Needs From: United Way of Northeast Florida

Literacy is the foundation of all learning—and you can help build it!

Students in grades K–3 are in the critical stage of learning to read, while students in grade 4 and beyond are reading to learn. You can make a lasting impact by joining us for Literacy Days and reading to children. This small act can make a big difference—boosting language and listening skills, sparking imagination, and encouraging creativity.

Funny faces and silly voices are highly encouraged! Since this Literacy Day falls just before Halloween, school-appropriate costumes are welcome too!

Literacy Days begin at 3:30pm on the day and at the address listed above, last about an hour and are limited to 20 volunteers per date.

Your efforts to read to students align with our program goals of increasing the literacy rate of Duval County students! 

Books will be provided. 

Literacy is the foundation of all learning—and you can help build it!

Students in grades K–3 are in the critical stage of learning to read, while students in grade 4 and beyond are reading to learn. You can make a lasting impact by joining us for Literacy Days and reading to children. This small act can make a big difference—boosting language and listening skills, sparking imagination, and encouraging creativity.

Funny faces and silly voices are highly encouraged! 

Literacy Days begin at 3:30pm on the day and at the address listed above, last about an hour, and are limited to 20 volunteers per date.

Your efforts to read to students align with our program goals of increasing the literacy rate of Duval County students! 

Books will be provided. 

Literacy is the foundation of all learning—and you can help build it!

Students in grades K–3 are in the critical stage of learning to read, while students in grade 4 and beyond are reading to learn. You can make a lasting impact by joining us for Literacy Days and reading to children. This small act can make a big difference—boosting language and listening skills, sparking imagination, and encouraging creativity.

Funny faces and silly voices are highly encouraged! Since this is the week of Valentine's Day, we will be using that as a theme for this event.

Literacy Days begin at 3:30pm on the day and at the address listed above, last about an hour, and are limited to 20 volunteers per date.

Your efforts to read to students align with our program goals of increasing the literacy rate of Duval County students! 

Books will be provided. 

Literacy is the foundation of all learning—and you can help build it!

Students in grades K–3 are in the critical stage of learning to read, while students in grade 4 and beyond are reading to learn. You can make a lasting impact by joining us for Literacy Days and reading to children. This small act can make a big difference—boosting language and listening skills, sparking imagination, and encouraging creativity.

Funny faces and silly voices are highly encouraged! Since this is the week of Dr. Seuss's Birthday we will be using that as a theme for this event!

Literacy Days begin at 3:30pm on the day and at the address listed above, last about an hour, and are limited to 20 volunteers per date.

Your efforts to read to students align with our program goals of increasing the literacy rate of Duval County students! 

Books will be provided. 

 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.

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.  

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

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

Provide HOPE and be a mentor!

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.

The Women’s center of Jacksonville touches the lives of over 10,000 women and their families every year. Our mission is to improve the lives of women through advocacy, support, and education.

We have many exciting opportunities that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. Volunteers receive extensive training, so don't worry if you don't have experience.

Literacy Tutor: If you are passionate about literacy, participate in this rewarding program by tutoring students in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, computer skills, or English as a second language. Training and support are provided.

Helping out with the administrative tasks, mostly seated, and inside.

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.

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

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

Items needed include:

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

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

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

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

Many universities and colleges are now requiring freshmen 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 at the site. 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 will help you coordinate the drop off of the completed kits. Just let us know when you have completed the kit(s).

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.

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You’ll provide students with quality English instruction and inspire them to create opportunities for their futures. Join us and make learning fun!

18+ / 5 days a week

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

in Spanish while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You'll provide students with the opportunity to expand their horizons, develop critical thinking skills, learn about the world, and have fun doing it!

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.

This position supports the Regional Volunteer Services department. This is a 100% virtual (volunteer-from-home) opportunity. Screening Team members seek to understand what brought prospective volunteers to the Red Cross, their areas of interest and what position they would find most meaningful. Screeners use their understanding of the volunteer and match it with the needs of the organization, connecting volunteers with positions for which they are both interested and well suited.

Working to Improve Neighborhoods (WIN) is a male mentoring program for youth ages 6-18 who live in 32208 and 32209. WIN is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-9pm. This program teaches conflict resolution strategies, while using basketball as a way to practice those skills.

The vision is for participants to have one-on-one time with a mentor. Mentorship will occur during the WIN Program hours and should be meaningful. Having another voice and point of reference could determine an awesome present and a successful future. Volunteers are subject to a Level II Background Check and Orientation before starting. 

Working to Improve Neighborhoods (WIN) is a male mentoring program for youth ages 6-18 who live in 32208 and 32209. WIN is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-9pm. This program teaches conflict resolution strategies, while using basketball as a way to practice those skills.

The vision is for participants to have access to supports as needed. This includes tutoring and counseling. Volunteers are subject to a Level II Background Check and Orientation before starting. 

Working to Improve Neighborhoods (WIN) is a male mentoring program for youth ages 6-18 who live in 32208 and 32209. WIN is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-9pm. This program teaches conflict resolution strategies, while using basketball as a way to practice those skills.

WIN is looking for donations of snacks and drinks to be served when participants attend the program nights. WIN is also looking for assistance with serving and discussing nutritional value, and how food impacts the mind and body. Volunteers are subject to a Level II Background Check and Orientation before starting. 

CIS works hard to ensure students have all their needs met in order to succeed in school and in life. The truth is that many of our students rely on items we supply for school supplies, hygiene items, food, and basic needs items such as socks, underwear, and clothing. Organizing a Drive Work with friends, co-workers, or an organization to collect items based on student's needs helps us ensure all students have what they need to be successful. 

How does it work?

Once you register our volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss the specifics of how to ensure your drive is successful.

Ideas of some of our most-needed items include:

Hygiene items:

School supplies:

Gift cards:

Clothes:

If you/your organization is interested in coordinating a drive, please connect with us! 

Want to get involved with CIS but not sure how you fit in? Or do you have something in mind that is not listed on our website?

At CIS we value our community members and their interest in pouring into the students in the Jacksonville area. We want to make sure your volunteer experience is impactful, successful, and memorable. We will reach out to to discuss and ultimately place you in the opportunity that is best for you or even create a new, unique volunteer opportunity together!

General Notes:

PERSONAL CARE KITS

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

WHAT TO DO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY THIS KIT:

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

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

Volunteers will assist with the daily operational tasks that ensure the smooth functioning of READ USA. This role supports our teams with managing inventory, organizing supplies, and helping with the movement of materials. Volunteer will also assist with clerical tasks in the office.

The Sanctuary on 8th Street is an enriching, affirming environment for youth living in the Springfield neighborhood. We are searching for volunteers to assist with our after-school program, which includes homework time, reading buddies, and free play.

Host a Literacy Day for Your Group!

Are you part of a group, corporate team, church, civic organization, or other community group? You can schedule a Literacy Day exclusively for your members! Ideal for groups of 10–20 people, this is a powerful opportunity to give back and make a lasting impact. Literacy is the foundation of education. Up to third grade, children are learning to read—after that, they read to learn. By reading to students during our Literacy Day, your group can help build essential language and listening skills, spark imagination, and foster creativity. Literacy Days begin at 3:30 PM and the location can be coordinated based on our site availability and your groups location.

Do you have experience and knowledge to share?

Become a guest speaker and inspire young minds to reach for their dreams! Share your professional journey and insights on where you work, what you do, what it’s like, and how students can achieve the same success. You may answer questions like:

Through sharing your story you can open doors to new possibilities for students. These guest speaking opportunities expose students to career options they may not be familiar with. Exposure to career and education experiences is critical as students learn more about themselves and what they want for their futures.

Would you like speaking as a part of a group?

We can arrange career panel opportunities as well. During a career panel, three to four professionals from your company or different industries can bring a variety of experiences that speak to the diverse backgrounds and goals that our students have. Workforce development is a critical focus area for high school students across all program areas. CIS strives to do everything possible, not only to prepare them for graduation but also to equip them for a successful future. Your contribution can play a vital role in shaping their career aspirations!