Elementary School Projects

To sign-up for one of these projects pick up a form at the Welcome Center on Sunday or contact lbrown@socc.org.
TEMPLETON
Classroom
Early Morning Laps: Each morning at 8:40 after the children arrive and before class begins the children walk laps through the halls. This helps to awaken little minds for the day. Teachers stand in their doors and welcome the children as they pass by. Once each week SOCC volunteers will provide the teachers a thirty minute break, to get together and plan, by taking their place in the halls and presenting a simple lesson. Laps last 10 minutes and then volunteers will take a group of children to a classroom and teach a lesson until 9:15am. Volunteers arrive at the school promptly at 8:30 to receive the lesson. This could be done in pairs or small groups of 3 or 4 volunteers.

Reading Partners: 9:15 - 10:45 one day per week, Monday through Friday. Spend and hour once each week reading to a child or listening to a child read to you, depending on the grade level. Volunteers will meet with the same child each week, encouraging and building a relationship. Every child needs a cheerleader. One hour per week can change a life.

Free Friday Market
Free grocery shopping opportunity provided each Friday afternoon at Templeton for low income families. Approximately 50 to 70 families benefit from this market each week. SOCC will provide 5 - 10 volunteers from 1:00 -3:00 to setup and staff the store. Childcare crafts/reading, nutrition education, coupons, resource table, and healthy recipes on a budget are services we hope to incorporate into our time at the market. Volunteers may commit to one or more Friday’s each month. (Only open on Friday’s when school is in session.)

Garden Maintenance
Four outdoor areas have fallen into disrepair because of the lack of volunteers to maintain the gardens. A team from SOCC did extensive work on some of these areas during CareFest and we want to help keep them beautiful for the children and teachers to enjoy. This commitment will continue through the summer months so that the gardens can be properly maintained and readied for the return to school in the fall. The four gardens include vegetables (produce will be given away at the Free Friday Market when school is in session); wildflower and pond; picnic area; and perennial garden. There is some work on the wildflower garden that should be done this winter, weather permitting.

SUMMIT
Before school tutoring Monday – Thursday 8:00 – 8:45
Classroom Assistance in Kindergarten room 10:15 – 10:30 or 2:00 - 2:30 and then help in Lit room reshelving books - one day/week
Kindergarten computer lab Thursday 1:45 – 2:15

FAIRVIEW
Salad Bar Assistant - Tuesday's 11:40 - 12:50

THE MALL - Paragon After School Program

Mission: To provide a safe place for elementary students to feel loved and accepted.

The SOCC church van leaves from the Pourhouse (314 E Kirkwood) every Wednesday at 2:15pm to help the New Life Community church in Paragon provide an after school program for children in grades first through fifth. We need people willing to give time and attention to kids once a week. For more information talk to John Robertson at jrobertson@socc.org or 334-0206.

Lamentations 2:19 “Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord lift your hands toward Him for the future of your young children.”

Hoosier Hills Food Bank - Valentines Day Food Drive

Due to the increased need at their food bank, Hoosier Hills Food Bank is holding a Valentines Day Food Drive this Sunday.

Sunday, February 14th starting at 1:00 P.M.
Rachael's Cafe: 300 E. 3rd St. (between Lincoln & Grant) Plenty of free parking available: Rachael's lot or street parking on Grant & Lincoln (by 3rd St. Park).

Canvassing is a family friendly activity and is a great way to become involved in the Bloomington community. Canvassing does not require any sort of experience or skill level – we welcome anyone and everyone. If you are interested in driving but do not feel comfortable knocking on doors, please contact us at 334-8374 or volunteer@hhfoodbank.org.

Global Gifts Volunteer Training

Global Gifts is a non-profit fair trade store aimed at promoting fair trade by providing a marketplace for artisans from over 30 countries to sell their handmade crafts and goods while working in safe and healthy working conditions and receiving a fair wage. We are primarily supported by volunteers and love having new passionate volunteers join us to share our mission of fair trade with our customers! More info can be found at www.globalgiftsindy.com!

Upcoming trainings will be at Global Gifts at 122 N. Walnut at 7pm on January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11. To register for a training contact Hannah Cartwright at abtownvolunteer@globalgiftsindy.com.

CASA Training

STAND UP FOR ABUSED CHILDREN, SO THEY CAN STAND A CHANCE.

Volunteers are urgently needed to serve 60 children currently waiting for a CASA.

Become a CASA Volunteer! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a volunteer powered program that provides representation in juvenile court for abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers gather information about the child, help identify needs and possible services, and monitor court orders and case plans to help the child find a safe, loving home. This is an opportunity to have a real impact on a child’s life while giving back to the community. CASA is the voice of a child in court.

The next CASA training is February 3 –March 6, 2010, Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 7pm, and Saturday mornings 9:30am-12:30pm. Call 812-333-2272 ext. 14, email monroecasa@sbcglobal.net, or go to www.monroecountycasa.org for more information or to receive an application.
Application deadline is January 20, 2010.

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)

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?