Opportunity:American Heart Association - Day of Caring Project
Date:09/18/2026 - 09/18/2026
Agency:American Heart Association
Heart Walk Prep - TBD
Opportunity:Family Essentials Care Package Initiative!
Date:09/18/2026 - 09/18/2026
Agency:Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago and Northwest Indiana
The Family Essentials Care Package Initiative will mobilize volunteers to assemble care packages containing household necessities such as paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, toilet paper, and other essential items that have become increasingly expensive for many families. These care packages will provide practical support to families while helping alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with everyday household expenses. Volunteers will sort, organize, and package supplies while creating personalized notes of encouragement for recipient families.
Connection to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission and Family Recruitment
This project serves as both a community support initiative and a strategic family recruitment opportunity. Each care package will include information about Big Brothers Big Sisters services, the benefits of youth mentoring, and clear instructions on how families can enroll their children in the program. QR codes and contact information will provide easy access to enrollment resources and staff support. During the assembly process, volunteers will learn about the challenges facing local youth and families, the impact of mentoring relationships, and opportunities to become Bigs or advocates for the organization. By combining direct support with outreach and education, the project creates meaningful connections with families who may benefit from mentoring services while increasing awareness of Big Brothers Big Sisters throughout the community.
Opportunity:J's Breakfast Club-Community Beautification Project!
Date:09/18/2026 - 09/18/2026
Agency:Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago and Northwest Indiana
The J's Breakfast Club Community Beautification Project will bring volunteers together to enhance and maintain the exterior spaces surrounding a beloved local business that serves as a gathering place within the community. Volunteers will participate in landscaping, litter removal, planting flowers, mulching, and general beautification efforts to create a more welcoming and vibrant environment for customers, employees, and neighborhood residents. This project demonstrates how collective action can strengthen communities and create spaces where individuals and families feel connected and valued.
Connection to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission
Throughout the project, volunteers will learn how Big Brothers Big Sisters creates and supports life-changing mentoring relationships that help young people reach their full potential. Staff and current volunteers will share stories of impact and discuss the role that caring adults play in building stronger communities. By participating in a hands-on service project, volunteers will experience firsthand how small acts of service can create meaningful change, while also learning about opportunities to become mentors, advocates, and supporters of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission. Informational materials and volunteer recruitment opportunities will be available throughout the event to encourage deeper engagement with the organization.
Opportunity:City of Gary-Day of Caring Cleanup!
Date:09/18/2026 09:00 AM - 09/18/2026
Agency:City of Gary
Join us for a Day of Caring Cleanup as we come together to serve and beautify the City of Gary! This is an opportunity for neighbors, volunteers, families, and community partners to make a positive impact by helping clean streets, parks, neighborhoods, and shared spaces. Together, we’ll work to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for residents while showing pride in our city.
Opportunity:CoAction - Day of Caring Project Portage (Dixie Dr)
Date:09/18/2026 11:00 AM - 09/18/2026 03:00 PM
Agency:CoAction
2356 Dixie Dr., Portage Site (4 building in a cul-de-sac)
-Mulch around buildings
-Construct raised garden beds
Opportunity:CoAction - Day of Caring Project Portage (Evergreen)
Date:09/18/2026 11:00 AM - 09/18/2026 03:00 PM
Agency:CoAction
6470 Evergreen, Portage Site
-Add garden beds somewhere within the project site (lots of choices)
-Mulch around Evergreen building marked on map
Opportunity:CoAction - Day of Caring Project Portage (Whittier St)
Date:09/18/2026 11:00 AM - 09/18/2026 03:00 PM
Agency:CoAction
3239 Whittier St., Portage Site
-Mulch and landscaping around duplex
-Construct raised garden beds in back yard
Opportunity:CoAction - Day of Caring Project Valpo
Date:09/18/2026 11:00 AM - 09/18/2026 03:00 PM
Agency:CoAction
603-605 Freeman St., Valparaiso Site
-Construct raised garden beds in lot next to building (marked on attached map)
-Mulch around building as well as 453 College and 505 Freeman if needed
-Tear down of shed near garden beds
Opportunity:Coates Inc
Date:09/18/2026 - 09/18/2026
Agency:Coates, Inc.
TBD
Opportunity:Create Blankets of Hope. Crisis Center -Day of Caring Project!
Date:09/18/2026 - 09/19/2026
Agency:Crisis Center, Inc.
Blankets of Hope. Crisis Center-Day of Caring Project!
About the Project: Volunteers will create no-sew fleece blankets as part of our Blankets of Hope project. The completed blankets will be placed in our Bedroom Décor Store, which is often the first stop for youth when they arrive at the Crisis Center.
Each child in our care has the opportunity to choose their own sheets, comforter, blanket, stuffed animal, and other room décor to help make their bedroom feel welcoming and personal. When they leave the Crisis Center, they can take these items with them as they transition to their next home.
For many of the children we serve, this is the first time they have ever had the opportunity to choose something that belongs solely to them. A handmade blanket provides not only warmth and comfort but also a reminder that someone took the time to create something especially for them during a difficult time in their lives.
Additional Details:
Project Location: Off-site. Volunteers may complete the project at home or at their local business on a day and time that works for your group. This is a remote volunteer opportunity. Project supplies and instructions must be picked up from the Crisis Center no later than September 9th via a coordinated time. Completed blankets should be returned to the Crisis Center once the project is completed. The Crisis Center is located at 101 N Montgomery Street in Gary, IN (Miller Beach Area).
Number of Volunteers: Up to 10 (limited by available supplies)
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes
Supplies Provided: The Crisis Center will provide fleece and all project instructions for up to 10 volunteers. Volunteers will need to provide their own scissors.
