Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

Spread the holiday cheer by participating in Winter Wishes! The holiday season can be a tough time for many of our students. It is also a time when many individuals, businesses, and groups in the area look to give back. That is why Winter Wishes is a perfect opportunity for individuals, businesses, and groups alike! You will be connected to students in the Jacksonville community in need of extra wishes this holiday season.

How does it work?

Literacy is the foundation of all learning—and you can help build it!

Students in grades K–3 are in the critical stage of learning to read, while students in grade 4 and beyond are reading to learn. You can make a lasting impact by joining us for Literacy Days and reading to children. This small act can make a big difference—boosting language and listening skills, sparking imagination, and encouraging creativity.

Funny faces and silly voices are highly encouraged! Since this is the week of Valentine's Day, we will be using that as a theme for this event.

Literacy Days begin at 3:30pm on the day and at the address listed above, last about an hour, and are limited to 20 volunteers per date.

Your efforts to read to students align with our program goals of increasing the literacy rate of Duval County students! 

Books will be provided. 

Literacy is the foundation of all learning—and you can help build it!

Students in grades K–3 are in the critical stage of learning to read, while students in grade 4 and beyond are reading to learn. You can make a lasting impact by joining us for Literacy Days and reading to children. This small act can make a big difference—boosting language and listening skills, sparking imagination, and encouraging creativity.

Funny faces and silly voices are highly encouraged! Since this is the week of Dr. Seuss's Birthday we will be using that as a theme for this event!

Literacy Days begin at 3:30pm on the day and at the address listed above, last about an hour, and are limited to 20 volunteers per date.

Your efforts to read to students align with our program goals of increasing the literacy rate of Duval County students! 

Books will be provided. 

CIS works hard to ensure students have all their needs met in order to succeed in school and in life. The truth is that many of our students rely on items we supply for school supplies, hygiene items, food, and basic needs items such as socks, underwear, and clothing. Organizing a Drive Work with friends, co-workers, or an organization to collect items based on student's needs helps us ensure all students have what they need to be successful. 

How does it work?

Once you register our volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss the specifics of how to ensure your drive is successful.

Ideas of some of our most-needed items include:

Hygiene items:

School supplies:

Gift cards:

Clothes:

If you/your organization is interested in coordinating a drive, please connect with us! 

Want to get involved with CIS but not sure how you fit in? Or do you have something in mind that is not listed on our website?

At CIS we value our community members and their interest in pouring into the students in the Jacksonville area. We want to make sure your volunteer experience is impactful, successful, and memorable. We will reach out to to discuss and ultimately place you in the opportunity that is best for you or even create a new, unique volunteer opportunity together!

General Notes:

Host a Literacy Day for Your Group!

Are you part of a group, corporate team, church, civic organization, or other community group? You can schedule a Literacy Day exclusively for your members! Ideal for groups of 10–20 people, this is a powerful opportunity to give back and make a lasting impact. Literacy is the foundation of education. Up to third grade, children are learning to read—after that, they read to learn. By reading to students during our Literacy Day, your group can help build essential language and listening skills, spark imagination, and foster creativity. Literacy Days begin at 3:30 PM and the location can be coordinated based on our site availability and your groups location.

Do you have experience and knowledge to share?

Become a guest speaker and inspire young minds to reach for their dreams! Share your professional journey and insights on where you work, what you do, what it’s like, and how students can achieve the same success. You may answer questions like:

Through sharing your story you can open doors to new possibilities for students. These guest speaking opportunities expose students to career options they may not be familiar with. Exposure to career and education experiences is critical as students learn more about themselves and what they want for their futures.

Would you like speaking as a part of a group?

We can arrange career panel opportunities as well. During a career panel, three to four professionals from your company or different industries can bring a variety of experiences that speak to the diverse backgrounds and goals that our students have. Workforce development is a critical focus area for high school students across all program areas. CIS strives to do everything possible, not only to prepare them for graduation but also to equip them for a successful future. Your contribution can play a vital role in shaping their career aspirations!