Local Missions
There are many worthwhile organizations in the Bloomington/Normal community that provide aid to people in need. St. John’s has strategically partnered with the following groups and agencies in order to make the largest impact. If you would like to serve with any of these partners, please reach out to the contact person or sign-up to get started!
St. John’s has partnered with the American Red Cross of McLean County since 1997. The need for blood is constant, and every contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. St. John’s hosts three blood drives per year. Members help by donating blood, food, or time.
Contact: Lynn Carpenter, (309) 830-2588.
Sign up for an upcoming Blood Drive below using the code 040677.
2024 Blood Drive dates
Saturday, October 19
2025 Blood Drive dates
Saturday, February 1
Saturday, May 31
Saturday, October 4
St. John’s has partnered with ImpactLife for blood collection since 2024. ImpactLife’s blood goes to local hospitals, Carle BroMenn and OSF St. Joseph’s.
2025 Blood Drive date
Saturday, August 9
The Big Give
Home Sweet Home, Midwest Food Bank, and Thrivent Financial team up to help feed local families for Thanksgiving. The Big Give is an opportunity to help provide your neighbors in need with Thanksgiving meals. Shop for items for meal boxes that will be distributed during Thanksgiving.
SHOPPING LIST
• 1 box of stuffing mix
• 2 cans of corn
• 2 cans of green beans
• 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 box of instant mashed potatoes
• 1 envelope of gravy (no jars, please)
• 1 regular pouch of french fried onions
• 1 can of cranberry sauce
• 1 box of pie crust mix
• 1 can of pumpkin pie filling
• 1 box of macaroni and cheese
• 1 box of brownie mix
• 1 turkey gift card (purchased at Hy-Vee customer service)
Center For Hope Outreach helps McLean County families and individuals break and avoid cycles of poverty through food distribution, clothing distribution, and referral networking. Contact Center for Hope at (309) 802-3742 to discuss volunteer opportunities.
This interfaith volunteer program offers support to seniors 60 years of age and older by providing transportation to medical appointments, shopping, phone calls and visits, and light home repair and maintenance. St. John’s is committed to recruiting caregivers, identifying care receivers, and providing financial assistance.
Watch a video about the difference Faith In Actions makes in our community!
Contact: Gloria Jameson
Giving Tree
St. John's members buy Christmas gifts for individuals and families in our community who might not have a gift. Names, ages, and small wish lists are received from local social service agencies.
Contact: Julie Holliday
St. John’s financially supports the homeless shelter and provides food throughout the school year. Four to five times per year, Thrive small groups prepare sack lunches and deliver them to the shelter. The meal leftovers from DinnerTime are also delivered to the shelter.
Midwest Food Bank strives to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to not-for-profits and disaster sites without cost to the recipients. St. John’s members volunteer their time at scheduled work dates (below). Closed toed shoes are required. Clicking the link below will direct you to Midwest Food Bank's volunteer portal, Golden. You will land on the St. John’s page. Click on the orange “sign up” button on the right to select the date that comes up. If you would like a different date, choose from the Additional Times drop-down menu and select the date you would like. Fill out the Personal Information form, and click “sign up” at the bottom. Contact Steve Pruett if you have problems signing up through Golden.
Contact: Steve Pruett
2024 work dates
Evening opportunities / 6–8 PM
Tuesday, November 12
Tuesday, December 10
2025 work dates
Evening opportunities / 6–8 PM
Tuesday, January 14
Tuesday, March 11
Tuesday, May 13
Tuesday, July 8
Tuesday, September 9
Tuesday, November 11
Other Midwest Food Bank Opportunities
Load Out Days
Volunteers, 14 years and older, are needed to help load agency vehicles when they come to pick up the food for their agency. The products weigh between two and thirty pounds. Most of the volunteer shifts are mornings from 8:30 AM-12 PM and four days a month there is an afternoon shift from 1 AM-3 PM. Please sign up to help here.
Class C (or higher) Truck Drivers
Are you willing to commit to a monthly or weekly day trip delivering food to remote distribution sites. Contact Donna Haas, Volunteer Coordinator, (309) 663-5350.
Provide Lunch
One way Midwest Food Bank blesses their volunteers is by serving them lunch on monthly distribution days. Church groups provide the meal to between 60 and 70 people. This is a great service opportunity for a small group, family, or committee. Midwest Food Bank will supply any ingredients if they are available in the warehouse to help with cost. Contact Donna Haas, Volunteer Coordinator, (309) 663-5350, to sign up.
Safe Harbor works with clients to identify barriers and move toward self-sufficiency. Safe Harbor provides a safe warm environment to sleep, store some personal belongings, eat breakfast and dinner (some non-residents also have meals), shower and laundry, and case management services, including access and referral to local resources. Safe Harbor also provides clients with clothes and personal hygiene products, when available. St. John’s members help with financial donations and have the opportunity to prepare and serve a meal at Safe Harbor once a month. Six people are needed for each date.
Contact: Chris Ayers
2024 dates (5:30–7:30 PM)
Tuesday, September 17
Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, November 19
Tuesday, December 17