Last night the Ronald McDonald House had an event where they had a list of items needed for the…read morehouse. Paper towels, dish soap, hand soap, etc. If you brought some to the house you could help "pack the pace car" and get your picture taken in it. This was a great idea and I was so glad to see so many people donated. It was a two day event from 3-6 pm. You just pulled up at the circle and drop it off. They said they will most likely do this event next year because they had a great turn out. Years ago Yelp had event here where we baked cookies for the families at the Ronald McDonald House. It was a great way to help out the families that are going through so much. We got to see Mac the therapy dog and they took us on a tour of the house. All the families receive a bag full of items upon arrival. Some of these families live out of state while some are in state but maybe live far from Riley Hospital. They have volunteer opportunities as well as lists of items they may need periodically at the house. I hope Yelp does another event here again. I guess they had one a couple of years before I did the event during Christmas time. This is a great organization that I will definitely donate to again!

The Ronald McDonald House is one of those non-profits that you're excited to get behind because you…read moreknow they're well-run. They constantly need both volunteers to make breakfasts, dinners, frozen meals, and bake cookies. They also have nightly activities such as Bingo that they love volunteers to run. Sign up ahead of time to reserve your group. They take groups on a tour of the space and explain everything. I found this to be incredibly special, as it attached our group to the work we were about to do and the heart behind the organization. The Ronald McDonald House allows families to stay as long as they need while they're child is in Riley Hospital. Families stay for either one night to a year. The homemade meals are vital to provide, as people under the stress of having a loved one in the hospital often forget to eat and need to be cared for. They also accept donations - however everything does need to be new (nonperishable food, lotions, shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes, etc). The only thing that can be donated used is books (they have an awesome library for the families). We baked cookies with our group and it was a fun, group-bonding activity in addition to being able to provide for a group that needs it. Grab your friends and volunteer here for an evening!

I have gone to Anna's House for years. They always make you feel welcome. The staff and volunteers…read moreare wonderful, they treat you with respect and dignity. Produce is something that you don't normally get at a food pantry and theirs is fresher than a lot of stores. They always have a nice supply of it, among many other foods and supplies. Rebecca B.

My organization volunteers here monthly. This is an awesome place to volunteer. The staff and other…read morevolunteers are friendly and inviting. It is a busy day but it goes by really fast and you almost don't realize that you have been there for 3-4 hours. The Pantry has wonderful produce, meats, breads, and other items donated to them to give to those in need in the community. Some of the fruits and vegetables are fresher than some of the items I have seen in store. I love the fact that the food the people get is as desirable as food I would purchase in a store.

They do wonderful work. Rescuing food and at the same time feeing those in need and simultaneously…read moreproviding training in the service industry for individuals who could benefit from it. I call that a perfect trifecta. All the folks here are just really friendly and upbeat. I have never encountered a rude employee/volunteer here. Got leftovers from a company catering, or bought too much groceries, or run a business that may generate food waste? Bring what you cannot use to Second Helpings. No donation is too small or too big. Rest assured no food goes to waste. What they cannot use, they will pass on to other organizations. They do have guest speakers available if you want to do a food drive for them or inspire others. I try to attend their events like the Souper Bowl... Be prepared, this event is a mad house, but so much fun... Soup stations all around the building, try one, try all and then vote for your favorite. Some soups are also available for purchase. Non-alcoholic drinks are usually provided. So next time you don't know what to do with food, your time or money, consider donating or volunteering for this organization. Well worth it.

It provides so much for Indianapolis and beyond. Food at no cost to over 200 agencies plus at many…read moreparks. The training program is valued at over $8,000 free of charge. Anyone completing the program can get an excellent paying job in the culinary industry. Second Helpings has an employment specialist on site. There are so many perks! Everyone there is happy! Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer for as little or as much as they want to with very few exceptions.

Let's be honest…read more There are certain non-profits and certain businesses that are simply 5-star organizations. Anything else is unacceptable. It's so true that if you see someone bash the organization, you immediately think to yourself "This is not someone I want to know." It's true. You know it's true. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is such a non-profit. It's hard to describe everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful does. Truthfully, I'm probably not even aware of everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (also known as KIB) does. I just know that when it comes to keeping Indianapolis a wonderful place to live, KIB seems to always be involved. I first became aware of KIB years ago when longtime friend David Forsell led the organization. If you haven't met David (and his wife Shannon), they are, in my estimation, one of "Indy's Couples." That's an official designation now, I made it up. Okay, back to KIB. KIB has programs in three areas: Clean Neighborhoods - Adopt-a-Block, Great Indy Clean-Up, Plogging, and Busy Roads/Waterways. Trees & Native Habitats - Project Greenspace, Habitat Restoration, and Community Forestry. Engaged Citizens - Urban Naturalists, Tree Tenders, Youth Tree Team, and KIB Ambassadors. It seems like whenever there's a community event, KIB is involved (I'm currently working alongside a KIB staff person jurying a film festival). It seems like if there's a community partnership to be had, somehow KIB is engaged with it. Their events are well-run, well-led, richly beneficial to our community, and remarkably empowering. Their office on Fletcher Avenue In 2009 became the first civic nonprofit in Indiana to have a building LEED Gold Certified by the US Green Building Council! KIB has wind turbines, a cistern to collect stormwater, rain gardens, a pervious pavement parking lot (which lets water filter through), and a sunny atrium filled with native plants. They also have a green roof and are dog friendly! In other words, KIB lives its values. As a non-profit, they have the highest possible ratings from both GuideStar and Charity Navigator. In short, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is one of those non-profits I consider to be "Indy's Non-Profits." These are organizations that truly make Indy a fantastic place to live (and it is). I love KIB and I love everything they do.

I joined KIB last year during the height of the pandemic, when I needed a healthy outlet to channel…read moreall of the anxiety I was feeling. I would go for walks daily to calm my brain, but I couldn't help but notice litter on the ground. It kind of messed with the calm vibe I was trying to accomplish -- every disposable mask and tissue and empty water bottle I would see on the ground would make me more and more irate. So instead of getting mad about it, I started to bring a trash bag and litter picker with me on my walks. Suddenly, my walks began to feel calming again. Picking up litter gave my walks a purpose. It gave me a feeling of control during a time when so many things felt out of my control (COVID cases spiking, the crumbling of society, etc.) Plus, I felt good knowing that I was helping, in a small way, to make other people feel calm during their walks, too, by removing the litter so they didn't have to see it. Not too long after I started picking up litter on my own, I found out about KIB. I learned that they have an Adopt-a-Block program, where you can "adopt" a portion of your neighborhood and maintain it (pick up litter, plant trees, etc.) I volunteered to be a Block Captain for a portion of the Monon Trail. KIB gave me some free supplies to help me start out (a nifty KIB trash bucket, lots of trash bags, gloves, a trash picker and a t-shirt). I've been an Adopt-a-Block Captain for almost a year now. Since then, I've walked lots of miles and picked up dozens (hundreds?) of buckets of litter. I've made friends with people I see regularly who use the trail where I pick up trash. I've had people come up to me and ask me about KIB (because they see me carrying my KIB trash bucket), and I'm always happy to sing this organization's praises and encourage others to adopt a block in their neighborhood, too. And KIB makes it super easy to do so. They are very inclusive and just want people to get involved in making their communities better places to live and play. I tend to enjoy picking up litter the most when I'm by myself, because it's become a meditative practice for me. But, I've also joined several litter-collecting projects that KIB has organized. These are always very well-thought-out, and they target areas of Indy that are under-cared-for and have a lot of litter lying around. During these events, it's nice to be around other people who love Indy and are as invested in it as much as you are. KIB has lots of projects happening all year, which is great because there is always something to do. I love this organization so much, and it's become a part of me and my lifestyle now. So much so, that one time, when my kids saw a KIB sign when we were out and about, they pointed to it and said, "Hey mom, that's you! That's the thing you do."

An outstanding charity organization with a unique, effective modus operandi!…read more The mission of the group primarily involves combating homelessness by encouraging an active lifestyle, including regular group walks & runs. Other support methods are given as well for those in need, such as workshops on employment or financial topics. I have volunteered with BOMF for at least five years now. Over time, I have seen how the program changes and improves lives. The personnel and volunteers have changed some since I've started volunteering, and everyone is excellent at what they do! A fun, fulfilling way to volunteer!

Such an incredible organization. The team at BOMF go above and beyond to support the city's…read morehomeless with positive programming and wraparound support that truly educate one's body, mind, and soul. The reason I love this charity so much is because you can truly give with your time, talent, and treasure. If you like to walk or run, commit to being there once a week for the morning runs. Do you have a skill that the program members need? Offer to have a class or training session. Want to sponsor a table for the BOMF Breakfast Bash? They'll gladly use your financial support! It's a great place to meet good people and put your talent to good use.

I have been a Big Sister for three years now and love spending time with my little! The…read moreorganization does a great job of matching you and your little. The process to become a little takes some time but it is worth it and I appreciate that they are so thorough. The organization often has free tickets for events for us to enjoy or partnerships with museums and places throughout the city. The best part is impacting your little and seeing them grow up and become their own person- I plan on being a big until my little graduates and hopefully will still stay connected after her graduation! If you have the time and passion, this is a great place to volunteer!! My advice is to be yourself and be open to new experiences.

One of my favorite Indy non-profits! Rooted in their desire to ignite potential in the youth of…read morecentral Indiana, BBBS is a phenomenal organization that matches bigs and littles together to create a positive relationship for all involved. I've been a Big for four years now and absolutely love it. My little and I enjoy doing things together like riding bikes on the canal, playing at the YMCA, and going to game nights hosted by BBBSCI - all for free thanks to BBBS and their partnerships. If you're thinking of becoming a Big - reach out and ask me anything! I love everything about it and can't rave about it enough!

I love everything about this non-profit. 1.) they're super organized (and professional-go figure);…read more2.) they offer training and skills that help women establish themselves in careers (financial planning, suits, resume review, personal shoppers to help select professional attire ranging from shoes and purses to jewelry and bras). They even have national partnerships with haircare products to send ladies home with all of the necessities. Their location on Meridian Street makes them easy to locate and parking alongside the building makes dropping off donations easy. Note: by appointment only. I highly recommend lending your skills and excess professional accessories/attire to this fantastic organization. Hoping I can find more time to contribute more to their work.

Dress for Success is doing an INCREDIBLE job at directly helping women in Indy find careers and get…read moreon their feet. There's three ways you can help: volunteering, donating clothing, or giving money. The organization does everything from having volunteers go over women's resumes and practice interviewing skills, to collecting professional clothing or purses to give the women when they get interviews or job offers. This nonprofit is worldwide and Indy is lucky to have one of their locations (located on Meridian Street across from Central Library).

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend seems the appropriate time to review one of Indy's iconic…read moreThanksgiving organizations - the Mozel Sanders Foundation, Inc. The Mozel Sanders Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 1998 and has been feeding the hungry for over 40 years. The Mozel Sanders Foundation is most recognized for its Thanksgiving Day efforts. Last year alone, the Mozel Sanders Foundation served over 40,000 hot meals in Central Indiana. The organization is named after Rev. Dr. Mozel Sanders, a longtime Indianapolis pastor who was appointed pastor of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in 1959. A beloved community activist, Rev. Sanders received numerous honors and memorials in his name including having both a housing project and street named after him. While he did many things in Indy, Rev. Dr. Sanders was most known for his annual Thanksgiving Day dinner. Rev. Dr. Sanders passed away in 1988. His son, Rev. Roosevelt Sanders, became Mount Vernon's pastor and began the process of turning his father's Thanksgiving Day Dinner into an actual non-profit organization. Several years ago, the Foundation began monthly distributions of food items, hygiene items, and household cleaning supplies. The organization now includes 40 satellite distribution locations. Butler University has been the flagship location for food prep for the annual dinners, though during the pandemic this has been more limited. In 2010, Rev. Roosevelt Sanders passed away but the foundation continues. The Sanders family name still remains strong in the organization with Stephen Mozel James Sanders serving as CEO, Stephanie Sanders serving as Executive Director and Chair, and Roosevelt Sanders Jr. also serving as a director. In addition to the continued annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner, the foundation continues to make distributions monthly and is aiming for weekly distributions. They also sponsor an annual scholarship program. 2021 satellite locations include: Augusta Christian Church Capital City Church Christian Community Church Faded Dream Barber Salon First Christian MB Church Friendship Baptist Church Grace and Mercy Assembly Greater One Way Jesus House (Faith Center) Mt Zion Apostolic Church Roberts Park Methodist Church Tabernacle Presbyterian Church 2021 kitchen locations include: Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant Dawson's on Main Street Friendship Baptist Church Light of the World Church Michael Soul Food Muldoon's New Direction Church Outback Steak House - Castleton Real Taste Catering Roberts Park Methodist Church Tabernacle Presbyterian Church The Apostolics of Beech Grove In my early days, I benefited from the presence of the Mozel Sanders Foundation and as my life stabilized I was able to return the gift by volunteering. It's a wonderful organization with a long history of doing wonderful work in Indy and it continues to honor the life of Rev. Dr. Mozel Sanders.

We had a great experience here today. There is a small amount of parking behind the building. We…read morelearned a lot and even attended a talk today here. I didn't realize there is a small cafe on the second level. There is a lot of space here to read and work as well. Must see for any fan of Vonnegut or anyone wanting to learn about the history of Indiana Avenue!

i'll bet you didn't know there was a Kurt Vonnegut connection to Indianapolis!…read more Well, there is. And this is the place where you will find a variety of items connected with Vonnegut and his magnificent writing. you may remember some of the titles: Cats Cradle, Slaughterhouse Five, Breakfast of Champions. If you have the time and the inclination, or if you're a fan, this is an absolute must visit location while in the Circle City. ***

Downtown Indy, the nonprofit is located in a neighborhood which is unsafe after dark…read more I got mugged around the corner from the Downtown Indy Headquarters. I wrote to Downtown Indy asking them to create outreach programs that improve safety and consideration towards tourists, but they don't care. The entire crew of Downtown Indy pretend to care about people but are only selfishly interested in promoting their nonprofit organization. Downtown Indy may now call itself Downtown Indy Alliance. Downtown Indy doesn't have any oversight or accountability. Either way, this organization is insensitive towards ordinary people. The president of Downtown Indy , Taylor never made any effort to answer me besides an automated email which mentioned "she was out of town". Nobody within Downtown Indy or most of its Board of Directors made any effort to contact me. After one year of waiting, I got a short email from someone on the board of directors from Downtown Indy, who mentioned they will bring attention to my concerns! The whole process of communicating with Downtown Indy is inadequate. Often, nobody answers the phones at Downtown Indy. Downtown Indy is an insincere nonprofit organization. Downtown Indy has done an awful job of helping visitors to downtown Indianapolis. None of their security teams were even outside the night I got mugged around the corner from Downtown Indy. The streets were all dark, whatever improvements the Downtown Indy organization claims to have brought about to their city were not noticeable. To make matters worse, I had been mugged on the first night of Indy 500, the most important event in Indianapolis. Awful Service! Awful Quality! Awful Value! Avoid Downtown Indy HQ and its area! Downtown Indy is both inconsiderate and unhelpful. Downtown Indy or Downtown Indy Alliance under their "rebrand" is still insincere and apathetic towards ordinary citizens. Crime in downtown Indianapolis is a topic which Downtown Indy hasn't resolved. Downtown Indy has no real motivation to resolve the problems of downtown Indianapolis. It was my first time in both the state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis, I was booked to stay at the hotel across the street from Downtown Indy HQ. The hotel tried to pull a bait and switch on my room rates. I argued with the clerk who then threatened me with security. I ran out of the hotel in fear. I got mugged around the corner from Downtown Indy headquarters. One of the upper level crew at Downtown Indy works for Yelp. I fear that there is a potential conflict of interest concerning Yelpers posting positive reviews towards Downtown Indy. Yelpers may feel obliged to post positive reviews of Downtown Indy only because they know upper management is a Yelper too. NOTICE: they just changed their name to Downtown Indy Alliance, it's the same arrogant and pretentious organization filled with hypocrisy! I repeated this message twice because getting mugged around the corner from Downtown Indy Alliance and getting ignored traumatized me, especially since they posted annoying YouTube videos a few months afterwards which mention that they want "public feedback". Everything I have mentioned about my mugging near Downtown Indy Alliance really happened. Anybody who tries to discredit me is a real liar and should go stare into a mirror to reflect on the evil within their own heart!

Put your hands in the air if you're thankful for Downtown Indy!…read more From hosting incredible events that involve our whole city, to beautifying the streets we walk everyday, Downtown Indy works tirelessly to make our city the beautiful gem it is. They're responsible for the Circle of Lights, partnered with Lyft for discounted rides around Indy in a program called "Safe Summer Nights", put on a film summer film series on the canal, and recently executed a project that allowed local artists to decorate potholes covering the Cultural Trail. Those are only a handful of recent projects, and nothing compared to what they do throughout one year. Show them some love and support by writing your review too!