Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

Collect or purchase books for the Literacy Alliance lending library. 

Books for all ages are needed, but the reading level should be beginning through middle school.  Our students read books for their own practice and enjoyment, as well as, reading to their children or grandchildren. 

Gently used books are always appreciated. High interest and low reading level is best. 

You may also purchase inexpensive books from this site. See the $3 books available. Scroll down to see all titles. You may also filter by grade level.

https://www.townsendpress.com/store/college/fiction-and-nonfiction

Thank you for helping us maintain our lending library!

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.

The purchasing or collecting of diapers of all sizes, wipes, and creams is a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood.

Low income parents must often choose between buying diapers for their child or buying food. Now image,  if you were a teen mom.

A healthy change of diapers can cost over $100 per month. Safety Net programs such as, WIC Food Stamps, and Medicaid do not pay for or provide diapers.

Using a soiled diaper for a long period of time results in increased illness.

 Please contact Jordan Whitmarsh for donation pick up at 904-588-5989 or beachesylvs@yahoo.com.

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

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.

MINDFULNESS KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

Click Here to download instructions for Kid Mindfulness Kits.

Click Here to download the instructions for Adult Mindfulness Kits.

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.

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE

Please put these items in a sturdy container like a decorated cardboard box. Do not use shirt boxes as they are flimsy and do not store well.

For those needing service hours verified, we will provide one half-hour plus one service hour for every two kits made, 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:

Create kits to catalyze mindfulness in children and adults. Mindfulness can be defined as a present awareness of one’s experience without judgment. It is a self-regulation process that focuses on training attention in order to foster general mental well-being and develop the capacity for calmness. It is an incredible tool to help people understand and cope with various emotions. Many studies show that practicing mindfulness reduces stress and increases positivity.

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.

Jewish Family & Community Services collects school supplies for school age foster and adoptive children in grades Kindergarten-9th grade on a yearly basis. This drive is one of the most important drives we do. With a goal of 100 backpacks, every donation makes a difference and helps a child whose life is anything but normal to feel a sense of normalcy. It takes away their anxiety of going to school and not having the supplies they need to complete the assignments they are given.

This is a collection drive. Keep in mind, not all grades are the same - the middle and high school students have the biggest need in our area for supplies.

Items needed include:

If you have any interest in helping with this drive, it begins in May. Items can be delivered to the JFCS 8540 Baycenter location, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Donna O'Steen for more details at 904-394-5714/dosteen@jfcsjax.org.

Teachers are not just essential workers, they are essential, period. Here's your chance to thank teachers for putting themselves on the front line every day to prepare our children for tomorrow. In just a few short minutes, you can make a heartfelt video that will make the day of many an educator, and all you need is a smartphone or computer! Just download the detailed instructions here to get started.

You will receive one volunteer hour upon completion of all the steps.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers and frontline workers continuously put their lives at risk for the safety of their communities. In just a few short minutes, you can share your gratitude and all you need is a smartphone or computer! Just download the detailed instructions here to get started.

You can see an example of a video thank you here.

You will receive one volunteer hour upon completion of all the steps.

Can you carry a tune? Are you good at noodling on the guitar? Do you have a French horn gathering dust in a closet? Why not share your love of music with others in a short video of a song? Music can be a wonderful way to share and communicate, as well as support emotional well being. Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing stress. Music can even stimulate memory in the elderly! Your song can be effective for relaxation and stress management for many vulnerable groups: children, the disabled, and seniors! 

Just download the detailed instructions here to get started.

You will receive 1.5 volunteer hours upon completion of all the steps.

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. 

Exam season is just around the corner. It's a nerve wracking time for all college students- especially new college students approaching their first one. No matter what students are worried about, this DIY finals survival kit will be a total lifesaver and it will help keep students motivated!

Start creating the kit by decorating a box with positive or encouraging messages/ images. You can use colored pencils, markers, stickers, etc. to make your box stand out. Then, please select one of the themes below and fill your box with the suggested items (please ensure items are new and not expired).

Next, create an encouragement card and place it on top of the other items before closing the box. Contact the project coordinator to arrange a drop-off date and time at our donation site. Our Full Service Schools sites will send these kits to first generation college and former DCPS Full Service Schools students.

Here are a few suggestions:

Cheeze-its or Goldfish

Oreo Cookies

Nature Valley Granola Bars

Air-heads

Smarties

Smart Food Popcorn

M&Ms

Skittles

Small Box of Cereal

Pretzels

Beef Jerky

Squeezable Applesauce

Encouraging note

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate

Spiced Apple Cider

Box of True Lemon Crystal Lite

Maxwell House Instant Coffee

Box of Earl Gray Tea

Box of Herbal Tea (Pomegranate Raspberry, Mint Tea, Ginger Tea, Throat Coat Tea)

Box of Green Tea

Packets of Sugar

A Microwave-Safe Mug

Encouraging Note

Emergen-C

Microwave Popcorn

Ramen Noodles

Chips

Goldfish

Pop Tarts

Granola Bar

Sweet and Salty Trail Mix

Protein Bar

Gummy Snacks or Gummy Bears

Encouraging Note

Index Cards

Sticky Notes

Mechanical pencils

Pens

Highlighters

Stress Ball

Snacks

Mint Gum

Emergen-C

Hand Sanitizer

Cleaning Wipes

Encouraging Note

Lip Balm

Nail Polish

Hand Lotion

Sugar Scrub

Cozy socks

Eye Mask

Box of Herbal Tea

Encouraging Note

 We will verify one half-hour for the project and one volunteer hour for every kit complete with card and decorations.

 *photo courtesy of Ally Smith's Pinterest

Teachers’ stress has soared and morale has plummeted during the pandemic, a flammable combination that quickly makes teachers feel burnt out. It’s more important than ever for us to help support teachers and show our appreciation for all the wonderful things they do every day.

Show your appreciation for educators by assembling a thoughtful, practical kit to help them get through the day. Decide which kit you want to assemble and click on one of the kits below to download the instructions.

Mason Jar Survival Kit

Teacher Survival Kit

Teacher Survival Kit (Large)

Teacher Candy Survival Kit

When the project is complete, contact the project coordinator to arrange a kit drop-off at a Full Service Schools Site. Full Service Schools will distribute these kits to Duval County Public Schools teachers.

United Way of Northeast Florida will verify one volunteer hour for every two Mason Jar kits or Candy kits. We will verify one volunteer hour for every Survival Kit, and we will verify 1.5 volunteer hours for every Large kit.

You can brighten the day of an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities! Make a card for a client participating in programs at Pine Castle and share a little sunshine with them. To learn more about Pine Castle and their programs, please visit their website.

Create a card with cardstock. You can decorate it using crayons, colored pencils, pens, etc. Draw a picture, write a positive quote, write a poem, or glue on one of these images. Be creative as long as it's encouraging and positive!

Guidelines for cards:

When the cards are ready for donation, please contact the project's coordinator to arrange a drop-off date or to receive the mailing address. United Way of Northeast Florida will verify one volunteer hour for every five handmade (not printed) cards created up to 8 hours. We would also be happy to provide a volunteer verification document if needed.

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.

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.

Being a tennis based academic program, our students are required to wear athletic tennis shoes at all times.  We often have a need for kid size shoes sizes 11 kids - 6 kids. 

Please email volunteer@malwashington.com before dropping off or with any questions.

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.

 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.

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. 

School Supply Kits 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. 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. 

Purchasing or collecting school supplies is a great way to support the work that we do through our school partners such as Lutheran Social Services. School supplies are needed year-round, not only at the beginning of the school year. We invite to you participate n 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 will earn service hours as you do it! We will offer one half-hour plus one hour of service for every 15 items collected and delivered for one participant.  Please email volunteer@uwnefl.org with pictures of your items prior to drop off to receive service hours.

To coordinate drop off directly with Lutheran Social Services, please call (904) 448-5995. If you have further questions please contact our program coordinator HERE

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.

Help Urban Geoponics create welcoming neighborhood spaces where books, learning, and community can thrive.

Urban Geoponics combines literacy and urban growing spaces to support families across Duval County. Volunteers will purchase, decorate, and donate a kid-friendly Little Free Library to help spark reading and connection in local neighborhoods.

Service hours available:

Travel time is already included in these totals.

Download the project instructions here for example library links, decoration ideas, drop-off steps, and hour documentation details.