whoever left a bad review is lying this foundation has been a blessing to me and my son. when his…read moremom was dying of cancer they assistance with clothes shoes and Christmas for my son, they help with resources for counseling, they been open and honest on what they can do. when my son mom was in hospice they offered to drive my son two hours away to see her before she goes. this foundation is wonderful and different everything this foundation provides is integrity .

I have had the pleasure of volunteering at this organization to pack back to school bags for kiddos…read moreand have also dropped off food donations for their food pantry. They are located on the near east side and offer a variety of wraparound services for the neighborhood. Most notably, they offer several hot meals throughout the week and have a food pantry for families to pick up necessities. I was pleased to see that the food pantry has a variety of healthy options available versus the typical canned food limitations. It's very easy to get engaged with this organization and lend a hand. Highly recommend connecting with them if you're looking for a way to get back to the Indy community. I'm hoping to bring my son to volunteer with me in the food pantry in the months ahead.

As many who know me on here, know I love taking pics of vintage fashions. This is one of my…read morefavorite thrift stores in Indy for that. So many vintage pieces in this thrift boutique. They have an area just for vintage ! A bonus is that next door is Half Price Books with a fashions book area. This is at the intersection of Ditch Rd. and extremely busy 86th St. Don't get it confused with the one near Castleton Mall. Personally I feel the 86th. street one has more stocked albeit narrower aisles. Would post more pics for those that might be interested further.

There was a good variety to choose from. There's also some higher-end items like a Lilly Pulitzer…read morehoodie hoodie for $55. I ended up buying a cute dress from Loft for just $7.99. The aisles were a little crowded with furniture but the clothing section was laid out well. There were also a lot of people when I was there so it was difficult to browse.

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.

The Martin Luther King Community Center has a long history in the Indianapolis area. It was first…read moreestablished in 1972 under Mayor William Hudnut III. Operations began at 4155 Boulevard Place in January 1973 as the Butler Tarkington Multi-Service Center. In 1977, it was relocated to 3951 N Illinois. In 1981, the name was changed to Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center and the service area was expanded. In 1984, a building was purchased at 3909 N. Meridian and, finally, in 1997, the current location at 40 W. 40th was acquired. Around 2014, the organizational structure was struggling quite a bit. If I remember right, the center was briefly closed to allow for a sort of organizational reset. This led to the hiring of Allison Luthe as executive director, a position she continues to hold to this day and she's most certainly massively rejuvenated the organization and its effectiveness. The MLK Center currently offers youth, family, and community programs. Youth programs include an after school literacy lab, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, Tarkington Teen Work Crew, and 40 West Digital (training and work in video production). Family programs include wellness coaching (financial, employment, life), a parent support group, and loss and grief support group. Community programs include Midtown Get-Around (low-cost transportation within defined boundaries), Rent and Utility Assistance, shared lease program, a seniors program, mental health counseling, non-violence training, and loss/grief. The MLK Center will also rent space for gatherings (amazingly affordable). The MLK Center continues to be guided by six key principles from King's life: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people. Nonviolence believes that unearned suffering is redemptive. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. Having encountered the work of the Martin Luther King Center several times over the years (I used to be even more supportive when there was an oratory program), I continue to regard it as one of Indy's best kept secrets for area children and youth and it has super blossomed under Allison Luthe's leadership.

Shortly after the shelter-in-place order due to the pandemic went into effect, a friend of mine…read morereposted on Facebook a request for volunteers to deliver meals to families in need. I realized very quickly that this is something I could do to help give back to my community and give me a sense of purpose when all of my other volunteering opportunities were on hold. I quickly followed the links that took me to the Sign-Up Genius and secured my spot for that week. I arrived at the MLK Center headquarters with my face mask and gloves, and went inside to collect my bags of meals for that day. [COVID-19 UPDATE: That was just for that first week. They have since changed procedures to keep everyone as protected as possible. Now volunteers just line their cars up outside and other volunteers/staff load your car for you.] Inside the building, the office is clean and modest. There's a large meeting room, an even larger common area, a kitchen, and a separate activity room. Once my truck was loaded with my meals, I simply plugged the addresses from each sheet into my Google Maps app and followed my route. With each drop-off, I rang the door bell and stepped away. If no one answered, I called the number on the sheet, to let them know that the delivery was there on their porch. The staff is polite and hard working. I overheard that they're teaming with Second Helpings to put these meal bags together. I've often heard mention of the MLK Center in the news over the years, but until this pandemic, I've never had the chance to see up close and personal the impact them make on our community.

I went with my son to Asset Recycling yesterday to purchase a couple things he needed. I honestly…read morehave no idea how people find things here without an employee. Items are organized but nevertheless it took a bit of time to locate what we needed. Asset Recycling houses over 30,000 square feet of new and ready-to-use resources. My son has been here often so he's becoming familiar with certain areas and found what he wanted. I, on the other hand, was overwhelmed. Asset Recycling is a division of Youth Fair Chance, Inc., and in operation since April of 2003. They are a non-proft organization who works to divert usable building materials from landfills while offering donors all allowable tax incentives for their contributions. The charity's focus is to provide today's youth with a fair chance for a safer and more environmentally friendly future by eliminating usable building materials from landfills.  It provides neighborhoods and individuals, especially the ill, needy, and youth, new and affordable building materials for home projects. While the Asset Recycling warehouse primarily contains windows, doors, paint, plumbing supplies, flooring, and lighting, you can also count on finding interesting deals, arts and crafts items, holiday and party supplies, home decorating items, fabrics, and more. Asset Recycling is open to the public with a focus on serving those most in need of assistance with safe and affordable housing.  Inventory changes often, so frequent visits are encouraged. Asset Recycling is located on Holt Road with entrance and parking in the very back of the building. Stop in when you're in search of building supplies and have some time.

Buyer beware! Yes, you may find some good stuff here, but the prices are high, especially…read moreconsidering all the merchandise has been donated. **Carefully consider** what you buy here, because it was donated for a REASON--may be of questionable integrity!! There is NO return or exchange policy, even if it's defective. So if the tape doesn't stick like it should, or the paint is bad halfway down the can, or the tile cracks when you install it...was it worth the small discount? Not in my book.

Oh the places you'll go! I'm sitting here on vacation drinking my coffee early morning in my tank…read moretop I got for $3 from the Toggery. This place is the best! We came here on a sleepy Saturday afternoon and hit the jackpot because they were having a sidewalk sale with very nice prices. I walked away with Talbots, Athleta, Rock and Republic, Free People on clearance and splurged on a Lululemon sweatshirt for full price (still under $40 so no complaints there). Not only are the prices great but this store will make any organized persons heart sing! Amazing organization and flow of the store, kudos Toggery! I will be making another trip here next time in the Broadripple area.

I found some designer jeans here for $50 that usually sell for about $200, and they are my favorite…read morego-to jeans, so that's cool. At first, I was a little disappointed in The Toggery because it seemed like the clothes were just a half step up from a regular Goodwill, but then I found the jeans, and now I'm not so sure. I think it all depends on when you shop, and what you're looking for. If you're looking for unusual vintage gems, you probably won't find that here. If you're looking for regional-trendy clothing ... you will probably find that here. I visited on a Saturday afternoon, and the racks seemed a little picked-through, but I think that's because this place is popular and so the racks probably were indeed picked through. They buy clothing during the weekdays, so if you want to find the good stuff, you should probably visit during the week, I'm thinking. The clothing is arranged very nicely, and everything is super organized and clean. They have dressing rooms available that you can just walk into (you don't have to flag down someone!), and they also have sale items that are pretty good. Like most consignment shops, they don't accept returns or exchanges, so make sure you're happy with your items before you purchase!

I've been a volunteer with Starfish for over 2 years now, and it has been the most rewarding…read morevolunteer experience I've ever had. The program matches college graduates with high school students who are typically going to be first generation college students and whose families' income falls within a range similar to the requirements for the 21st century scholars program. I was matched with a wonderful scholar who needed a rematch in her sophomore year because her previous mentor had to withdraw from the program. We took art classes, visited colleges, explored some parks, museums and ate out at fun restaurants. We also worked on college applications and stressed waiting to hear back...and I'm thrilled to say my scholar just started this summer at IU!! I'm looking forward to exploring Bloomington with her on my upcoming visits! If you're looking for a volunteer experience that will give you the chance to build a relationship and help make a difference for a young person I highly recommend Starfish! Time commitment needs to be regular, at least twice a month face to face with texting and calls in between, but can be anytime and anywhere that works for you and your scholar. I'm signed up to be matched with a new freshman in addition to staying on as a mentor with my now post Starfish college student. I'm hoping some other Yelpers will join me!

Great organization. They have really made some strides and do some great work for high school…read morekids. Plus a beautiful uplifting well decorating facility.