Give Back in Your Community
Thinking about giving back? It’s never a bad time to consider volunteering for a favorite organization, especially if you’d like to donate some time and efforts for a good cause with a group of friends or co-workers.
Not only does your community benefit from your time and dedication, but you earn the rewards of helping those in need. Those rewards include making new friends, improving your own mental and physical health, and a chance to learn new skills.
We hope our list of organizations below will inspire you to choose any of these causes or one in your local area and volunteer if you can.
Farm Share
4125 SW 320th Street
Homestead, Florida 33033
(305) 246-3276 or (786) 604-6540
As “Florida’s homegrown food bank,” Farm Share has been supplying nutritious foods for hungry Floridians all over the state since 1991. By working with local farmers, this extended food bank recovers and redistributes fresh produce that would otherwise be thrown away.
With eight storage or distribution facilities spread around the Sunshine State’s 67 counties, volunteers are an essential component to Farm Share’s efforts. Volunteer tasks may include assisting with distributions, bagging food, special events, or office work.
Florida has more than 200 food banks and offers many opportunities to help feed hungry people during the holidays. Check out this directory of Florida food banks and consider volunteering if you can.
Department of Elder Affairs, State of Florida
701 W. Fletcher Avenue D
Tampa, Florida 33612
Florida is home to approximately 5.5 million residents age 60 and older, ranking first in the nation for the 65-plus populations. Promoting the well-being, safety, and independence of seniors, their families, and caregivers is the mission of one of Florida’s smallest state agencies, the Department of Elder Affairs.
With the help of more than 40,000 volunteers, the department and the 11 Area Agencies on Aging local offices continue to develop resources to allow seniors to thrive and engage with their communities. Becoming a volunteer here is rewarding for those who have a passion for advocacy and helping seniors.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital
Main Campus:
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
To join the Wolfson Children’s Auxiliary volunteer team, complete an Auxiliary membership application. Volunteers must be at least 18, and willing to make a one-year commitment.
If you can’t help out in person at the hospital, there are other opportunities to volunteer. Individuals, groups, and children can support patients on projects such as putting together toiletry or activity kits, donating piggy banks, or supplying fleece blankets. Donating toys or items from the lengthy Auxiliary Wish List are ideal for group projects.
If you don’t live in the Jacksonville area, please consider contacting a local children’s hospital in your area to check volunteer opportunities for holiday events or projects.
Toys for Tots
Help the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve acquire holiday toys for deserving children by donating unwrapped new toys at Toys for Tots drop-off points around your community this October through December.
Find drop-off locations near you.
Other ways to donate include the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, starting a page to raise financial donations in honor or in memory of someone else and other options. You could also ask friends and relatives to drop off toys at your home through a stated date, or have them donate in lieu of a birthday or holiday gift to you. You can even help fill a virtual toy box online!
You may also volunteer your time by helping to sort and bag toys, or by dropping off signage and collection bins at retail locations.
American Cancer Society in Florida
Find numerous opportunities in your community to volunteer at the American Cancer Society in Florida, where their mission is to free the world from cancer through funding, research, information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. Scroll all the way down the home page and discover opportunities to support local projects in your own community.
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