ICAN is a phenomenal organization with a dedicated staff whose passion shines through in every…read moreinteraction--with volunteers, clients, and, most importantly, the dogs. As Indiana's only accredited service dog training program, ICAN upholds incredibly high standards, exceeding even national benchmarks. As a volunteer, donor, and corporate sponsor, I've felt truly appreciated at every level. But ICAN shouldn't be a hidden gem in our community--it deserves the spotlight! If you're looking to make a difference, consider getting involved as a volunteer, donor (every contribution helps!), or corporate partner. Your support changes lives--both human and canine.

About once a year, my office is gifted by our leadership with a visit from the Indiana Canine…read moreAssistant Network. Today, was that day. The Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization that offers accredited service dog training and Indiana placement. This provides safety, friendship, and independence for children, veterans, and adults with disabilities and veterans with service-related trauma specific to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. As an adult with a disability myself, I'm a paraplegic/double amputee and wheelchair user, I've long contemplated the idea of a service dog but have never felt like my needs rise to the level justifying it. ICAN utilizes three correctional facilities in Indiana and works with the inmates to train dogs. This includes Indiana Women's Prison, Pendleton, and one other one that completely escapes me right now. It costs $25,000 to fully train a service dog, however, ICAN charges the recipient only $2,500. For veterans, it's slightly different - There is no placement fee for veterans placed with a service dog that is assisting with symptoms of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual assault. If the veteran needs a service dog for mobility as opposed to PTSD, MST, or TBI, the costs and programs may differ. There are multiple ways to volunteer for ICAN and multiple ways to support the organization. This information is available on their website. According to their most recent available numbers, they currently have 110 service dogs active, 58 dogs in training, 61 applicants awaiting a service dog, and an estimated 230 dogs have been placed since 2002. I also learned that they follow the dogs while they're active. In fact, it's possible to lose a service dog for reasons like not utilizing them for their intended purpose and/or not caring for them appropriately. It is very rare, but it has happened. They also have some dogs that will qualify for different settings - for example, a dog may not be appropriate for a home setting but could be a facility dog. Amazing work for an amazing Indiana non-profit.

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.

On this beautiful #ThankYouThursday, I want to share some gratitude for Random Acts of Flowers!…read moreThis nonprofit accepts fresh flower and used vase donations, then creates pretty bouquets that they deliver to people in healthcare facilities. They're making peoples' days all around the city and I think it's such a rad mission. If you have a wedding or big event, you should definitely donate your florals to RAOF instead of tossing them afterwards so they can continue to spread joy. If you don't have flowers or vases to donate, you can volunteer to make the bouquets or create an event for your office or friend group to craft bouquets while you chat. Super fun and simple!

Random Acts of Flowers(RAF) is an amazing non-profit started by a guy named Larson who saw a need…read moreand immediately took action. This random act of kindness turned into Random Acts of Flowers... This organization has since grown to have locations not only in Indianapolis but also in the Knoxville and Tampa Bay areas. Over the years they've aided in the improved well-being of over 481,000 bouquet recipients nationwide!! This.is.AmAzInG!! Yesterday, through work, I had the opportunity to help create bouquets to be delivered at Eskenazi Health. Our goal was 125 bouquets, we surpass our goal and I couldn't be more thrilled! Feeling extremely blessed to have been apart of something that makes such a positive impact! Being a nonprofit they rely heavily on donations. Please up cycle your extra vases and unneeded floral arrangements. Together we can make a huge impact on someone recovering!

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 really enjoyed my experience here. I went in the early winter to drop off pumpkins and then…read moretoured the farm. Everyone was so friendly and happy to answer questions. The farm is well maintained and you can tell the animals are well taken care of. I highly recommend a visit.

Loved our experience here! We came for the holiday market and toured the farm as well! Love the…read moremission of this place. We also got to meet Doc Holiday who is a celebrity in our household. If you have a chance to visit and support, I HIGHLY recommend!

Dear Girls Inc, You…read moregive me warm fuzzies and we're still just in the beginning stages of our relationship. All throughout college I thought to myself, "One day. One day, Brittany, you'll step up to the plate to be a Girls Inc volunteer like all those other cool professional ladies out there. One day." 'Tis the day where I get to hang out with teenage girls and talk about things like money management, being independent and doing your own damn thang. Fortunately, for my roller coaster of a schedule, you are not only extremely organized but manageable for those of us who fear taking on more than we can chew. You even have your own custom shoulder bags. How much more official does it get than that? Consider this a thank you note. A "thank you" for the opportunity and a "thank you" for all you're doing in the city. Yours truly, Britt

From the owner: Girls Inc.® of Greater Indianapolis inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We provide…read morehands-on programs that address the challenges that girls face today, such as self-esteem and bullying. We want girls to be healthy, educated, and independent. Girls Inc. partners with schools and community organizations and utilizes volunteers to deliver programs for girls.

Dotted Line Divas was started by an incredible woman who, while going through a hard time a few…read moreyears ago, spent every Saturday driving to local pantries to collect items for her family. She quickly realized that most food pantries had almost no personal hygiene or home items necessary to sustain a family. She redirected her attention to couponing and became incredibly good at it. She now uses her extreme couponing skills to serve 100+ families each month. She opened a personal care pantry that offers the following: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine care items, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, home cleaning supplies, detergent, deodorant, books and more. This pantry is located in the new Mercy Road church off of 96th and Michigan Road and is open for "pantry day" every third Saturday of the month from 10am-12pm. Families can register beforehand or show up and fill out paperwork. Volunteers will then call a family up, take them through the pantry and ask if there's anything our team can be praying for. If there are extra items in the pantry from 12pm-1pm, people who need it can pay $1 or $2 to snag additional items. There needs to be ideally 20 volunteers to make this nonprofit possible every third Saturday. Bonus points if you can speak Spanish or Burmese. Please sign up on their website sign up link before showing up to volunteer so they know you're coming. If you have a few extra hours, it'll mean the world to the families and you'll meet incredibly kind people that you'll feel honored to help! Everyone is so kind and sweet. I even learned a ton of Spanish thanks to the patient people who taught me while we shopped!

The founder is so passionate about her project that you can't help but get swept away…read more Truthfully this is a worthwhile project. There are so many food banks, but those do not supply any kind of hygiene articles: the shampoos, soaps, sanitary napkins, toilet paper, detergents, toothpaste, diapers... those type of things are just as necessary for your health as food. Dotted Line Divas steps in here and tries to supply at least some of the most needed items. Of course they are dependent on our assistance. So consider donating your time or money or goods to this worthwhile cause. Keep in mind that sanitary napkins, tampons and diapers are the most needed items.

Great place to volunteer and so many ways to do it! Join Daffodil Days in March, Relay For Life in…read morethe spring, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in October, or attend the black tie gala, Discovery Ball. You can also get involved with advocacy, or just volunteer in the office. Or do you need assistance while battling cancer or caring for someone going through cancer? The American Cancer Society has the only nationwide 24/7 hotline: 800.227.2345. Call them for anything from information to needing a ride to an appointment with your cancer doctor.

This is a great resource for our community to properly dispose of waste that can't be placed in the…read moregarage. this location is for residents ofarion County. AA and AAA batteries Adhesives Aerosol cans Air fresheners Ammonia Bathroom cleaners Brake fluid Carpet cleaners Chlorine bleach Compact fluorescent light bulbs Detergents Electronics (find a list of acceptable electronics here) Fire extinguishers Floor wax Fluorescent light tubes Furniture polish Gasoline Glue Herbicides Insecticides Lead acid batteries Lighter fluid Elemental mercury Moth crystals Used cooking oil Used motor oil Oven cleaner Paint Paint stripper Paint thinner Pesticides Pool chemicals Propane tanks (less than 20 lbs) Rock salt Stain removers Thermostats Thermometers Wood stains Wood varnishes

Indiana Diaper Bank is a nonprofit that collects diapers and distributes them to the community…read more Did you know: 1 in 2 families in Indiana struggle to afford diapers! Diapers cost $100 a month per child! No government programs help cover the cost of diapers! 57% of parents missed work because they didn't have diapers to send to daycare! These facts are straight from Indiana Diaper Banks website. I have been volunteering with them for about four months now. When I am there I open large packs of diapers and bundle them into packs of 25. We put a slip of paper in each pack telling the size. On their website you can sign up to give money, give diapers or give your time. They need all three. A lot of companies organized to come in as a group and volunteer for a few hours. I really enjoy volunteering with them. And know I am helping families that need a little help.