we rely on our volunteers to create a welcoming, fun environment where people are cared for and connected to tangible resources and hope. volunteering with us offers a one-of-a-kind experience!
you will get to know and care for others experiencing poverty or homelessness in marion, hamilton and howard counties. more times than not, you are the one who walks away changed. we are excited to have you join our team and invite you to see just how impactful your contribution can be.
description:
join reversebus at the 2025 indy 500 or brickyard 400 as a cooling station volunteer! you’ll staff our air-conditioned bus, hand out cold water, direct race fans to shaded rest areas, and share the story and impact of reversebus’s mission to support individuals in need. as an ambassador for reversebus, you’ll engage with attendees, answer questions, and help ensure everyone stays safe, hydrated, and informed throughout the race.
key responsibilities:
– distribute bottled water and hydration supplies
– guide fans to the cooling station and shaded zones-
– communicate reversebus’s mission and programs
ideal volunteer:
friendly, outgoing, comfortable interacting with large crowds, and passionate about community service.
description:
join reversebus as a delivery support volunteer and help expand our freevend network! You’ll assist with picking up and dropping off our 550-lb freevend machines—equipped with big, easy-to-roll wheels—using a 24′ box truck with a lift gate. there are never any stairs involved. your teamwork and attention to safety will ensure these essential units reach communities in need.
key responsibilities:
– operate the truck’s lift gate to load and unload freevend machines
– roll and maneuver machines on wheels between truck bed and deployment site
– secure units in the truck for safe transport
– coordinate delivery schedules and site logistics with the reversebus team
ideal volunteer:
physically capable of handling heavy equipment, reliable and punctual, comfortable working outdoors and as part of a small logistics crew, and passionate about furthering reversebus’s mission.
description:
help keep our freevend machines stocked by serving as a freevend shopper volunteer. once a week, you’ll use an easy‑to‑follow shopping list to purchase essential items from dollar tree and deliver them to our storage or deployment site. your efforts ensure that individuals and families in need have reliable access to hygiene and household essentials.
key responsibilities:
– review the weekly shopping list and plan your trip to dollar tree
– purchase indicated quantities of items (e.g., hygiene products, cleaning supplies, feminine products)
– keep and submit receipts for records
– transport and unload inventory to reversebus lab
– report any stocking issues or list discrepancies to the reversebus team
ideal volunteer:
organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable navigating store aisles; reliable with weekly commitments; able to lift and carry bags of supplies; and passionate about supporting reversebus’s mission to serve those in need.
description:
support reversebus by preparing supplies for our freevend machines! as a freevend packer volunteer, you’ll organize products, assemble hygiene kits, bag individual items, and track inventory usage. your careful packing ensures that each machine is fully stocked with essential goods and ready for deployment to communities in need.
key responsibilities:
– sort and organize incoming product donations and purchases
– assemble hygiene kits according to standardized contents list
– bag and label individual items for easy vending
– maintain accurate logs of products used and kits assembled
– notify the reversebus team when supplies are low or discrepancies arise
ideal volunteer:
detail‑oriented and organized, comfortable performing repetitive tasks, reliable in record‑keeping, able to lift and move boxes of supplies, and passionate about ensuring freevend machines serve their mission effectively.
description:
join reversebus’s build team as a bus upfit volunteer! you’ll help convert retired city buses into mobile service units by painting surfaces, removing old seats and handrails, installing new flooring, and performing light cleaning and mechanical tasks. your hands‑on work ensures our buses are safe, welcoming, and fully equipped to deliver essential services.
key responsibilities:
– paint interior and exterior bus surfaces according to project specs
– safely remove seats, handrails, and fixtures
– lay and secure new flooring materials
– clean and prep surfaces between upfit stages
– assist with basic mechanical tasks (e.g., tightening fasteners, light lubrication)
– maintain a tidy, organized workspace and follow all safety protocols
ideal volunteer:
– comfortable using hand and power tools
– physically able to lift up to 50 lbs, kneel, and stand for extended periods
– detail‑oriented with a strong focus on safety
– eager to learn basic mechanical skills
– passionate about transforming buses into lifelines for neighbors in need
please complete the form below to choose your volunteer opportunity and your preferred day and time.
you’ll be part of a caring, upbeat team that loves making a difference! we’ll kick off with a friendly welcome and a quick safety chat, then you’ll jump right into your role—whether that’s stocking our freevend machines, handing out cool water at events, packing hygiene kits, or helping with deliveries. you’ll work alongside enthusiastic staff and volunteers, take breaks as needed, and always have a chance to ask questions or share ideas.
- comfortable, weather‑ready clothes (think layers if it’s chilly)
- closed‑toe, nonslip shoes for safety
- your reversebus volunteer shirt or badge (we’ll get this to you on your first shift)
- feel free to bring a hat or sunglasses if you’re outdoors!
absolutely—we want everyone healthy and happy. we ask that you:
- wash or sanitize your hands regularly
- when appropriate, use gloves and masks when handling supplies or greeting guests
- help us wipe down high‑touch spots (like lift‑gate controls or kiosks) between shifts
- let us know right away if you’re feeling unwell so we can support you and the team
we love volunteers of all ages! if you’re under 16, please bring an adult buddy along. teen and adult volunteers should feel comfortable following safety guidance and may be asked to help with light lifting depending on the role.
not at all! reversebus is a welcoming, interfaith community. whether you follow a particular faith, have your own beliefs, or none at all—you’re warmly invited to join us in serving our neighbors.
