Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Volunteer: New Hope Wish List (updated 5/14/2026)

Donations to New Hope For Families will directly benefit families in our community navigating the crisis of homelessness. Our staff members work with families to make sure they have necessary essentials, food, and the support they need to move from homelessness to stable housing.

Donation deliveries are accepted most weekdays 9am–4pm. Please call our office at (812) 334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.

Immediate Needs

Bath towels and washcloths

Bed pillows

Comforters and Blankets (twin and queen size)

Sheets (twin and queen size)

Diapers (sizes 2–8) and Pull-ups (any size)

Disinfecting wipes

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Dish soap and dishwasher detergent pods

Laundry detergent pods (“free & clear” for sensitive skin)

Cleaning supplies (toilet, bath, kitchen, glass/window, etc.)

Baby wipes (unscented)

Baby care (baby wash, lotion, shampoo, rash cream)

Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Shampoo and Conditioner (including natural hair care products)

Body wash

Deodorant

Plastic Plates, Bowls, and Cups

Forks and Spoons

Baking dishes and sheet pans

Pots and Pans (with lids)

Cooking utensils (spatulas, serving spoons, etc.)

Trash bags (heavy duty 30-gallon or 13-gallon tall kitchen size)

Over-the-counter medicines (children and adult)

Kroger gift cards

Please call our office at (812) 334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.

For questions or special arrangements, email thom@newhope4families.org

Donations We Always Accept Kroger gift cards Bloomington Transit bus tickets Non-perishable food Toilet paper Paper towels Diapers and/or pull-ups (any size) Baby wipes (unscented) Disinfecting wipes Facial tissues Toiletries (hand soap, bath soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, shave cream, razors, etc.) Laundry detergent (HE pods, “free and clear” for sensitive skin) and dryer sheets Liquid dish soap and/or dishwasher detergent Feminine health & hygiene products Over-the-counter medicines (ibuprofen, cold medicine, allergy medicine, etc.) First aid supplies (antiseptic spray, bandages, cotton swabs, etc.) Cleaning supplies (toilet/bath cleaner, kitchen cleaner, window cleaner, etc.) Trash bags (13-gallon kitchen size or 30-gallon heavy duty) Freezer bags, kitchen food storage containers Plastic storage bins (3–5 gallon or 18–30 gallon) Large heavy duty tote bags Cookware (pots and pans with lids)Bakeware (baking dishes, baking sheets) Dishes (plates, bowls, cups) Silverware, flatware (cutlery), kitchen knives Kitchen utensils (spatulas, grill spatulas, whisks, serving spoons, etc.) Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, dish towels Sheets (sizes: twin, full, queen) and pillowcases Blankets and comforters (sizes: twin, full, queen) Crib sheets, mattress covers Pillows (standard bed pillows, please no decorative pillows!) Pack 'n Plays (a.k.a. playards, playpens)

Please call our office at (812) 334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.

For questions or special arrangements, email thom@newhope4families.org

Organization: New Hope for Families

Donations to New Hope For Families will directly benefit families in our community navigating the crisis of homelessness. Our staff members work with families to make sure they have necessary essentials, food, and the support they need to move from homelessness to stable housing.

Donation deliveries are accepted most weekdays 9am–4pm. Please call our office at (812) 334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.

Immediate Needs

Bath towels and washcloths

Bed pillows

Comforters and Blankets (twin and queen size)

Sheets (twin and queen size)

Diapers (sizes 2–8) and Pull-ups (any size)

Disinfecting wipes

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Dish soap and dishwasher detergent pods

Laundry detergent pods (“free & clear” for sensitive skin)

Cleaning supplies (toilet, bath, kitchen, glass/window, etc.)

Baby wipes (unscented)

Baby care (baby wash, lotion, shampoo, rash cream)

Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Shampoo and Conditioner (including natural hair care products)

Body wash

Deodorant

Plastic Plates, Bowls, and Cups

Forks and Spoons

Baking dishes and sheet pans

Pots and Pans (with lids)

Cooking utensils (spatulas, serving spoons, etc.)

Trash bags (heavy duty 30-gallon or 13-gallon tall kitchen size)

Over-the-counter medicines (children and adult)

Kroger gift cards

Please call our office at (812) 334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.

For questions or special arrangements, email thom@newhope4families.org

Donations We Always Accept Kroger gift cards Bloomington Transit bus tickets Non-perishable food Toilet paper Paper towels Diapers and/or pull-ups (any size) Baby wipes (unscented) Disinfecting wipes Facial tissues Toiletries (hand soap, bath soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, shave cream, razors, etc.) Laundry detergent (HE pods, “free and clear” for sensitive skin) and dryer sheets Liquid dish soap and/or dishwasher detergent Feminine health & hygiene products Over-the-counter medicines (ibuprofen, cold medicine, allergy medicine, etc.) First aid supplies (antiseptic spray, bandages, cotton swabs, etc.) Cleaning supplies (toilet/bath cleaner, kitchen cleaner, window cleaner, etc.) Trash bags (13-gallon kitchen size or 30-gallon heavy duty) Freezer bags, kitchen food storage containers Plastic storage bins (3–5 gallon or 18–30 gallon) Large heavy duty tote bags Cookware (pots and pans with lids)Bakeware (baking dishes, baking sheets) Dishes (plates, bowls, cups) Silverware, flatware (cutlery), kitchen knives Kitchen utensils (spatulas, grill spatulas, whisks, serving spoons, etc.) Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, dish towels Sheets (sizes: twin, full, queen) and pillowcases Blankets and comforters (sizes: twin, full, queen) Crib sheets, mattress covers Pillows (standard bed pillows, please no decorative pillows!) Pack 'n Plays (a.k.a. playards, playpens)

Please call our office at (812) 334-9840 in advance to arrange delivery.

For questions or special arrangements, email thom@newhope4families.org

Organization: New Hope for Families

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 47403

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Volunteers Needed to Gather Supplies from Hoosier2Hoosier

We have an opportunity for you to volunteer at New Hope for Families the week of May 19-22 to help us gather much-needed donations for our shelter families.  IU is hosting Hoosier2Hoosier, which allows nonprofits like New Hope for Families to take items that have been left behind by students in the IU dorms.  Such items could include things like small appliances, cookware, vacuums, brooms, plastic drawer bins, lamps, rugs, bedding, and towels.  These items will be stored in our home goods pantry so they are available for our shelter residents to take with them for free when they move into their new homes!

Volunteers will meet up with New Hope staff here at our agency (1136 S Morton St, Bloomington) at the beginning of their shift.  They will then travel with New Hope staff in a New Hope vehicle to the designated dorm for that day to collect the items we need (a list will be provided).  Volunteers will need to be able to lift, carry, and climb up and down stairs.  Once items are loaded into our New Hope vehicles, volunteers will be asked to help unload them into our home goods pantry at New Hope for Families.  We anticipate the volunteer shifts to be about 3 hours each day (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM), including travel time and unloading at New Hope.

If you are interested in volunteering with us in this way, please (1) create a volunteer profile and (2) then click here to sign up for a shift.  You are welcome to sign up for more than one shift if your schedule allows.

Any questions may be directed to our Event & Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org).

Organization: New Hope for Families

We have an opportunity for you to volunteer at New Hope for Families the week of May 19-22 to help us gather much-needed donations for our shelter families.  IU is hosting Hoosier2Hoosier, which allows nonprofits like New Hope for Families to take items that have been left behind by students in the IU dorms.  Such items could include things like small appliances, cookware, vacuums, brooms, plastic drawer bins, lamps, rugs, bedding, and towels.  These items will be stored in our home goods pantry so they are available for our shelter residents to take with them for free when they move into their new homes!

Volunteers will meet up with New Hope staff here at our agency (1136 S Morton St, Bloomington) at the beginning of their shift.  They will then travel with New Hope staff in a New Hope vehicle to the designated dorm for that day to collect the items we need (a list will be provided).  Volunteers will need to be able to lift, carry, and climb up and down stairs.  Once items are loaded into our New Hope vehicles, volunteers will be asked to help unload them into our home goods pantry at New Hope for Families.  We anticipate the volunteer shifts to be about 3 hours each day (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM), including travel time and unloading at New Hope.

If you are interested in volunteering with us in this way, please (1) create a volunteer profile and (2) then click here to sign up for a shift.  You are welcome to sign up for more than one shift if your schedule allows.

Any questions may be directed to our Event & Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org).

Organization: New Hope for Families

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: May 19, 2026 through May 22, 2026

Zip Code: 47403

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Summer Volunteers Needed

New Hope for Families is seeking several more volunteers for the summer months (May - August) to fill the following volunteer roles:

Shelter HostTasks: Answer phones and respond to emails, work closely with Shelter staff to provide services to clients; assist family shelter residents with accessing food & hygiene pantry; intake of in-kind donations; and more.Time Commitment: Shifts are 3 hours per week.  We are currently seeking to fill these shifts:Mondays from 9 AM - 12 PMWednesdays from 1 - 4 PMThursdays from 9 AM - 12 PMFridays from 9 AM - 12 PM and 1 - 4 PM

Admin HostTasks: Greet Early Learning Center families and visitors at our front door; answer phones; intake of in-kind donations; assist with administrative tasks such as mailing letters and sending "thank you" cards; light cleaning and tidying tasks in our admin office area; and more.Time Commitment: Shifts are 2+ hours per week between 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Monday - Friday.

Closing VolunteerTasks: Assist staff in keeping the shared spaces in our Early Learning Center clean and tidy, including sweeping & mopping floors; cleaning glass partitions, doors, and windows; emptying recycling & trash bins.Time Commitment:  Shifts are 1 hour per week from 4:45 - 5:45 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays.  You may volunteer up to 2 days (2 hours) per week if your schedule allows.

Early Learning Center (ELC) Classroom VolunteerTasks:  Engaging with children (ages 6 weeks - 5 years) through play, reading, and conversation to help them develop strong social and literacy skills; assisting teachers with the supervision of children in the classroom and on the playground; accompanying the class on field trips to the Switchyard Park splash pad (within walking distance); and more.Time Commitment:  Shifts are 2 hours per week between 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Monday - Friday.


If you are available to volunteer for at least 2 - 3 months this summer and are interested in any of the volunteer roles listed above, please (1) complete a volunteer profile via computer/desktop or mobile device and (2) send an email to our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) letting her know you are interested in volunteering this summer.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Organization: New Hope for Families

New Hope for Families is seeking several more volunteers for the summer months (May - August) to fill the following volunteer roles:

Shelter HostTasks: Answer phones and respond to emails, work closely with Shelter staff to provide services to clients; assist family shelter residents with accessing food & hygiene pantry; intake of in-kind donations; and more.Time Commitment: Shifts are 3 hours per week.  We are currently seeking to fill these shifts:Mondays from 9 AM - 12 PMWednesdays from 1 - 4 PMThursdays from 9 AM - 12 PMFridays from 9 AM - 12 PM and 1 - 4 PM

Admin HostTasks: Greet Early Learning Center families and visitors at our front door; answer phones; intake of in-kind donations; assist with administrative tasks such as mailing letters and sending "thank you" cards; light cleaning and tidying tasks in our admin office area; and more.Time Commitment: Shifts are 2+ hours per week between 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Monday - Friday.

Closing VolunteerTasks: Assist staff in keeping the shared spaces in our Early Learning Center clean and tidy, including sweeping & mopping floors; cleaning glass partitions, doors, and windows; emptying recycling & trash bins.Time Commitment:  Shifts are 1 hour per week from 4:45 - 5:45 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays.  You may volunteer up to 2 days (2 hours) per week if your schedule allows.

Early Learning Center (ELC) Classroom VolunteerTasks:  Engaging with children (ages 6 weeks - 5 years) through play, reading, and conversation to help them develop strong social and literacy skills; assisting teachers with the supervision of children in the classroom and on the playground; accompanying the class on field trips to the Switchyard Park splash pad (within walking distance); and more.Time Commitment:  Shifts are 2 hours per week between 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Monday - Friday.


If you are available to volunteer for at least 2 - 3 months this summer and are interested in any of the volunteer roles listed above, please (1) complete a volunteer profile via computer/desktop or mobile device and (2) send an email to our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) letting her know you are interested in volunteering this summer.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Organization: New Hope for Families

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Aug 1, 2026

Zip Code: 47403

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Admin/ELC Closing Volunteer

If you enjoy cleaning and keeping spaces looking their best, this is the volunteer role for you! 

Staff in our Early Learning Center (ELC) and admin building need dedicated volunteers to help with end-of-day cleaning and tidying tasks to keep our spaces looking beautiful and welcoming.  Tasks include sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning glass partitions & windows, and emptying recycling & trash bins.


One-hour shifts are available Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays from 4:45 - 5:45 PM.  You may volunteer up to 2 days per week, if that fits with your schedule.  Once assigned a shift, volunteers will come in on the same day(s) each week.  Our volunteers typically commit to at least 3 months, but long-term volunteers are encouraged.


If you are interested in becoming an Admin/ELC Closing Volunteer, please complete a volunteer profile linked on our website (https://www.newhopeforfamilies.org/volunteer).  We will then reach out to you to discuss the next steps, which include scheduling a volunteer onboarding session.  Questions may be directed to our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin, via email (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) or phone (812-334-9840 ext 119).

We look forward to you joining the hope movement as a volunteer!

Organization: New Hope for Families

If you enjoy cleaning and keeping spaces looking their best, this is the volunteer role for you! 

Staff in our Early Learning Center (ELC) and admin building need dedicated volunteers to help with end-of-day cleaning and tidying tasks to keep our spaces looking beautiful and welcoming.  Tasks include sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning glass partitions & windows, and emptying recycling & trash bins.


One-hour shifts are available Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays from 4:45 - 5:45 PM.  You may volunteer up to 2 days per week, if that fits with your schedule.  Once assigned a shift, volunteers will come in on the same day(s) each week.  Our volunteers typically commit to at least 3 months, but long-term volunteers are encouraged.


If you are interested in becoming an Admin/ELC Closing Volunteer, please complete a volunteer profile linked on our website (https://www.newhopeforfamilies.org/volunteer).  We will then reach out to you to discuss the next steps, which include scheduling a volunteer onboarding session.  Questions may be directed to our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin, via email (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) or phone (812-334-9840 ext 119).

We look forward to you joining the hope movement as a volunteer!

Organization: New Hope for Families

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 47403

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Volunteer Opportunities at New Hope for Families

Volunteer with us and join the hope movement!Volunteers are an integral part of our team at New Hope for Families!  Our volunteers help our staff provide compassionate care and solutions for children and families impacted by homelessness in our community.Opportunities to volunteer include:


Early Learning Center Classroom Volunteer Provide classroom support, including reading & playing with young children (infants - age 5)Commitment: 2 hours weekly for at least 3 months

Admin/ELC Closing VolunteerAssist with cleaning tasks at the end of the day (4:45 - 5:45 PM) to keep our ELC & admin spaces looking beautiful and welcomingCommitment: 1 - 2 hours weekly for at least 3 months
Admin Building Host Welcome guests, answer phones, process in-kind donations received, fill out donation "thank you" cards, help keep our admin areas clean & tidy, etc.Commitment: 2 - 4 hours weekly for at least 3 months

Shelter Host Answer phones, process in-kind donations received, assist with our food & hygiene pantry, etc.Commitment: 3 hours weekly for at least 3 months

Family Programming Volunteer Assist with fun activities & events for the children & families who live in our shelterCommitment: 1 - 2 times per month, as your schedule allows

Donation Sorter Sort & shelve in-kind donations receivedCommitment: 1 hour every 1 - 2 weeks, as your schedule allows

Hope Builder Provide regular building maintenance, yard work, light construction & repairs, etc.Commitment: This volunteer group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Shelter Move-Out Volunteer Help shelter families move into their new homesCommitment: as needed (a call-out email will be sent)

Garden VolunteerWork alongside other volunteers to help keep our flower and food gardens healthy and beautifulCommitment: 1 - 3 hours each week, depending on seasonal tasks

Service Day VolunteerJoin a group of other volunteers to help with a one-day service project such as deep-cleaning our Early Learning Center, painting walls, building fences, planting trees & shrubs, spreading mulch, etc.Commitment: as needed (a call-out email will be sent)
Events VolunteerAssist with our fundraising events, such as Hope for the Holidays Tree Festival (in November), Spring for Hope Gala (in April), and 100 Cooks Who Care (in February)Commitment: as needed (a call-out email will be sent)

The first step to becoming a New Hope volunteer is to complete a volunteer profile.  We will then be in touch soon with more information about the next steps based on the volunteer role(s) you are interested in.

For more information or assistance signing up, please contact our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin, via email (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) or phone (812-334-9840 ext 119). 

We look forward to you joining the hope movement as a volunteer!

Organization: New Hope for Families

Volunteer with us and join the hope movement!Volunteers are an integral part of our team at New Hope for Families!  Our volunteers help our staff provide compassionate care and solutions for children and families impacted by homelessness in our community.Opportunities to volunteer include:


Early Learning Center Classroom Volunteer Provide classroom support, including reading & playing with young children (infants - age 5)Commitment: 2 hours weekly for at least 3 months

Admin/ELC Closing VolunteerAssist with cleaning tasks at the end of the day (4:45 - 5:45 PM) to keep our ELC & admin spaces looking beautiful and welcomingCommitment: 1 - 2 hours weekly for at least 3 months
Admin Building Host Welcome guests, answer phones, process in-kind donations received, fill out donation "thank you" cards, help keep our admin areas clean & tidy, etc.Commitment: 2 - 4 hours weekly for at least 3 months

Shelter Host Answer phones, process in-kind donations received, assist with our food & hygiene pantry, etc.Commitment: 3 hours weekly for at least 3 months

Family Programming Volunteer Assist with fun activities & events for the children & families who live in our shelterCommitment: 1 - 2 times per month, as your schedule allows

Donation Sorter Sort & shelve in-kind donations receivedCommitment: 1 hour every 1 - 2 weeks, as your schedule allows

Hope Builder Provide regular building maintenance, yard work, light construction & repairs, etc.Commitment: This volunteer group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Shelter Move-Out Volunteer Help shelter families move into their new homesCommitment: as needed (a call-out email will be sent)

Garden VolunteerWork alongside other volunteers to help keep our flower and food gardens healthy and beautifulCommitment: 1 - 3 hours each week, depending on seasonal tasks

Service Day VolunteerJoin a group of other volunteers to help with a one-day service project such as deep-cleaning our Early Learning Center, painting walls, building fences, planting trees & shrubs, spreading mulch, etc.Commitment: as needed (a call-out email will be sent)
Events VolunteerAssist with our fundraising events, such as Hope for the Holidays Tree Festival (in November), Spring for Hope Gala (in April), and 100 Cooks Who Care (in February)Commitment: as needed (a call-out email will be sent)

The first step to becoming a New Hope volunteer is to complete a volunteer profile.  We will then be in touch soon with more information about the next steps based on the volunteer role(s) you are interested in.

For more information or assistance signing up, please contact our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin, via email (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) or phone (812-334-9840 ext 119). 

We look forward to you joining the hope movement as a volunteer!

Organization: New Hope for Families

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 47403

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Early Learning Center Classroom Volunteer

If you enjoy spending time with young children and believe that every child deserves high-quality care in a safe and compassionate environment, we invite you to volunteer in our Early Learning Center classrooms!  At New Hope for families, we provide full-day care (Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) for infants up through age 5.  We welcome children of all income levels and prioritize enrollment for children impacted by homelessness in a mixed-income cohort.

As an Early Learning Center (ELC) Classroom Volunteer, you can look forward to engaging with children in conversation and play, assisting with art and science projects, keeping the children engaged during times of transition (such as lunch/snack time), and simply being a compassionate and caring friend.  This volunteer role is for those age 18 and up, though teens age 16-17 may volunteer with a parent.  Volunteers should expect to commit to a shift of 2 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months.

NOTE:  We are especially seeking ELC Classroom Volunteers who will be in Bloomington and available to volunteer from May - August 2026. 

If you are interested in becoming an Early Learning Center (ELC) Classroom Volunteer, please complete a volunteer profile linked on our website (https://www.newhopeforfamilies.org/volunteer).  We will then reach out to you to discuss the next steps, which include scheduling a volunteer onboarding session.  Questions may be directed to our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin, via email (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) or phone (812-334-9840 ext 119).

We look forward to you joining the hope movement as a volunteer!

Organization: New Hope for Families

If you enjoy spending time with young children and believe that every child deserves high-quality care in a safe and compassionate environment, we invite you to volunteer in our Early Learning Center classrooms!  At New Hope for families, we provide full-day care (Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) for infants up through age 5.  We welcome children of all income levels and prioritize enrollment for children impacted by homelessness in a mixed-income cohort.

As an Early Learning Center (ELC) Classroom Volunteer, you can look forward to engaging with children in conversation and play, assisting with art and science projects, keeping the children engaged during times of transition (such as lunch/snack time), and simply being a compassionate and caring friend.  This volunteer role is for those age 18 and up, though teens age 16-17 may volunteer with a parent.  Volunteers should expect to commit to a shift of 2 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months.

NOTE:  We are especially seeking ELC Classroom Volunteers who will be in Bloomington and available to volunteer from May - August 2026. 

If you are interested in becoming an Early Learning Center (ELC) Classroom Volunteer, please complete a volunteer profile linked on our website (https://www.newhopeforfamilies.org/volunteer).  We will then reach out to you to discuss the next steps, which include scheduling a volunteer onboarding session.  Questions may be directed to our Volunteer Specialist, Amber Griffin, via email (amber@newhopeforfamilies.org) or phone (812-334-9840 ext 119).

We look forward to you joining the hope movement as a volunteer!

Organization: New Hope for Families

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 47403

Allow Groups: No