This time of year, we pause to celebrate thankfulness and Jesus’ mission to rescue this broken world. What better way to celebrate this holiday season than to be embody Christ’s hope and light to those in our local community? At Grace, we partner with 40+ organizations who are doing their part to help heal one of the six broken places of the world: Separation, Isolation, Pain, Decay, Injustice and Hatred. We are coming alongside these partners to help them fill volunteer spots that are much needed this time of year. There are great opportunities for individuals, small groups and families to get involved. Interested? Read more below!
IUPUI International Student Thanksgiving Dinner
Tuesday, November 12, 5:30 p.m. Set-up/Event from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Roberts Park United Methodist Church
Join over 100 - 150 international IUPUI students to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal and hear the stories and testimonies about Thanksgiving at the annual Thanksgiving Outreach hosted by Grace Missionary Partners Keith and Natalie Back. Help prepare meal items or come and sit next to a few students, eat with them, and simply hear their stories. Someone listening will have such a great impact on their life. Contact Keith Back at [email protected] to sign up.
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Host an International Student for a Meal
Anytime between Thanksgiving & Christmas
There are over 2,500 international students at IUPUI! Over the holidays, they will often end up alone in their dorm rooms with no place to go. You can help change that and make a huge difference by hosting students for a meal or holiday activity anytime during November and December. This is a chance to cook them a meal, get to know them and their culture, and show you care for them. Grace missionary partner Keith Back will connect you with students and provide a template of questions you can use. What may seem minor by having them over for a few hours will be a lasting memory they won't forget. Contact Keith Back at [email protected] to sign up.
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Shepherd Community Thanksgiving Basket Delivery
Sunday, November 24, 12:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Shepherd Community Center is an urban ministry working to break the cycle of poverty on the near East Side of Indianapolis by meeting the physical, social, educational and spiritual needs of the neighborhood. Come and deliver totes of food to Shepherd's neighbors as a Thanksgiving Meal. Shepherd will provide the food and addresses. This is a great serving opportunity for families! Please sign up in advance.
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Shepherd Community Center Thanksgiving Meal Preparation and Delivery
Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Shepherd Community Center is an urban ministry working to break the cycle of poverty on the near East Side of Indianapolis by meeting the physical, social, educational and spiritual needs of the neighborhood. Come help with food prep or delivery of hot Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise not have a Thanksgiving meal. Food preparation will take place at Shepherd Community Center through partnerships with Mozel Sanders. This is a great serving opportunity for families! Please sign up in advance.
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Grace Care Center - Sorting Toys
Mondays & Tuesdays, December 9,10, 16, & 17 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, December 11 & 18 from 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
Have you always wondered what it was like to be one of Santa's helpers? Thanks to all of those who have donated toys and gifts for families in need, you can experience this great volunteer opportunity firsthand! As a volunteer, you'll use your skills to work in "Santa's Shop" to sort, stock, and organize toys to be distributed to deserving children in communities throughout the Indy area.
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Shepherd Community Center Christmas Festival
Saturday, December 14, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Shepherd Community Center is an urban ministry working to break the cycle of poverty on the near East Side of Indianapolis by meeting the physical, social, educational and spiritual needs of the neighborhood. Come serve food, help kids with crafts, and cookie decorating with kids and their families as they register to shop through Shepherd's Christmas Store.
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Shepherd Community Christmas Store
Saturday, December 21, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Help Shepherd bring the joy of Christmas to our neighborhood families through volunteering at the Christmas store where parents can shop for gifts for their family. At the Christmas Store, parents are empowered to pick out toys and leave with gifts for their families to open Christmas morning. Here are the specific ways that you can volunteer:
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Shoppers: Help our parents through each of the toy rooms as they shop for their kids. Adults 18+ only. Spanish helpful but not required.
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Wrappers: Help wrap gifts for our families after they have finished shopping. This is a family-friendly activity.
Grace Care Center
Monday, December 23
Shift One: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Shift Two: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Due to the holidays, we are only open one day the week of Christmas. So, we're extending our hours to serve the community in the best way possible. If you're able to serve one or both of these shifts, we'd be so grateful. There are tons of volunteer opportunities to be a personal shopper, stocker, runner, cashier, and more! Sign up using the link below. THANK YOU so much, all volunteer slots are filled!