Gators Volunteer
Mission: Volunteers are committed to providing quality, community-based service to youth and adults in crisis through compassion and understanding.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Alachua County Crisis Center is training for Volunteer Crisis Line Counselors.
Volunteer Hours: Various
Contact:
(352) 264-6789
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Mission: We will graduate students who have the knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics to be lifelong learners and independent thinkers. Our graduates will excel in their chosen careers and be productive and contributing members of the global community.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are welcome in the public schools in many capacities. You could volunteer in a classroom, become a PTA/PTO member, join a booster club for athletics, band, or academics, become a SAC member, mentor a student, serve as a classroom speaker, judge a science fair, participate in a career fair, become a business partner, volunteer in the media center, clinic, cafeteria or front office. To explore the possibilities, contact the School Volunteer Office or the school of your choice. You can make an appointment to come by the Volunteer Office to look through hundreds of requests from teachers asking for classroom help! Classroom volunteers work closely with teachers and staff, assisting in various projects, keeping records, preparing instructional materials, and interacting with students. Duties in elementary schools may include reading/telling stories, listening to children read, and preparing instructional material. Duties in the middle and high schools may include working on special projects, operating AV equipment, performing clerical duties, making instructional materials, reviewing homework and assisting with testing.
Volunteer Hours: Generally M-F between 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Some evenings and Saturdays may be available for special events.
Contact: Kelley Kostamo, District Volunteer Coordinator
(352) 955–7250 x6412
kostamkb@gm.sbac.edu
volunteers@gm.sbac.edu
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Mission: Caring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center.
Volunteer Opportunities: Helpline Counselors or Community Ambassadors
Volunteer Hours: Various
Contact:
Jessie Lazarchik, helpline counselors
jlazarchik@alachuacounty.us
Cassandra Moore, community ambassadors
camoore@alachuacounty.us
(352) 264-6760
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Mission: To end the needless euthanasia of healthy and treatable companion animals in our community
Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities are available all year long for animal care for both dogs and cats, thrift store assistants, front office help, pet promoters and pet tech assistance. Animal care volunteers will assist staff with cleaning, socializing with animals, and giving out enrichment each day. Thrift store assistants will sort through donations, place merchandise on the floor, and keep the store looking tidy. Front office assistants will file paperwork, answer phone calls, and greet guests at the Humane Society. Pet promoters will attend outreach events in the community to spread the word about our programs and our adoptable animals. Vet tech assistants will work with our vet and vet techs to assist with cleaning of exam rooms, filing paperwork and restraining animals getting vaccines/medication. We also need help with special events throughout the year including Woofstock (Nov) where volunteers will check guests into the event, monitor silent auction tables, give our merchandise and assist with cleaning up after the event.
Volunteer Hours: 8AM - 6PM each day
Contact: Sarah MacLennan
(352) 373–5855 x706
volunteer@alachuahumane.org
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Mission: To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Gainesville Heart Ball (usually held in February at the UF Hilton): This event is a social gala to raise funds for the American Heart Association. Included are a social hour, dinner, dancing, silent auction, live auction, and an Open Your Heart mission appeal. Volunteers are needed to help set-up for the event, work the event and clean up after the event is over. Shifts are available.
The Alachua County Heart Walk (to be held September 23, 2017 at Santa Fe College): This is a 3-mile walk to promote living a healthy lifestyle and making the Alachua community a healthier place. Throughout the season, funds are raised by companies who start walking teams and fundraise throughout the community. The Heart Walk is a celebration for the money raised. Volunteers are needed to help set-up for the event, work the event, and clean up after the event is over. Shifts are available.
Volunteer Hours: Gainesville Heart Ball: The day of the event (Friday or Saturday) from 11AM to Midnight. Shifts are available throughout the day.
Alachua County Heart Walk: The day before the event (Friday), volunteers are needed from 11AM to 4PM. The day of the walk (Saturday), volunteers are needed from 6AM to Noon.
Contact: Megan Rivera
(727) 563–8043
megan.rivera@heart.org
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Mission: To prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. Our vital work is only possible because of people like you. Whether helping one displaced family or thousands, providing care and comfort to an ill or injured service member or veteran, or teaching others how to respond in emergencies, it’s through the efforts of ordinary people that we can do extraordinary things. Browse Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community on our website today!
Volunteer Hours: Business hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm. However, if your staff choose to volunteer during a disaster, there are potentially 24 hour Disaster Operation Volunteer Programs. Each volunteer listing has the required time commitment listed online.
Contact: Meghan Hotchkiss Suslak, Senior Volunteer Specialist
(904) 738-3931
meghan.suslak@redcross.org
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Mission: AMIkids is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. AMIkids' mission is to protect public safety and positively impact as many youth as possible through the efforts of a diverse and innovative staff. AMIkids works in partnership with youth agencies, local communities and families.
Volunteer Opportunities: Filing; mentoring; tutoring; sanitizing; Americorps; community awareness.
Volunteer Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
Contact: Marterricus "MT" Thomas, Executive Director
(352) 256-8423
gainesville-ed@amikids.org
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Mission: To provide a continuum of exemplary services, supports, and advocacy to assure that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities can enjoy respect and dignity and become full participants in the community.
Volunteer Opportunities: Landscaping, yardwork, painting, handiwork, etc. Event support includes golf tournament support, registration help, advocacy, calling vendors for support, etc.
Volunteer Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm, and during fundraising events (as needed)
Contact: Dr. Mark Johnson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
(352) 334–4060 x127
mjohnson@arcalachua.org
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Mission: To provide hope and encouragement to the hungry and food insecure. We acquire, sort, store, and distribute food directly to our communities through our non-profit agencies who provide to those in need.
Volunteer Opportunities: Individuals: Bread of the Mighty Food Bank accepts volunteers Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm. Our food bank collects and distributes food to over 160 agencies in 5 counties here in North Florida. Volunteering opportunities include sorting food items, creating family boxes, stocking shelves, boxing and bagging the food. We have a diverse group of people who volunteer at the Food Bank including professionals, retirees, veterans, teachers and students (high school and college), parents, groups, and many more. Dress is casual- t-shirt, jeans/shorts, tennis shoes. NO flip flops, crocs, or tank tops, please. Please call 352-336-0839 to schedule a 1st time appointment.
Groups: Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. We are open Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm. Our food bank collects and distributes food to over 160 agencies in 5 counties here in North Florida. Volunteering opportunities include sorting food items, creating family boxes, stocking shelves, boxing and bagging the food. We have a diverse group of people who volunteer at the Food Bank including professionals, retirees, veterans, teachers and students (high school and college), parents, groups, and many more. Dress is casual- t-shirt, jeans/shorts, tennis shoes. NO flip flops, crocs, or tank tops, please. Please call 352-336-0839 to schedule a time for your group. We do like to keep the groups to a maximum of 10 people at a time. We can schedule either morning or afternoons. Mornings are from 9-11 10-12pm and afternoons can be from 11-1, 12-2,or 1-3pm depending on which days we have available and whichever is best for your group.
Volunteer Hours: 8am-4pm
Contact: Robert F. Liebler Jr., Director of Volunteer Services
(352) 336–0839
bob.liebler@breadofthemighty.org
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Mission: To transform communities by inspiring and equipping future inventors, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers support our education team by helping facilitate interactive activities and experiments for guests throughout our museum in a variety of different spaces, including our Creativity Lab and Fab Lab.
Volunteer Hours: Friday and Saturday, Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - Noon; Wednesdays, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.; additional hours for events and special programs.
Contact: Hunter Oliver
(352) 371-8001
holiver@cademuseum.org
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Mission: To provide services to anyone in need, regardless of race or religion; to advocate justice, human dignity, and quality of life; and to call all people to join in these efforts thereby reflecting the compassion of God in Christ.
Volunteer Opportunities: Pantry Volunteers, Receptionist, computer input (client information), fundraising, development interns.
Volunteer Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4pm, some special events on the weekends
Contact: John Barli,Denise Fanning
(352) 372–0294
jbarli@ccgnv.org
dfanning@ccgnv.org
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Mission: “Strengthening Communities by Building Strong Families”
Volunteer Opportunities: We are looking for Youth Care Worker Assistants – these are volunteers who assist us in the care and mentoring of at-risk adolescents at our Interface Youth Shelter in Gainesville. We also have a need for administrative volunteers in our offices. We offer new volunteer training roughly a month into each semester – so September, February, and June typically. Next new volunteer training will be first week of June.
Volunteer Hours: Volunteers at Interface Youth Shelter are needed whenever the youth are not in school: 3-9 pm on weekdays and 9am-9pm during the weekends or vacations. Administrative volunteers are needed a few hours per week, usually Monday-Friday between 9am and 8pm depending on the position.
Contact: Radha Selvester
(352) 244–0628 x3865
radha_selvester@cdsfl.org
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Mission: To promote economic mobility by helping people living in poverty achieve self-sufficiency.
Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities vary based on our needs and upcoming events. Below are some things volunteers can help us with:
• Film / Video Record Annual Meeting (Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
• Film / Video Record Client Success Stories
• Setup / break down events
• Check-in / tabling at events
• Help run booths / activities at events
Volunteer opportunities are coordinated and scheduled through Tiffany McKenzie (352) 373-7667 ext. 202 or tmckenzie@cfcaa.org Email or call to have your name added to our e-mailing list to receive updates about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Hours: Varied
Contact: Tiffany McKenzie
(352) 373-7667 ext. 202
tmckenzie@cfcaa.org
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Mission: A comprehensive, child-friendly facility where professionals from law enforcement, medical, child protection and therapeutic services effectively collaborate to meet the individual needs of child victims and break the cycle of abuse.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Child Advocacy Center has diverse, flexible and meaningful opportunities for those interested in volunteering their time and unique talents toward meeting the needs of children traumatized by abuse.
In-House Volunteers: Those wishing to volunteer within the Child Advocacy Center are screened by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through background checks and finger print verification. Once approved, volunteers are given a variety of responsibilities to ensure day-to-day operations of the CAC are performed smoothly. Skills and interests of volunteers will be considered in all assignments. Typical opportunities include:
Play Patrol: Play is a big part of what we do and volunteers are needed to hang out and play with children as they wait for therapy appointments. Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to volunteering for 2-4 hours contiguously each week.
Assisting Staff: You may be asked to assist office staff with their duties including, but not limited to, making phone calls, sending faxes, making copies, restocking brochures, compiling information folders, etc.
Data Entry: Includes, but not limited to, updating mailing lists, media lists, donor lists, etc.
Special Event Volunteers: The Child Advocacy Center coordinates, participates and benefits from many events throughout the year. Our event volunteers help bring these events to life and because we are working outside the CAC, event volunteers do not require background checks/screening. Our 2017 events include the following:
Building a Better Future for Children – April 20, 2017 – 5pm to 7pm - 500 East University Avenue Volunteers needed for event setup/breakdown, guest check-in and bussing tables.
Taste of Greater Gainesville – June 4, 2017 – 4pm to 9pm – UF Hilton Volunteers needed for silent auction setup, event setup, silent auction monitor, trash runners, restaurant assistants, and event breakdown.
Gainesville Wing Bowl – August 27, 2017 – 6:30 to 8:30pm – Splitz Bowling Center Volunteers needed for registration, raffle sales, chicken wing counters and event breakdown
Gainesville Gone Austin – October 26, 2017 – 6pm to 10pm – Santa Fe River Ranch This is our signature fundraising event! Volunteers needed for event setup, registration, silent auction setup, silent auction monitors, silent auction check out, raffle sales, bussers, trash runners, bar-backs, parking attendants, volunteer hospitality and event breakdown
Volunteer Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am – 7pm for in-house volunteers. Special events typically occur nights and weekends.
Contact: Amber Miller
(352) 376–9161
info@cacgainesville.org
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Mission: Building bridges to success for children
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers provide a safe environment for children and families to spend time together during court-ordered supervised visits, as well as demonstrate positive role modeling for parents and assist with general maintenance of the facility. Through the Family Treasures Thrift Shop, volunteers help provide items to children and families impacted by child abuse and neglect, and raise funds for intervention and prevention, mental health services and community school programs across the division by marketing and selling items in the store. They assist with marketing and advertising campaigns to raise awareness. Development and Fundraising: Volunteers help raise funds for programs and raise awareness of the agency mission through social media, planning and executing events, fundraisers and speaking engagements, as well as developing and implementing marketing and organizational strategies. Volunteers also assist staff with general administrative responsibilities. Community Schools: We have various opportunities at the Howard Bishop middle School, a Community Partnership School. Volunteers may distribute snacks and clothing from the clothing closet. They may answer questions and direct visitors. Volunteers may mentor a student, serve as a PTSA volunteer and assist with Teacher Appreciation Week and monthly faculty breakfasts.
Volunteer Hours: Hours depend on location, project, and program. They are typically Monday through Friday 8-5, with some weekend and evening opportunities.
Contact: Christy Gibbons
(352) 334–0880
christy.gibbons@chsfl.org
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Mission: The mission of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Volunteer Opportunities: Planning volunteers, walk day volunteers
Volunteer Hours: varied
Contact: Laura Kraubetz
(813) 693–2546
lkraubetz@crohnscolitisfoundation.org
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Mission: DANB aspires to enrich humanity by sustaining a professional ballet company of the highest caliber which strives for excellence in the fields of artistic creativity, performance, education and community leadership.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Support with multiple fundraising events
Assistance in reorganizing our warehouse
Assistance with Social Media
Volunteer Hours: Varied.
Contact: Linda Rocha
(352) 371-2986
linda@dancealive.org
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Mission: To engage individuals and organizations in creating a healthy and sustainable environment.
Volunteer Opportunities: As a network of over 500 environmental organizations, the type of volunteer activities our charities can offer is endless! From cleanups, to plantings, to nature walks, our overall goal is to connect our communities with the environmental causes we care most about.
Volunteer Hours: varied
Contact: Visit "Get Involved" section of website
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Mission: Altrusa House is a licensed adult day health care program that provides a safe and stimulating environment for adults with disabilities or special needs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Reception work; assistance with daily activities (e.g., assisting with lunch); events surrounding Valentine's, Halloween, Easter and various other holidays and parties.
Volunteer Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Lee Johnson
(352) 377-7708
ljohnson@fl.easterseals.com
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Mission: The Education Foundation of Alachua County's Take Stock in Children program is a scholarship and mentoring program that helps low-income, at-risk students break the cycle of poverty by graduating from high school and receiving a college degree.
Volunteer Opportunities: Students in the Take Stock in Children program receive a volunteer mentor with whom they are required to meet at their school on a weekly basis. Mentors are a critical component to the success of Take Stock in Children. Mentors serve as positive role-models, advocates, coaches and friends. As a Take Stock Mentor you meet weekly with your scholar at their school and have an opportunity to help a child reach their goal of a college education. We are always recruiting new mentors.
Volunteer Hours: varied
Contact: Luisana Segu, Mentor and Alumni Coordinator
(352) 955–7250 x250
segul@gm.sbac.edu
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Mission: Epilepsy Florida leads the fight to accelerate therapies to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy, stop seizures, find cures and save lives.
Volunteer Opportunities: At Epilepsy Florida, we are always working to not only help the 1 in every 26 people living with epilepsy, but also to spread epilepsy awareness and seizure recognition and first aid in the community. Therefore, there is always work to be done! We choose your task based on your skill set. Opportunities include but are not limited to: community outreach, distributing flyers, event planning and management and education.
Volunteer Hours: varied
Contact: Jesse Farnham
(352) 378–4324
jfarnhm@epilepsyfl.org
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Mission: TTo promote health, character development, and academic achievement through tennis. We emphasize community, inclusion, collaboration, integrity, and fun.
Volunteer Opportunities: 1. Tutoring: We need tutors for our after school program primarily for middle and elementary students. We also have a seasonal need for high school tutoring centered around SAT/ACT Testing and college entry.
2. Tennis coaching/playing: We need volunteers that have tennis experience to help coach or play with our students. Since we are at 12 sites throughout the week, there are multiple opportunities to play tennis with our students.
3. Mentoring: If you are interested in becoming a mentor to one of our students on a consistent basis, we would love to have you.
4. Community Events: A helping hand during community events in neighborhoods, competition, and programs.
5. Athletes with Special Needs: We currently organize and run the tennis season for Special Olympics in Alachua County. If you have experience or a passion working with individuals with special needs, please contact us.
6. Gators In Motion: Our newest program GIM, is based on the campus of University of Florida. If you are interested in hosting our students on a field trip to your career, department, or facility for an enrichment activity, please contact us.
Volunteer Hours: Aces In Motion After School Program at TB McPherson Recreation Center: Mon- Fri: 3:00-6:00 PM
Gators In Motion at UF Campus (FL GYM): Tues and Thurs: 4:00-6:00 PM
Tennis at 21 CCLC: Mon - Fri
Community Tennis Events: Days depend on agency (Kids Count, Reichert, Pineridge, Boulware Springs Charter School)
Adaptive Tennis: Seasonal-Contact for detailed times
Contact: Addison Staples
(352) 514–9975
addison@acesinmotion.org
gainesvilletennis.org
Mission: Gainesville Pet Rescue, Inc. (GPR) is a not for profit organization that strives to match pets and people for a lifetime. GPR continuously pushes forward to meet our counties goal of ending euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals.
Volunteer Opportunities: Shelter volunteers: Basic animal care and facility management
Petsmart volunteers: Set up/break down crates, walk dogs, maintain cat area
Photography/creative writing: Upload photos and descriptions of animals
Adoption counseling: become familiar with individual animals and match pets with loving homes
Volunteer Hours: Sunday and Monday 8-10 am and 4-6 pm
Wednesday 8:30-10 am and 4-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am -5 pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8:30 am – 6 pm
Saturdays at Petsmart: 11 am – 4 pm
Sundays at PetSmart: 12-3 pm
Contact: Rachel Mead
(352) 692–4773
GvillePetRescue@gmail.com
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Mission: To change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Volunteer Opportunities: We are always seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to be a part of Generation G campaign to "Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind". Volunteers are welcome to make a difference in one of our Committees or Programs. Each Committee has a specific focus and include Programs, Volunteers, Playhouse Operations, Fundraising, Communications, Outreach, Events, and Facility & IT. Volunteers can also interact with our families during our regular programs that have specific goals for each different age groups. Programs include Destination Discovery (all ages), LMNOP (5 & under), Literacy (3 and up), Friends, Fun & Fitness (11 - 21), and Fantastic Friends (18 and up).
Volunteer Hours: Volunteer hours vary depending on the Committee or Program. Volunteers are required to complete a volunteer orientation, background check, and specific committee/program training.
Contact: Dayita Wable
(727) 687-4633
volunteergainesville@gigisplayhouse.org
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Mission: At GRACE, our mission is simple: to end homelessness by providing safe shelter and effective services. We are a 113-bed shelter and service center that has removed the major barriers that prevent people from getting the help they need to get off the streets.GRACE is making a difference in the fight to end homelessness, and our volunteers are a vital part of our success.
Volunteer Opportunities: Individual volunteers are needed for staffing the reception area, cooking and serving meals at Café 131, managing the laundry room, maintaining the GRACE garden, leading instructional workshops, maintenance work, IT tasks, and much more. We are open 24/7, so no matter what time you have available, we likely have a way you can help. If you are looking for a group service project, company outreach project, team building activity, or church mission activity, we welcome groups of all sizes to help make a difference at GRACE. Our most immediate need is for groups to help purchase and/or prepare meals.
Volunteer Hours: Varied
Contact:
Abigail Perret-Gentil, Director of Community Engagement
(352) 792–0800 ext. 104
volunteer@gracemarketplace.org
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Mission: “Honoring life by providing comfort, care and compassion to those we serve.”
Volunteer Opportunities: Office support, greeter desk, patient support, community outreach, Attic resale store, pet visitors, March and April annual fundraising events along with other events throughout the year.
Volunteer Hours: hours vary depending on volunteering assignment: weekdays/evenings and weekends.
Contacts:
Susie Gibson
Gainesville Volunteer Coordinator
352-379-6244
sjfinfrock@beyourhaven.org
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Mission: Helping Hands Pet Rescue is one of the many facets working to achieve a pretty wild idea: a no-kill community for our amazing cats and dogs. We work with some of the most incredible partners in Alachua County fighting for a common goal - to live in a community where no cat or dog is at risk of not finding their perfect home. With adoption numbers rivaling brick and mortar animal shelters with large staff and an operating budget of a small start-up non-profit, Helping Hands Pet Rescue is truly one of a kind. We leverage our amazing community network to bring a human touch to the lives of each of our adoptables. We are able to do this life saving work with so little because of the help from our volunteers, fosters, and community supporters!
Volunteer Opportunities: Adoption Event Volunteers: for individual or groups - every Saturday at PetSmart on Archer Road. Individuals may sign up for a 10:30am-2pm shift (includes orientation) or 2pm-5:30pm shift (includes breakdown). Groups may sign up for the full day and split members into shifts (groups may sign up 4-6 members per shift). Volunteers may assist with:
1) Dog Walking: Help potential adopters meet our dogs and take the dogs for potty-breaks
2) Puppy Patrol:ensuring all potential adopters are sanitizing their hands
3) Cat & Kitten Watching: Encourage potential adopters to interact with the cats and kittens while safely securing their crates in between their meet and greets
Set-Up and Break Down Volunteers: Individual or groups - set-up events every Friday at 5:30pm inside the PetSmart on Archer Road. Groups may sign up 2-6 members for a set-up event. Volunteers will assist with moving supplies onto and off pallet(s), setting up tables, chairs, and crates, and sanitizing supplies as needed. Break down volunteers are needed starting at 4:45pm-5:45pm to help break down the event and move supplies back to the storage area.
Transporting: Volunteers pick up our animal rescues from county animal shelters, veterinarian, etc.
Fostering: provide a temporary home to a pet in need. We are able to provide all the supplies, if you can provide a loving home and transportation to and from the vet and events.
Community Event Volunteers: If you are part of a group/organization and would like to create a specific event to promote Helping Hands Pet Rescue, we are open to ideas!
Volunteer Hours: Set-up Events: Every Friday at 5:30pm. Typically takes 30 minutes. Adoption Events: Every Saturday. First time orientation at 10:30am. Shift 1 from 11am-2pm and Shift 2 from 2pm-5pm. Breakdown usually goes until 5:45pm. Community Events: Occur throughout the year. Check our http://www.hhrescue.net/volunteer/volunteer-calendar/ for opportunities.
Contact:
(352) 281–4358
volunteers@hhrescue.org
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Mission: As an affiliate to Keep America Beautiful, our mission is to beautify, conserve resources, recycle, educate, and preserve our community's environmental legacy.
Volunteer Opportunities: Litter cleanup and beautification projects throughout Alachua County.
Volunteer Hours:
Projects can be performed any day of the week, and supplies can be picked up at our office at 211 SW 4th Ave #1 Gainesville, FL 32601.
Contact:
Gina Hawkins
(352) 371–9444
greatamericancleanup.kacb@gmail.com
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Mission: People affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer needs will be for specific events. Our Walk MS event for Gainesville occurs annually in the springtime (typically April). Our Bike MS event will be in October this year and we will be in need of volunteers on October 13th, 14th, and 15th in the following locations: Ponte Vedra, Marineland, and Daytona Beach.
Volunteer Hours: Varied and event-based
Contact: Jessica Braddock
(904) 332–6810 x41127
jessica.braddock@nmss.org
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Mission: Operation Catnip advocates for and provides programs and services for community cats and their caregivers through sterilization, education, and collaboration, in order to achieve a vision of a humane community that embraces compassionate care for all cats.
Volunteer Opportunities: Operation Catnip operates high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter and vaccination clinics for unowned, free-roaming community cats in partnership with clinics at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the Humane Society of North Central Florida. In addition to the opportunities available at our clinics, volunteers are also welcomed and appreciated at our administrative office for laundry help, at our catio caring for our adoptable Working Cats, and out in the community performing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services!
Volunteer Hours: Vary. Weekend and weekday opportunities available! Contact our volunteer coordinator for more information!
Contact: Kate Boisseau, Volunteer Coordinator
(352) 380–0940 ext. 4
volunteer@ocgainesville.org
Visit Website: www.ocgainesville.org
Mission: PACE provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.
Volunteer Opportunities: Internships, mentoring and tutors (Math, science, English and social studies)
Volunteer Hours: Varied
Contact: Stephanie Darilus
(352) 374–8799 x8722
stephanie.darilus@pacecenter.org
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Mission: PSF’s mission is to enhance the community’s ability to protect and nurture children by building, maintaining and constantly improving a network of family support services. Our Resource Centers help drive that mission by providing concrete and social supports to families who are at risk of entering crises. Every service offered is tied to one of the five Protective Factors, which when present in families are shown to reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect. Each of the Resource Centers PSF operates are a partnership endeavor with larger entities as well as local agencies who help provide services at no cost to families. Our goal is to value children, strengthen families and engage the community.
Volunteer Opportunities: Since each center is staffed by only one to two people, volunteers are a critical part of our work. Tasks vary from clerical and administrative tasks, event planning and participation, assisting patrons with applications for services, community outreach, scholastic assistance for children and youth, organizing in-kind donations and being a friendly face for Resource Center patrons to see when they walk into the facility.
Volunteer Hours: Hours vary by location, but most centers are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited opportunities for weekend and evening volunteering.
Contact:
Jacob Clore
(352) 244–1626
jacob.clore@pfsf.org
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Mission: Our mission is to expand opportunities to young people in our community through education, employment and advocacy.
Volunteer Opportunities: We are always in search of subject tutors to assist students with Math, Reading, Science, History and Literature. Additionally, we volunteer at local non-profits on a daily basis—larger projects require additional help.
Volunteer Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - Noon
Contact:
(352) 225-3307
ctam@projectyouthbuild.org
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Mission: The Repurpose Project is a non-profit community based effort to divert useful resources from the landfill, redirect these items to the public for art and education, inspire creativity, and help us all rethink what we throw away.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer Opportunities include sorting donated items which are being diverted from landfill, organizing, and creating shoppable spaces in order to further the mission at the store. If volunteers become more involved, they may also be asked to table for the Repurpose Project at community events and local schools.
Volunteer Hours: Volunteer hours may be arranged Monday-Saturday from 10-4.
Contact: Heather Eakin
(352) 363-8902
Volunteer@repurposeproject.org
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Mission: The Southwest Advocacy Group (SWAG) is a grassroots, community-based organization that works to improve the living conditions, health, educational opportunities and quality of life in the Tower Road corridor just west of I-75 in Gainesville. SWAG addresses the needs of the SWAG community by connecting individuals and families to services and resources through our advocacy and collaboration with many agencies and community partners. SWAG’s unique partnerships have led to the creation of a family resource center, a playground, a health clinic, and soon, an early learning center, all in the heart of the SWAG neighborhoods. Most of SWAG’s volunteer opportunities exist through the SWAG Family Resource Center, which is a collaboration between SWAG, Partnership for Strong Families, and the county. The Resource Center’s mission is to provide place-based services that strengthen families and communities through building on existing assets, identifying needs and connecting to resources within the broader community. Resource Center volunteers are welcome to assist in many capacities, but our greatest need is help with the after school enrichment program and summer program. Clinic volunteer needs are limited to medical professionals.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Resource Center’s mission is to provide place-based services that strengthen families and communities through building on existing assets, identifying needs and connecting to resources within the broader community. Resource Center volunteers are welcome to assist in many capacities, but our greatest need is help with the after school enrichment program and summer program. All volunteers must undergo a rigorous screening process that involves a drug test, fingerprinting and a background check, and due to the expense of those requirements, must be able to commit to volunteering on a regular basis.
Volunteer Hours: Varied
Mission: The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.
Volunteer Opportunities: With 10 sports across Alachua County there are year-round events where volunteers are needed. Here are some of the ways you can volunteer:
Day of Event Volunteer
Administrative Help
Coach or Assistant Coach
Committee Member
Fundraising Events
Unified Sports® Partner
Volunteer Hours: Varied, mostly weekends and evenings
Contact: Michelle Beumer, County Director
(352) 340–7945
michellebeumer@specialolympicsalachua.org
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Mission: The mission of the Mobile Outreach Clinic is to create environments that provide an immersive educational experience that focuses on the social determinants of health and their impact on patients’ health and well-being. Our vision is to create a globally recognized model that fosters the development of socially conscious healthcare providers through the delivery of dignified, respectful, and quality care in a low barrier setting.
Volunteer Opportunities: Administrative and Clinical support, All health and allied health specialties (Physicians, Nurses (LPN, CNA, ARNP, RN), PA, MA, and Therapists)
Volunteer Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. After hours admin support, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Contact: Sherice Stewart
(352) 273-8959
sherices@ufl.edu
MobileClinic@health.ufl.edu
Mission: United Way of North Central Florida positively impacts the education, health and financial stability of people living in our region.
Volunteer Opportunities: ReadingPals is a community of readers who spend time with kids. We train volunteers to tutor students struggling in reading. We empower volunteers to be unforgettable mentors. We transform a child's experience with books We produce readers. As a Reading Pals Mentor you will: Visit your 2nd or 3rd grader on hour per week during Fall and/or Spring for 12-25 hours - Tutor your student in reading with the provided reading curriculum materials - Become a friend and mentor to your student to encourage reading success
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program) uses trained volunteers to provide FREE tax preparation and filing to anyone who earns a low to moderate income. Those assisted can earn up to $5,800 from their earned income tax credit.
Volunteer Hours: Varied
Contact: Dana Clayton
(352) 333–0846
dclayton@unitedwayncfl.org
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Mission: To help businesses and individuals understand, reduce, and offset their comprehensive carbon footprints, giving them the opportunity to take responsibility for their environmental impact and achieve carbon neutrality. We accomplish this through environmental education as well as hands-on carbon reduction and offset initiatives.
Volunteer Opportunities: Carbon reduction efforts, urban tree plantings, energy upgrades for low-income families, invasive species removals, vehicle fuel efficiency tune-ups, community clean-ups, landfill diversion, urban agriculture, and massive amounts of environmental education.
Volunteer Hours: Varied. Most volunteer opportunities will be on the weekends.
Contact: Hannah Nistler, Administrative Assistant
(352) 580-0441
hannah@weareneutral.com
https://www.weareneutral.com/