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In a hurry? Quickly check the list version of upcoming Saturday-only volunteer opportunities by scrolling to the bottom of this page
There are more than 50 volunteer opportunities in Jacksonville listed online at any given time of the year, but in reality, there are hundreds more when it comes to Northeast Florida. Searching for those opportunities can be daunting and take time — time you’d probably rather be spending making a difference.
Orbit Local is cutting out the work for you. As the need grows in our community from the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic the need for volunteers is more urgent than ever.
Bookmark this article in your browser. Each month we update this page with seasonal opportunities to volunteer. You’ll also find a list of recurring volunteer opportunities and community fundraisers, including annual charity events.
Special Volunteer Opportunities For July 2021
All volunteer opportunities are special, but occasionally an opportunity comes along that is unique and therefore you may only have a couple of chances to become part of the outreach before the work is finished. This is the section where you find those opportunities.
July 31 – Educate the Public About Wild and Unique Animals
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has a variety of opportunities for individuals who are able to dedicate at least 8 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months. We welcome anyone over the age of 18 to apply to our Adult Volunteer Program! July 31st is the last day to get your application in! The zoo will begin processing applications in August.
Multiple dates and times – Read to Kids at the YMCA
Giving the time to mentor a child in reading can have an enormous impact on your life. It can boost self-esteem, imagination, increase a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom and make a big difference in their life. No experience is necessary. Training and ongoing support will be provided for you. Sign-up here.
Recurring Volunteer Opportunities
Help People Experiencing Homelessness
During the last Saturday of every month, Three Grains of Rice Missions in partnership with Cup of Love Ministries holds a food and clothing distribution for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Jax. Volunteers are needed to help pass out the provided supplies and assist disabled people through the lines. To participate, message Three Grains of Rice Missions on Facebook. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. outside the City Rescue Mission building at 234 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Lend a Helping Hand During Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30)
The Red Cross and many other disaster response organizations need help with volunteers for the 2021 Hurricane Season. Discover the role that’s right for you.
Take Care of Shelter Pets
The ACPS of Jacksonville has an urgent need for volunteers. The number of volunteers with the shelter directly correlates to how many animals the agency can take in. A training orientation and free background check is required by the City of Jacksonville. The orientation is not virtual and you must be willing to attend in person. To find when the next orientation session is, email the volunteer services department by emailing Grace at grace@friendsofjaxanimals.com. Apply to be a volunteer using the online application at www.coj.net/volunteer.
Work on a Farm to Help People in Food Deserts Get Access to Produce
Volunteers at White Harvest Farms, an initiative by Clara White Mission, to harvest produce, feed people, heal the land and empower the Moncrief community. The community near Moncrief is a historically underserved area, subject to outdated infrastructure and violent crimes. Organizations like Clara White Mission and community members are working to change the narrative and help the residents who seek assistance. Volunteer opportunities are held from 8 am. – 2 p.m. weekends and weekdays. Find dates and time on their website (scroll to bottom).
Help Meet the Needs of the Homeless in Jax Beach with Mission House
From Mission House: “Volunteers will be preparing and serving lunch for up to 60 homeless adults. We will meet at Mission House from 10 am – 1 pm. During this time we will meet in the kitchen to prep and cook a hot lunch. At 12 pm, the dining room opens and we will then serve the folks their meal. This is a monthly serve opportunity and we look forward to seeing you!” Apply here.
Upcoming Charity and Community Events
Supporting a charity event is a great way to raise money for causes you care about. It also gives you the opportunity to connect to make new friends. Keep in mind there may be registration or other deadlines associated with the events listed below. Don’t wait to learn more. Visit the linked websites to make sure you can participate.
Black Tie Gala to Fight Breast Cancer
Sunday July 31
From The Edith Marie Foundation:
“On Saturday July 31, 2021 we are excited to host our 5th Annual Fundraising Gala at the historic Carling Ballroom. This Black Tie event is to raise funds for our Hope Grant
Keep the Golden Isles Beautiful with this Fundraiser
Sunday, July 18
Put on your dancing shoes, mark your calendars, and get ready for the KGIB’s annual fundraiser. Buy a ticket to get through the doors and then enjoy BBQ, raffles, and much more with all proceeds benefiting clean-up efforts and initiatives around Brunswick and St. Simons Island. Get your tickets here.
Organizations You Can Donate To
Animal Care and Protective Services of Jacksonville
The shelter dogs at Animal Care & Protective Services of Jacksonville apparently love the dog treats brand, Puperoni. The agency accepts donations of the doggie snacks year-round. Donations can be dropped off in person at 2020 Forest St. Jacksonville, FL 32204 or mailed to the same address.
Fostering Connections St. Johns
Fostering Connections St. Johns supports children in foster care and foster families in Northeast Florida. The organization maintains a Walmart registry for their current needs Items here can be as affordable as $5 for deodorant and ranges up to $200+ for laptops and furniture fixtures.
Three Grains of Rice Missions
This organization’s goal is to end homelessness and poverty through encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for the greater good. Their outreach includes local events, but also several international missions.
Feeding Northeast Florida
The nonprofit food bank helps local children and families, seniors and active and retired military members who struggle to put food on the table.
Do you know of a volunteer or charity event happening in Northeast Florida? Email the date, time, location address, organization, and brief description to emily@orbitlocal.com.
In-person volunteer opportunities
DATE: June 1 – November 30 TIME: ongoing
DESCRIPTION: Help the American Red Cross of Northeast Florida
LOCATION: Various, see link in above section under Recurring Opportunities
DATE: July 3 TIME: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Serve Food to Homeless with Mission House
LOCATION: 800 Shetter Ave, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
DATE: July 19 TIME: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Perform tasks associated with harvesting & growing produce with Clara White Mission
LOCATION: 5232-5298 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209
DATE: Multiple TIME: Multiple
DESCRIPTION: Reads to kids at your local YMCA
LOCATION: Multiple
DATE: Multiple TIME: Multiple
DESCRIPTION: Give the gift of music to patients in hospice care
LOCATION: Call the volunteer coordinator: 904-737-2553
DATE: July 31 TIME: 11:59 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Deadline to submit application to volunteer with Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
LOCATION: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
