15-04-2025
Come celebrate African Art, help at Children's Expo or clean up downtown Bloomington
The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network provides information about volunteering locally. For a complete listing, visit or call 812-349-3433. The inclusion of an organization in this list does not imply City endorsement or support of the organization's activities or policies. Information and registration links for the following opportunities can be found online at
Come help Bloomington Creative Glass Center at their 4th annual cultural celebration — "Pattern & Ritual: A Celebration of African Arts from Ghana to Kenya" on April 26. This is a family-friendly opportunity open to volunteers over the age of 10. Two shifts are available, the early shift runs from 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., the late shift runs from 2:45 to 7 p.m., both shifts run during the event. Volunteers will help with the information table, crowd control, running various activities, assisting with blown glass demonstrations, etc. This is an outdoor event. If the weather is bad, the event will be moved indoors. Sign up by April 22 at or For more information, contact bloomingtoncreativeglasscenter@ or 812-345-2470.
Volunteers 16 years and older are needed Saturday, April 26, to help at Bloomington Parks and Recreation's Children's Expo. This event is a parent's treasure trove for informational, educational, and recreational resources for school-age children. The Expo continues to offer free health screenings by qualified healthcare professionals for children ages 10 years and younger. Volunteers can sign up to help between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., or 1:30 to 5 p.m. Duties include helping supervise activities, greeting participants, providing general event support, and assisting with vendor hospitality. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have an Underage Waiver of Liability signed by a parent or guardian. Learn more, find the waiver link, and sign up for your shift at Contact for questions or assistance.
The city of Bloomington is looking for volunteers to participate in a Downtown Community Cleanup Day on Monday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in preparation for Indiana University's graduation weekend. The cleanup will focus on making the downtown area more welcoming for residents and visitors by picking up litter, pulling weeds, and improving the overall appearance of public spaces. City staff will lead the cleanup teams and provide all necessary tools and equipment. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside Mayor Kerry Thomson as part of this community effort. The day will be spearheaded by city staff and Brighten Bloomington crews, a Centerstone Job Placement Partnership with the city's Public Works department. Volunteers will meet at Waldron Hill Buskirk Park (331 S. Washington St., behind the police station) for a morning kickoff before fanning out into cleanup teams. Learn more and sign up at Questions? Contact Angela Van Rooy at or 812-349-3505.
Bloomington Volunteer Network (BVN) Community Wish List
Consider fulfilling a wish for one of the organizations that make up the BVN Community Wish List. Right now, nonprofits are gearing up for their summer programs and services, making it a great time to support their wish list needs.
To make a wish list donation:
Visit to view current wish lists
Choose a wish list you would like to support
Make your donation
You can find current in-kind material needs on the year-round Community Wish List at
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Volunteer African art Children's Expo Bloomington community cleanup day
