in grocery bags each Thursday for these distribution sites. 

Click the link below to view upcoming shifts and to sign up directly on Sign Up Genius to make a difference!

Sign up now on Sign Up Genius!

Love Chapel's Food Pantry is in need of volunteer stockers to help keep our pantry organized and stocked for those in need. We are looking for volunteers to assist one or more days Monday-Saturday between 8:30am-12:30pm.

Responsibilities:

Your efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring our community has access to the food they need. If you have a few hours to spare and want to help make a meaningful and immediate impact, we'd love to have you volunteer with us! 

Love Chapel is seeking volunteers to help assist guests in our Food Pantry. After guests are registered, volunteers will work to gather food and supplies based on the guest's preferences and household size.

Responsibilities:

This is a hands on and rewarding volunteer opportunity to directly help individuals an families in our community receive the support they need. If you're interested in lending a hand and making a difference, we would love to have you join our team!

Love Chapel is seeking volunteers to assist with registration of guests as they enter the food pantry. Volunteers will work directly with guests in a compassionate and nonjudgmental manner to ensure the accuracy of their information.  

Responsibilities:

This is an essential role in supporting our guests and ensuring a smooth process. If you're comfortable with technology and enjoy working with people in a positive, welcoming environment, we'd love for you to volunteer with us!

Love Chapel is looking for friendly and compassionate volunteers to serve as greeters at our food pantry. As a greeter, you will play a key role in setting a welcoming and supportive tone for our guests.

Responsibilities:

This is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference by helping guests feel comfortable and supported from the moment they arrive. If you enjoy connecting with others and want to help create a compassionate environment, we'd love to have you join our team! 

Love Chapel is looking for dedicated and reliable volunteers to assist with our 26-foot box truck! Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:00 AM-10:30 AM to help load and unload food products at local grocery stores. This is a vital role in ensuring our community receives the food they need.

Additional Needs:

This is a hands-on, rewarding opportunity to directly impact our community's access to food. If you're looking to help out and make a difference, we'd love to have you join our team! 

Love Chapel is on a mission to help our community, and we need your help! We're looking for dedicated volunteers to drive our refrigerated 26-foot box truck and ensure food gets to those in need.

What's Involved:

Requirements:

By volunteering, you'll help us continue our important work in the community. Ready to drive change?

Description
Love Chapel is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team and support the evening shift at Brighter Days Shelter. This is an ongoing volunteer position that requires a regular commitment—not a one-time opportunity.

Responsibilities:

Requirements:

By joining our volunteer team, you’ll provide essential support to guests and help create a welcoming, caring environment. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact, apply today to begin the training process!

Description
Love Chapel is seeking committed volunteers to join our team and support the breakfast shift at Brighter Days Shelter. This is an ongoing volunteer position that requires a regular commitment - not a one-time opportunity.

Responsibilities:

Requirements:

Your ongoing commitment helps ensure a smooth start to the day for those in need at Brighter Days. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and join our volunteer team, apply today to begin the training process!

Love Chapel is looking for compassionate and reliable volunteers to serve as Telephone Desk Receptionists weekdays during the hours of 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM one or two days per week.

We also need those willing to sub on occasion (training provided)

Key Responsibilities:

What We’re Looking For:

This is a front-line role that directly supports those in crisis, offering hope and guidance when it’s needed most. Your time and heart can make a difference.

Love Chapel is looking for individuals, families, and groups to help provide meals for our clients. Love Chapel coordinates a hot meal every night of the week in Bartholomew County as well as a Sunday night meal at Brighter Days, our Emergency Housing Shelter. 

We have two meaningful opportunities:

Providing a meal is a simple but powerful way to care for our neighbors. This opportunity makes an immediate impact. Whether you cook at home, bring in a meal, or coordinate with a group, your time and generosity make a real difference.

Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management is seeking volunteers to adopt a county road. Volunteer will adopt a one mile or longer stretch of Bartholomew County Road and commit to keeping the road clean for at least 2 years. The group would need to conduct at least two organized litter clean-ups per year. Minimum age of volunteers are 12 years old. 

Visit our website for more information, www.bcswmd.com/vol1.php

Volunteers that Make a Splash Needed for the Duck Splash Community Event!

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our Duck Splash Community Event at Mill Race Park a fun, safe, and memorable event for everyone!

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Event setup and cleanup

• Registration and welcome table

• Kids' activity stations

• Games and prize booths

• Food and refreshment areas

• General event assistance

Your help will make a huge difference. This is a great way to support our community, meet new people, and be part of an exciting local event.

This is an all day event but any time you can volunteer would be welcome! Please feel free to come for an hour or stay the entire time, just let us know your availability! 

Join us for this years Columbus IN Pride festival to help celebrate all things LGBTQ+!

We seek volunteers for the day of the event. You can volunteer for specific shifts or for the entire day, which can range from about 2-10 hours depending on your availability. We welcome volunteers of all ages, but volunteers under age 18 will need parent/guardian permission and volunteers under age 14 will need a parent or guardian present.

The event itself is from 12-6 PM. We will need volunteers from 7:30 AM to 8 PM. 

Volunteer shifts may include: set-up (this may involve some degree of lifting, but not more than you personally can tolerate), parking monitoring, clean-up and trash removal, helping in the Kids Zone, monitoring the teen zone to ensure only teens enter, and tear-down.

All volunteers will receive a free volunteer T-shirt to be easily identifiable as well as a swag bag!

We do ask that you update us if you sign up to volunteer but then can no longer attend as we depend on our volunteers. 

The Columbus, IN Pride Festival is a celebration of unity and individualism. Our festival works to unite Columbus as one community that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion for all and embraces the LGBTQ+ community. In particular this year, we seek to protect pride and promote unity by bringing together members of the LGBT community, allies and community organizational leaders. We hope to advocate for positive conversation about the values and experiences we share while celebrating what makes us different.

Now in its 5th year, 411 Gallery is growing in popularity and engaging a broad audience. To continue this growth, the Columbus Area Arts Council is expanding the gallery hours to include early evenings and weekends.

411 Gallery Docent activities and tasks will include:

Welcome guests into the gallery and provide a brief overview of the exhibition

Answer questions about the exhibition, 411 Gallery, Columbus Area Arts Council programming, 6th Street Arts Alley, and Downtown Columbus

Take payments for art and document the sale

Offer and serve refreshments

Complete basic opening and closing procedures

Independent study of exhibiting artists and types of art

Bonus points for inviting friends to see the exhibition while you are volunteering

The majority of volunteer hours will align with gallery hours. 

Thursdays and Fridays 12:00–6:00 pm

Saturdays 10:00–2:00 pm

Is this position right for you? A good docent should be:

Ready to learn

Detail-oriented and accurate

Able to read your audience 

Courteous and respectful

18 or older

Note: extensive knowledge of art is not required

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive an email with steps on how to schedule a shift once it has been activated. Thank you!

Thor’s Pantry provides pet food and supplies to pets in need, helping families keep their furry friends happy and healthy. We are looking for volunteers to help organize donations, keep the pantry stocked, and assist with distributing food on Thursdays alongside a staff member. This is a hands-on way to support pets and their families in our community! Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive an email with steps on how to schedule a shift once it has been activated. Thank you!

General Cleaning involves helping keep the shelter clean and comfortable for both animals and visitors. Tasks may include cleaning dog or cat kennels, sweeping and mopping the lobby, tidying bathrooms, breakrooms, and office areas, or maintaining the community room. Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive an email with steps on how to schedule a shift once it has been activated. Thank you!

Doggie Day Out is a fun adventure program where a shelter pup gets to enjoy play, exercise, and social time in a safe, outdoor setting. Volunteers help provide one-on-one attention, encourage positive interactions, and give dogs a break from their kennel routine, helping them stay happy, active, and well-socialized.  Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive an email with steps on how to schedule a shift once it has been activated. Thank you!

Walking shelter dogs is different from walking a family pet. Some may not be used to leashes, react to other dogs, or pull with excitement. Our Lead Dog Walking Volunteers help with training and scheduling. The goal is to give each dog outdoor time, build leash skills, watch their behavior, and practice good manners. Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive an email with steps on how to schedule a shift once it has been activated. Thank you!

This volunteer role helps staff clean and prepare kennels for dogs and puppies. It’s physical, messy work that includes picking up waste, changing bedding, and using hoses and squeegees to keep spaces clean and comfortable. Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive a welcome email with more information. Thank you!

Our shelter often has tables at adoption events—and we’d love your help! Volunteers talk with visitors, share information, and accept donations. If you enjoy chatting about pets and promoting responsible pet care, this is a fun way to support our team! Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

To Sign Up: Please go online to www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer and fill out our volunteer application. You will receive an email with steps on how to schedule a shift once it has been activated. Thank you!

Cat Socialization Volunteers play a vital role in helping cats adjust to the shelter environment and prepare for adoption. Through calm, gentle interaction, volunteers help build trust and confidence in each cat.

By spending quiet time, offering treats, brushing, and engaging in soft play, volunteers reduce stress and support the cats’ emotional well-being, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and ready for their forever homes.

For the Love of Dogs!
Do you love to go for walks? Can you handle the big dogs?
If you answered yes, then WE NEED YOU!
Columbus Animal Care Services needs volunteers to walk dogs from 10-5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Shifts can be as short as thirty minutes or as long as two hours. 

Click the link below to find out more information.

https://www.columbus.in.gov/animal-care-services/volunteer/

We have the PURR-fect oppoturnity for you!
Do you love to give? Are cats you favorite animal?
If you answered yes, then WE NEED YOU!
Columbus Animal Care Services needs volunteers to socialize our cats from 10-5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Shifts can be as short as thirty minutes or as long as two hours. 

Click the link below to find out more information.

https://www.columbus.in.gov/animal-care-services/volunteer/

You don't have to be perfect, just be present!

Volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters! Every child has incredible potential—sometimes they just need someone to help them see it. As a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you can make a lasting, positive impact simply by showing up, listening, and sharing everyday moments.

Site Based or Community Based Options.

Why Volunteer?

What Do Bigs Do? It’s simple: Spend time with your Little. Whether it’s shooting hoops, doing homework, exploring a hobby, or grabbing ice cream, your presence can change the direction of a child’s life.

Who We’re Looking For: Caring high school students or adults 18+ who are reliable, positive role models, and ready to empower a young person.

Start Something Big Your time. Your support. Your impact. Become a Big today.

CLICK HERE to fill out an application

Foundation for Youth is seeking volunteer coaches to help lead and inspire our youth athletics programs!

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help support our youth and adult sports programs. If you have experience, knowledge, or simply a love for the game, we’d love to have you on our team! Volunteers help create a positive, encouraging environment where players can grow, learn, and have fun. Opportunities are available with our K–2 Basketball League, 3–12 Basketball League, K–12 Volleyball League, Payne Stewart Golf Experience (Grades K–4 Division), and Adult Basketball League. Volunteers must be available for one hour, twice a week and have experience or knowledge of the sport; a passion for mentoring and supporting players is a plus. Training is provided!

If you love sports, enjoy working with kids, or just want to give back to the community, we’d love to have you on our team. You don’t need to be a former pro—just bring a positive attitude, patience, and a willingness to encourage young athletes as they learn skills, teamwork, and confidence. Coaching is a fun, rewarding way to make a real difference in a child’s life.

Why volunteer?

Practices and games are scheduled with flexibility in mind, and we provide support and resources to help you succeed.

Help us shape the next generation of athletes and teammates.

More Information at https://www.foundationforyouth.com/volunteer

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Executive Leadership Team members are volunteer leaders who serve under the direction of the Executive Event Chair and work in conjunction with a staff lead to ensure success of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This position is responsible for recruiting volunteers, sponsors and company teams who will contribute to raising revenue, increasing awareness and participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and ultimately, exceed the event’s goals.

The Committee will meet monthly starting in January 2026, but we are accepting interest in the Executive Leadership Team throughout the year. These meetings will be virtual, so the interested parties could be from the surrounding areas of Franklin, North Vernon, etc. as well as in Columbus. 

Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year around the nation are local, personal disasters like home fires. Disaster Action Teams (DAT) provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. The Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member:

To get started just click this link https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=rco_opportunity_browse_list or contact us at RedCrossRecruitsIN@redcross.org.

The Community Engagement Committee members are volunteers who serve under the direction of the Community Engagement Chair and work in conjunction with a staff lead to ensure Walk to End Alzheimer’s hits their team and Champions Club goals. This will involve recruiting and retaining teams and cultivating former, potential and current Champions. These efforts will increase participation, which will raise revenue and awareness to help us achieve our mission.

Virtual Meetings begin in late February/early March and will meet monthly leading up to the Walk to End Alzheimer's at Mill Race Park in Columbus on Sunday, October 4th, 2026. Meeting dates and times will correspond with member availability.

Responsibilities

●      Attend and participate in Community Engagement Committee (CEC) meetings led by Community Engagement Chair

●      Form a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team

●      Retain and steward previous community teams

●      Recruit 3-5 new community teams

●      Execute the year-round Team Captain Engagement Plan that includes multiple touch points with an emphasis on phone calls

●      Help coordinate the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kickoff with the focus on increasing attendance

●      Cultivate new Champions Club members, level up and recognize current members and retain previous year’s Champions

●      Implement ways on how to build community awareness about Walk to End Alzheimer’s and our mission

●      Model mission fundraising by becoming a Champion

●      Commit to regular communication with Association staff and the CEC

●      Work closely with your staff partner to ensure the success of the event

If one is interested in this opportunity, but don't fit every "responsibility", please apply and we can negotiate specifics. The important thing is getting great community leaders involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Columbus. 

United Way of Bartholomew County is seeking bilingual volunteers to assist with language needs across various organizations. As needs arise, we will connect volunteers to organizations requesting bilingual supporting, helping bridge communication gaps and enhance community services. 

How you can help:

How to get involved:

Your bilingual skills can make a big difference in ensuring everyone has access to the services and support they need 

Join us today and help make our community stronger!

We would love your help in taking Propeller to the next level.

Columbus Propeller is growing, and we are looking for passionate ,experienced woodworkers to join us and help us expand our mission! As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to:

We would love your support in taking Propeller to the next level and making a lasting impact in our community. Your skills and time can make a big difference.

Join us in shaping a brighter, hands-on future- one project at a time.

We would love you be a part of Columbus Propeller's exciting growth journey. We're seeking  dedicated individuals with experience in welding and metal working to help us broaden our impact and continue fostering innovation within our community.

As a volunteer, you can contribute in several meaningful ways: 

Your involvement will play a crucial role in propelling Columbus Propeller to the new heights, making a lasting difference in our community. Together, let's shape a future fulfilled with hands-on learning and innovation, one project at a time.

Columbus Propeller has launched and is open 20 hours per week now on a volunteer basis. Several opportunities exist, though we do definitely need basic support. We may be able to have other support projects as well, including working on a sign, etc. If you have an idea or suggestion of something you or your team would like to work on, we would love to figure out how to accommodate that as well.

Family School Partners is seeking volunteers to help create educational packets for families with children ages 0 to 5. These packets will be used by families to engage in fun, enriching activities with their children that support early learning and development.

Volunteer Tasks Include:

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers will be supporting a meaningful cause while contributing to the success of our early childhood programs. If you have a few hours to spare and want to make an impact, we would love to have you as part of our team!

Volunteers are essential at Hospice of South Central Indiana to ensure that every moment is meaningful for patients and their families. As a volunteer, you will offer companionship to individuals and families facing advanced illnesses.

Volunteers can provide companionship, social interaction, and emotional support through regular visits. Activities range from spending time with patients to assisting those who prefer not to be alone..

Visits offer a unique opportunity to bond and create cherished memories. Each activity is a chance to learn, grow, and understand one another on a deeper level. Reading together can transport everyone to magical worlds, while playing games fosters teamwork and strategy. Conversations, whether light-hearted or profound, strengthen connections and provide insights into each other's thoughts and feelings. Simply listening shows empathy and support, creating a safe space for sharing. With every visit, the bonds of friendship or family are woven tighter, making these moments truly priceless.

Personal care and medication administration are not part of the volunteer's responsibilities. Volunteers will undergo orientation, training, and continuous education to prepare for their role.

River Valley Legal Aid is currently seeking licensed attorneys to volunteer their time and expertise for pro bono opportunities in Bartholomew County and the surrounding areas. As a volunteer, you will provide free legal assistance to individuals who are unable to afford representation, helping to resolve a variety of civil legal issues.

Your involvement will directly benefit vulnerable individuals and families in the community, offering essential legal support in areas such as:

By volunteering with River Valley Legal Aid, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, expand access to justice, and contribute to the well-being of those in need. Your legal guidance and advocacy will play a vital role in empowering individuals and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at legal representation.

If you're a licensed attorney looking to give back to your community, this is an invaluable chance to make a lasting difference.

Are you someone with a compassionate heart and a desire to make a real impact in your community? The VASIA Program (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) offers a unique opportunity to volunteer as an advocate for individuals who are unable to care for themselves.

As a volunteer, you’ll step into the role of a trusted companion and decision-maker, ensuring the voices of those who can’t speak for themselves are heard. You’ll become a vital part of their journey, making choices that reflect their preferences and values, even when they are unable to do so independently.

What You’ll Do:

Why Join Us? By volunteering with the VASIA Program, you won’t just be offering your time—you’ll be creating meaningful change and enhancing the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

We provide all the training and support you’ll need to make a significant impact, regardless of whether you’re an experienced volunteer or new to this work.

What You’ll Gain:

If you’re ready to be a lifeline for someone who needs it, we’d love to have you join the VASIA Program. Your time, empathy, and dedication can change lives—including your own.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to us, and let’s start this incredible journey together.

Children who have experienced abuse and neglect often need more help than the system can provide. That’s where Advocates for Children's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) step in. We are seeking dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children who need it the most.

What is a CASA? CASAs are ordinary people with an extraordinary desire to help a child find a safe and loving home. As a CASA volunteer, you’ll serve as a voice for children in the foster care system, advocating for their best interests in court and throughout the process. Your role is to ensure that children’s rights to grow, learn, and be treated with dignity and respect are upheld.

Who can be a CASA volunteer? You do not need a social work background or legal expertise to be successful. What you need is:

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, including:

What does a CASA volunteer do? As a CASA volunteer, you will:

Help break cycles of fear, shame, and violence, providing the child with the opportunity to grow in a loving, permanent home

If you're ready to help a child in need, we encourage you to consider becoming a CASA volunteer. You don’t need to be a superhero, just someone willing to give your time and heart.

Together, we can help children find the love and stability they deserve.

Sans Souci is looking for volunteers to assist with various operational tasks at our thrift store. Volunteers will help with sorting donations, hanging clothing, and stocking shelves to ensure the store runs smoothly. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the community, gain hands-on experience, and support a meaningful cause. Your efforts will directly impact the success of our store and the lives of those we serve.

Join us in making a difference!

Volunteers are needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants. As a Companionship Volunteer, you will assist with the daily activity program, encourage socialization, and help support participants and staff. This role involves engaging participants in various activities designed to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

Requirements:

Benefits:

Join our dedicated team of volunteers and help create a fun, engaging, and supportive environment for our participants at Just Friend's Adult Day Services!

Just Friend's Adult Day Services is seeking a dedicated volunteer to assist in cleaning and detailing the vans used to transport participants. The vans are essential for the safe and comfortable transport of participants, and regular cleaning is needed to maintain a clean and welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Requirements:

Benefits:

Join us in making a difference for the participants of Just Friend's Adult Day Services!

Just Friends Adult Day Services is looking for volunteers who would like to bring their well-behaved animals for visits with our participants. These visits provide joy, comfort, and companionship to the adults in our care, creating meaningful and uplifting experiences for everyone involved.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Why Volunteer?

If you have a friendly, well-behaved animal and want to share their special qualities with others, we’d love to have you join us!

The Community Center of Hope is seeking volunteers to support our mission by helping clients in the food pantry, stocking shelves, and performing basic housekeeping duties. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious food and a welcoming environment.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers are essential to the success of the Community Center of Hope’s mission, and your time and energy can help bring relief to those who need it most.

Volunteers are essential at Hospice of South Central Indiana to ensure that every moment is meaningful for patients and their families. As a volunteer, you will offer companionship to individuals and families facing advanced illnesses.

Volunteers can provide companionship, social interaction, and emotional support through regular visits. Activities range from spending time with patients to assisting those who prefer not to be alone..

Visits offer a unique opportunity to bond and create cherished memories. Each activity is a chance to learn, grow, and understand one another on a deeper level. Reading together can transport everyone to magical worlds, while playing games fosters teamwork and strategy. Conversations, whether light-hearted or profound, strengthen connections and provide insights into each other's thoughts and feelings. Simply listening shows empathy and support, creating a safe space for sharing. With every visit, the bonds of friendship or family are woven tighter, making these moments truly priceless.

Personal care and medication administration are not part of the volunteer's responsibilities. Volunteers will undergo orientation, training, and continuous education to prepare for their role.

Volunteers are essential at Hospice of South Central Indiana to ensure that every moment is meaningful for patients and their families. As a volunteer, you will offer companionship to individuals and families facing advanced illnesses.

Volunteers can provide companionship, social interaction, and emotional support through regular visits. Activities range from spending time with patients to assisting those who prefer not to be alone..

Visits offer a unique opportunity to bond and create cherished memories. Each activity is a chance to learn, grow, and understand one another on a deeper level. Reading together can transport everyone to magical worlds, while playing games fosters teamwork and strategy. Conversations, whether light-hearted or profound, strengthen connections and provide insights into each other's thoughts and feelings. Simply listening shows empathy and support, creating a safe space for sharing. With every visit, the bonds of friendship or family are woven tighter, making these moments truly priceless.

Personal care and medication administration are not part of the volunteer's responsibilities. Volunteers will undergo orientation, training, and continuous education to prepare for their role.

Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility in Hope In. We are in need of animal care volunteers who can commit to a weekly shift to help at our hospital. You will be on the front lines of animal care with all of the attendant cleaning involved. This isn't the opportunity for you if you can't handle cleaning up feces or helping bandage wounds. Volunteers work with all native Indiana wildlife that come into our facility, as well as attending to the daily needs of our ambassador animals.

The BCPL Express is the "Free Book" program of the Bartholomew County Public Library, which distributes books to low income neighborhoods, parks, preschools, daycares, food pantries and more. The Book Express relies upon donated books for distribution. 

Senior Project Opportunity - Conduct a book drive for BCPL Express of at least 250 gently used or new books, including volunteering at least 2 times. 

A background check is required for anyone 18 and over. 

This opportunity is for a student senior project or Eagle Scout candidate. 

The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit group which supports the Bartholomew County Public Library's programs. Create a Fundraiser event for the Friends of the Library nonprofit to help raise money to support Library programs. 

A background check is required for anyone 18 and over. 

This opportunity is for a student senior project candidate. 

At McDowell, we have students studying to take their HSE (High School Equivalency) exam and a few students need assistance in Mathematics.

Mathematics include Easy, Medium, and Difficult level.

Tutors can help students with practice questions and explaining how to show their work in strategies they can use in the future.

McDowell Education Center is seeking volunteer to help English learners improve their reading and literacy levels.

At McDowell Education Center, we offer free English learning classes. The end goal for our English learners is to learn how to read, write, and communicate in English. Volunteers would choose their preference to come into one of our English classes in the AM anytime from 9-12 or PM classes anytime from 5-8.

Volunteers would help with having conversations with a student- helping them build their confidence in speaking, help with reading/writing, and participate in fun in-class activities.

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit managed by a volunteer board of directors. The CSO board currently has vacancies and is looking for community members who are interested in helping to organize and manage the orchestra's administrative responsibilities. No musical experience is required. The board meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:45pm via Zoom. Interested applicants should respond to this post or email the organization directly at columbusorchestra@gmail.com with any questions they have about the opportunity.

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is currently seeking volunteer musicians to join our ensemble! We are especially in need of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, oboe, english horn, bassoon, french horn, harp, and percussion. Pianists who have an interest in playing with an orchestra can also contact us and we would love to have them join us when we perform music that requires a piano part. We do not require auditions or membership fees for musicians to come and play with us.

We meet for rehearsal most Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm in the band room at Central Middle School (enter through Door 6) and perform five concerts per season (October through June). Rehearsals begin in late August/ early September and end in early June. There is a break during the summer months and in December between our annual Holiday Concert and the New Year holiday. 

The CSO is a volunteer-run non-profit community orchestra whose musicians range from intermediate to advanced in skill. Our musicians range from high school students to retirees. The CSO is a full orchestra, which means we have strings, winds, brass, and percussion who play with us. We perform classical and pops music. Some examples of composers we've played this past season include: George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Dame Ethel Smyth, Scott Joplin, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Johannes Brahms, Igor Stravinksy, W.A. Mozart, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Maumee Scout Reservation is located in the middle of the Hoosier National Forest in the northwest corner of Jackson County. Maumee is a rural retreat with limited access to the internet which requires our campers to "unplug" throughout their stay. Maumee provides an outdoor classroom which affords youth the opportunity to get back to being a kid again and enjoying the wonders of nature, all while learning the principles of Scouting.

There are always projects to be completed to keep this 640 acre property meeting the needs of today's campers. Project vary by season and the abilities of our volunteers.

After hosting several successful 6th Street Arts Alley events, the Columbus Area Arts Council is ready to expand programming in the space. This includes growing CAAC events and developing a framework for partner events. We need your help to determine how best to serve the needs of our community and activate our downtown. 

"6th Street Squad" activities and tasks will include:

Attend strategy and planning meetings (times TBD).

Help set a vision for programming, develop a strategy for execution, and plan events.

Assist the CAAC staff with event set logistics, before, during and after the 6th Street Arts Alley Events. 

Answering questions about 6th Street Arts Alley, 411 Gallery, Columbus Area Arts Council programming, and Downtown Columbus

Bonus points if you invite friends to come to 6th Street Arts Alley events

Is this position right for you? A good 6th Street Squadmember should be:

Social!

Interest in downtown events and happenings

Partnership-focused

14 or older

Ready to assist with events set up and tear down

Work with Su Casa, the Columbus Area Chamber, and SCORE to assist Latino small businesses achieve their dream of success. Responsibilities would include financial reviews, assisting to build a business plan, and providing general advice around marketing, management, and finances. 

Family School Partners and Su Casa are co-collaborators in the Afterschool Homework Help program lead by Vecina Irma Cortez. During this program students are provided with homework assistance, creative art projects and prize incentives for their educational and interpersonal growth. We are looking for consistent volunteers who could provide mentorship/tutoring for youth K-4th. The program will be ongoing throughout the school year -On Wednesdays- and will take place at the Terrace Room in the BCSC Building. 

TEENS ONLY - MUST BE IN MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL 12-18 YEARS OLD

Join the Teen Advisory Board at the Bartholomew County Public Library and help plan upcoming programs and activities, volunteer for events, and even suggest books for purchase. Let your voice be heard and while having fun in the Teen department at the Library. Regular meetings typically occur on the last Monday of the month 4-5 PM.

Contact: Christina Kelley at ckelley@mybcpl.org

BCSC Cultural Learning Center is looking for volunteers who can help with the English Conversation Club program. The purpose of this program is to help a diverse group of adults learn and practice English. It is 1 hour in the morning, once a week through the school year. It is possible for the date and time to be set to accommodate your schedule. The conversation could be held either in person at Columbus North High school or virtually. Volunteers are asked to initiate conversation topics, help to build up topic-related English vocabulary, and facilitate a group of individuals’ conversations/dialogues.

BCSC Cultural Learning Center is looking for volunteers who can help with the Connect to English program. The program aims to provide English learners from Secondary schools with homework assistance. It is 1.5 hours after school, once a week through the school year. It is possible for the date and time to be set to accommodate your schedule. Volunteers are asked to help students work on their homework, including reading, language arts, math, etc. virtually or in-person in the school setting.