Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

Please select the volunteer position you are interested in volunteering at the St. Matthew's Christian Community Center location. Be sure to type your selection in the comment box below so we can accurately note your area of interest. 

Post Season: July 14, 2025  - October 28, 2025

Monday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. APPTS ONLY

Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. APPTS ONLY

Date/Time: January 25, 2025  - April 29, 2025

Monday:  2 p.m. - 6 p.m. APPTS ONLY

Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. APPTS ONLY

Saturday: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. WALK-INS ONLY

Positions: 

RealSense Tax Site Preparer- prepares customer’s tax return

RealSense Tax Site Quality Reviewer- checks tax returns before submission

RealSense Tax Site Screener- prepares customer’s documents before filing

RealSense Tax Site Appointment Scheduler- helps set customer’s tax appointments

If you need additional assistance, please contact:

Aretha Franklin, Program and  Services Coordinator

Email: arethaf@uwnefl.org

Office phone: (904) 348-7577

Steve Norris, Tax Program Manager

Email: steven@uwnefl.org

Office phone: (904) 390-3250

Join our team as a Volunteer Receptionist and be the welcoming face of our organization! This role is perfect for those looking to gain valuable skills and experience in a dynamic and supportive environment.  As a Volunteer Receptionist, you will develop exceptional communication and customer service skills, learn to manage a busy front desk, and handle various administrative tasks. You'll also have the opportunity to work closely with our dedicated staff and contribute to meaningful projects. This experience will enhance your resume and provide you with practical skills that are highly valued in any professional setting. 

Shifts are available morning and afternoon, three days a week.

You can find the full volunteer position description found here.

This is an in-person volunteer position.

Please note: Signing up for a shift does not guarantee placement. All volunteers must successfully complete a background check before getting started. Be sure to wait for confirmation from our team before beginning your volunteer service.

Apply today!

Located next to the grounds of the newly built Ribault High School, this Full Service School plays a vital role in the community — from connecting students with mental health counselors, to offering clothing through its closet, to serving as a meeting space for groups and organizations.  Help freshen up the site with a coat of paint!

We are excited to welcome Florida Blue/Guidewell team members and any community volunteer who would like to lend a helping hand. This volunteer opportunity is open to the public.  

To make this project a success, we’re aiming for at least 10 volunteers to join us!  If we don't have at least 10 volunteers signed up by end of day 09/05/2025, we will need to postpone the project.

Farm Share has a new program for seniors called the CSFP Senior program.  With our CSFP program, we are able to supply seniors( ages 60+) in Florida with monthly supplemental groceries such as canned goods, juices, milk, cheese, cereal, etc.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods.

We are in need of volunteers to help bag and box food for our monthly senior food assistance program.

This program provides most of the groceries for seniors in surrounding counties.

Help is needed on an ongoing basis!

****Warehouse environment, please wear closed-toed shoes!

Join us at the Hope at Hand Poetry Center, where poetry and healing come together. We're looking for thoughtful, detail-oriented volunteers to help with behind-the-scenes prep that makes our workshops possible. Your work directly supports youth and adults in schools, shelters, detention centers, and more across Northeast Florida. 

Volunteer Tasks Include: Preparing materials for poetry workshops (cutting, organizing, assembling packets) and assembling handmade cards for our monthly outreach mailings. Here are some examples!

Hope at Hand wouldn’t exist without our volunteers. Every card we send, every poetry packet we deliver, every moment of connection in a workshop — it all starts with the hands of someone like you!

The Meet ALICE Experience is designed to help participants understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It is a simulation, not a game! The objective is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people. 

 Here’s how the Experience works:

What will volunteers do? 

During a simulation, we use volunteers to role-play as community agencies such as child care centers, social services, utilities, interfaith services, sheriff and more. We are seeking individuals to join a pool of volunteers who can take on one of these essential roles during upcoming simulations that fit into your schedule.

I you are interested in signing up for the Meet ALICE Experience Corps sign up here. As a member of the Meet ALICE Experience Corps, you will come to be experts in helping us spread awareness of ALICE and make strides to alleviate poverty, while still having the flexibility to join the events with days/times that work for you. 

Locations

We're looking for volunteers for the Whole You Women's Expo on 9/27/25 from 12–5 PM!
Help us set up, run activities, and make this a fun, smooth event. Great for service hours,
resumes, or just giving back to the community!
- Free t-shirt & refreshments

The Whole You Women’s Expo is a free, high-impact event that brings together over 1,500 women annually to connect with essential resources that support their physical, emotional, financial well-being. With 75+ vendors, free health screenings, expert-led workshops, panel discussions, entertainment, giveaways, and free massages, the Expo is designed to empower women to live whole, fulfilled lives. It’s a day of healing, connection, and transformation for women from all walks of life.

Event Date:

Make a powerful impact!
Join the National MS Society as a Start/Finish Line Volunteer for Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, a high-energy fundraising ride that fuels groundbreaking MS research and vital services for people living with multiple sclerosis.

Start/Finish line volunteers are the heartbeat of the event, helping ensure everything runs smoothly, safely, and enthusiastically from the moment cyclists arrive.

What You’ll Do:

Why Volunteer?

Bonus: Invite friends, family, or colleagues to volunteer with you-create your own team and make it a day to remember!

Join the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for one of the most inspiring weekends of the year - Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, happening Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025 in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida!

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals and groups to volunteer at cyclist rest stops, where you'll:

This is a fantastic way to make a tangible impact, support your community, and be inspired by the strength and determination of those riding to make a difference.

Volunteer Shift & Location:

Come be a part of something unforgettable. Bring your energy, your smile, and your heart - you’ll leave inspired! Ready to join us? Sign up now or contact us to learn more.

Join the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for one of the most inspiring weekends of the year - Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, happening Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025 in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida!

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals and groups to volunteer at cyclist rest stops, where you'll:

This is a fantastic way to make a tangible impact, support your community, and be inspired by the strength and determination of those riding to make a difference.

Volunteer Shift & Location:

Come be a part of something unforgettable. Bring your energy, your smile, and your heart - you’ll leave inspired! Ready to join us? Sign up now or contact us to learn more.

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 Literacy Day falls just before Halloween, school-appropriate costumes are welcome too!

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! 

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. 

On Saturday November 22nd, Farm Share will be hosting a thanksgiving food distribution for 2000+ families. The distribution will be a drive-thru distribution located @ FSCJ Downtown Campus (101 W State St Jacksonville, FL 32202 Lot # 4). 

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. 

To assist staff by performing general and clerical tasks, and to provide customer service, emotional support, and comfort measures to patients, families, and visitors. Assist staff with tasks such as preparing rooms for patient exams and stocking supplies. Place appointment reminder calls to patients.

Assists staff by providing customer service and general assistance to patients and visitors in all areas of the Emergency Department. Weekly opportunities available for four hour shifts during all hours of the day and evening.

The Gift Shops provide a place where patients, visitors, and employees may purchase gift items. Volunteers assist with cashiering, customer service, and merchandising functions.

Functions as an ambassador of the organization by greeting and assisting patients, visitors, and staff in a friendly and courteous manner. The volunteer will escort customers or provide specific directions, information, and assistance to various locations on the specific campus where assigned in a proactive and courteous manner.

Any day, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., serve as an ambassador of good will to those in the hospital. Volunteers with the Visitation Program functions as an ambassador of goodwill visiting and interacting with patients, families and staff. The volunteer's mission is to lift the spirit and reduce the emotional suffering of those who are ill and alone. Volunteers seek to communicate in ways that show compassion and concern by bringing encouragement, hope and joy to patients who might otherwise have no visitors. The volunteer's role is to care and to listen.

Dog Therapy provides emotional support to patients through visitation by trained dogs. Volunteers visit with patients in their hospital room. Dog should be 1-year old. Contact us for more information on requirements for this meaningful service opportunity.

Dog Therapy provides emotional support to patients through visitation by trained dogs. Volunteers visit with patients in their hospital room. Dog should be 1-year old. Contact us for more information on requirements for this meaningful service opportunity.

Any day, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., serve as an ambassador of good will to those in the hospital. Volunteers with the Visitation Program functions as an ambassador of goodwill visiting and interacting with patients, families and staff. The volunteer's mission is to lift the spirit and reduce the emotional suffering of those who are ill and alone. Volunteers seek to communicate in ways that show compassion and concern by bringing encouragement, hope and joy to patients who might otherwise have no visitors. The volunteer's role is to care and to listen.

Functions as an ambassador of the organization by greeting and assisting patients, visitors, and staff in a friendly and courteous manner. The volunteer will escort customers or provide specific directions, information, and assistance to various locations on the specific campus where assigned in a proactive and courteous manner.

The Gift Shops provide a place where patients, visitors, and employees may purchase gift items. Volunteers assist with cashiering, customer service, and merchandising functions.

Assists staff by providing customer service and general assistance to patients and visitors in all areas of the Emergency Department. Weekly opportunities available for four hour shifts during all hours of the day and evening.

To assist staff by performing general and clerical tasks, and to provide customer service, emotional support, and comfort measures to patients, families, and visitors. Assist staff with tasks such as preparing rooms for patient exams and stocking supplies. Place appointment reminder calls to patients.

MAGIC READING CARPETS

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kit Projects Volunteer Waiver and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions here. Check out our Amazon supply list here to purchase supplies online.

When purchasing the fleece, make it a family affair! If you have young children, this is a wonderful opportunity to let them help pick out a child-friendly pattern and feel connected to this project. It's also a wonderful way to help children understand some of the needs in our community.

For those seeking service hours, we will verify one hour per 30" carpet.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many carpets you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY MAGIC READING CARPETS:

Magic Reading Carpets is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. 

Magic Reading Carpets are fun, colorful reading mats for preschool students handmade by volunteers! Our goals is to help get young minds excited for literacy and these mats encourage an inviting reading environment. Children love curling up on their soft, comfortable carpets and opening a book to read. They are mobile so their 'book nook' can be anywhere the carpet can go. 

 SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE

Please be sure the acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project Waiver, and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

We invite to you participate in this DIY Project by collecting supplies on your own or through a drive. You can download a list of the most requested supply items here.

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies and drop off the items to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

Some helpful tips for hosting a drive can be found HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE

You will earn service hours as you do it! We will offer one hour of service for every 15 items collected and delivered for one participant. 

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many items you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS DRIVE:

School Supplies Drive is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more.

Purchasing or collecting school supplies is a great way to support the work that we do through our Full Service Schools and school partners. School supplies are needed year-round, not only at the beginning of the school year.

There is a strong need for classroom supplies, including Sharpies, dry erase markers, clipboards, disinfectant wipes, sheet protectors, and small individual whiteboards.

PET FOOD DRIVE

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project waiver, and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions here.

You or your team will host a drive and drop off the items to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project. 

Some helpful tips for hosting a drive can be found here HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

For anyone collecting service hours, one hour for every 10 items collected will be given.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many items you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS DRIVE:

Pet Food Drive is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more.

Pet food drives help our animal serving organizations provide food to those pet care-givers who may otherwise struggle to afford the expenses associated with pet ownership.

FOOD DRIVE FOR FULL SERVICE SCHOOLS

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project Waiver, and follow the directions carefully.

Currently, there is an urgent need for food items in our Englewood and Sandalwood Full Service Schools locations.

WHAT TO DO:

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies and drop off the items to the appropriate location.

You can download an instructional document here which includes discussion questions and tips for holding a drive as well as a list of suggested items.  Nonperishable items are most needed. This includes (but is not limited to) peanut butter, dried beans, rice, grains, pasta, sauces, canned items, 'add water' types of meals (dried rice and pasta dishes, etc.). When selecting items, please keep in mind that items that are too high in sodium are not good for anyone!

For guidance on what items to collect, United Way of Northeast Florida has created a chart of how much food it takes to feed a family. Please download this document and use it when creating a wish list or shopping list

Some helpful tips for hosting a drive can be found HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

United Way can document community service hours for those that need them and will give one hour for every 15 items donated. One item counts as each package donated: one can of soup is one item and a six count package of apple sauce is one item.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many items you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS DRIVE:

Hosting a food drive is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. Food drives are a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school, or neighborhood. Food items that you collect will benefit a family in need through United Way's Full Service Schools network. 

 HAPPY BOTTOMS DIAPER PACKS

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project Waiver, and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self-log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

Supplies needed:

-Diapers (any size)

-Wipes

-Diaper Cream

Items will be placed into decorated bags with a decorated card.

Each pack must include one package of diapers, two packages of wipes, and one tube of diaper cream.

If you would like to hold a drive, you can find some helpful tips HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one hour for every one package of diapers, two packages of wipes and a tube of diaper cream, awarded to one participant.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many packs you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THESE PACKS:

The purchasing or collecting of diapers, wipes, and creams is a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood. The cost of diapers and wipes can be a huge financial burden on parents and families in need who struggle to make ends meet. Diapering items that you collect will benefit parents in need either through United Way's Full Service School network or agency partners. Diapers are needed in all sizes.

The is one of our DIY (Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects). DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more.

PERSONAL CARE KITS

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project Waiver, and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

Please download a guide with directions for making personal care kits HERE

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self-log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

EXTRA: You may create kid-friendly kits by adding in a small toy, activity, game, etc.

If you would like to hold a drive, you can find some helpful tips HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one hour for every two kits with card created. These hours are capped at 10.5 hours for one participant.

Kits must contain EVERY item listed and be in a decorated bag with a decorated card to receive full service hours.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many kits you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS KIT:

DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. Purchasing items or hosting a drive and assembling personal care kits are a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood.

Kits will be dispersed to our Full Service School network to be distributed to students or through other non-profit partner agencies who serve the homeless or veteran population. 

SENIOR CARE KITS

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kit Projects Volunteer Waiver and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions for making Senior Care Kits HERE

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self-log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

If you would like to hold a drive, you can find some helpful tips HERE.

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one volunteer hour for every three bags, capped at 5.5 hours for one participant.

Kits must contain EVERY item listed and be in a decorated bag with a decorated card to receive full service hours.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many kits you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS KIT:

Senior Care Packs include items that seniors may find useful to make their daily life easier. These kits are distributed to the elderly who need extra assistance. Many seniors in the community lack the means to get these items

The is one of our DIY (Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects). DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more.

TREASURE CHEST

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project Waiver, and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

Desired items include small dollar-store type toys/pens/trinkets to be given away as rewards for good behavior and/or academic work in classrooms.

If you would like to hold a drive, you can find some helpful tips HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one hour for each 10 items collected and one hour for one decorated chest.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many kits you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS KIT:

Treasure Chest is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more.

Purchasing or hosting a drive to collect items to create a 'treasure chest' for incentive/reward items for teachers to use in their classrooms is a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood. Items will be dispersed to our network of Full Service Schools (mainly elementary) and other school and education partners.  

Volunteer with the American Red Cross and participate in all DAT program support and capacity building activities necessary to ensure effective service delivery during a DAT response.  

Must be able to: Follow and execute requests received from supervisor with little or no supervision. • Adapt to change, negotiate compromise and tolerate ambiguity. • Build effective relationships with others who can help with work-related goals. Team member may work towards the DAT Service Associate response position.

Disaster Action Teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly house fires, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. This position is responsible for the tasks involved in the Disaster Action Team program including:

1. Supporting the annual goals, RDO objectives, and regional/chapter plan for DAT services through participation in meetings, projects, and local response activities.

2. Completes all required training and maintains current training standard as DAT program requirements change.

3. Attends regular team meetings and training as required by the region/territory.

4. Completes assigned projects and local response activities according to the needs of the DAT program. (Preparing vehicles, response materials, administrative support of the DAT program and other tasks assigned by the DAT Leader.

Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are the heart of American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. DAT members respond immediately to a disaster when called by emergency dispatch. Specially trained DAT volunteers assess the scope of the damage and meet with the affected family or families to determine their immediate disaster-related needs and ensure that those needs are met. Depending upon their individual needs, the Red Cross can provide assistance to disaster victims, helping them secure shelter, food, clothing, medical needs and mental health counseling.

Necessary Attributes:

• The willingness and availability to respond to emergencies anytime during their self-selected "on-call" shift • A sensitivity to people's needs in difficult situations
• The ability to work objectively and compassionately with diverse individuals
• Respect and concern for the people you serve and work with

• The ability to maintain confidentiality
• The ability to work well in a "team" environment
• DAT training is free, part of the American Red Cross disaster preparedness training. For more information on the classes that need to be taken to become a DAT member, see our course schedule.

Physicians needed  to care for uninsured  Physicians may volunteer as little as 4 hours a month. Physicians are charged with direct patient care in accordance with their license. They may interview patients, obtain and record health histories, perform physical and  developmental assessments, order appropriate diagnostic tests, diagnose health problems, prescribe appropriate medications , perform procedures, provide health teaching and counseling, initiate referrals, and maintain health records. Physicians must be licensed in good standing in the state of Florida.

ARNP needed to care for the uninsured: Providers are charged with direct patient care in accordance with their license. They may interview patients, obtain and record health histories, perform physical and  developmental assessments, order appropriate diagnostic tests, diagnose health problems, prescribe appropriate medications , perform procedures, provide health teaching and counseling, initiate referrals, and maintain health records.  ARNP’s must be licensed in the state of Florida and have protocols in place at VIM-Jax.

Pharmacist  needed for clinic for the working uninsured.Pharmacists record, store, and dispense medications in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. They maintain inventory and advise physicians on best choices for patients. They also enter prescriptions into computer programs and patient records as needed. Pharmacists must be licensed in the state of Florida.

Office Volunteers needed for clinic for the working uninsured. Front Office Volunteers are the first person a caller hears or sees and are charged with making a good first impression. The main responsibilities of the front office are to handle phone calls, patient check in and out, and make patient appointments. They also retrieve medications for patients and greet visitors. Usual front office shifts are 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Educate families on fire safety and assists with completing a disaster plan while the smoke alarms
are being installed.  

Should be comfortable speaking with a wide variety of individuals.

Information regarding the "Sound the Alarm Campaign":

Every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save lives, that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014.

A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Red Cross volunteers, along with fire departments and other partners canvass at-risk neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries in existing alarms, and providing fire prevention and safety education. In just three years, we’ve accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1 million smoke alarms and prepared more than 1 million people against home fires through our home visits.

Be a part in ending death by fires in your community by volunteering with the Red Cross during the "Sound the Alarm" canvassing event!

For more information regarding the "Sound the Alarm" Campaign in Jacksonville, and for more opportunities to help please visit: http://www.redcross.org/local/florida/north-florida/home-fire-safety

Assist with volunteer recruitment, placement, record keeping and recognition.

Get trained to help provide direct services: e.g. local Disaster Actions Teams (DAT) , Health Fairs, volunteer in military clinics an hospitals, promoting blood collection team, first aid stationing.

Get trained in specialized disaster counseling skills and the travel to disasters to help victims and relief workers deal with the trauma and stresses of disaster. 

Community Outreach Volunteers (Presenters and instructors) 

Represent the Red Cross in your community at fairs, festivals, and other special events.

Educate the public about our lifesaving work, and share ways individuals can get involved. 

During disasters, tell the Red Cross story to your community.

Be an online advocate and tell the mission of the Red Cross.

Get trained to respond to the local or national disaster relief efforts.

Disaster responders meet the needs of those clinics and hospitals, promoting blood collection team, first aid stations. 

Lend a hand to patients at Veterans Administrative and military hospitals. Serve as a greeter, work in a clinic, or assist with the numerous needs of the ill and injured and their families. 

Require Military Base Access

Red Cross clubs are organized groups of registered youth or young adult volunteers who are committed to serving the Red Cross mission. Clubs provide youth opportunities for training, leadership development and the ability to choose mission-related activities that address their community's greatest needs.

Be part of the behind-the scenes Red Cross team by volunteering in our offices. Hone skills to build your resume or keep skills fresh as you contribute to vital projects.

Represent the Red Cross in your community at fairs, festivals, and other special events.

Educate the public about our lifesaving work and share ways individuals can get involved.

Fundraising and Special Events.

Ensure delivery of emergency communications for members of the military and their families. 

Universities partner with the Red Cross and communities to foster an environment where students learn about themselves and the community by taking action through service.  

• Fill volunteer roles in various business lines to meet both ASL Volunteer’s course learning objectives and Red Cross organizational needs/priorities.

• Support ASL Volunteers and coordinate their schedules, be the point of contact for the ASL Volunteer, faculty member and with ASL Volunteer's Red Cross supervisors.

• ASL Volunteers may be assigned special projects based on local or national need and the Coordinator is a liaison

• Approve ASL Volunteer hours in Volunteer Connection in either the program specific area or in the general ASL Volunteer Connection Groupshare.

Qualifications: 

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Experience in supporting/managing volunteers preferred

• Experience with scheduling, liaison work, academic service learning beneficial

• Knowledge of Red Cross organizational goals, business line goals and familiarity with Red Cross Academic Service Learning opportunities

Have a heart for seniors?  Imagine being a senior unable to perform tasks that were once simple.  Making your bed, washing the dishes, getting your mail, driving to the grocery store…  Then imagine a volunteer comes to your home once a week, visiting with you and lifting these burdens.  Hart Felt seniors are 70 or older with one or more chronic illness.  The majority live in poverty and have nowhere else to turn.  YOU can make a huge impact.  Learn more at hartfelt.org.  

Universities partner with the Red Cross and communities to foster an environment where students learn about themselves and the community by taking action through service.  

Responsibilities:

• Fill volunteer roles in various business lines to meet both ASL Volunteer’s course learning objectives and Red Cross organizational needs/priorities.

• Support ASL Volunteers and coordinate their schedules, be the point of contact for the ASL Volunteer, faculty member and with ASL Volunteer's Red Cross supervisors.

• ASL Volunteers may be assigned special projects based on local or national need and the Coordinator is a liaison

• Approve ASL Volunteer hours in Volunteer Connection in either the program specific area or in the general ASL Volunteer Connection Groupshare.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Experience in supporting/managing volunteers preferred

• Experience with scheduling, liaison work, academic service learning beneficial

• Knowledge of Red Cross organizational goals, business line goals and familiarity with Red Cross Academic Service Learning opportunities

Would you like to be a re-enactor for the day? Dress in colonial clothing, or militia attire and shoot a musket or fire a cannon?  Contact us today to be a part of our living history program(s).

Working with an adult learner is a rewarding experience! Our tutors:

Visit our patients in their homes, long term care or assisted living facilities, or one of our eight Community Hospice inpatient centers. You may choose to spend quality time providing companionship to patients by reading, taking walks, writing letters or simply enjoying conversations with them. Volunteers give family caregivers an opportunity to run personal errands and to have quality relief time.

The Community Hospice Veterans Partnership (CHVP) needs volunteers to help reach the estimated 250,000 veterans residing in Northeast Florida who might need end-of-life care. CHVP volunteers conduct speaking engagements at various veterans’ service organizations, and participate in veterans-related events throughout our five-county service area. Volunteers also are needed to record the oral histories of area veterans for the Veteran’s History Project (vhpfirstcoast.org).

Thrift Shop volunteers serve in a variety of roles, such as cashier, price setter, sorter and display designer. There is a Thrift Shop located at 11173 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville 32246 and another at 845 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park 32065.  For more information, visit:  http://communityhospice.com/thrift-shops, or contact Moira Mintal at 904.998.1718 or mminta@communityhospice.com.

Pet therapy teams visit patients wherever they call home. Opportunities also are available for teams to attend community outreach events, as well as welcoming children to Camp Healing Powers®. Pet therapy teams must be registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International or Pet Partners.

Many people in hospice care are physically or financially unable to care for their pets but still benefit greatly from their presence. Volunteer responsibilities will vary but could include: assisting at pet events in the community, delivering pet supplies or walking. Other services may include trips to the veterinarian or boarding facilities.

Ambassadors are volunteers who represent Community Hospice at various public events, such as health fairs and senior center gatherings. Some Ambassadors make presentations about the range of services and benefits of Community Hospice care. If you are comfortable presenting to groups, or enjoy interacting and sharing information about Community Hospice this is an opportunity for you! Pet Therapy volunteers welcome.

At the request of various departments within the organization, the volunteer is assigned by the Volunteer Department, specifically by the Volunteer Coordinator, to facilitate and enhance patient care by providing clerical/administrative support to the staff to which they are assigned. Departments and/or teams utilizing volunteer services could include:

Bereavement              Building Services        Communications         DME   

Education                    Finance                     Foundation                  Human Resources

Marketing                    Medical Records         Nursing Dept.              Psychosocial Dept.

Reception Desk            Spiritual Care Dept.    Volunteer Dept.           Pharmacy      

Work on the sales floor or run the cash register, create product displays, or help with researching the values of donated items.  Must be at least 15 years old.

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills and talents, to make new friends or to learn new skills? Join the Jacksonville residents who are stepping forward to make a difference in our community.  Volunteers work side-by-side with City employees. They enhance services that may not otherwise be provided.

The City of Jacksonville offers diverse volunteer opportunities with flexible schedules including weekends. Volunteers play key roles by providing service to the community, assisting with special events, and in daily operations. This provides an opportunity for residents to become active participants in their local government.

Visit www.coj.net/volunteer to see a complete list and to apply.  The minimum age to volunteer is 16 unless otherwise stated in the volunteer job description.

Haven’s Patient Caregiver Volunteers are VITAL members of our team. They work closely with Haven nurses, social workers, home health aides and chaplains to assist in providing much needed support to our patients, their families and caregivers. Their contributions range from providing periods of respite care for the family to simply being there when needed for compassion and comfort visits. They provide friendship, support and assistance to patients residing at home, in assisted living facilities, nursing home, or in our Care Center in Orange Park. This opportunity allows you to volunteer when it is best for you.

Haven shows our appreciation for patients who have served in all branches of the military. Through the We Honor Veterans Program, Haven provides patients with a special pinning ceremony. This volunteer opportunity is for retired or active military. Haven believes the ceremony means more to the patient when it is conducted by someone who has also served.

Help our patients leave a legacy of their life to their loved ones.  This program includes hand photography, oral histories, memory bears, hug me again pillows and many other creative opportunities.  If you have a creative side and are looking for ways to use your craft to volunteer, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Haven, we believe that every day is a gift.  Do you like to celebrate special occasions?  Joining Haven as a Celebration volunteer is an opportunity to do just that.  Celebration volunteers work to make our patients' birthdays and wedding anniversaries memorable.  They bring balloons, cards and special gifts to ensure our patients know that they are remembered and help them to feel special.

Do you have a special pet that is friendly to everyone? Have you ever considered volunteering with your beloved pet? If so, becoming a Haven Pet Visit Volunteer might be the opportunity for you. Help bring a smile to our patients’ faces as well as those around them by becoming a volunteer today!

Administrative Support Volunteers provide critical office support for departments and teams at Haven. They are called upon to assist in many ways including data entry, answering phones, providing a warm welcome at the front desk, preparing information and support material for marketing, assisting with inventory control, stocking and ordering various materials, duplicating and printing documents and working with other volunteers to assist as needed. Hours for Administrative Support Volunteers are flexible and can be scheduled to meet your needs

It is the Haven Attic volunteers who make the stores a success. They spend time sorting donations, stocking the floor and making friends. But beyond that, they help people throughout the Haven Community — patients and families, as well as people who have challenging economic circumstances and need an affordable place to shop. We are always seeking energetic, conscientious volunteers who are mindful of the Haven mission. We could not do what we do without our volunteers.

Transitions Volunteers are trained as patient caregiver volunteers and provide support visits, telephone support, research direct care services as needed, provide education and community referrals for individuals and families dealing with chronic illness that are not eligible for hospice services.

Our volunteer licensed massage therapists provide a gentle, compassionate touch to our patients, helping them relax and decreasing their pain, stress and anxiety. Patient and caregiver as well as advanced palliative care training is required. A current Florida Massage Therapy License and personal liability insurance are also required.

Haven  is seeking compassionate volunteers to participate in a new patient support program. Many patients in our communities are in need of end of life support. They are often without family to care for them at end of life. Haven volunteers will provide support at a critical time in our patient’s lives. Volunteer requirements include a compassionate heart, willingness to be present, and a desire to be a part of a critical time in someone’s life.

Haven is actively recruiting volunteers who may be interested in volunteering for the No One Dies Alone Volunteer Program.  The volunteers will be specially trained and have a deep desire to help in end of life visitations. 

DISASTER KITS

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project Waiver, and follow the directions carefully

WHAT TO DO:

To create a disaster kit, please put 10 of the following items into a clear plastic storage 'shoe box' (preferably with a lid that sticks). Most items can be purchased at a dollar store. 

Items: 

- Disposable poncho

- Small flashlight with batteries 

- extra batteries 

- First-aid kit

- small 8 oz. bottle of water

- Food item not requiring can opener (canned meat with crackers, peanut butter crackers, power bar etc.)

- Activity for kids (puzzles, activity pad, book etc.)

- Whistle 

- Glow sticks 

- Packs of tissue 

- Hand sanitizer 

- Emergency blanket 

Please do not include matches, can-openers, scissors or other items to hazardous for schools

If you would like to hold a drive, you can find some helpful tips HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

For anyone collecting service hours, we will grant half an hour (travel time) plus one hour for each kit.

Kits must contain EVERY item listed and be in a decorated bag with a decorated card to receive full service hours.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many kits you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS KIT:

No one can predict when a disaster or emergency might strike their community. But, they can take steps to be prepared when it does happen! Educating children about Disaster Preparedness is an effective way to get the message into the home and encourage families to become more prepared for disasters. Volunteers are invited to create Disaster Kits for Kids to be dispersed to K - 5 children at local elementary schools along with a packet for families containing communication plans, pet plans and other useful preparedness tools.

DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. Purchasing items or hosting a drive and assembling personal care kits are a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood.

Kits will be dispersed to our Full Service Schools network to be distributed to students or through other non-profit partner agencies that serve the homeless or veteran populations.

ElderSources's SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides health insurance information and free, unbiased, and confidential counseling assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and to caregivers.

As a SHINE Volunteer, you serve your community by performing at least one of the following functions:

As a SHINE Volunteer, you will receive:

You can learn more about the SHINE program by visiting www.floridashine.org 

To learn more about ElderSource, visit our website here

 TEEN CLOTHING DRIVE

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kit Projects Volunteer Waiver and follow the directions carefully.

WHAT TO DO:

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location.

Download instructions and supply list here.

Some helpful tips for hosting a drive can be found HERE.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE.

For those seeking service hours, we award one half-hour plus one hour for every three new or 10 gently used clothing items. You may log your hours through the self-log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project.

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many items you have and to coordinate drop-offs. Please note: due to the limited staff capacity of our team and our partners, it may take 3-5 days to respond and coordinate delivery.

WHY THIS DRIVE:
Purchasing items or hosting a drive for clothing for teenagers is a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood. Many teens in our Full Service School network are not able to afford clothing for school, jobs, and even important teen events like the prom. Sandalwood Full Service School, in particular, has opened a Teen Closet to address this, and any teen in need is welcome to visit and "shop," all free of cost, thanks to donations and drives such as this one.

PET FOOD DRIVE HOST DESCRIPTION
Our Pet Food Pantry plays an important role in ensuring that pet owners who are experiencing financial hardships are able to keep their pets instead of relinquishing them to shelters. This is a temporary, need-based program, and participants must show proof of financial hardship in order to enroll. Each recipient will receive a half-month supply of food per visit, for two visits each month. Assistance is limited to six months. The Pet Food Pantry is open every Friday during our normal business hours.

The Pet Food Drive Host will ensure that the Pet Food Pantry has enough pet food to support our community by hosting pet food drives. These can be door-to-door solicitations, or larger pet food drives held in the community. Because we distribute over 1,600 pounds of pet food each month, this is a very important position to ensure the success of this program.

DUTIES

REQUIREMENTS

TRAINING

All volunteers are provided with on-the-job training. Volunteers are paired with an experienced volunteer until they are comfortable enough to perform the required tasks on their own. There is always staff on hand volunteers can contact if they have any questions.

ABOUT US

The St. Augustine Humane Society promotes healthy, responsible, lifelong pet ownership in our community. We offer many important services to help pet parents keep their pets, rather than relinquishing them to animal shelters. Some of the services we offer include our high-volume Spay/Neuter Program, our low-cost Wellness Clinic, positive Dog Training classes, and a Pet Food Pantry. We rely on talented and dedicated volunteers to assist with these programs, and to ensure that all pets and pet parents receive the care and services they need. By offering low-cost veterinary services and serving as a resource center for our community, we are able to provide affordable assistance to all, making our clinic the only one of its kind in St. Johns County.

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION

The Special Events Volunteer will help plan and organize special events to raise money and awareness for our organization. This volunteer should have event planning and fundraising experience, and be capable of soliciting donations and support from local businesses and community members. Because this person will be representing our organization in such a public manner, they must be dedicated and passionate about our mission, and be able to represent the Humane Society positively in the community.

As we begin our expansion efforts, this position will play an important role to ensure that our resources grow with us. This person must be highly motivated, capable of listening to instruction, and able to work on their own. Because of the nature of this position, we ask that you submit a resume of relevant experience with your Volunteer Application.

DUTIES

REQUIREMENTS

ABOUT US

The St. Augustine Humane Society promotes healthy, responsible, lifelong pet ownership in our community. We offer many important services to help pet parents keep their pets, rather than relinquishing them to animal shelters. Some of the services we offer include our high-volume Spay/Neuter Program, our low-cost Wellness Clinic, positive Dog Training classes, and a Pet Food Pantry. We rely on talented and dedicated volunteers to assist with these programs, and to ensure that all pets and pet parents receive the care and services they need. By offering low-cost veterinary services and serving as a resource center for our community, we are able to provide affordable assistance to all, making our clinic the only one of its kind in St. Johns County.

Our Development team is in need of a volunteer to support the development staff with donor communication. 

Tasks would include:

Support would be given to the Director of Development, Bill Brim. 

Click here for the application: https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=d3b7e840-ca93-472d-ac62-e144c38fe325&ApplicationFormNumber=1

Do you have a special talent that would provide wholesome fun for our children? Maybe you're a gifted face painter, caricature or balloon artist, or a theatrical storyteller. Do you have a magical singing voice? Are you a puppeteer seeking a captivated audience? Maybe you're a creative photographer or videographer. ECS conducts ongoing events throughout the year at our centers and at larger venues and we are always seeking talented volunteers to help entertain our little ones or to capture fun memories to ensure our events are truly unforgettable. Level 2 background screening may be required.

Our children and families always come first. But, landscapes are important too, even if they do sometimes get overlooked. At ECS, we believe our facility grounds are the aesthetic trim work on all that we do. We are seeking volunteers who don't mind getting their hands dirty to complete grounds cleanup, mowing and landscaping projects. The schedules are flexible and we have many centers to choose from. Level 2 background screening may be required.

ECS is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us maintain the paint on the outside of our facilities. Our children are our first priority and chipping or peeling paint can be dangerous. So, it is important to keep our centers as well-maintained as possible at all times. Replacing chipped paint with a fresh coat not only keeps the children safe, but, it keeps ECS in line with childcare licensing requirements. We have outside painting projects and there are many centers to choose from. Level 2 background screening may be required.

At ECS, we love having our volunteers on-site! But, we also know it is sometimes not possible due to scheduling limitations. Diapers and wipes and classroom supplies are an ongoing need, here at ECS. One of the best ways to directly impact our children and families is by hosting a drive to collect these essential items. Some of the most successful drives have been hosted by businesses and agencies concerned about the health and well-being of members of their local community. Please contact us for more information on this rewarding opportunity.

At ECS, we love having our volunteers on-site! But, we also know it is sometimes not possible due to scheduling limitations. Books to replenish our Lending Libraries is an ongoing need, here at ECS. One of the best ways to directly impact our children's literacy development is by hosting a drive to collect reading materials for children ages 0-5. Some of the most successful drives have been hosted by businesses and agencies concerned about the literacy development of children in their local community. Please contact us for more information on this rewarding opportunity. 

Assistant with persons with disabilities: Would you like to share life with people with and without disabilities, entering into the joys and sorrows that are a part of Community living? Volunteers add to the fullness of life by assisting the residents (Core Members) with daily tasks and some personal care as a live-in companion. This may include training in hygiene, and working together in meal preparation, housekeeping and social activities. Volunteers receive room and board and a stipend to cover their living expenses. Training provided including a background check.

Craft Buddy: Are you looking for a faithful friend who looks forward to your visits? Residents at L'Arche Jacksonville (Harbor House) Rainbow Workshop are energized to have a friend who thinks they are special.
Volunteers assist our residents in creating beautiful, simple pieces of art such as ceramics, painting, card making and bead work. In our men's workshop, volunteers assist doing simple wood working projects with our male members. These are some of the opportunities in which volunteers help add new life to our Rainbow Workshop. Dates vary: Monday-Friday, between 9:00am-12:30pm or 9am-3:00pm.

One-to-one companionship: Are you looking for a faithful friend who looks forward to your visits?Residents at L'Arche are energized to have a friend who thinks they are special. Some folks like going for a walk, others want help to write a letter to family or to prepare a simple meal. These are some of the opportunities in which volunteers help add new life in the Community. Dates vary M-F, between 3-7 pm and weekends during the afternoon for one or more hours.

Share a meal:  Do you want to share your favorite meal with a "family" who would be very appreciative? Volunteers prepare a meal for a group of 5 up to 10 people. And if you love to feed a crowd, we have community gatherings where up to 50 people are present. Hopefully you can stay and enjoy the evening, although this is optional. This could be done by an individual or by a family.

Food Donation Drive for the Max Block Food Pantry at Jewish Family & Community Services.

JFCS strengthens the entire First Coast community by providing high-quality, responsive, timely wraparound services to enhance the lives of children, adults, seniors and families coping with challenges that arise throughout the life cycle. Through the onsite emergency food pantry (our Max Block Food Pantry), JFCS actively leads the fight against hunger.

The pantry is a LIFELINE for over 8,000 people each year facing a crisis, helping to nourish and stabilize them so that they can satisfy their most basic human need of nutrition. Children cannot focus in the classroom when they are hungry and worried where their next meal will come from. Families cannot focus on higher level issues such as goal setting, nurturing parenting, safety and self-sufficiency when they are battling extreme hunger and malnutrition. Seniors cannot maintain their health when forced to choose between prescriptions or food. By helping individuals and families satisfy their most basic human need, the pantry is a core service that we "wrap" around at-risk families, often supplementing other services that we are providing in the home or in the school. It helps stabilize families so they are better prepared when a crisis hits. 

It is so important to keep the Max Block Food Pantry stocked with non-perishable food (canned meat, soup, stew, fruit, veggies, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, rice, pasta, etc) for these reasons. It is especially important during the summer months. One of the most telling statistics is that one in five school age children have their only meals while in school. School gets out in early June usually and many of them do not have food at home to eat, so they go hungry. A stocked pantry allows JFCS to partner with various summer camps and other non-profit agencies to ensure these children receive the food and nutrition they need to get though the summer.

This is an ongoing need throughout the year. Help us help over 60,000 people in 2018. 

Jewish Family & Community Services needs your gently used children's clothing to stock the Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet. 

The Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet was designed to clothe foster children who have been abruptly removed their homes due to abuse, drug use or neglect. When the children are taken, they are unable to bring anything with them. The clothes closet allows JFCS case managers to take clothing for these children, who range in age from newborn to 14. Diapers and toothbrushes/toothpaste are also appreciated.

This project is ongoing and there is a need to keep the Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet stocked. Socks and underwear must be new.

The Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet is designed to be utilized by the JFCS case managers for incoming foster children, ages 1 – 9, who have been removed from their homes and put into foster care. Many of them are not able to bring anything with them from their homes and families. The closet will also be available for Max Block Food Pantry clients coming into our agency for assistance. It will provide much-needed clothing for at-risk children in the greater Jacksonville area.

To volunteer at the Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet, contact Donna O’Steen at 904-394-5714. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1-3 at 6261 Dupont Station Court E., Jacksonville, FL 32217. 

We need your help! The Jewish Family & Community Services Max Block Food Pantry needs your help! Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. we are open to the public. We supply Jacksonville residents with much-needed food help. At various times a year, we receive large deliveries to stock the shelves as well. Contact Suzanne Zimmerman at szimmerman@jfcsjax.org to volunteer today. This need is ongoing.

JFCS strengthens the entire First Coast community by providing high-quality, responsive, timely wraparound services to enhance the lives of children, adults, seniors and families coping with challenges that arise throughout the life cycle. Through the onsite emergency food pantry (our Max Block Food Pantry), JFCS actively leads the fight against hunger.

The pantry is a LIFELINE for over 8,000 people each year facing a crisis, helping to nourish and stabilize them so that they can satisfy their most basic human need of nutrition. Children cannot focus in the classroom when they are hungry and worried where their next meal will come from. Families cannot focus on higher level issues such as goal setting, nurturing parenting, safety and self-sufficiency when they are battling extreme hunger and malnutrition. Seniors cannot maintain their health when forced to choose between prescriptions or food. By helping individuals and families satisfy their most basic human need, the pantry is a core service that we "wrap" around at-risk families, often supplementing other services that we are providing in the home or in the school. It helps stabilize families so they are better prepared when a crisis hits. 

It is so important to keep the Max Block Food Pantry stocked with non-perishable food (canned meat, soup, stew, fruit, veggies, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, rice, pasta, etc) for these reasons. It is especially important during the summer months. One of the most telling statistics is that one in five school age children have their only meals while in school. School gets out in early June usually and many of them do not have food at home to eat, so they go hungry. A stocked pantry allows JFCS to partner with various summer camps and other non-profit agencies to ensure these children receive the food and nutrition they need to get though the summer.

This is an ongoing need throughout the year. Help us help over 60,000 people in 2018. 

Mentors are needed to give hope of a brighter future to middle and high school students in Duval County! We will be training adult volunteers over the summer so they can be ready to mentor when school starts in August. Once you fill out a mentor application online at www.takestockjax.org, you'll be invited to a mentor celebration with food and prizes! 

For over 20 years, Take Stock in Children of Duval County has been changing the lives of deserving (or under-served) children by combining in-school support through a college success coach, the promise of a college or vocational school tuition scholarship and most importantly the guidance of a caring mentor. All students who complete our program with a volunteer mentor will receive a 2-year tuition scholarship upon high school graduation.

Provide HOPE and be a mentor!

Do you have a green thumb you'd like to put to good use? Here at ECS, we make health, nutrition and agriculture an important part of our curriculum. If we can teach our children the skills necessary to live healthy productive lives and to appreciate the beauty of nature, they can make a lasting impact on the environment for years to come. We are seeking volunteers to plant and/or help maintain vegetable or flower gardens at our centers. Gardening volunteers may have an opportunity to assist the children in learning how to plant and care for their very own garden, while creating an agricultural space for ongoing learning. The schedules are flexible and we have many centers to choose from. Level 2 background screening may be required.