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 43 volunteer opportunities in Jacksonville listed online, 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 COVID-19 pandemic grows, 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 April 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.
Multiple opportunities April 1-11, 2021 Support agricultural success at Clay County Fair
The Clay County Agricultural Fair is seeking ticket scanners and sellers throughout the duration of the fair. Volunteer shifts are three hours with varying times available. The fair supports the Clay County economy as well as the vendors, farmers, livestock raisers who come back year after year. It also provides a family-friendly event for community members.
Saturday, April 3 and 10, 2021 – City-sponsored Downtown Jacksonville clean-up
A group of MBA students are calling for volunteers to join them during a trash clean-up and homeless outreach in Downtown Jacksonville. The clean-up is sponsored by the City of Jacksonville. Organizers ask volunteers to register on EventBrite so the city knows how many trash bags and gloves to provide. The event lasts from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Meet-up location is at 210 E State St, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday April 17, 2021 – Help dispose of hazardous wastes in Nassau County
Early risers this one’s for you. Keep Nassau Beautiful is disposing of household hazardous waste for residents from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Volunteers are needed to unload cars as they arrive. Gloves will be provided, but you must bring your own mask. The organizers say helping at this event is fast-paced and very rewarding. The time usually flies by.
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.
Inspire Children to Dream Big When it Comes Time to Enter the Workforce
This virtual opportunity is great for those who are in staying strict in quarantine and safer at home practices. Junior Achievement of North Florida is looking for volunteers to join their Career Speaker Series (scroll to bottom). To participate, you upload a video of yourself answering the provided questions about your job and what you do. The goal is to provide students with a broadened spectrum of jobs and improve career literacy.
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).
Inspire Children to Dream Big When it Comes Time to Enter the Workforce
This virtual opportunity is great for those who are in staying strict in quarantine and safer at home practices. Junior Achievement of North Florida is looking for volunteers to join their Career Speaker Series school program (scroll to bottom in link). To participate, you upload a video of yourself answering the provided questions about your job and what you do. The goal is to provide students with a broadened spectrum of job and career opportunities.
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.
Support Autism and Different Abilities Fashion & Talent Show
April 10, 2021
Dare 2 Hire Different, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and employing those with disabilities, is holding its annual Different Abilities Fashion & Talent Show. Last year’s show was cancelled due to COVID-19 so they’re in need of support now more than ever! This event is a huge fundraiser for the organization and a full crowd is needed to show support for the participants in the show.
5K to Raise Money to Support LGBTQ youth
April 24, 2021
The 10th Annual Strides for Pride, organized by JASMYN is being held at Riverside Park in April. Runners are encouraged to get decked out in rainbow gear for the socially distanced 5K. Money raised from the event goes to support and empower LGBTQ youth by creating safe space, providing health and wholeness services and offering youth development opportunities, while bringing people and resources together to promote equality and human rights.
Golf Tournament to Fund Medical Equipment & Pancreatic Cancer Research
June 5, 2021
The 4th annual Funk-Zitiello Golf Classic, run by Champions of Hope, is being held at TPC Sawgrass in June. Organizers are still planning the event and are set to announce more details soon. Orbit Local will update this entry when the information is publicized. The money raised from the event will benefit the JT Townsend Foundation, an organization that helps families in Duval County and beyond afford adaptive medical equipment for loved ones with debilitating illnesses or diseases, and pancreas cancer research.
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 (Saturday only)
DATE: March 27, 2021 TIME: 8:45-11:30am
DESCRIPTION: Clothing and Food Drive with Three Grains of Rice Missions
LOCATION: 234 W. State Street, Jacksonville, FL 3220
DATE: March 27 & 28, 2021 TIME: Per sign-up
DESCRIPTION: Animal Care & Protective Services Orientation
LOCATION: 2020 Forest Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
DATE: March 27, 2021 TIME: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Perform tasks associated with harvesting & growing produce
LOCATION: 5232-5298 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209
DATE: April 3 & 10, 2021 TIME: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
DESCRIPTION: Downtown Jacksonville trash clean-up & homeless outreach
LOCATION: 210 E State Street, Jacksonville, FL
DATE: April 10, 2021 TIME: 9 am. – noon
DESCRIPTION: Manual labor & beautification for children’s ranch and school
LOCATION: 3631 Seamark Ranch Road, FL-16, Green Cove Springs, FL
DATE: April 17, 2021 TIME: 7:30 a.m.
DESCRIPTION: Keep Nassau Beautiful hazardous waste disposal
LOCATION: 86200 Gene Lassere Boulevard, Yulee, FL
DATE: April 24, 2021 TIME: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Perform tasks associated with harvesting & growing produce
LOCATION: 234 W. State Street, Jacksonville, FL 3220
