Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

Help ensure families in our community have access to the food they need. Please register for a drop-off time before coming to the Arlington Full Service Schools location—our small staff relies on scheduled deliveries to manage food safely and efficiently.

Help ensure families in our community have access to the food they need. Please register for a drop-off time before coming to the Englewood Full Service Schools location—our small staff relies on scheduled deliveries to manage food safely and efficiently.

Help ensure families in our community have access to the food they need. Please register for a drop-off time before coming to the Ribault Full Service Schools location—our small staff relies on scheduled deliveries to manage food safely and efficiently.

Help ensure families in our community have access to the food they need. Please register for a drop-off time before coming to the Westside Full Service Schools location—our small staff relies on scheduled deliveries to manage food safely and efficiently.

Help ensure families in our community have access to the food they need. Please register for a drop-off time before coming to the Greater Springfield Full Service Schools location—our small staff relies on scheduled deliveries to manage food safely and efficiently.

Help ensure families in our community have access to the food they need. Please register for a drop-off time before coming to the Sandalwood Full Service Schools location—our small staff relies on scheduled deliveries to manage food safely and efficiently.

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.

This MLK Day of Service, join the resident-led Melanin Collaborative Group (MCG) as they continue revitalization efforts in Jacksonville’s historic Eastside. MCG is a community-rooted nonprofit known for uplifting local entrepreneurs, hosting the Jax Melanin Market, and bringing neighbors together through volunteer-driven projects and events.

Building on the progress made during past MLK service days, volunteers will help refresh and enhance beautification efforts throughout the district — including landscaping around street trees, clearing walkways, and adding simple improvements that boost curb appeal and neighborhood pride.

Your time and teamwork help strengthen this vibrant community and support the small businesses, families, and residents who call Out East home.

.

Help bring new life and energy to Jacksonville’s historic Eastside! Join the Historic Eastside CDC as they work to strengthen the A. Philip Randolph corridor by installing new bike racks throughout this important community space. A trusted, resident-focused nonprofit, Historic Eastside CDC leads efforts to preserve neighborhood heritage, support local businesses, and create safe, welcoming public areas for everyone.

Bike racks help young people, seniors, and anyone without a car move around more easily and safely. They also support a more people-friendly streetscape — encouraging foot traffic, boosting nearby shops, and building a corridor where neighbors can gather, shop, and connect.

If you enjoy hands-on, outdoor projects where you can use tools and see real results by the end of your shift, this is a rewarding way to spend your MLK Day of Service.
Sign up to help build a more vibrant and accessible Eastside for all.

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.

Join us in supporting Northside Community Involvement (NCI), a nonprofit that strengthens Northwest Jacksonville through youth programs, family support, and transitional housing.

For this MLK Day of Service, volunteers will help update the exterior of a women’s transitional shelter by painting and assisting with light repairs as NCI replaces the building’s siding.

Your service will help create a safer, more welcoming environment for women working toward stability.

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. They understand how neighborhood blight can deeply affect residents — lowering property values, creating safety concerns, reducing quality of life, and eroding community pride.

For MLK Day of Service, Destined for a Change is leading a revitalization effort throughout the Phoenix area — including 8th & Florida Avenue, Pacetti to Franklin Street, Phoenix Avenue, 9th & 10th Streets, and Winthrop Street.

Volunteers are needed to help remove litter, trim overgrowth, sweep sidewalks, and clear debris to improve safety and restore curb appeal. Beautifying these streets isn’t just about appearance; it’s about creating a cleaner, safer environment that strengthens dignity, pride, and connection among neighbors.

Your hands can help Phoenix reclaim its shine.

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 Grace Baptist Church 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

United Way partner Groundwork Jacksonville is dedicated to creating cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhoods through environmental restoration and community engagement. They understand how neglected parks and public spaces can impact a community — reducing safety, discouraging use, and diminishing pride, especially for young people who rely on them the most.

For MLK Day of Service, GroundWork Jax is leading a revitalization effort at Kooker Park in the Phoenix neighborhood. This park is a vital gathering place for local youth and families, and restoring it helps ensure they have a safe, welcoming space to play, learn, and connect.

Volunteers are needed to help remove litter, clear overgrowth, tidy pathways, and support a variety of other on-site improvements that enhance safety and restore the park’s vibrancy. Park beautification is more than a cleanup — it strengthens dignity, pride, and connection throughout the community.

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. 

Senior Care Packs include items that seniors may find useful to make their daily life easier. These kits are distributed to the elderly who need extra assistance. Bags should be reusable shopping bags, totes, or drawstring backpacks.

Packs should include a combination of (but not limited to) the following items:

Assembling these kits involves a few simple steps. First, create a card of encouragement to put inside the bag; write a positive message or decorate with an inspirational image. We recommend using cardstock so that it won't bend in the bag during transport. Then, one of each item and the card should be placed in the bag. 

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

Contact our project coordinator here to coordinate drop-offs or ask questions.

Senior Care Packs include items that seniors may find useful to make their daily life easier. These kits are distributed to the elderly who need extra assistance. Bags should be reusable shopping bags, totes, or drawstring backpacks.

Packs should include a combination of (but not limited to) the following items:

Assembling these kits involves a few simple steps. First, create a card of encouragement to put inside the bag; write a positive message or decorate with an inspirational image. We recommend using cardstock so that it won't bend in the bag during transport. Then, one of each item and the card should be placed in the bag. 

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

Contact our project coordinator here to coordinate drop-offs or ask questions.

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.

Senior Care Packs include items that seniors may find useful to make their daily life easier. These kits are distributed to the elderly who need extra assistance. Bags should be reusable shopping bags, totes, or drawstring backpacks.

Packs should include a combination of (but not limited to) the following items:

Assembling these kits involves a few simple steps. First, create a card of encouragement to put inside the bag; write a positive message or decorate with an inspirational image. We recommend using cardstock so that it won't bend in the bag during transport. Then, one of each item and the card should be placed in the bag. 

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour  for travel plus one volunteer hour for every three bags of at least eight items each, capped at 5.5 hours for one participant.

Contact our project coordinator here to coordinate drop-offs or ask questions.

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. 

MAGIC READING CARPETS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

WHY MAGIC READING CARPETS:

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

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

 SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE

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

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

WHY THIS DRIVE:

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

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

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

PET FOOD DRIVE

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

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions here.

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS DRIVE:

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

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

FOOD DRIVE FOR FULL SERVICE SCHOOLS

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

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS DRIVE:

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

 HAPPY BOTTOMS DIAPER PACKS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

Supplies needed:

-Diapers (any size)

-Wipes

-Diaper Cream

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THESE PACKS:

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

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

PERSONAL CARE KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

SENIOR CARE KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions for making Senior Care Kits HERE

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

TREASURE CHEST

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

DISASTER KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

Items: 

- Disposable poncho

- Small flashlight with batteries 

- extra batteries 

- First-aid kit

- small 8 oz. bottle of water

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

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

- Whistle 

- Glow sticks 

- Packs of tissue 

- Hand sanitizer 

- Emergency blanket 

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

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

 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.

Beach Clean Up Guidelines

Directions

Jacksonville Beach Pier

303 N 1st Street

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Google Maps Link

There is plenty of parking at the pier! M-F parking is free with a $3 fee on the weekends (early morning cleanups are not affected). Please dress appropriately for an outdoor project and according to the weather. We ask that you wear gloves and bring trash bags with you. Please make sure you bring sunscreen/hats and water for hydration.  This volunteer project can be done individually or as a team.

Where to clean-up

Volunteers can pick up trash anywhere on the sand, on-under-around walkways onto the beach, under the pier, on the main boardwalk, pier parking lot, and city parks on the beach (amphitheater).  

Where not to clean-up

Please do not step into the dunes. This contributes to erosion. If you can reach something, it’s fine to pick up, if you can’t then please leave it. Eventually, the wind will bring it to a place where it can be picked up.

Hazardous trash should be disposed of properly (i.e. place the waste in a sealed container and picked up with some sort of apparatus to prevent contact with your body).

Do not feel you must pick up hazardous trash such as needles, broken glass etc.

Consolidating Trash and recycling

Inform your volunteers to come back together 15 mins prior to the end time of the clean-up. You can examine your trash, share ‘weird’ finds, etc. Anyone with small bags can place them in a larger bag for consolidation.

Recycling- If you would like to separate your trash and pull out plastic bottles and recyclables please feel free to do so. However, there are not any recycling bins on the beach so you will need to take them home or to another recycling facility.

Where to place your trash bags

Please place your trash bags NEXT TO any city trash can located by each clock on the beach for city pick up. DO NOT PLACE BAGS IN THE TRASH CANS. The city likes for us to tie the bags and place by, not in, the cans. Otherwise, we will fill the trash cans with our bags thus forcing others to litter, thus continuing this cycle!

Photo of volunteers and trash

Please take a group shot of your volunteers and a shot of your total collected trash for documentation purposes. Please send pictures to United Way. This will allow us to verify your volunteer hours. 

Volunteer Hours

We will verify volunteer hours using your self-reported hours and photo of collected trash. Hours are awarded on a one-to-one basis, capped at three hours per day.

Notes

 For those assembling teams:

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.

It may not be food, but these bags delivered to seniors receiving home-delivered meals and groceries in Jacksonville's Historic Eastside are still much-needed essential items. Senior Care Bags are assembled packages of items that seniors may find useful to make their daily life easier.  Bags should be reusable shopping bags, totes, or drawstring backpacks.

Welcome Bags can include a combination of six or more (but not limited to) of the following items:

Assembling these kits involves a few simple steps. First, create a card of encouragement to put inside the bag; write a positive message, or decorate it with an inspirational image. We recommend using cardstock so that it won't bend in the bag during transport. Then, one of each item and the card should be placed in the bag. 

Safety First

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

For anyone collecting hours, we will verify one half-hour plus one volunteer hour for every two bags with at least eight items, capped at 5.5 hours for one participant.

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

You can help non-profits build their capacity and improve the community by recruiting volunteers through the United Way of Northeast Florida's Volunteer Hub on behalf of United Way's community partners. Your job will include:  

This is a remote position. Your hours are calculated based on the number of hours spent posting the needs and events for the partner agency.  You will be self-directed but supported through United Way of Northeast Florida's Volunteer and Community Engagement team.

You should only be contacted by your non-profit agency twice a month to post events and volunteer opportunities.  

Skills Needed:  

Requirements:  

If you are interested but have not served 10 hours as a volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@uwnefl.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.

Every child deserves to have a birthday celebration, but not every family has the means to make that possible for their children. You can help by providing families with a box of birthday “essentials” that they can use to ensure that each child’s life is worth celebrating and their special day is the best it can be!  

What to do:

Please note: All items must be in new and in original packaging.

Required Items:

Optional Items:

If you have any additional items that you think will help make a child's birthday special, please include them! Stuffed animals, puzzles, and card games are great gifts for any child to receive for their birthday.

Do not include anything that is religious or political in nature to respect everyone's beliefs as we don't who the recipient will be.

Once your box(es) is/are complete, please contact us at volunteer@uwnefl.org to arrange drop-off. We are happy to address any questions you may have as well.

For those that require service hours, one half-hour (for travel) plus 1.5 hours will be given per box assembled and dropped off. These are capped at 15.5 hours. For example, 4 boxes with drop-off would be 6.5 hours total.

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.

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.

Support Ukrainians in Jacksonville

Over 135 Ukrainian people, primarily women & children, have arrived in the Arlington area of Jacksonville in the past month. They are being housed by Ukraine speaking family and friends. 

Volunteers can help support Ukrainians by providing household goods and personal items including:

All donated items must be new. 

Items can be delivered to the warehouse at 29 South Arlington Road. Please contact the project's coordinator here for more details and drop-off times.

Volunteer Hours

For those that require service hours, one half-hour plus one hour for every two complete kits will be given. 

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.

Florida Department of Health in Duval County Emergency Preparedness Office needs Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant (MA) volunteers to assist our Special Needs clients with performing their daily activities like having meals and using the restroom. They also assist the nursing staff.

These positions are needed during natural disasters and other emergencies when evacuation to local shelters is necessary. Volunteers will serve at one of four sites around the county.

Those signing up for this opportunity will be added to a list of potential volunteers to be called up in the event shelters are opened.

For more information, please contact Kynda Hancock at 904-253-1026.

Florida Department of Health in Duval County Emergency Preparedness Office needs Nurse volunteers to assist with medication administration, nursing assessments, wound management, and other limited medical needs.

These positions are needed during natural disasters and other emergencies when evacuation to local shelters is necessary. Volunteers will serve at one of four sites around the county.

Those signing up for this opportunity will be added to a list of potential volunteers to be called up in the event shelters are opened.

For more information, please contact Kynda Hancock at 904-253-1026.

Florida Department of Health in Duval County Emergency Preparedness Office needs Respiratory Therapist volunteers to assist with oxygen dependent clients.

These positions are needed during natural disasters and other emergencies when evacuation to local shelters is necessary. Volunteers will serve at one of four sites around the county.

Those signing up for this opportunity will be added to a list of potential volunteers to be called up in the event shelters are opened.

For more information, please contact Kynda Hancock at 904-253-1026.

Florida Department of Health in Duval County Emergency Preparedness Office needs Social Worker volunteers to assist with Mental Health First Aid, Alzheimer/Dementia clients, Autism clients, developmentally delayed clients, and others.

These positions are needed during natural disasters and other emergencies when evacuation to local shelters is necessary. Volunteers will serve at one of four sites around the county.

Those signing up for this opportunity will be added to a list of potential volunteers to be called up in the event shelters are opened.

For more information, please contact Kynda Hancock at 904-253-1026.

Florida Department of Health in Duval County Emergency Preparedness Office needs General Community volunteers. These non-clinical staff need to be supportive to clients in non-clinical ways: be a companion, provide conversations, assist with pets, read, play games, and be generally upbeat.

These positions are needed during natural disasters and other emergencies when evacuation to local shelters is necessary. Volunteers will serve at one of four sites around the county.

Those signing up for this opportunity will be added to a list of potential volunteers to be called up in the event shelters are opened.

For more information, please contact Kynda Hancock at 904-253-1026.

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. 

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.

ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents the growing number of families who are unable to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology. These workers often struggle to keep their own households from financial ruin, while keeping our local communities running.

It's important to acknowledge the challenges that many individuals and families face in making ends meet. Financial hardships can indeed force people to make difficult decisions to prioritize one necessity over another. Sharing these stories can be a powerful way to raise awareness about the struggles faced by many in our communities.

At United of Northeast Florida, we work to lift the voices of individuals and families whose income exceeds poverty guidelines but falls short of affording a bare-bones household. 

CHANGE BEGINS WITH CONVERSATION! IT IS TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT AND WORK TOGETHER TO FIND SOLUTIONS! 

Share your story with us. Please share how you cope with the impossible choices you face daily due to the high cost of essentials and inflation.

In just a few short minutes (4-5), you can share your story to start the conversation of change in Northeast Florida. All you need is a smartphone or computer! For detailed instructions on how to upload your audio or video recording click here. You will receive one volunteer hour upon completion of all the steps.

Thank you for choosing to share your experiences to create a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those living in financial uncertainty and to drive positive change through advocacy and support initiatives.

 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.

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

 Here’s how the Experience works:

What will volunteers do? 

During a simulation, we use volunteers to role-play as community agencies such as child care centers, social services, utilities, interfaith services, sheriff and more. We are seeking individuals to join a pool of volunteers who can take on one of these essential roles during upcoming simulations that fit into your schedule. As a member of the Meet ALICE Experience Corps, you will come to be experts in helping us spread awareness of ALICE and make strides to alleviate poverty, while still having the flexibility to join the events with days/times that work for you. 

CONFIDENCE KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

Download the instructions for making confidence kits HERE.

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

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

For those that require service hours, one half-hour plus one hour for every two complete Confidence Kits with a card will be given to 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:

Increasingly, many children in grades kindergarten to high school, as well as adults, 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.

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 student’s lives. By providing these critical health items, these girls will have one less thing to worry about and be able to focus on what is really important – their education

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.

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.

BIRTHDAY IN A BOX

Please be sure to acknowledge the DIY and Kits Project 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.

Please note: All items must be in new and original packaging.

Birthday Box items:

Collect all items, assemble boxes with one of each item, and wish the recipient child well in a Happy Birthday card that you can make or purchase.

For those that require service hours, one half-hour (for travel) plus 1 hour will be given per box assembled and dropped off. These are capped at 15.5 hours. For example, 4 boxes with drop-off would be 4.5 hours total.

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

When finished, contact our project coordinator here to let them know how many boxes 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 BOXES:

Every child deserves a birthday celebration, but not every family has the means to make that possible for their children. You can help by providing families with a box of birthday “essentials” that they can use to ensure that each child’s life is worth celebrating and their special day is the best it can be!

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.

Boxes 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.