Macon Reporter

If it weren’t for volunteers over the age of 55, many nonprofits and charitable organizations wouldn’t survive.

Here are some great organizations in Decatur that need volunteers.

Food pantries

Catholic Charities, 239 W. Prairie St.; Salvation Army Pantry, 1375 S. Church St.; Northeast Community Fund, 825 N. Water St.; Heartland Community Church, 3253 Brush College Rd.; New Vision Church, 1414 W. Grove Rd.; AMELCA, 250 W. Decatur Temple #1, Corner of Garfield and MLK Dr.; Love Fellowship Christian Church, 1567 N. Clinton St.; Moundford Pantry, 1803 E. Mound Rd.; Ambassadors for Christ Pantry, 1705 N. Maple Ave.; Northwest Christian Church, 1306 Stanley Dr.; First Church of the Nazarene, 1177 W. Hickory Pt. Rd.; Reasonable Services, 321 E. Leafland Ave.; Solid Rock Gospel Church, 1160 E. Locust St. and Hopeful Hearts Mobile Pantry, 1224 W. Grand Ave.

Local Hospitals

Local hospitals such as Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) need volunteers in a variety of different areas.

The Cancer Care Institute needs volunteers in the gift shop, lobby hosts, patient advocates, sewing projects and the thrift shop.

St. Mary’s also needs volunteers to brighten the days of patients, families, visitors and staff. Services that volunteers provide include flower deliveries, gift shop sales, patient transport and various other services across the hospital.

Meals on Wheels

This community service provides the delivery of hot, healthy lunchtime meals to individuals at their homes. Eligible individuals are 60+ years old and are home bound. Additionally, disabled individuals under 60 may be eligible. Meals are planned and prepared under the supervision of a registered dietician. To apply for volunteering, call the office at (217) 422-6611.

Decatur Public Schools

Decatur Public Schools are always in need of volunteers to help with everyday needs like the lunchroom or assisting with field trips. Maria Robertson, community engagement director, recommends contacting the specific school to speak to the principal about volunteering needs.

Children’s Museum of Illinois

The Children’s Museum of Illinois, located on South Country Club Road, is always seeking adult volunteers to help with tons of different activities and services. You can volunteer daily, weekly, twice per month, once per month, on the weekends or for special events only. The museum is happy to accept any and all help you can manage.

Baby Talk Early Head Start

Do you have a passion for babies and children? Baby Talk Early Head Start utilizes local volunteers to assist the teachers with the children. There are currently seven regular volunteers who are used in the classrooms. A representative there explained that some volunteers come to hold and rock the babies, some come to sit down on the floor and play with the kids and some come to help with breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Faith in Action

Faith in Action by Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield in Illinois serves seniors age 55+ that are homebound. Services that volunteers help provide include friendly visits, transportation and escorting, shopping and running errands, minor home and yard maintenance, letter writing and reading and occasional meal preparation.

The Salvation Army

When you volunteer for the Salvation Army, you make a huge impact on our community. Services include assisting with the food pantry, kitchen, social service desk, meal preparation, fundraising events and seasonal help. You can visit the Decatur Salvation Army website to see volunteer positions that need to be filled right now. If you’d like to lend an extra hand during the holiday season, you can volunteer for Christmas Red Kettle Bell Ringing, which happens in November and December. Contact Kyle Karsten at kyle_karsten@usc.salvationarmy.org to reserve a bell ringing location and time!

Special Olympics Illinois

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 17,000 young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Volunteers are at the heart of the Special Olympics program. The program encompasses over 17 official sports, fundraising events, event committees, coaching opportunities, Young Athletes sports play programs and community initiatives.

Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center

Growing Strong is a rape crisis center in Decatur, Illinois that provides healing services to victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse. This organization can use volunteers in one of two roles: Helping with fundraising assistance with the hotline. If you’re interested in helping with fundraising, you’d be tasked with organizing, promoting and participating in events such as raffles, golf outings or gift galleries.