When you research an organization, don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, or even volunteer for a short-term event to get a feel for their culture. Volunteering is a two-way street. The right organization will appreciate your time and energy and will invest in creating a fulfilling experience for you too. Here are a few places that truly embrace connection and impact right here in Pinellas County.
Reach St. Pete
Link to volunteer: https://reachstpete.org/volunteer
Mission: To provide essential resources to individuals experiencing financial hardships, inequities, homelessness, or at-risk situations while removing barriers that hinder access to a better life.
Volunteer opps are flexible, this nonprofit focuses on food insecurity, homelessness prevention, education, and gap services.
Inspired Acres
Link to volunteer: https://inspiredacresfl.org/become-a-volunteer
Mission: To provide transformative therapeutic recreation in a natural environment for individuals over the age of 12 with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities, as well as the greater community.
Volunteer opps involve caring for animals, stables, and interacting with special needs children and adults.
Ronald McDonald House - Take Them a Meal Program
Link to sign-up: https://rmhctampabay.org/provide-a-meal/
This program allows individuals and groups to prepare a meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses, while their children are in hospital. You can choose to send a meal (order and have it delivered), cook on-site, or bring a meal in feeding approximately 40 people.
Volunteer opp - I've done this one solo, and with family. It is a great volunteer opportunity for families, friend groups, work groups.
The Pineapple Projects
Link to volunteer: https://www.thepineappleprojects.org/how
Mission: Extending a hand to people in our community that are starting over and need help turning a house into a home.
Volunteer opps vary by project.
FEAST Food Pantry
Link to learn more: https://feastfoodpantry.org/get-involved/#involved
Mission: To compassionately provide food and personal care items to families in need in our local communities.
Volunteer opps are flexible.
PARC Center for Disabilities
Link to volunteer: https://www.parc-fl.org/ways-to-help/volunteer-at-parc/
Mission: To provide opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life the fullest.
Volunteer opps are flexible.
Oldsmar Cares
Link to volunteer: https://oldsmarcares.org/give-help/
Mission: Provide stop gap rent and utility assistance, a food pantry, and a clothes closet – at no cost – to those in need in the greater Oldsmar area. This is truly a grassroots nonprofit built on volunteers.
Volunteer opps are flexible.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Link to volunteer: https://www.kpbcares.org/get-involved
Mission: The mission of Keep Pinellas Beautiful is to conserve and beautify our natural environment by means of community engagement and education.
Volunteer opps are based on clean-up events.
Volunteer opps are based on clean-up events.
Creative Clay
Link to volunteer: https://www.creativeclay.org/volunteer-1
Mission: To help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences in the arts.
Volunteer opps are specialized in the arts field.