Volunteer with Catholic Charities

Idea: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is in need for volunteers. 

Below is a list of Catholic Charities volunteer opportunities.  These are subject to change due to COVID.  To learn what ongoing volunteer opportunities are available, please call the Catholic Charities agency. 
Catholic Charities

• RSVP (Indianapolis) is looking to people 55+ who are looking for volunteer for Catholic Charities Indianapolis and other community programs.  People have the option to volunteer from home  (telephone or online), as well as in-person. 
  • Contact: Monica Woodsworth, mwoodsworth@archindy.org or 317-261-3378.
• Catholic Charities Indianapolis Christmas Store.  More volunteers are always needed at the Christmas Store, especially this year. All volunteers will have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will be required to wear it while in the Christmas Store. The number of people in the store at one time will be limited to allow for social distancing. There are a variety of volunteer positions available depending on your interest and ability:
  • Shopper Elf: Work with another volunteer to select and bundle gifts for families.
    
  • Marathon Elf: Assist families by carrying gift bundles from the Christmas Store to their vehicles. (Recommended for youth and able-bodied adults!)
    
  • Sorting Elf: Sort incoming donations of gifts and clothes.
    
  • Restocking Elf: Keep the shelves full by restocking with gifts when they run low.
    
  • Please visit our website at Archindy.org/ChristmasStoreHelp to sign up for your desired shift.
• Catholic Charities Tell City.   Volunteers are needed for our Early Years Store, Table of Blessings, Budget Basics Classes, Winter Coat Drives, and Martin’s Cloak.
  • To learn more contact:
    Joan Hess at 812-547-0903 or jhess@cctcin.org
    JoAnn Smith at 812-547-0903 or jsmith@cctcin.org
    Ramona Gehlhausen (Martin’s Cloak Volunteers) at myplantation@psci.net
• Catholic Charities Terre Haute.  Volunteers are needed for Orange Friday, the Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank and the Soup Kitchen.  For more information email Info@ccthin.org. 
• St. Elizabeth – New Albany.  To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit St. Elizabeth -I Want to Help. (https://www.stecharities.org/how-to-help/)

Catholic Charities Parish or School Donation Drive

Idea: Host a Catholic Charities material needs drive at your parish.   Visit our agency webpages to learn more.  

• Indianapolis
• Bloomington
• St. Elizabeth – New Albany
• Tell City
• Terre Haute
• St. Elizabeth/ Coleman

Ideas for Material Assistance Donation Drives.

• Winter clothing items (hats, gloves, scarves, coats)
• Food Drive
• Hygiene Drive or Bubble Drive (Bubble Drive could include anything that makes bubbles.  Soap, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
• Financial donation drive to support others struggling with rent or utility needs
• New, unwrapped Christmas toys and items for our Christmas Store and Family programs

St. Vincent de Paul

Idea: National Guard members have been working alongside volunteers to meet increased demand during Covid-19. The Guard will complete their assignment at the end of November so St. Vincent de Paul needs more volunteers to fill the gap.  Volunteers are needed for their Food Pantry, Distribution Center and Mission 27 Resale Store.  Visit St. Vincent de Paul – I want to Help to learn more. 

COVID-19 Safety Measures: Gloves and hand sanitizing stations are throughout our facilities.  Social Distancing is practiced whenever possible.  Masks are mandatory.  If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.  Dress comfortably and in layers.  Please note, no open toe shoes are permitted for safety reasons.

Don’t forget to check with your local parish St. Vincent de Paul regarding volunteer and donation needs.

Second Helpings

Idea: National Guard members have been working alongside volunteers to meet increased demand during Covid-19. The Guard will complete their assignment at the end of November so Second Helping needs more volunteers to fill the gap. There are a variety of jobs and shifts (daytime and evening) available. Training is currently conducted via Zoom with no obligation. After training is complete, sign-up online for a shift based on your availability. Safety is a top priority at Second Helpings—all jobs are organized based on social distancing standards and masks are required.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER: Click here for more

Volunteer Resources

Be a Super Volunteer!  Six Tips to Recruit and Retain Volunteers (Please note, the resource was developed pre-COVID.  Please ensure state, county and Archdiocesan safety guidelines are in place.)

Safety Tips for Volunteering in a COVID World