Helping Others

The High School Youth Group and 18.20something group dedicate one of their meeting times every month to serve in the community.  They are currently serving in the following areas: Neighbor assistance [basic home help], Alden Valley Ridge nursing home visitation, Bloomingdale Library reading assistance, car fixing club, Rake-N-Run, and community cleanup.

Contact: Daniel Riemenschneider [High School] | Mark Taube [18.20something]

This program coordinates the gathering and the distribution of food to various food pantries.  Our plan is to coordinate four to six food drives per year.  The food gathered will be used to supply Blomingdale Churches internal food pantry and  three local food pantries (Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry, Lakeview Pantry in Chicago, a faith-based food pantry in Dupage County).

Contact: Dave Lorenz or Pastor Jim Larkin

Volunteers are always welcome to serve food and distribute food.

2^nd Sunday of each month. Team meets at Bloomingdale Church at 2:45 and caravans together to Albany Park [Chicago].  Generally back by 7p.

There is a clothing donation box near in the South Lobby of Bloomingdale Church [next to church offices].  We need men’s clothing; blue jean pants, sweat shirts, winter coats, tshirts, white socks, and underwear (new).

Two new serving opportunities are also starting this year: Albany Park Health and Personal Care – We are looking for nurses and people experienced in cut hair to volunteer to to assist the homeless in giving them a health check and a hair cut Albany Park PADS Programs – This program will provide a safe place for the homeless to sleep at night.  Volunteers are needed that can participate in this overnight program.

Contact:

Dave Lorenz [Volunteering,  Clothing Donations, Albany Park Health, PADS]

Carol Moore [Volunteering, Food preparation]

This program helps young men in Albany Park break their ties to gangs and develops a relationship with Christ through outreach programs.  During each week of the summer the program focuses on a different topic that breaks down the need to be in a gang.  Volunteers to assist with the mentoring are always welcome and training is provided.

Donations to Beckon can be made through Bloomingdale Church by writing “Beckon” on the donation envelope.

Contact: Dave Lorenz or Pastor Jim Larkin

A wonderful organization designed to meet people where they are at, walk alongside them and love them in the ways God is calling. Population served is low-income to poverty level. Variety of ways to serve throughout the year.

Contact: Rob DeLano, Scott Manke 773.262.0760

Family Empowerment Centers of Chicago

Develop relationship with refugee families through the Friend Partner program. Invest 1-2 hours a week with a family helping them adjust to life in the U.S. (grocery shopping, how to use home appliances/etc., open a bank account, learning English, locate a doctor, etc.). A great opportunity to invest in lives and reach other refugees. The various refugee communities are well connected (i.e., Burmese, Armenian, Iraqi, etc.). Befriending one opens the door to reach multitudes of families.

World Relief-Dupage website

Wheaton Youth Outreach offers a variety of ways to volunteer with youth of all ages (especially mentoring). Most of the kids involved in this program come from broken homes and difficult family backgrounds. Great opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ to many young people who may never have hear the gospel or know what genuine love looks like.

Outreach Community Center- a resale shop and another great way to get connected to people with many felt needs.

Contact:

Wheaton Youth Outreach 630.682.1910

Outreach Community Center: 630.260.7600

Outreach Community Ministries website

Connect with local leaders at this once a month luncheon.

Contact: Barb Soden

Offer many services, volunteer opportunities, and programs for low-income/struggling families to help empower and meet needs. Potential to become a resource for connecting with needs of others. Can volunteer as little or often as like in a variety of ways throughout the year.

Contact: 630.682.5402

People’s Resource Center website

Exodus provides a host of services to refugee families, and is based in Bloomingdale and Itasca. Excellent way to get connected to refugee population in our community.

Contact: 630.307.1400

Exodus website

Participate in educational events on the issue of human trafficking and child prostitution, the culmination of which is to host a viewing and discussion of the documentary, SOLD, about trafficking and child prostitution.

Contact: Susan DeLano, Intern, 630.517.8962

The Sold Project website

Great way to get to know and serve with low-income families. Volunteer as often/little as you like.

Contact: 630.510.3737

Habitat for Humanity website