Volunteer Opportunities in Tallahassee

Different Ways for Students and Adults To Serve the Community

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

For some students, finding fun and different ways to serve the people of their community can be difficult. It can seem overwhelming to think of places who need assistance or the help of younger students. Here are some of the best ways to become involved in Tallahassee for all ages.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend

Second Harvest of the Big Bend is a nonprofit food bank organization that collects food and provides it to those in need, with their mission being ending hunger in Florida. They are a member of Feeding America and one of three Feeding America food banks in Florida. The mission of the organization is to further change by feeding the hungry and educating the community about the fight to end hunger. Second Harvest covers 12,400 square miles and 16 counties and operates from a facility in Tallahassee. There are several ways to get involved including donating, volunteering, becoming a sponsor and becoming a  partner. In order to volunteer, all you have to do is create an account on their VolunteerHub and sign up for an event.

The Kearney Center

The Kearney Center is an emergency service center that provides care to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship until they can figure out housing arrangements. The center opened in 2015 and provides daytime and overnight care while also getting individuals in contact with people including case management and social service providers. There are several ways to get involved and volunteer with the Kearney Center like preparing and serving meals, assisting in the laundry facility, organizing donation closets, groundskeeping and garden maintenance. To apply to volunteer with the center, complete the online volunteer application and sign up to reserve a spot.

Key Club

One way for students to get involved in serving their community through their school is Key Club. Key Club International is a student-led organization that provides members with the opportunities to serve, build character and develop leadership skills. Some of their core values they aim to uphold are leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness. Key Club hosts several on campus and off campus events yearly for students to participate in which also provide service hours. To get involved, students are encouraged to talk to their peers, attend their club fair and get in contact with the sponsor of the club at their school.

Big Bend Habitat for Humanity

One of the most hands-on ways for students to give back to their community is by volunteering with the Big Bend Habitat for Humanity. The organization seeks to bring people together to build homes and communities. To volunteer as an individual or group, go to Habitat for Humanity’s website and choose from several volunteer opportunities.

United Way ReadingPals

For those who enjoy reading, United Way ReadingPals is a perfect way to do something you love while helping younger members of the community. The United Way ReadingPals program is a literacy initiative created by The Children’s Movement which helps students age Pre-K to 3rd grade who need extra assistance in reading. Both virtual and in person sessions are available for one hour weekly during the school year. To become a ReadingPal, contact United Way of the Big Bend at communityimpact@uwbb.org.