Volunteers are essential to the development and growth of CCIL. We can use your assistance in any of the following areas:

Adult Education

The adult tutoring program is for residents who are committed to achieving their academic goals. These goals vary from one person to the next. One person’s goal may be to get a GED and another may need to improve their reading skills. The role of the tutor is to assist the client in achieving these goals and to act as a guide to encourage and inspire the student to achieve his or her goals. This is a great chance to work directly with one of our clients.

Coordinate an Educational/Special Outing

Many of CCIL’s children have never experienced some of the cultural institutions of our great city. Unfortunately, most of our children do not have the opportunity to go a movie, bowling, a museum, a sporting event, or some of the other experiences that other kids enjoy. You can help by scheduling a field trip with your particular group. Please keep in mind that our children need to be exposed to educationally enriching experiences.

Food Service

CCIL is always in need of energetic volunteers to help prepare and serve meals to our residents. Everyday our kitchen accomplishes the incredible task of serving three nutritional meals every Monday through Friday and two meals on Saturday and Sunday to over 200 residents. This volunteer opportunity allows you to work alongside residents, staff and other volunteers in a challenging and satisfying environment.

Shifts:

Monday - Friday:

• Breakfast, 6:30 am - 8:30 am
• Lunch, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Dinner, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday:

• Brunch, 9:30 am - Noon
• Dinner, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Group Opportunities

If you are looking for a meaningful and challenging experience for your corporation, religious group, students, or colleagues, CCIL has a variety of projects that will promote creativity, leadership and team building. There are always projects available at CCIL and many of them can be tailored to the interests and abilities of the visiting group.

Holiday Volunteering

The holidays are a time of celebration and good will. CCIL embraces anyone interested in volunteering on any of the major holidays- Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. These holidays are a great time to not only volunteer, but to consider donating gifts and financial contributions. The holidays are a stressful time for all of us, but are particularly challenging for the disadvantaged. Help make the holidays special for our residents.

Organize a Drive or Fundraising Event

Hold a bake sale or a car wash, a golf tournament, the proceeds of which will benefit CCIL. We are always in need of donations so a collection of necessary items such as books, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, shoes, would be most beneficial. The collection can take place in a library, your school or university, your block party, or your place of worship. CCIL’s needs range from day to day, please call in advance to find out about our immediate needs.

Throw a Third-Party Fundraiser for CCIL

A Third Party Fundraiser is any event which is planned, hosted, and staged by someone other than CCIL’s staff in support of our mission. The party planner or host might be an individual, a group, or an organization interested in raising funds or soliciting in-kind donations for CCIL. This is a great way to help our organization.

Youth Mentor/Tutor

Help enrich the lives of CCIL’s children by spending quality time with them and becoming a positive role model in their lives. You will be paired one-on-one with a child from CCIL to help with homework and other school projects on a weekly basis. This is a great opportunity to serve as a positive influence on one of our children. Tutoring times and schedules are available upon request. A commitment of at least one semester is suggested.

Utilize Your Talents

We invite you to share your special skill, talent or resource with CCIL’s residents. We are looking for volunteers who are qualified to hold workshops or to speak on current topics such as, music appreciation, self esteem, political awareness/empowerment, HIV/AIDS education, nutrition, or job development. We enjoy entertainment during the holidays or any other time throughout the year. Your special talents will be utilized to improve the lives of our residents.

Community Food Pantry

The Chicago Christian Industrial League proudly announced the grand opening of a new service in November 2006 - CCIL Community Food Pantry.  CCIL, in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), opened its doors to the public and is providing emergency food to the community in North Lawndale.  You and/or a group can volunteer your time in our Community Food Pantry.  There is always a need for extra hands to help with stocking, cleaning, sweeping and processing the food and items received from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.  Also, you can join us every Wednesday from 10am - 1pm to help distribute the items to the residents of North Lawndale.  This is a very rewarding volunteer experience.  Groups of up to six are ideal (all age appropriate).

The Studios

The Studios at 618 S. Wabash Avenue is part of Chicago Christian Industrial League's community.  It serves Chicago's great need for affordable housing.  Located in the heart of the loop, the facility's 169 SRO's (Single Room Occupancy) measure 270 square feet, are fully furnished and are joined by a common TV room. These low-income apartments are a great place to do your volunteer work as an individual or as part of a group. This location is ideal for volunteers who are interested in spending time in our offices working with our dedicated staff. You can help with filing, spreadsheets, data analysis, etc. This is a great place to see how modern low-income buildings operate. This is an amazing opportunity for any student studying social work, urban planning, or business administration. There is a lot of need in this location so your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Please let us know if you would like  to volunteer, or contact Chris Wiens at cwiens@ccilworks.org for more information.