Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

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.  

 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collect supplies for school age children in grades Kindergarten-12. Help give back to the community and those in desperate need. This is not a volunteer opportunity, rather, a drive for donations.

Help provide someone in need a happy holiday! Whether you choose to sponsor a child or senior in need or a volunteer who wishes to help directly interact and get gifts for those in need, all are welcomed.

This is both a drive and a volunteer opportunity.

You can help give so that the needy can enjoy a happy Thanksgiving in Florida. JFCS provides through its Thanksgiving baskets care packages to those that would otherwise not be able to celebrate the holiday.

Foster children do not have much in this world, but are thankful for all that they get. Help give to JFCS so that foster children can provide gifts to their mothers and so that they can show their appreciation.

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

Any size, any color.

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

No amount is too small.

No amount is too small.

Purchasing items or hosting a drive and assembling hygiene kits is a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood.  You or your team can host a drive, purchase supplies, and drop off the completed project to our location.  You may log your hours and we will verify one hour for every 10 kits collected.  

Items needed - Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Razors, Lotion, Shaving Cream, Soap, All size diapers (not adults) 

Optional - Washcloths, Wipes, Dental Floss, Mouthwash or other small hygiene items

For questions, please contact Beth Wilson clothing@descjax.org

Purchasing items or hosting a food drive is a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, church, school or neighborhood.  You or your team can host a drive, purchase supplies, and drop off the food to our location.  You may log your hours and we will verify one hour for every 10 items collected.  

Items needed - Non Perishable Food items within expiration date i.e. peanut butter, jelly, canned items, boxed goods, cereals, pastas, etc.

For questions, please contact Beth Wilson clothing@descjax.org

REFUGEE WELCOME KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

For anyone collecting service hours, we will grant one half-hour plus one hour per every two kits created.

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

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

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:

The Literacy Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving adult literacy in Northeast Florida. We provide small group classes, computer lab learning, and tutors to help our adult students improve their reading, writing and math skills. 

We are always grateful for reading, math, and computer lab supplies. 

Lead a supply drive for donations! 

Reading and Math Classroom Supplies

Pencils (#2) and Cap Erasers

Loose Leaf Wide-Ruled Notebook Paper

Composition Books (no spiral wire)

Paper Pocket Folders for Homework (without 3 prongs/no metal parts)

Dry Eraser markers and erasers

Shopping bags, or any bags to hold student supplies

Computer Lab Supplies

Mouse pads

Disinfecting wipes

AA batteries

Collect or purchase books for the Literacy Alliance lending library. 

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

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

You may also purchase inexpensive books from this site. See the $2 books available. Scroll down to see all titles. You may also filter by grade level. (examples, Lincoln, Tom Sawyer, Anne Frank, Call of the Wild, etc.)

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

Thank you for helping us maintain our lending library!

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

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

First Generation College Starter Kits are one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project. United Way of Northeast Florida can help you coordinate where to bring the completed kits--just let us know when you're ready to drop it off!

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

For any questions, please contact us here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT TO DO:

Download instructions for making C.R.O.W.N. Hair Care Kits HERE.

You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self-log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project. Once you have responded to this need United Way of Northeast Florida will contact you within 48 hours. 

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

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

MINDFULNESS KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

Click Here to download instructions for Kid Mindfulness Kits.

Click Here to download the instructions for Adult Mindfulness Kits.

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

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

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE

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

For those needing service hours verified, we will provide one half-hour plus one service hour for every two kits made, capped at 10.5 hours for one participant.

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

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

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

Safety First

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

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

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

Items needed include:

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

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

Educator Alvin Irby concluded that "Children's literature represents one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the fight against bigotry and racism in American culture." There's never been a more important time to ensure that all young minds have access to reading material that introduces and celebrates differences, features people of color in everyday situations, and even approaches difficult subjects such as racism with honesty.

Books can be scarce for many families, and books that are not white-focused are amongst the last donated. All books will be given to students through our partner agencies working with school-aged children in Northeast Florida.

You can help future generations come to a greater understanding of their world by donating one book, or many! Download a list of Antiracism children's literature by grade level here, or go straight to our Amazon Wishlists:

When you are ready to make a donation, please contact our project coordinator here.

For those that need service hours, we will give one half-hour plus one hour for two books collected, capped at 10.5 hours for one participant.

Safety First

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just download the detailed instructions here to get started.

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

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

Packs can be completed in three easy steps:

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

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

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

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

Safety First

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

Volunteer Hours

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

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

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

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

Here are a few suggestions:

Cheeze-its or Goldfish

Oreo Cookies

Nature Valley Granola Bars

Air-heads

Smarties

Smart Food Popcorn

M&Ms

Skittles

Small Box of Cereal

Pretzels

Beef Jerky

Squeezable Applesauce

Encouraging note

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate

Spiced Apple Cider

Box of True Lemon Crystal Lite

Maxwell House Instant Coffee

Box of Earl Gray Tea

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

Box of Green Tea

Packets of Sugar

A Microwave-Safe Mug

Encouraging Note

Emergen-C

Microwave Popcorn

Ramen Noodles

Chips

Goldfish

Pop Tarts

Granola Bar

Sweet and Salty Trail Mix

Protein Bar

Gummy Snacks or Gummy Bears

Encouraging Note

Index Cards

Sticky Notes

Mechanical pencils

Pens

Highlighters

Stress Ball

Snacks

Mint Gum

Emergen-C

Hand Sanitizer

Cleaning Wipes

Encouraging Note

Lip Balm

Nail Polish

Hand Lotion

Sugar Scrub

Cozy socks

Eye Mask

Box of Herbal Tea

Encouraging Note

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

 *photo courtesy of Ally Smith's Pinterest

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

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

Mason Jar Survival Kit

Teacher Survival Kit

Teacher Survival Kit (Large)

Teacher Candy Survival Kit

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

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

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

Most needed items are nonperishable food items, peanut butter, canned meats, dried beans, rice, grains, pasta, sauces, canned vegetables, granola bars, 'add water' types of meals (dried rice and pasta dishes, etc.). When selecting items, please keep in mind that items that are too high in sodium are not good for anyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guidelines for cards:

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

Working to break the cycle of poverty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADULT DIAPER DRIVE (NORTH RIVERSIDE)

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS DRIVE:

The Adult Diaper Drive is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project at the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project. 

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

 ADULT DIAPER DRIVE (EASTSIDE)

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS DRIVE:

The Adult Diaper Drive is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project at the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project. 

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

PERSONAL CARE KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

For anyone needing service hours, we will verify one hour for every 15 items donated, plus 1/2 hour for transporting the items. One item counts as each package donated: one can of soup is one item and a six-count package of apple sauce is one item.

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages and sizes to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. Purchasing items or hosting a drive and assembling personal care kits are a critical way volunteers can address a real community need individually or as a group, family, school or neighborhood. Kits will be dispersed to our Full Service School network to be distributed to students or through other non-profit partner agencies who serve the homeless or veteran population. 

School Supply Kits is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more. You or your team will host a drive or purchase the supplies, complete the project, and drop off the completed project to the appropriate location. You may log your hours through the self log feature of your profile after registering for the event and completing your project. Once you have responded to this need, you will be contacted by our project coordinator. 

Purchasing or collecting school supplies is a great way to support the work that we do through our school partners such as Lutheran Social Services. School supplies are needed year-round, not only at the beginning of the school year. We invite to you participate n this DIY Project by collecting supplies on your own or through a drive. You can download a list of the most requested supply items here.

You will earn service hours as you do it! We will offer one half-hour plus one hour of service for every 15 items collected and delivered for one participant.  Please email volunteer@uwnefl.org with pictures of your items prior to drop off to receive service hours.

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

BABY BASKETS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

These baskets must include:

-1 pack of diapers (size newborn-5)

-3 packs of wipes

-1 multipack of bottles or sippy cups

-1 hamper/trash can for diapers

-1 baby soap

-1 diaper cream

-1 baby toy

-1 baby blanket

-1 diaper bag

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

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

More helpful tips for completing DIY projects can be found HERE

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

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

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

WHY THESE KITS:

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

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