Tis the Season of Giving and We have the Best Ways to Give Back this Year
The holidays are coming up and, with all the money spent around this time, it is important to remember that the most worthwhile expenditure is paying it forward. Whether you’re searching for something long term or just a couple opportunities here and there to help out, Jacksonville has plenty of volunteer opportunities for those good-hearted people!
Help the Homeless Resource Fair – On December 8, set aside some time to interact with the homeless population in Jacksonville at Hemming Park. Starting at 10 AM, not only will necessary items be provided to the homeless but also resources they can use to get back on their feet.
The Salvation Army – Very popular around the holiday season, volunteering at The Salvation Army is a great way to serve those in need. They have multiple programs like the Food Pantry, Kitchen, Meal Ministry, and more. They can always find a way for your help!
Food Pantry – Serving an average of 250 households each week, they need help M-F from 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Volunteers assist with sorting, bagging, and distributing food. They also need office assistance to complete forms and verify client documents.
Meal Ministry – Once you serve the hungry, you know you’ve made a great difference. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience and have a compassionate heart, join the Meal Ministry Program and serve dinner to the homeless from 5:45 PM – 7 PM or Sunday morning from 8:15 AM- 9:15 AM.
Feeding Northeast Florida – If you’re looking to volunteer from time to time without taking on a volunteer “job”, try out Feeding Northeast Florida! Your role is to help ensure that high-quality, safe food is being distributed to clients by working a food-inspecting shift. They have food-sorting shifts Tuesday through Friday, or one Saturday a month.
#FrayLife Tip: You just have to schedule your shift in advance, which you can do here.
BEAM – Hoping to stay close to the beach? Give BEAM a whirl. Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry serves low-income residents in Jax Beach. With over 350 volunteers, you can assist with outreach events, fundraisers, food drives, and more. Just apply online and give yourself a pat on the back!
Bright Holidays – With a mission to improve the lives of underprivileged students and their families in the greater Jacksonville area during the holidays, Bright Holidays is always in need of a hand. Relying solely on a volunteer effort, they need faculty representatives, shoppers, and volunteers for miscellaneous tasks (like gift-wrapping). If you have a minute (or dollar) to spare, come help out!
Trinity Rescue Mission – If you are ready to serve the hungry and homeless, apply to volunteer with Trinity Rescue Mission! They have a number of guidelines to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and EFFECTIVE. You can make a difference for the homeless population in Jacksonville, so volunteer!
World Relief Jacksonville – With multiple programs like Friendship Partners, Mentor Assistants, and more, World Relief Jacksonville takes the cake for volunteer opportunities. The goal of this organization is to help out refugees as they get settled and find jobs.
Friendship Partners – For those looking for more of a long term project, Friendship Partners is a 3 month commitment, where you are trained and equipped to assist in the resettlement of refugees. They need help learning English, transportation assistance, and most importantly friendship (awwww).
Mentor Assistant – If you are a working professional and feel you have knowledge to give, join the Mentor Assistant program! In this program, you coach a refugee towards their specific professional background, employment readiness, and interview skills. Contact [email protected] if you think you’re a good fit!
Downtown Monthly Street Count – Through Changing Homelessness, you will talk to homeless people downtown and guide them to a housing plan. It takes place every 4th Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Hemming Park. The 2018 dates are November 27th and December 18th so get ready to help!
Jacksonville Public Library – For anyone who loves a good read, the Jacksonville Public Library has got it all. What they also offer is a chance to volunteer and serve the community! They need volunteers who want to help as E-Classroom assistants, assistants with neatness and order, and English language volunteers who can teach others. Sign up and volunteer!
Junior Achievement of North Florida – You want to help students learn and discover new opportunities? Get started with Junior Achievement! You can volunteer in the classroom, choose your schedule, and go through a quick and effective training session. They are super flexible and let you choose your grade level and time commitment. Help inspire and prepare young people to succeed!
American Cancer Society Southeast Florida – The American Cancer Society is looking to build a strong Event Leadership committee for volunteer opportunities in southeast Jacksonville. Join the movement to end cancer! They want people who can give 2-6 hours per month as well as plan and execute the Relay for Life event in Jax!
For anyone that just thinks to themselves, “Gosh I wish I had more chances to volunteer on the fly”, Jacksonville has got that too! Check out VolunteerMatch to pair you with the best opportunities in your area, on your schedule. There are so many chances to help that it almost makes you feel bad if you don’t…Am I right?
View More Articles By Lexi Aughenbaugh