Volunteers are all around us
They don’t get much recognition, but Bloomington’s network of dedicated volunteers plays a key part in making this a thriving community. They deliver food and rescue animals. They teach martial arts, horseback riding, and CPR. They help international students adjust to life in the United States.
These video stories offer glimpses into how – and why – ordinary Bloomington residents donate time to improve their city.
About this project
Graduate students in the IU School of Journalism’s Video Storytelling class spent a semester learning how to tell engaging stories through video. They worked with a diverse collection of volunteers, watching them at home and at work and figuring out what motivates them. More information.
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Fair Trade Bloomington Students are working to open a gifts store that ensures artisans around the world get a fair price for their handiwork.
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Lynn Schwartzberg Everybody can make a life around better. If you don't have money to donate you can give your time. Lynn Schwartzberg can't imagine her life without volunteering in different areas: Buskirk-Chumley theater, Community Arts Commission and other projects.
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PALS PALS is a non-profit Equine Assisted Program helping riders improve the quality of life both mentally and physically. People working at PALS are mostly volunteers. Their dedication to the work not only ensures the program running well but makes it outstanding.
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Dave Highland Devoted church volunteer Dave Highland, from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, get involved in Furniture Giveaway, CareFest and International Coffee Hour. He often invites international students to come to his house, watch sports game and have fun together.
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First Aid Nobody loves accidents, but it could occur to everyone. Sometimes it is too late for people to react when it does happen. First Aid is just one of those things that don't receive enough attention in daily life until emergency knocks up people's mind and drags them into panic and chaos.
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Patty Pizzo She raised the writer of such feel-good classics as "Hoosiers" and "Rudy." Now, local volunteer Patty Pizzo tells her own inspiring story.
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Hand 'n Hand A look inside a wonderful program where people with the greatest challenges help those with the most need.
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RSVP An active group of seniors that gathers weekly to prepare bulk mailing for non-profits.
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Martha Blood Martha is not only a volunteer at the Animal Shelter, but also a foster parent of homeless animals, especially homeless cats. She's been taking these cats to her own place and helping find new homes for them. Thanks to Martha and her colleagues, many of these sweet creatures are waiting for their forever homes.
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Steve Scott Martial artist and volunteer Steve Scott is an instructor and owner of Monroe County Martial Arts. Scott also teaches a martial arts course at the Monroe County YMCA. His class at the YMCA teaches students who might otherwise not get to participate in martial arts.
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Jerry Sutherlin They may deliver your mail and your packages, but have you ever wondered what else your letter carrier is doing? One postal service employee is working to return hunger to sender.
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Amal Altoma Born in Iraq and now a resident of Bloomington, Amal Altoma simply can't do enough for her community."
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Monika Herzig Monika Herzig is the founder of Jazz from Bloomington. Since 1997, she has held nearly every position on the board of directors and is still active as the organization's booking agent. Jazz from Bloomington is a non-profit organization that helps bring national jazz musicians to Bloomington.
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Meal Share Meet the people of the volunteered-powered Meal Share Program at the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.