Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

Adopting a family allows businesses, community members and organizations to provide local families with food, necessities, and gifts during the holidays. Sponsors will specify the household size of the family they wish to adopt and will be given a choice of two families in need within our Full Service Schools network. First names, ages, clothing sizes and wish ideas are provided to sponsors so they can purchase items of their choice for each member of the household. 

If you would like to read through our Holiday Gift and Food Drive Frequently Asked Questions before you register, just click here.

All Volunteers Certification Course (In-Person)  

All Saturday sessions

Session 1: January 10, 2026

Session 2: January 17, 2026

Session 3: January 24, 2026

Please plan to attend all 3 sessions to receive the training and information necessary to certify.

Description

he Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides income tax assistance to individuals and families in our community. No tax experience is necessary. We will train you! All volunteers will earn certification through these training seminars. 

What Will I DO?

Tax Preparer responsibilities include:

In order to provide the highest level of service to clients, Tax Preparers must be IRS-certified, either through a series of classroom training sessions, or online. Tax Preparers must pass the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct and the Intake and Interview Quality Review test.  In addition, volunteer Tax Preparers are asked to commit to serving a minimum of 40 hours during the January – April tax season.

If you find that you are unable to attend the training session, please let us know within 48 hours so we can open space for someone else to attend. Kindly log into your profile to de-select the training from your schedule. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the RealSense Program and Services Coordinator: Aretha Franklin at arethaf@uwnefl.org or 904-348-7577 or the RealSense Tax Program Manager: Steve Norris at steven@uwnefl.org or 904-390-3250. Dates/Times may change, check back often for the up to date information.

All Volunteers Certification Course (In-Person)  

All Saturday sessions

Session 1: January 10, 2026

Session 2: January 17, 2026

Session 3: January 24, 2026

Please plan to attend all 3 sessions to receive the training and information necessary to certify.

Description

he Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides income tax assistance to individuals and families in our community. No tax experience is necessary. We will train you! All volunteers will earn certification through these training seminars. 

What Will I DO?

Tax Preparer responsibilities include:

In order to provide the highest level of service to clients, Tax Preparers must be IRS-certified, either through a series of classroom training sessions, or online. Tax Preparers must pass the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct and the Intake and Interview Quality Review test.  In addition, volunteer Tax Preparers are asked to commit to serving a minimum of 40 hours during the January – April tax season.

If you find that you are unable to attend the training session, please let us know within 48 hours so we can open space for someone else to attend. Kindly log into your profile to de-select the training from your schedule. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the RealSense Program and Services Coordinator: Aretha Franklin at arethaf@uwnefl.org or 904-348-7577 or the RealSense Tax Program Manager: Steve Norris at steven@uwnefl.org or 904-390-3250. Dates/Times may change, check back often for the up to date information.

Join us this MLK Day of Service as we support a longtime Eastside leader and respected senior in the community who has spent years serving his neighbors through weekly community feedings and essential-needs support as leader of his church. His commitment reflects the same values Dr. King championed — compassion, service, and strengthening community from within.

As his personal home also serves as the storage and staging space for this work, from food items to paper goods to the basic necessities he gives to the community, we want to help him continue this important work by:

This project is about uplifting someone who continually uplifts others. By creating a safer, more functional space, we’re helping sustain the work that feeds and supports Eastside families every week.

Volunteer at Urban Geo-Ponics in support of The Farmacy Project, a creative and empowering program for boys ages 8–17 in Northwest Jacksonville. The Farmacy Project blends physical fitness, anti-bullying tools, agricultural education, arts, mentorship, and hands-on learning to build confidence, leadership skills, and healthy habits.

This MLK Day of Service, volunteers will help strengthen the spaces that make this program possible by building new garden beds, constructing a greenhouse, and creating an enclosure for the outdoor gym area. Your work will help create a safer, more functional, and more inspiring environment for the youth who learn and grow here every day.

By serving at The Farmacy Project, you’re helping cultivate a place where young people can discover their strengths, explore new skills, and envision bright futures.

This MLK Day of Service, join United Way of Northeast Florida, Celebration Church Orange Park, Feeding Northeast Florida, and Challenge Enterprises as they address food insecurity among struggling families in Clay County.

It is estimated that 1 of 6 adults and 1 of 4 children in our community is hungry or facing food insecurity, which is simply not knowing when or how they will get their next meal. The largest growing population experiencing hunger or food insecurity is working families, “ordinary” people who work hard and live on an income that can’t stretch from paycheck to paycheck. 

Volunteers are needed to help unload, sort, and hand food to families in need.

The MLK Day of Service in the Town of Orange Park seeks to embody Dr. King's vision of dignity and opportunity for all through impactful community service initiatives that uplift and strengthen the community. The event takes special note of the town's historical significance, notably as the residence of Anna Kingsley, a prominent African-American businesswoman and landowner, and the Orange Park Normal and Industrial School site, a beacon of education during challenging times.

Join us in supporting the Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA), an organization dedicated to helping older adults live independently, stay connected, and access essential resources. Across our region, more seniors are facing food insecurity, often having to stretch limited budgets while managing rising living costs. NCCOA works every day to ensure older adults have the nutrition and support they deserve.

This MLK Day of Service, volunteers will help install a new senior-focused food pantry, expanding access to reliable, nutritious food for older adults in Nassau County. Tasks may include assembling shelving, organizing pantry supplies, preparing the space for distribution, and moving items into place.

Your service will help create a safe, accessible, and welcoming resource for seniors who rely on NCCOA — a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Join us in supporting Pastor Dinkins of The Worship Center, home of the original Daily Manna ServingCenter — a lifeline for families seeking meals, support, and connection. Daily Manna Serving Center #2 will build on that legacy by offering new opportunities, skills training, and community space.

For this portion of the project, volunteers will help with landscaping beautification to create a safe, welcoming setting for community use.

Your service will help create a clean, accessible exterior for a space designed to expand opportunity, connection, and support for neighbors across the community.

Support Pastor Dinkins of The Worship Center, where the original Daily Manna Serving Center has long served as a lifeline for families seeking meals, support, and connection. Daily Manna Serving Center #2 will build on that legacy by offering new opportunities, skills training, and community space

This volunteer opportunity focuses on pressure washing, deep cleaning, and organizing the warehouse area to prepare the facility for upcoming renovations and programming.

Your work will help create a clean, functional environment that will soon support families, returning citizens, and neighbors seeking new opportunities.

Join us in strengthening our community through dignity, service, and opportunity for all.

Join us in supporting Pastor Dinkins of The Worship Center, home of the original Daily Manna Serving Center — a lifeline for families seeking meals, support, and connection. Daily Manna Serving Center #2 will build on that legacy by offering new opportunities, skills training, and community space

Volunteers will help paint the exterior of the building, giving it a bright, welcoming appearance for the community. Tasks include prepping surfaces, priming, and painting.

Your service will help transform the building into an inviting hub where neighbors can gather, learn, and grow.

Honor Dr. King’s legacy by helping bring a vital community resource to life.

Support Pastor Dinkins of The Worship Center, home to the original Daily Manna Serving Center — a trusted space where families have long found meals, support, and connection. Daily Manna Serving Center #2 will build on that legacy by creating new opportunities for learning, empowerment, and community engagement.

This volunteer role focuses on interior painting to refresh and prepare rooms that will soon host community gatherings, computer access, and hands-on training programs.

Your work will help create a welcoming, safe, and uplifting environment for everyone who enters this space.

Join us in building a stronger community through dignity and opportunity for all.

This MLK Day of Service, join United Way of Northeast Florida, the Schell Sweet Community Resource Center and the Center for Sustainable Agriculture Excellence and Conservation (CSAEC), as we bring nutritious food directly to seniors and neighbors in Jacksonville’s New Town community — an area where food insecurity continues to rise, especially among older adults and working families.

These community partners reflect Dr. King’s belief in strengthening community and ensuring every neighbor has access to opportunity and support. The Schell Sweet Community Resource Center, located on the Edward Waters University campus, has long served as a hub for seniors through health programs, nutrition support, lifelong learning, and community connection. CSAEC expands access to fresh, locally grown food in underserved areas and partners with communities to reduce food insecurity.

Volunteers will unload, sort, and distribute food to seniors and local residents, helping ensure our neighbors have consistent access to healthy meals and the dignity of reliable nourishment. It’s a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy in a community with deep history and resilience.

United Way is proud to partner with Destined for a Change, an organization dedicated to uplifting families and strengthening neighborhoods through hands-on outreach and community support. As part of their vision to expand local food access and create welcoming green spaces, they’re leading a Community Garden Restoration project for MLK Day of Service.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and revitalize the garden by assembling eight metal raised beds, filling them with wood chips and soil, and planting seasonal vegetables, fruits, and pollinator-friendly plants. Additional tasks include cleaning pathways and refreshing the garden layout to make it safer, more accessible, and ready for community use.

This work helps promote fresh food access, environmental learning, and community pride — one garden bed at a time.

United Way partner Groundwork Jacksonville is dedicated to creating cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhoods through environmental restoration and community engagement. This MLK Day of Service, they’re partnering with One Body Many Members Ministries in the Phoenix area to help bring a brand-new community garden to life.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the garden space, assemble raised beds, fill them with soil, plant seasonal vegetables and pollinator plants, and clear pathways to make the area safe and welcoming for local families. This new garden will promote fresh-food access, hands-on learning, and neighborhood pride for the surrounding community.

United Way is proud to partner with Destined for a Change, Feeding Northeast Florida, and beloved Eastside community champion Honey Holzendorf to bring a much-needed food distribution to the Phoenix neighborhood for MLK Day of Service.

Volunteers are needed to set up distribution tables, pack, manage lines, assist neighbors with receiving groceries, and help hand out special “Love Packages” containing hygiene items and handwritten notes of encouragement for families and seniors. This site will serve as a welcoming pickup location, offering nourishment, care, and hope to households experiencing basic-needs challenges.

Your service can help Phoenix families feel supported and seen during a time when it matters most.

United Way of Northeast Florida is proud to partner with Impact Clay and the Center for Sustainable Agriculture Excellence and Conservation (CSAES) to bring fresh food and essential resources directly to families in Keystone Heights as part of the Impact Clay Train — a mobile, neighborhood-centered initiative that connects private, nonprofit, public, and faith-based partners to communities across Clay County.

CSAES helps expand access to fresh, locally grown food in underserved areas and works alongside residents to reduce food insecurity and strengthen community well-being. Together with Impact Clay — an organization that strengthens Clay County by connecting partners and expanding access to essential resources — this special MLK Day of Service stop will make a meaningful difference for local families.

Volunteers are needed to assist with this food distribution, helping set up stations, greet residents, distribute fresh produce to households in need, and help with break down after the distribution. Your support helps ensure families have reliable nourishment and the dignity of a well-stocked pantry.

Join Impact Clay, CSAES, and United Way of Northeast Florida in bringing hope, nourishment, and community connection to Keystone Heights — one train stop at a time.

United Way is proud to partner with Destined for a Change, an organization dedicated to uplifting families and strengthening neighborhoods through hands-on outreach and community support. This MLK Day of Service, they are helping an elderly or disabled neighbor by repairing and reinforcing an existing handicap ramp, ensuring safe and accessible entry into the home.

If you are comfortable using basic tools like drills, saws, or hammers, you’ll be a great fit for this project. Tasks may include stabilizing ramp sections, replacing damaged boards, securing handrails, and adding fresh paint for protection and visibility.

Your hands can help restore safety, independence, and peace of mind for a Phoenix neighbor

C.R.O.W.N. stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

Natural hair care items are frequently overlooked when toiletry items are donated. Not all hair and skincare products meet the unique needs of the natural hair community, and many homeless service providers have difficulty providing these necessary items. Many students from struggling families within our school system have a great need for these seldom-donated products as well. 

This 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. 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. Once you have responded to this need United Way of Northeast Florida will contact you within 48 hours. 

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

Please download a guide with a list of suggested items HERE or check out our Amazon wish list HERE. If you would like to hold a drive, you can find some helpful tips HERE.

If you need community service hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one hour for every two kits with cards created. 

For questions, please contact us HERE.

Many children within Nassau County do not have regular access to food. As you can imagine, this instability has an impact on their health and academic success. Snack packs will alleviate some of their discomfort and worry that negatively affects their learning, social interactions, and ability to enjoy life as a child should. 

Packs can be completed in three easy steps:

1) Decorate a blank paper bag. A bright, colorful bag can really cheer up a child of any age! 

2) Stuff the bag with the following items (all items should be easy to open, non-perishable, and should need a microwave at most to cook):

3) Create a positive, motivational card for the child and place it in each bag.

4) When you have completed the project and are ready to donate your bags, please contact volunteer@uwnefl.org.

Volunteer Hours

For those that require service hours, one half-hour (for travel) plus one hour for every two complete snack packs with card will be given for one participant. 

Personal Care Kits 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. 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. Once you have responded to this need United Way of Northeast Florida will contact you within 48 hours. 

Personal Care Kits

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 community network to be distributed to students or through other non-profit partner agencies who serve the homeless or veteran population. 

Please download a guide with a list of suggested items HERE.

HINT: You may create kid-friendly kits by adding in a small toy or activity and/or kid-themed items. 

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. 

Please contact us HERE to arrange a donation time at the recipient organization. 

Happy Bottoms Diaper 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. 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. 

Happy Bottoms Diaper Drive

Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream are essential items for families with young children — but they’re also costly, and not covered by assistance programs like SNAP. By donating these items, you’re helping parents meet a critical basic need and ensuring babies in our community stay clean, healthy, and comfortable.

We welcome donations of diapers in all sizes (especially sizes 3–6), along with wipes and diaper cream. All items will be distributed to families in need through our trusted community partners.

Hour Verification:
Participants may earn:

·         0.5 hours for coordinating and dropping off donations, plus

·         1 additional hour for each complete “diaper care kit” donated:

o    1 pack of diapers

o    2 packs of wipes

o    1 tube of diaper cream
(Hours are awarded to one participant per kit.)

Your contribution directly supports local parents and children. Thank you for helping families in Northeast Florida thrive!

For any questions, please contact us HERE.

Increasingly, many children in grades kindergarten to high school, are in households that struggle financially and do not have regular access to food and basic hygiene products. Feminine products are ineligible for coverage under food stamps and SNAP benefits, contributing to what is called “period poverty”. In the US, nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they lack access to feminine hygiene products, which leads to embarrassment and lack of self-esteem. Furthermore, if a girl has to stay home every time she has her period, she will fall behind her classmates by 145 days. Consistent school absences lead to a drop in grades and performance, which will have lasting repercussions in these students’ lives. By providing these items, these girls will have one less thing to worry about and be able to focus on what is really important – their education!

Please contact us HERE to arrange a donation time at the recipient organization. 

Increasingly, many children in grades kindergarten to high school, are in households that struggle financially and do not have regular access to food and basic hygiene products. Feminine products are ineligible for coverage under food stamps and SNAP benefits, contributing to what is called “period poverty”. In the US, nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they lack access to feminine hygiene products, which leads to embarrassment and lack of self-esteem. Furthermore, if a girl has to stay home every time she has her period, she will fall behind her classmates by 145 days. Consistent school absences lead to a drop in grades and performance, which will have lasting repercussions in these students’ lives. By providing these items, these girls will have one less thing to worry about and be able to focus on what is really important – their education!

Please contact us HERE to arrange a donation time at the recipient organization. 

Happy Bottoms Diaper 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. 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. 

Happy Bottoms Diaper Drive

Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream are essential items for families with young children — but they’re also costly, and not covered by assistance programs like SNAP. By donating these items, you’re helping parents meet a critical basic need and ensuring babies in our community stay clean, healthy, and comfortable.

We welcome donations of diapers in all sizes (especially sizes 3–6), along with wipes and diaper cream. All items will be distributed to families in need through our trusted community partners.

Hour Verification:
Participants may earn:

·         0.5 hours for coordinating and dropping off donations, plus

·         1 additional hour for each complete “diaper care kit” donated:

o    1 pack of diapers

o    2 packs of wipes

o    1 tube of diaper cream
(Hours are awarded to one participant per kit.)

Your contribution directly supports local parents and children. Thank you for helping families in Northeast Florida thrive!

For any questions, please contact us HERE.

Personal Care Kits 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. 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. Once you have responded to this need United Way of Northeast Florida will contact you within 48 hours. 

Personal Care Kits

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 community network to be distributed to students or through other non-profit partner agencies who serve the homeless or veteran population. 

Please download a guide with a list of suggested items HERE.

HINT: You may create kid-friendly kits by adding in a small toy or activity and/or kid-themed items. 

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. 

Please contact us HERE to arrange a donation time at the recipient organization. 

Many children within Nassau County do not have regular access to food. As you can imagine, this instability has an impact on their health and academic success. Snack packs will alleviate some of their discomfort and worry that negatively affects their learning, social interactions, and ability to enjoy life as a child should. 

Packs can be completed in three easy steps:

1) Decorate a blank paper bag. A bright, colorful bag can really cheer up a child of any age! 

2) Stuff the bag with the following items (all items should be easy to open, non-perishable, and should need a microwave at most to cook):

3) Create a positive, motivational card for the child and place it in each bag.

4) When you have completed the project and are ready to donate your bags, please contact volunteer@uwnefl.org.

Volunteer Hours

For those that require service hours, one half-hour (for travel) plus one hour for every two complete snack packs with card will be given for one participant. 

Many children within Clay County do not have regular access to food. As you can imagine, this instability has an impact on their health and academic success. Snack packs will alleviate some of their discomfort and worry that negatively affects their learning, social interactions, and ability to enjoy life as a child should. 

Packs can be completed in three easy steps:

1) Decorate a blank paper bag. A bright, colorful bag can really cheer up a child of any age! 

2) Stuff the bag with the following items (all items should be easy to open, non-perishable, and should need a microwave at most to cook):

3) Create a positive, motivational card for the child and place it in each bag.

4) When you have completed the project and are ready to donate your bags, please contact volunteer@uwnefl.org.

Volunteer Hours

For those that require service hours, one half-hour (for travel) plus one hour for every two complete snack packs with card will be given for one participant. 

Personal Care Kits 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. 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. Once you have responded to this need United Way of Northeast Florida will contact you within 48 hours. 

Personal Care Kits

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 community network to be distributed to students or through other non-profit partner agencies who serve the homeless or veteran population. 

Please download a guide with a list of suggested items HERE.

HINT: You may create kid-friendly kits by adding in a small toy or activity and/or kid-themed items. 

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. 

Please contact us HERE to arrange a donation time at the recipient organization. 

Happy Bottoms Diaper 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. 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. 

Happy Bottoms Diaper Drive

Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream are essential items for families with young children — but they’re also costly, and not covered by assistance programs like SNAP. By donating these items, you’re helping parents meet a critical basic need and ensuring babies in our community stay clean, healthy, and comfortable.

We welcome donations of diapers in all sizes (especially sizes 3–6), along with wipes and diaper cream. All items will be distributed to families in need through our trusted community partners.

Hour Verification:
Participants may earn:

·         0.5 hours for coordinating and dropping off donations, plus

·         1 additional hour for each complete “diaper care kit” donated:

o    1 pack of diapers

o    2 packs of wipes

o    1 tube of diaper cream
(Hours are awarded to one participant per kit.)

Your contribution directly supports local parents and children. Thank you for helping families in Northeast Florida thrive!

For any questions, please contact us HERE.

Increasingly, many children in grades kindergarten to high school, are in households that struggle financially and do not have regular access to food and basic hygiene products. Feminine products are ineligible for coverage under food stamps and SNAP benefits, contributing to what is called “period poverty”. In the US, nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they lack access to feminine hygiene products, which leads to embarrassment and lack of self-esteem. Furthermore, if a girl has to stay home every time she has her period, she will fall behind her classmates by 145 days. Consistent school absences lead to a drop in grades and performance, which will have lasting repercussions in these students’ lives. By providing these items, these girls will have one less thing to worry about and be able to focus on what is really important – their education!

Please contact us HERE to arrange a donation time at the recipient organization. 

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. 

 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.

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. 

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. 

The client intake and food pantry involves dealing directly with clients, some computer work, physical assembly of food bags and unloading and putting away food.  DESC is located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church so stairs will be involved.  The food pantry is open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and Monday - Thursday 2 p.m.  - 4 p.m.   

Collect new/packaged socks & underwear for those in need.

Any size, any color.

Create an "Undie-Sunday" drive at your church, SockIt-Monday at work, Undie-Friday Happy Hour - SockIt-Saturday at the park! Be CREATIVE!

No amount is too small.

No amount is too small.

The telephone would involve answering the calls, giving out information and compassionate listening. 

This position can be onsite or remote.

If onsite, we are located in a basement so climbing up and down stairs is required.  We do not have an elevator.  

If you are interested in an onsite orientation, please contact DESC.

REFUGEE WELCOME KITS

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

You can download a list of possible kits to make by clicking here or check out our Amazon wish list here.

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 one half-hour plus one hour per every two kits created.

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:

https://www.wusf.org/news/2020-02-27/six-florida-cities-rank-in-top-100-for-refugee-resettlement

Having fled the danger of their home countries and languishing in limbo for months--or even years--refugees enter the United States with next to nothing. Help restart their household by providing Welcome Kits with everything a family needs to begin their new life in safety in Northeast Florida.

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.

Volunteer drivers needed to drive American Cancer Society/ Hope Lodge shuttle van that helps adult persons with cancer get to and from medical appointments at 6 oncology clinics located in Jacksonville.  Must have valid drivers license and able to complete training.

Many universities and colleges are now requiring freshman to live on campus their first year. For those students that are the first in their family to ever go to college, this can be a daunting and completely unexpected expenditure. You can help offset a few of these expenses by putting together a dorm kit for these excited students!

You can download a list of supplies needed by clicking here or check out our Amazon wish list by clicking here.

First Generation College Starter Kits are 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. 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. United Way of Northeast Florida can help you coordinate where to bring the completed kits--just let us know when you're ready to drop it off!

For those needing project hours, we will give one half-hour plus five hours for each completed kit per one participant.

For any questions, please contact us here.

Hygiene kits assist enormously in building trust and just as importantly, meeting an immediate need for a young teen mom who cannot afford basic hygiene items. We would like to offer hygiene kits to our teen moms, but our budget is extremely limited. We rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers to meet this urgent and most basic need.

You or your group can help. Here is a suggested list items to gather. Any or all of these items are needed (travel sizes are best):

If you would like to help with food please contact Jordan Whitmarsh at (904) 588-5989.

C.R.O.W.N. HAIR CARE KITS

C.R.O.W.N. stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

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

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions for making C.R.O.W.N. Hair 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. Once you have responded to this need United Way of Northeast Florida will contact you within 48 hours. 

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

If you need community service hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one hour for every two kits with cards created. 

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

When finished, contact us HERE to let us know how many kits you have, and we will coordinate with the recipient organization for your drop off. Be aware that this can take 3-5 days.

WHY THIS KIT:

Natural hair care items are frequently overlooked when toiletry items are donated. Not all hair and skincare products meet the unique needs of the natural hair community, and many homeless service providers have difficulty providing these necessary items. Many students from struggling families within our school system have a great need for these seldom-donated products as well. 

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.

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.  

Because our patients are staying with us and are far from home, this means they are paying bills at home while financing short term housing while they receive treatment in Jacksonville. We maintain a food pantry to help assist our guests who may be struggling financially. The holidays can be an especially stressful time financially for our guests. It would be wonderful for groups to organize supply drives to stock our panty for the coming year. 

This is a project that can be done by anyone, anywhere! This is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved in collecting supplies for Gabriel House of Care. 

Supplies needed:

Pantry items:

Shelf stable jello cups

Shelf stable pudding cups

Little Debbie snack cakes

Snack crackers

Individual packages of nuts

Oatmeal packets

Canned tuna

Assorted canned soups

saltine crackers

Individual bags of chips

Individually wrapped cereal bars

Granola bars

Peanut butter—small jars

Jelly packets

Macaroni and cheese

Coffee K-Cups 

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. 

Hygiene kits assist enormously in building trust and just as importantly, meeting an immediate need for a young teen mom who cannot afford basic hygiene items. We would like to offer hygiene kits to our teen moms, but our budget is extremely limited. We rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers to meet this urgent and most basic need.

You or your group can help. Here is a suggested list items to gather. Any or all of these items are needed (travel sizes are best):

If you would like to help with food please contact Jordan Whitmarsh at (904) 588-5989.

Caring for people who are homeless or at risk is challenging at anytime, but especially during this unparalleled crisis. Our dedicated and committed staff are still on the front lines helping, but we are in need of some critical items:

We are trying to limit the traffic on our campus, so please mail donations to 611 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202. If your business has access to any of these items and are able to donate, please contact Emily at (904) 662-2352. 

We also need licensed medical volunteers to help with screening. If you are able to assist, please click here. 

We understand that you and your family have likely been impacted by this disruption, but every little bit helps.

Many children within Duval County do not have regular access to food. As you can imagine, this instability has an impact on their health and academic success. Snack packs will alleviate some of their discomfort and worry that negatively affects their learning, social interactions, and ability to enjoy life as a child should. This is an opportunity to help the Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation address this barrier to success. This need was also created to aid families heavily affected by the pandemic.

Packs can be completed in three easy steps:

1) Decorate a blank paper bag. A bright, colorful bag can really cheer up a child of any age! 

2) Stuff the bag with the following items (all items should be easy to open, non-perishable, and should need a microwave at most to cook):

3) Create a positive, motivational card for the child and place it in each bag.

4) When you have completed the project and are ready to donate your bags, please contact our project coordinator here.

Safety First

Safety is paramount! Please read and follow these precautions before beginning this volunteer project:

Volunteer Hours

For those that require service hours, one half-hour plus one hour for every two complete snack packs with card will be given for one participant. 

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. 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. Once you have responded to this need you will be contacted by our project coordinator.  

Food drives are a critical way volunteers can address real community needs individually or as a group, family, school, or neighborhood, especially now, during this critical time. Food items that you collect will benefit a family in need in Jacksonville's Historic Eastside neighborhood.

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.  Most needed items are nonperishable food items, 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!

Safety is paramount! Please read and follow these precautions before beginning this volunteer project:

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one hour for every 10 items collected. 

The food will be distributed by the Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation. You can learn more about their important work here.

ElderSource's Caring Connections Telephone Reassurance Program provides a friendly telephone call from a volunteer to an older adult who is living alone and/or homebound. The goal of the program is to eliminate or reduce some of the concerns facing homebound seniors: isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.

Many older adults want to remain independent and age in place in their own homes; however because they are isolated or housebound, meaningful relationships are difficult to come by. Caring Connections volunteers will reach out by phone regularly to these seniors to offer a friendly check-in and an opportunity to feel connected to the community beyond their front door.

Want to Become a Caring Connections Volunteer?

This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for someone looking to make a difference in the life of a senior. All volunteers must:

Many children within Duval County do not have regular access to food. As you can imagine, this instability has an impact on their health and academic success. Snack packs will alleviate some of their discomfort and worry that negatively affects their learning, social interactions, and ability to enjoy life as a child should. This is an opportunity to help Full Service Schools address this barrier to success. This need was also created to aid families heavily affected by the pandemic.

Packs can be completed in three easy steps:

1) Decorate a blank paper bag. A bright, colorful bag can really cheer up a child of any age! 

2) Stuff the bag with the following items (all items should be easy to open, non-perishable, and should need a microwave at most to cook):

3) Create a positive, motivational card for the child and place it in each bag.

4) When you have completed the project and are ready to donate your bags, please contact our project coordinator here.

Safety First

Safety is paramount! Please read and follow these precautions before beginning this volunteer project:

Volunteer Hours

For those that require service hours, one half-hour plus one hour for every two complete snack packs with card will be given for one participant. 

Many Duval County families living at or below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) struggle to afford essentials like new socks — one of the least donated but most requested items. Socks provide comfort, warmth, and protection year-round for both children and adults. You can help by collecting new socks for families served through our Full Service Schools network and our neighborhood community partners. Donations of new children’s underclothes are also welcome.

When collecting socks, please keep in mind:

Volunteer hours available: Earn ½ hour (for travel) plus 1 hour for every 15 individual pairs of socks collected, capped at 10.5 hours per participant.

We are always in need of personal care items, socks, t-shirts, underwear for men, women, and children.

Food drives are a critical way volunteers can address a real community needs individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood. Food items that you collect will benefit a family in need through Lutheran Social Services. 

Most needed items are nonperishable food items, peanut butter, canned meats, dried beans, rice, grains, pasta, sauces, canned vegetables, granola bars, '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.

Drop off donations to our office at 4615 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Contact Nourish Network manager, James Perrigan, for coordinating large donations.

The LSS Nourishment Network food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and additional hours on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

LSS encourages individuals to deliver food donations when the food pantry is closed in order for staff to assist

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. Just contact us here with questions.

Working to break the cycle of poverty.

At heart, all students want stability and love — but poverty makes it difficult for them to get something as simple as their basic needs met. This leaves them feeling ashamed and hopeless among their peers.

Children in the richest country in the world shouldn’t have to go without basic necessities like food, clean clothes, and hygiene products.

Students who need assistance are referred by the school district or school staff or by social service agencies. The Giving Closet Project creates a custom care kit based on the individual student's needs. Within a week, the care package is discretely delivered to the student, helping them feel seen and supported.

Of critical need, The Giving Closet Project is always in need of these hygiene items:

Also, to support students' needs, the following items are in demand:

TGCP encourages individuals to deliver donations when the center is open for staff to assist. Contact TGCP here to arrange drop-off.

United Way can document community service hours for those who need them and will give one hour for every 15 items donated. Just contact us here.

You can more information about Feeding NEFL, their work, and other ways to help at their website here.

This 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. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project at 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. 

For those that need service hours, we can give one hour for every 10 items or package of items donated. Contact us at volunteer@uwnefl.org before drop-off if this is needed. 

We are constantly seeking toiletry items to donate to our community. We are seeking socks from newborn to adults. Clothing items, underwear, and hygiene products from infant to adults. These items would include toothbrushes, body wash, hair care items and so forth. We are always assisting families with these personal needs.

ADULT DIAPER DRIVE (NORTH RIVERSIDE)

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

WHAT TO DO:

Assembling Adult Diaper Drive items involves a few simple steps. The kit should include at least three packs of adult diapers. To truly brighten the senior's day, create a card of encouragement to put inside a box; write a positive message, or decorate it with an inspirational image. We recommend using cardstock so that it won't bend during transport. To make the kit extra special, consider decorating the box.

You can find some helpful tips for hosting a drive HERE.

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one volunteer hour for every three packs of diapers and a card. 

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:

The Adult Diaper 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. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project at 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. 

Many of our seniors live in our most vulnerable communities, and Jacksonville's Historic Eastside is no exception.  Meeting basic care needs is important to seniors who are still living independently, providing them a measure of control over their lives that is critical to a sense of dignity and self-esteem. Unfortunately, items like adult diapers are often overlooked when community drives are held.

We are a local mental health and community behavioral non-profit organization seeking mental health resources for all ages, backgrounds, and demographics! We host a variety of community events and exposure is key! Families don't know what services are available to them, and we do our best at bridging the gap between families and information! If you have a mental health service or product then we want to know! 

We are needing help with volunteers for the 2nd Tuesday in each month giveaway. Volunteers need to arrive by 6:30am and be avail until 12pm. please reach out if you are available to help with any 2nd Tuesday from each month,

 ADULT DIAPER DRIVE (EASTSIDE)

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

WHAT TO DO:

Assembling Adult Diaper Drive items involves a few simple steps. The kit should include at least three packs of adult diapers. To truly brighten the senior's day, create a card of encouragement to put inside a box; write a positive message, or decorate it with an inspirational image. We recommend using cardstock so that it won't bend during transport. To make the kit extra special, consider decorating the box.

You can find some helpful tips for hosting a drive HERE.

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one volunteer hour for every three packs of diapers and a card. 

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:

The Adult Diaper 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. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project at 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. 

Many of our seniors live in our most vulnerable communities, and Jacksonville's Historic Eastside is no exception.  Meeting basic care needs is important to seniors who are still living independently, providing them a measure of control over their lives that is critical to a sense of dignity and self-esteem. Unfortunately, items like adult diapers are often overlooked when community drives are held.

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:

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.

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.

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

Holding a Drive:
Can't make kits? Holding a drive for these same personal care items can also help alleviate the needs in Duval County Public Schools! You can download an instructional document HERE , including discussion questions and tips for holding a drive.

Please download a guide with a list of suggested items HERE. Full-size or items over 3 oz are greatly appreciated. Hotel-sized shampoos are not as useful for students, but can be donated to partner homeless shelters.

For anyone needing service hours, we will verify one hour for every 15 items donated, plus 1/2 hour for transporting the items. 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.

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

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. 

We will be opening up a food pantry in a local school.  We are asking for any donations of food for the children for snacks and most of the families of the students who may be in need of groceries.

Urgent Volunteer Opportunity – Evening Dinner Shift

We are currently in urgent need of volunteers to assist with our evening dinner preparation and service. This is a great opportunity for churches, groups, students, and individuals looking to make a meaningful impact on those we serve.

Dinner Shift Details:

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: 900 West Adams Street (Corner of Adams & Lee Street

Volunteer Tasks Include

Your support will help us continue to provide meals and a welcoming atmosphere for our participants. If you’re available to help, please reach out to Jennifer Foster at 904-443-9443 or email jennifer.foster@uss.salvationarmy.org — we are grateful for your time and support!

BABY BASKETS

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

Place all items into the hamper or trash can, along with a heartfelt note and decorations of your choice.

These baskets must include:

-1 pack of diapers (size newborn-5)

-3 packs of wipes

-1 multipack of bottles or sippy cups

-1 hamper/trash can for diapers

-1 baby soap

-1 diaper cream

-1 baby toy

-1 baby blanket

-1 diaper bag

-1 can of formula (optional)
The items must be brand new and unopened.

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 those tracking hours, we will verify two and a half hours for every one basket made.

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 THESE KITS:

Many of our Full Service School sites and partner organizations collaborate with local high schools that support teenage mothers and young parents. One meaningful way we support them is through the generosity of our volunteers, who create baby baskets filled with essential items for their little ones. These baskets help ease the daily challenges of parenting, allowing young mothers to focus on providing for their children while continuing their education. By ensuring their babies have what they need, we empower these young women to pursue their goals with confidence and hope for the future.

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.

We’re organizing a Pantry Food Drive to support individuals and families in need in the Historic Eastside Community. With your generosity, we can provide nutritious meals to those who are struggling to make ends meet.  Your donations will go directly to those in need, helping to provide essential food & personal items to families, seniors, and individuals who are facing difficult times.

What You Can Donate:

Canned Goods (Vegetables, Fruits, Beans, Meats)

Rice & Pasta

Cereal

Peanut Butter

Baby Formula

Other Non-Perishable Items

Clothing

Hygiene Products ( Men & Women)

These items can be dropped off between the hours of 10 am to 6 pm Tuesday thru Friday @ 822 A Philip Randolph Blvd. Jax FL 32206