Whether you are a freshman living on campus without a car, or a graduating senior, spring semester is still a prime time to get involved in your community and give back to those in need.
A common misconception often associated with volunteering is a required and strict schedule.
However, nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, several facilities and organizations are more than willing to work around a student’s hectic schedule. Highlighted below are five local agencies looking for helping hands.
1. Literacy Council of St. Petersburg, Inc. – If you can read this, you can teach someone else to do the same.
The Literacy Council is an organization that aims to eradicate adult illiteracy in the Tampa Bay area.
The group, with several location around St. Pete, provides an initial orientation and training, and may include GED preparation tutoring. They only ask for three hours per week, and times are flexible.
It would open new worlds of possibility for adults striving to improve their reading skills.
To reach out, call (727) 521-1117 or email: info@stpetereads.com
2. Doobert – Sometimes animals at high kill and volume shelters will get the opportunity to go to a rescue, foster home or no-kill shelter. However, lacking opposable thumbs and cell phones, the strays still need a way to get there.
Be their ride.
Doobert is like Uber for animals. Just sign up, enter your availability and how far you are willing to go, and the company arranges the rest.
Think of all the lives you could save.
To sign up, visit doobert.com
3. St. Anthony’s Hospital – Nurses work around the clock and could use a little help. After a background check and initial training, volunteers take a nurse care cart around to various stations.
The hours are flexible, and normally range only one-two shifts per week.
If you have been thinking of entering the healthcare field, this would be a perfect way to gain firsthand perspective.
To learn more, call (727) 825-1548
4. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, Inc. – If you’re a seasoned volunteer, look no further.
This organization provides housing near hospitals for relatives of children with critical and chronic illnesses.
The local “House” is looking for volunteers to staff the front desk to help families check in and out.
Light housekeeping and basic administrative skills are required, along with a six-month commitment to the position. The group is seeking people to fill three to four-hour evening and weekend shifts, about twice a month.
Imagine what a bright, cheery face could do to lift the spirits of families in hardship.
For more information, contact Lise Fields at (727) 767-8166
5. Daystar Life Center, Inc. – St. Petersburg has a large and visible homeless population.
48 percent of people living in South St. Pete live below the poverty line. Located a few blocks away from USFSP, the Daystar Life Center provides basic necessities to those facing financial hardship.
The center provides a food pantry, clothing closet and personal hygiene products for those in need. The organization also offers emergency aid for residents struggling to pay for utilities at the end of the month.
There are several areas in need of volunteer help, and once registered, volunteers can walk in any time between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
To get started, call volunteer coordinator Linda Heilscher (727) 823-4852.
Not interested in this list of opportunities? Check out volunteermatch.org, a website where you can find more options based on your interests and location. With 29 categories to browse, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
