PRESS RELEASE: Fall Ball Volunteers

The following is a press release written by Michelle Moss for the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network. 

Twice a year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington hosts a dance that is open to all families to come and dance the night away! Hundreds of families participate in the Ball, and they need you to help make the night one to remember! Western Fall Ball for Y'All is the theme for this dance. There are three different opportunities to help; interested volunteers need to register by Nov. 6.

Available shifts: Saturday, November 8.

• Setup Crew- 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
  • Tasks include setting up tables, chairs, decorations, food, activities, and more
    • Sign up for Setup Crew- tinyurl.com/fall-ball-setup-crew
• Event Crew- 4:00 p.m. -  6:00 p.m.
  • Tasks  include assisting with crafts, creating cowboy hats, running the photo booth, making slime, leading karaoke, face painting, snacks, running games, manning the bounce house, parking, and more
    • Sign up for Event Crew- tinyurl.com/fall-ball-event-crew
• Tear Down Crew- 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Tasks include taking down tables, chairs, decorations, food, activities, and more
    • Sign up for Tear Down Crew- tinyurl.com/fall-ball-tear-down

Location: 311 S. Lincoln Street, Bloomington, IN  47401
Contact: Phil Engel at pengel@bgcbloomington.org

Bloomington Urban Woodland Project Dunn's Woods Restoration

Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project restores, researches, and promotes healthy forests and reconnects communities with their woodlands. They are currently working in Dunn's Woods on Indiana University's Bloomington campus. They are seeking volunteers 12 years and older to help with their second Fall Restoration Session. Volunteers will assist with growing plants in the greenhouse, transplanting seedlings into the woodlands, and removing invasive plants. They also engage in picking up litter at the sites. Restoration sessions are 2 hours long, and they provide gloves, tools, and equipment. 

Available shift: Sunday, October 26

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Learn more and sign up: tinyurl.com/Dunns-woods-restoration

Contact: Stephanie Freeman-Day at stjfreem@iu.edu

Overnight Winter Shelter Volunteer

Bloomington Severe Winter Emergency Shelter (BSWERS) is seeking volunteers to offer overnight hospitality at their emergency winter shelter. They are working to build their volunteer base for the 2025-2026 winter season and need to get volunteers signed up now so they are ready to go once the weather changes. BSWERS provides shelter to up to 30 community members on extremely cold or snowy nights at several rotating host sites: First Christian, First United Methodist, and First Presbyterian Churches. No long-term commitment necessary; volunteers are encouraged to fill in as their schedule allows! BSWERS volunteers have the opportunity to provide essential, life-saving service while forming community and engaging in meaningful interactions.

Available shifts:

• Set-up shift- 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. This is the only shift where volunteers under age 18 may serve; families are welcome! Volunteers set up the registration desk, dormitory, and beverage station, and ensure cleanliness.
• Check-in shift- 8:15 - 11:45 p.m. Volunteers check in guests, administer security screenings, and demonstrate hospitality as guests settle in for the night. Great for volunteers wanting to engage with and get to know the guests!
• Overnight 1 shift- 11:30 p.m. - 2:45 a.m. Volunteers supervise the space. Most guests will be sleeping, so volunteers are welcome to read, study, etc.
• Overnight 2 shift- 2:30 - 5:45 a.m. Volunteers supervise the space. Most guests will be sleeping, so volunteers are welcome to read, study, etc.
• Wake-up/Clean-up shift- 5:30 - 8:00 a.m. Volunteers help wake up guests and ensure they have their belongings, coffee, etc., as they transition out of the shelter by 7:00 a.m. Then, clean-up will ensue.

Learn more and find their interest form: tinyurl.com/BSWERS-volunteers

Contact: btownsevereshelter@gmail.com

Wish List Spotlight:

Community Wish List

Consider fulfilling a wish for one of the organizations that make up the Bloomington Volunteer Network Community Wish List. Wishes range from clothing and household items, to craft and project supplies.

To make a wish list donation: 

• Visit tinyurl.com/community-wish-list to view current wish lists.
• Choose a wish list you would like to support.
• Make your donation.

You can also find year-round in-kind donation needs on the Community Wish List atbloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.

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