Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community, stay active, or earn community service hours? Jacksonville is full of opportunities where you can lend a helping hand and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most!
At Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida®, we believe in the power of giving back, and we’re excited to highlight 15 volunteer opportunities in Jacksonville, FL, that will inspire you to get involved, connect with others, and create lasting change.
Whether you’re passionate about working with children, the environment, or supporting local nonprofits, there’s a volunteer role waiting for you.
1. Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida®
What We Do: The mission of Make-A-Wish is simple: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish is the #1 wish granting organization, with more than 50 local chapters nationwide. Each chapter works closely with the local businesses and volunteers to grant every Wish.
How You Can Help: Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from welcoming families to our organization to helping deserving children decide on their wish and even making the Wish happen.
2. Volunteers In Medicine
What They Do: Volunteers In Medicine provides free healthcare services to uninsured workers in Jacksonville. Two locations offer primary and specialist care for adults between the ages of 18-64.
How You Can Help: Volunteers In Medicine accepts volunteer applications for a wide range of medical positions and specialities. However, non-clinical positions are available as well.
3. Ronald McDonald House
What They Do: Ronald McDonald House provides a supportive “home away from home” for families with children receiving medical treatment. Accommodations, meals, and a variety of entertainment facilities are included.
How You Can Help: The Ronald McDonald House accepts individual and group volunteers to sort through donations, do light housekeeping, and prepare meals. The organization also accepts donations of pop tabs, which are recycled for funds.
4. Brooks Rehabilitation
What They Do: Brooks Rehabilitation is a leader in world-class rehab services and is dedicated to helping people reach their highest level of recovery.
How You Can Help: Volunteers are needed to care for seniors, assist with adaptive sports teams, mentor those with disabilities, and do administrative work. There are plenty of opportunities for a wide range of interests!
5. Literary Alliance of Northeast Florida
What They Do: The Literary Alliance improves self-sufficiency for adults age 16 and up by providing personalized tutoring services. Programs in language, health, finances, and career coaching are free of charge!
How You Can Help: Tutors and instructors are in high demand, but admin positions are also available. The Literary Alliance is also looking for photographers and videographers to document their students’ progress!
6. Habitat For Humanity (HabiJax)
What They Do: HabiJax helps build safe, comfortable, affordable homes for individuals and families in need.
How You Can Help: Volunteers do not need any construction experience to work with HabiJax! Training, materials, and supervision are provided. Those who don’t feel comfortable on a jobsite can volunteer to work in the ReStore.
7. Feeding Northeast Florida
What They Do: Feeding Northeast Florida serves more than 85,000 Floridians every day through soup kitchens, food pantries, and grocery distribution.
How You Can Help: There are two volunteer positions available. Food Sorters inspect donated food and help pack meal kits, while Mobile Pantry volunteers assist with distributing meals to the community.
8. Girls Inc.
What They Do: Girls Inc. offers a variety of programs and experiences aimed at fostering the development of girls from elementary through high school. Programs focus on health, life skills, and academic achievement.
How You Can Help: Girls Inc. is in need of people to build strong relationships with young girls in our community. Volunteer to be a mentor, assist in a school-based program, or help plan an event.
9. Haven Retreats
What They Do: Haven Retreats provides low-cost, therapeutic retreats for families with foster and adopted children. Retreats are available for moms, dads, couples, and biological children.
How You Can Help: Assist with fundraisers, set up events, or even bring a meal card to a local family. Your support helps families find stability and togetherness.
10. Aging True
What They Do: Aging True offers healthcare, nutrition, and recreational services for seniors to support independent living. This non-profit organization has operated since 1962.
How You Can Help: One-time and continuous volunteer opportunities are available. You can help deliver meals, help with special events, or visit with a local senior.
11. River Garden Senior Services
What They Do: River Garden has a variety of medical and therapeutic services for seniors in Jacksonville. In addition to two residential facilities, there are rehab and adult daycare services aimed at supporting Jewish values.
How You Can Help: Attend Shabbat services with the residents or volunteer weekly by helping with activities, manning the Gift Shop, performing clerical work, or just visiting!
12. Timucuan Parks Foundation
What They Do: The Timucuan Parks Foundation is dedicated to supporting Jacksonville’s natural beauty. The organization supports more than 23 parks and preserves in the area.
How You Can Help: Volunteers are always needed for clean-up and beautification projects throughout the Jacksonville area. Supplies, water, and granola bars are provided; just wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes!
13. Animal Care and Protective Services
What They Do: Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) is an animal shelter operated by the city of Jacksonville. A full-service team is dedicated to the welfare of dogs and cats throughout the area.
How You Can Help: There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities at ACPS, perfect for any interest and skill level. Spend time with the dogs, review adoption applications, greet visitors, or even foster an animal!
14. Jacksonville Humane Society
What They Do: The mission of the Jacksonville Humane Society is not only to find loving homes for Jacksonville’s stray dogs and cats, but to support pet owners in the community. Animal training, food bank, and low-cost veterinary services are also available.
How You Can Help: Whether you’re a teen, adult, or member of the military, there’s a place for you at Jacksonville Humane Society! In addition to fostering opportunities, they also offer a Dog Day Out program where you borrow a furry friend for the day!
15. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
What They Do: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens contains more than 100 acres of exhibits and gardens. They are also one of only seven zoos in the country with a dedicated animal wellness team.
How You Can Help: Sign up as an Interpretive Host and teach visitors all about the amazing animals or just help out in the office. There are plenty of opportunities for adults, teens, and groups to get started!
Conclusion
Volunteering in Jacksonville not only allows you to give back to your community but also provides a sense of fulfillment, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re passionate about helping children, supporting families, or improving the environment, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
By dedicating your time and skills to these causes, you’re helping to create a brighter future for Jacksonville and beyond. Ready to make a difference? Explore these 15 volunteer opportunities in Jacksonville, FL and find the perfect fit for your volunteer journey.
