First semester is winding down and fall and winter breaks are coming up. If you’re leaving Bloomington, you can still stay involved in your community. IU Corps is here with a few tips to help you engage in the community anywhere you go!

1) Search your city's website.

Most cities have a volunteer page on their website that lists a variety of opportunities. Some may even be a database, kind of like IU Corps Volunteer Central! Just type your city’s name, state + “volunteer opportunities” (i.e. “Bloomington, Indiana volunteer opportunities”) into your favorite search engine, and start exploring!

2) Contact local nonprofits.

Many nonprofits have increased traffic during the holiday season—especially food pantries and other organizations that serve meals (i.e. Ronald McDonald House). You can reach out to these organizations individually to see if they need more volunteers.

3) Reach out to community organizations.

Volunteering with friends can be a great experience! Often community organizations, like Rotary Clubs, sports teams, work groups, and churches will schedule group volunteer activities. Take a look at the calendars for these groups in your area.

4) Give a gift.

Gift-giving is always a big focus throughout the holiday season. Be on the lookout for opportunities to give, whether you’re buying a present for Toys for Tots, rounding up on your transaction for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or dropping off a letter to Santa at Macy’s, which will donate $1 to Make-a-Wish Foundation for every letter received.

5) Write a letter.

Many will be spending their holiday season deployed in another country, in a hospital, or in a retirement home. Write letters to wish them happy holidays and let them know that you are thinking about them. Often times, you can drop off letters off at community organizations like United Way for help dispersing them.