Create meaningful memories giving back to your community
By Jennifer Kennedy
Studies show that volunteering promotes personal growth and increases self-esteem for people of all ages. In addition to the mental health benefits, it can create lasting meaningful memories. The character traits developed and the wisdom gained can have a lifelong impact.
When parents volunteer with their children, they enjoy quality time as a family, while teaching valuable lessons. Serving a local nonprofit demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community. Parents that prioritize helping others instill empathy and kindness in their children by putting them into action.
Several Greater Gainesville nonprofits welcome new volunteers interested in contributing their time and talents.
Shakespeare Animal Fund
Shakespeare Animal Fund covers the cost of emergency veterinary care for those in need. Since 2004, they have raised more than a million dollars to provide financial assistance to elderly,
disabled, veteran or low-income pet owners. They receive an average of 500 requests each month.
Volunteer opportunities include spreading awareness by distributing information, hosting events, selling tickets for fundraisers or setting up for “Yappy Hour” fundraisers.
Since their greatest need is financial donations, members of the community can contribute by raising money. Yard sales, lemonade stands, car washes and bake sales are popular fundraisers that can get the whole family or neighborhood involved.
“We all benefit when we provide a service or kindness to others,” said Founder Jennifer Webb. “Allowing someone to keep an animal that provides them emotional support is extraordinary.”
Visit shakespeareanimalfund.org and subscribe to their newsletter or contact them at [email protected] for more information.
Operation Catnip
Operation Cat
nip is a trap-neuter-return program dedicated to managing outdoor cat populations. They train veterinary students, host spay-neuter clinics and offer public education about compassionate cat care.
Lend a hand with Operation Catnip’s critical cleaning, laundry and landscaping needs. Caregiving helpers provide daily care for special cats, including feeding and cleaning litter boxes. Interested volunteers can also be trained to help cat caregivers trap free-roaming, feral felines and transport them to participate in their trap-neuter-return program.
Complete an application on their website or contact them at [email protected] for more information.
Kid2Kid Closet and Food Pantry
Neighborhood clothing, toys, books and food drives are small ways to make a big difference, but most people do not know where to distribute donated items. The Family Church offers gently used children’s clothing, baby items, toys, books and non-perishable food to the community.
Their Kid 2 Kid Closet and Food Pantry ministry is an important resource for area schools, local pregnancy centers and foster families. Those in need can visit each month for food and a large bag of clothing –– free of charge.
Donations are accepted in the church office on Sunday mornings and during office weekly hours. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Rebuilding Together
The mission of Rebuilding Together of North Central Florida is to provide safe homes and communities for everyone.
Volunteers aged 14 and older can help with important repairs that allow people to safely stay in their homes. No construction experience is necessary to pitch in. The nonprofit teaches participants the necessary skills and supplies the tools needed to complete the projects.
Their Summer Re(Build) program has open volunteer opportunities every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through the end of August. Register at rebuildingtogetherncf.org/volunteer or contact [email protected] for more information.