Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Four New i2U Opportunities

AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING:
1) VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - Provide low to moderate income taxpayers an opportunity to receive free info and assistance in electronic filing of tax returns. Tuesday's or Thursday's from 9 - 1 (shift can vary) at Ellettsville Library, February & March.

2) Food Pantry - Deliver groceries to homebound seniors once per month (flexible shifts) or fill grocery bags at Area 10 the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

3) Mobile Meals Driver - Deliver hot meals to elderly and disabled. 1 - 2 hours around noon, your choice of day M-F. Yours may be the only smile this person sees all day.

For Area 10 opportunities contact Christine McKenna, RSVP Director, 935-2514.

STEPPING STONES:
Stepping Stones provides transitional housing and supportive services to youth aged 16-20 experiencing homelessness. Community volunteers are needed for two of our programs: 1)Community Center Mentor: Spending time with teen residents while at our community center in an evening or weekend. Activities may include cooking, watching movies, playing games, and just talking. 2) Be Active!: Assisting our Health Coordinator with transportation to offsite group activities such as YMCA, bowling, rock climbing. Time commitment is for a minimum of 4 months. Our next volunteer orientation is Tuesday, Dec 15 at 6:30pm. Please contact Sheri Benham at sbenham@steppingstones-inc.org to sign up. (www.steppingstones-inc.org)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Share Your CareFest Story

Share your CareFest experience by posting a comment. Where did you serve? What did you do? What did you take away from this experience?

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

CareFest09 - Thanks

THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered at CareFest09 on Saturday, October 24. About 350 people turned out to serve at 23 local agencies and schools. The day started out with some drizzling rain, but that soon gave way to warm sunshine. God was glorified through the loving service of many.

Pourhouse Cafe'

The Pourhouse Cafe' is a ministry outreach of SOCC. In September they beganSunday hours in a continued effort to reach our community for Christ. Two studies, One Girl and One Guy, for college students are led by Ken and Claudia Mitchell followed by a non-traditional worship service for students and patrons.

Volunteers are needed to assist the Pourhouse staff at the counter preparing drinks, operating the cash register, dipping gelato, cleaning tables and chatting with customers. This isn't as hard as it might sound - I (Lyne) can even do this.

Shifts will be between 4pm and 10pm, once per month. Of course you can work more frequently if you would like. To take advantage of this fun, exciting, ministry opportunity call or email Lyne at 334-0206 or lbrown@socc.org

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Backstreet Missions Thanksgiving Baskets

Backstreet Missions in is need of volunteers to deliver their annual Thanksgiving baskets on November 21. To volunteer call Gretchen Scott at 327-1122.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

CareFest - Saturday, October 24

Don't miss this exciting all-church day of serving in our community. Join hundreds of volunteers from SOCC and other area churches as we go into Bloomington and serve as Jesus did with no strings attached. Projects include minor repair or construction, cleaning, painting, sorting & folding clothes, and yard work. Team leaders are needed to facilitate projects and meet with the agency prior to CareFest day. Skilled or unskilled your participation will make this day a success.

To sign up go to http://www.socc.org/ and click on CareFest.
To serve as a project manager contact Lyne at lbrown@socc.org or 334-0206.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Red Cross Book Fair - buy a book or volunteer

The Monroe County Red Cross will hold its annual book fair at the county fairgrounds October 1 - 6. They are in need of volunteers to help set out books from Sept. 26 - 30 for 2 hour shifts between 8 am and 5pm (except noon - 1) daily.

Volunteers are also needed to work during the book fair during the following times:
October 1 - 2 8am to noon and 1pm to 9pm
October 3, 4, and 5 8am to noon and 1pm to 6 pm
October 6th 8am to noon and 1pm to 5pm

Not available during these day? No problem! Consider helping with tear-down days (Wednesday, October 7 through Thursday, October 8) are when we re-box the leftover books, fold tables, and load the trucks. Hours are 8am to noon and 1pm to 5pm.

Whether or not you can volunteer, consider visiting the book fair to find a bargain on bestsellers.

Contact June Taylor at332-7292 or jtaylor@monroe-redcross.org.

One of our CareFest projects will be to help Red Cross clean and reorganize their basement after the months of book fair preparations.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Community Kitchen Express Spruce Up- SOCC Project

On Saturday, September 26, from 8am - noon a team from SOCC will help the Community Kitchen Express (Crestmont location) spruce up their building and grounds. We'll be painting and cleaning inside and planting flowers outdoors. Bring your painting supplies and/or a small garden trowel and of course your gloves and water bottle.

For more information about the Monroe County Community Kitchen visit their website at www.monroecommunitykitchen.com. The Express location where we will be working is at 1100 W 11th Street, at the corner or Monroe and 11th streets. But be sure to sign up.

To sign up for this event email lbrown@socc.org.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

SOCC i2U Survey

We want to know how you like to serve in the community. Please take a few minutes to complete this 10 question survey to help us better provide opportunities for serving.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lKJsdc4I73D5jlpc8nX4YQ_3d_3d

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Crisis Pregnancy Center/Hannah House Maternity Home

The CPC and Hannah House are in need of volunteers to help with various tasks including infant care at HH while the mom's work. Other opportunities are answering the phones and assisting with donations. To volunteer call 334-0104.

Friday, August 14, 2009

SOCC Serve Groups

Join one of the new SOCC Serve Groups that will meet for 13 weeks beginning in September.

Taste of i2U - Hoosier Hills Food Bank: Join this group repacking food donated from local restaurants. Get to know other SOCC people as you serve shoulder-to-shoulder making a difference in our community. Wednesday's at 5:30 at HHFB 2333 Industrial Park Dr.

Taste of i2U - Geno's Cafeteria, Backstreet Missions: This group will prepare meals, under staff supervision, at Geno's Cafeteria. Thursday's at 4pm, Wesplex Plaza.

Second Saturday Servolution - This team led by Kevin King will meet the second Saturday of September (12), October (10), and November (14) serving in the community for local agencies and/or families and individuals. Projects may include moving furniture, cleaning, minor maintenance, painting, raking and yard work.

For more information on these projects go to http://www.socc.org/ and click on Groups/Classes.

Global Gifts - Fair Trade Store

Global Gifts, a new fair trade store on the downtown square (next to Roots) is opening soon! Global Gifts is a non-profit business aimed at supporting artisans from over 35 impoverished countries by paying fair wages, promoting gender equity, and environmental sustainability. Global Gifts is primarily volunteer staffed and we are looking for enthusiastic fair trade supporters to share our mission with the Bloomington community!

Upcoming Volunteer Trainings:
Thursday, August 20: 7-8:30pm
Saturday, August 22: 1-2:30pm
& Tuesdays in September: 7-8:30pm
(September 1, 8, 15, & 22)

Please contact hannah@globalgiftsindy.com
to RSVP or share your interest or questions!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Help Older Adults Transition to Digital Broadcasting

Are you tech-savvy? Area 10 Agency on Aging needs you!
Area 10’s “Keeping Seniors Connected Initiative” is seeking volunteers to help older adults who are experiencing television reception problems after the switch to digital broadcasting. Area 10 will train volunteers about digital television, antenna reception, and everything else you’ll need to know in order to help vulnerable seniors. No experience needed. Commitment is 1-4 hours week on a temporary basis. If you’re interested, please call 812-876-3383 or 800-844-1010.

Monday, July 27, 2009

International Ministry & Furniture Drive

Furniture Give-Away for international students is on Saturday, August 22. If you have furniture that you would like to donate, you can drop it off August 17-21 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Gym. Enter the Gym through Door #12. Request for pickup of furniture in the foyer on Sunday or by contacting Elan Rajamani at elan@ifmusa.org or 325-9047.

We Need Your Trucks & Help: We need pickup trucks, drivers and able-bodied people to help move furniture on Saturday, August 22 at the Furniture Give-Away for international students. We also need other volunteers for traffic control, greeting, registration and other light duties. Get more information and sign-up in the foyer on Sunday or contact Dave Highland at dhighlan@bluemarble.net or 345-9163.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Back to School Collection/Volunteers

SOCC and Salvation Army are partnering again this year to provide back to school supplies, backpacks, and new socks, underwear and shoes for students in need. This year several other churches have joined the effort as well as the Pourhouse Cafe' and Spirit 95FM. Last year, the first for this partnered event, over 400 backpacks full of supplies were given out. We anticipate the need to be even greater this year. During distribution we will also provide haircuts for children. See below for a list of items and volunteers needed. Let’s send the children of Bloomington back to school prepared for the year. Sign up in the foyer today.

Items Needed:
# 2 Pencils, Scissors, Crayons (24), Facial Tissue, Pens, Spiral Notebooks, Glue Sticks, Rulers, File Folders, Loose Paper, Index Cards, Erasers, Markers, Highlighters, Colored Pencils, Copy Paper, Bottled Glue, Calculators (regular & scientific), New Tennis Shoes, New Underwear, New Sock, (all sizes).
Volunteer Needs:
July 27 – 31 9:30 – 11:30 and/or 12:30 – 3:00 Sort/organize donations at SOCC
Aug. 4 8:00am – 6:00pm (2 hours shifts) distribute supplies at Salvation Army 111 S. Rogers
Aug. 4 8:00am – 6pm Hairstylists are needed to provide haircuts for children during the day of distribution.

To volunteer contact Lyne Brown at lbrown@socc.org or 334-0206. Items can be placed in the bins at doors 3, 5, & 20 by Sunday July 26.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Hoosier Hills Food Bank

HHFB is in need of volunteers to help Repack donations from local restaurants this Friday evening at 5:30pm at the Hoosier Hills Food Bank kitchen. They are located at 2333 W. Industrial Park Dr. Enter through the office door, through the offices to the warehouse, and through the warehouse to the kitchen. We need your help!

Additional dates in need:
Monday, July 20
Wednesday, July 22
Friday, July 31

For more info contact: Kim Kanney
Volunteer Coordinator
Hoosier Hills Food Bank
812.334.8374
volunteer@hhfoodbank.org

Circles Initiative - helping families out of poverty

We hope to be getting SOCC more involved with this important program. Circles is a strategy to help low-income families build resources and transition out of poverty, to change systems and policies that perpetuate poverty, and to build community across race and class lines. Volunteer Community Allies are URGENTLY needed to befriend and support families as they work toward their goals. Three to four Allies are matched with each family. Training and ongoing staff support are provided. Background checks and an 18-month commitment of 4+ hours monthly are required. Must be available one to two Thurs. evenings/month.

The South Central Community Action Program invites you to join them on July 21 at 7 p.m. at 1500 W. 15th Street for an informational Dessert Night to learn about becoming an Ally with the Circles Initiative. The next Circles session begins in October.

For more information call or email Bonnie Vesely at the SCCAP office at 339-3447 or bonnie@sccap.monroe.in.us or contact Lyne Brown at SOCC.

Read more or register to volunteer here.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Backstreet Mission Opportunities

Enjoy the county fair and help at the Backstreet Mission booth. Volunteers are needed at various times - listed below. They are also in need of individuals to help with the Thursday evening meal and are seeking new board members. For details on these opportunities call Linda Kelley at 333-1905.

Fair booth opportunities:
1. July 25th (Saturday)-- 12-4pm, 4-7pm, 7-10pm
2. No Sundays.
3. July 27th (Monday)-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm
4. July 30th-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm
5. July 31st-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm6. Aug 1st-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm

Friday, June 12, 2009

Family Ministry Center - block/mortar work

There is a new family ministry being developed in an abandoned warehouse on south Rogers Street. In the future they will need several volunteers to help with the building renovation and eventually to staff the Warehouse Ministry. Currently they are in need of someone to close up 10 garage door openings with concrete blocks & mortar. Obviously, not many of us will have this expertise, but feel free to pass this along to anyone whom you know that may be able to help. To get details contact me at lbrown@socc.org or 334-0206. You may also contact the center directly by emailing steve@realifemedia.org.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Local Retirement Communities Seek SOCC Volunteers

Sterling House and Red Bud Hills is seeking volunteers to visit and interact with their residents. If you are skilled in some form of art, exercise, leading Bible Study, or just like to visit with people, they would love to have you involved.


Contact Lyne Brown in the SOCC office to learn more.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Community Kitchen Summer Volunteers Need

Volunteers are need to help with the Breakfast Program prep shift from 7 to 8:30 a.m. to prepare and assemble free sack breakfasts for distribution to children in low-income neighborhoods in Bloomington from June 1 to August 11. One delivery volunteer helps the driver load the van and hand out breakfasts at each stop on the route from 8:30 a.m.-noon. You can also help one day a week, or one day a month with meal preparation from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or meal serving (cafeteria-style) from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Six volunteers per shift are needed! Minimum age is 14 (10 if accompanied by an adult). Visit there website for more information or contact Annie Brookshire, Volunteer Coordinator for CK at (812) 332-0999.
http://www.monroecommunitykitchen.com/

Monday, June 1, 2009

Collections at SOCC

Flood Relief:
Many Monroe County families who were victim of the 2008 floods are just now getting back into their homes. Donations of household items are needed. Large items and furniture can be donated by calling 961-1510 x91. Dishes, towels, cleaning supplies, etc. can be brought to the church during office hours.

Local Agencies & Missions:
During the month of June we are collecting toiletries for local shelters and global missions. Place items in the collection bins inside doors 3, 5 & 20. Volunteers are needed to help deliver items to agencies.

Eagle's Landing Youth Center

Youth & Community Center of Monroe County Opening April 13 at Eagles Landing in Ellettsville, the Youth & Community Center of Monroe County will serve as an after-school program for youth. The core managing and programming agency is the Boys & Girls Club with outreach and support by Girls Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Volunteers are needed to interact with youth, playing board games and other games, supervising them during arts, crafts and snack time; sharing talents and interests, implementing new programs, changing bulletin boards, cleaning and organizing rooms, providing tutoring and homework help and being a mentor. All volunteers must have a background check and go through orientation. You will be asked how long you plan to volunteer, as they divide tasks differently depending on frequency, long-term commitment and availability. For more information visit their website at http://www.eagleslandingmall.com/yccmc/bgcellettsville/index.htm.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Hooser Hills Food Bank has exciting summer ops

Hoosier Hills Food Bank is in need of volunteers for the summer as college students head home. They are also embarking on two new programs to help meet the hunger need in our community. Gleaners are needed to help in the summer and fall to rescue produce left in fields after harvest and gardeners are needed to help tend produce plots. For details go to http://www.hhfoodbank.org/glean.htm.

Monday, May 25, 2009

CareFest 2009 Save the Date October 17, 2009











CareFest is an annual church-wide day of service in our communty that will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Hundreds of volunteers work at local agencies doing everything from landscaping to painting. Families are encouraged to serve together as this is a great way to teach children the value of serving others with no strings attached. Mark your calendar now and save the date. You will not want to miss out on this great day of serving others, just like Jesus did.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Work Day - May 16, 2009

All projects meet at SOCC front parking lot at 8:00am unless otherwise noted. Sign up at http://www.socc.org/ click on i2U Serve Day; in the foyer on Sunday morning; email lbrown@socc.org; call Lyne at 334-0206.

Flood Relief Project #1: Cutting firewood and removing brush from a creek. Homeowner will keep the firewood and brush will be disposed of on-site – no hauling involved. Need 4 – 5 volunteers with 2 – 3 of them experienced with chainsaws (bring own equipment). Approximately 3 hours.

Flood Relief Project #2: Hang storm door and straighten chain link fence that was damaged in windstorm from Hurricane Ike. Need 2 – 3 volunteers, experience to hang door. Approximately 2 hours.

Flood Relief Project #3: This larger project is in Stinesville. The couple is receiving a used mobile home that will be set on or before May 15. Project includes skirting the trailer, building a wheelchair ramp, general yard clean up, cleaning interior of trailer. Materials are provided – bring your own tools. Need 10 – 20 volunteers. Approximately 4 hours.

Project #4: Yard clean up for various elderly in community. Raking and bagging leaves, pulling weeds. Need 5 – 7 volunteers. Approximately 2 hours.

Project #5: Bagging high-lysine corn at Bryantsville Hunger Relief Project to be shipped to impoverished countries like Honduras. Located in Bryantsille, about 30 minutes south of Bloomington, near Mitchell. Arrangements for caravan from SOCC will be made after sign up. Need 5 – 10 volunteers. Shift is 9:30am – noon.
Project #6: Lunch preparation at Backstreet Mission. Meet at Geno’s Cafeteria, 215 S Westplex. Need 5 – 10 volunteers. Shift is from 10:30am – 1:00pm.