Making a Difference – How Can You Support Local Resources?

Are you looking for a way to plug into the Hancock County community? Have you been nudged to give back to the groups and organizations that provide important resources for you and your neighbors? Here at the Hancock Health Connection Center, we try to connect our residents with a growing list of local resources who provide the physical and emotional support people need when they’re at their lowest. That’s why we’re excited to share ideas for offering your time or donations to these worthy programs.

Remember, becoming involved in local efforts can have a positive effect on your own well-being. Current evidence suggests that helping others can reduce stress as well as improve your mood, self-esteem and evidence.  If you’re ready to pitch in, check out the ideas below. We also have a list of upcoming fundraisers and events that can be a great first step for stepping up.

Local programs are often seeking volunteers, but you don’t have to make a big commitment to provide valuable support. Here are a few ways you can support local resources:

Engage with their social media. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time checking out celebrity influencers and Tik-Tok videos, diversify your social media feed with local support agencies. You’ll see their latest announcements and stay on top of current needs. You might even help them break through the social media algorithm and show up on more feeds by growing their follower list.

Offer financial support. Don’t buy into the mindset that only large donations make a difference. Many organizations are funded by small donors and grass-roots activities. Even a one-time activity can help you spread the word as you collect donations. We especially like the idea of getting kids involved with fund-raising ideas. Lemonade stands, anyone?

Scan the website for a list of material needs. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but be careful before your donate your castoffs. Some organizations have very specific needs, and extraneous donations will only create extra work for volunteers. A little research can help you determine the most efficient way to donate material goods. 

Volunteer your time.  A lot of important work happens behind-the-scenes, and oftentimes an organization relies on volunteers to keep the wheels turning. You may have a special skill, like graphic art, that can enhance the organization’s next big event. Or you may be that extra set of hands that makes light work.

If you’re ready to get involved, special events are a great way to meet leaders, staff and volunteers while serving a worthy cause. The list below is just a sampling of what’s scheduled for the remainder of the year in Hancock County. Take a peek and consider being part of one of the upcoming events:

August 8 – Change a Child’s Story Gala 5:30 pm at Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville. Hancock County CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) works to support neglected, abused and exploited children in court. https://www.casahancockcountyin.org/gala/ 

August 22 – Power of the Purse – Champion Women for Positive Change 5:30 pm at Bradley Hall Events Center in Greenfield. The Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County helps women navigate life’s hurdles and access community services. https://betterflye.com/power-of-the-purse—champion-women-for-positive-change

August 24 – Hancock Flat 50 is an annual event featuring a bicycle ride and festival with music, food, and drinks. All proceeds support and fund projects creating or extending Hancock County trails. Participants can choose a 50-mile ride or 25-mile ride. www.hancockflat50.com 

August 25 – Strike Out Hunger Bowling Fundraiser 1-4 pm at Strike Force Lanes in Greenfield. Registration starts at noon. The Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen offers free hot food from Monday-Friday. https://www.facebook.com/events/strike-force-lanes/strike-out-hunger-bowling-fundraiser/723314008947208/

September 14 – Zoey’s Place Annual Golf Outing, 9am at Hawk’s Tail in Greenfield. Zoey’s Place helps children and families during and after a report of child abuse, neglect, sexual assault or other crimes against children. https://zoeysplacecac.org/golfouting-register/

September 21 – Community Foundation of Hancock County Volunteer Fair 10 am – 2 pm at the Thrive Center, Greenfield. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with local non-profit groups. https://celebratehancock.org/events/

September 21 – The Landing Place Recovery Walk, 8 am – noon, Depot Street Park in Greenfield. The Landing Place is a safe place for Hancock County youth to learn real-life strategies and principles to break the cycles of dysfunction. https://thelandingplacehc.com/events

September 24 – Vernon Township Safety Day, 10 am – 2 pm. Vernon Township Fire Department, Fortville. Food and drink vendors, firetrucks and firefighters! https://indywithkids.com/events/public-safety-day/

October 19 – Boots & Bourbon, 3 pm – 7 pm. Hancock County Fairgrounds. This special event supports Meals on Wheels of Hancock County. www.bootsandbourbon.org

November 12 – Rise Above It at Mt. Vernon High School. The Hancock Health Connection Center organizes this event every year to showcase area resources to promote self-care and connections to mental healthcare and other basic needs.

December 5 – Holiday Designer Purse Bingo Bash, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Hancock County Fairgrounds. The event supports Meals on Wheels of Hancock County. mealsonwheelsonline.org/designer-purse-bingo

Healthy residents lead to healthy communities for everyone. Consider adding your support to the many valuable resources we have here in Hancock County. As always, if you’re currently struggling with life’s challenges, the Hancock Health Connection Center can help you plug into local assistance. Find out more at https://www.hancockhealth.org/wellness-education/connection-center/ or call us at 317-468-4231.