The countdown to our biggest community initiative of the year has begun! Volunteer registration is now officially open for the 2026 Putnam County Day of Service on Friday, October 23.
This county-wide event brings together neighbors, students, local businesses, civic groups, and nonprofits for one shared mission: giving back to the community we love.
Whether you want to volunteer as an individual, sign up with your family, or bring a team of co-workers, there is a meaningful project waiting for you.
Choose Your Path to Serve
Service opportunities are available for all ability levels and ages:
- Beyond Homeless: Provides emergency shelter, housing stability support, and essential resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Putnam County. Volunteers will weave and assemble sleeping mats to provide portable, cushioned bedding for individuals in need.
- Olivia Kaye Organization: Supports local youth and families through community outreach, resource distribution, and programs focused on youth empowerment and well-being. Hosted by Bainbridge Improvement Society, volunteers will build hands-on youth empowerment kits to deliver encouragement and resources to local children.
- DePauw Ullem Farm: Serves as an educational and agricultural hub for DePauw University and the broader community, focusing on sustainable agriculture, local food production, and environmental stewardship. Volunteers will clear crops, complete seasonal bed maintenance, and execute winterization tasks across the farm.
- Russellville Cemetery: Maintains and preserves historical burial grounds and local heritage site grounds for the northern Putnam County community. Volunteers will clean headstones, clear overgrown brush, and assist with general site restoration.
- Phil the Need: Distributes essential household goods, clothing, and basic needs items to local families and individuals facing financial hardship. Volunteers will organize inventory, clean storage spaces, and prepare donated goods for distribution.
- Greencastle Parks & Recreation Department: Manages and enhances public parks, green spaces, and recreational programming for the residents and visitors of Greencastle. Volunteers will assist with display setup and grounds preparation for the upcoming Winter Wonderland Lights Festival.
- Gobin Church: Serves as a community faith partner dedicated to local outreach, food security, and supporting basic human needs across Greencastle and Putnam County. Volunteers will assemble basic needs and care kits for local individuals and families.
- Roachdale Public Library: Provides literacy resources, educational programs, public access, and community gathering spaces for northern Putnam County residents. Volunteers will organize library inventory, arrange furniture, and tidy community program areas.
- Lakeland Center: Offers community retreat, camping, and educational facilities focused on youth development, outdoor recreation, and community events. Volunteers will complete outdoor grounds prep and winterize facilities for the colder months.
- Friends of the Park of Putnam County: Supports and advocates for local public parks and recreational spaces, including the maintenance and preservation of youth facilities like Camp Friend. Volunteers will assist with trail maintenance, brush clearing, and general park cleanup at Camp Friend.
- Mental Health America of Putnam County: Promotes mental wellness, provides educational resources, and offers support services to individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. Volunteers will assemble mental health awareness and resource kits for community distribution.
How to Sign Up
Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage volunteers to register early to secure their preferred project site.
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Registration: Register for your preferred project and shift online.
Questions: Contact the Putnam County Community Foundation team at pccf@pcfoundation.org.
A special thank you to our event sponsors, Prime Real Estate and DePauw University’s Hartman Center for Civic Engagement, for making this day possible!