Why volunteer?
To give back to the
community
To get experience in
the career field you are interested in (for example, if
you are interested in medicine, you could volunteer at a
hospital)
To network (make
connections with people who are already doing what you
want to do or that could help point you in the right
direction)
To get credit for
high school and Bright Futures (you must register with the
county to have these hours counted - please see your
school for more details)
Picture from June 2008, ETS volunteers at Circle of
Friends, Lake Wales
***Educational
Talent Search Office - Do you
need community service hours?! We need you!
As of right now, we do not have a student worker, which means
we have tons of work that needs to get done. If you are
interested in helping out in our office by copying, filing,
making packets, compiling mailings, doing college and
scholarship research, tutoring, etc. PLEASE email Mrs. Parsons
at mparsons@polk.edu or
call our office at 297-1097 and speak with her or Mrs. Rivera.
contact
Mrs. Parsons at
mparsons@polk.edu or 863-292-3697 for
more information/to sign up unless otherwise noted)
CERT Volunteers Needed!!!! (taken from the
Four Corners News Leader - 4/10/08)
Local Community Emergency Response Team is looking to
fill its ranks with volunteers. To know if you
want to help, you will first have to know what a CERT
ream is. It is an organized group of community
minded volunteers from all walks of life who train
together to assist local authorities in times of natural
and man made disasters. We train in the following
areas: CPR, first aid, security, search and
rescue, and family readiness and preparedness. We
use organization such as the Red Cross, FEMA, and
Citizen Corps to get our training. We can assist
local authorities such as sheriff's department and local
fire and police departments during hurricanes, tornados,
citizen and family preparedness, and many other times of
need. All volunteers are welcome to apply
regardless of your availability or experience, we only
ask that you be at least 18 years old and have a
willingness to help in the community.
Sound interesting? Want to know more?
contact Mike Peterson at 352-227-4204 or email
mpeterson.floridaguard@yahoo.com
Hospice Needs Volunteers (taken from from Four
Corners News Leader - 4/10/08)
LifePath Hospice and Palliative Care
is looking for volunteers in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee
counties. many hospice volunteers consider
volunteering as their mission and are called to share
their caring with others. volunteer opportunities
available: volunteering in the office, assisting
with health fairs and community day at the mall,
transportation for patients and/or families, grocery
shopping, visiting with patients and families and
assisting with volunteer training. Bilingual
volunteers and licensed hair stylist and massage
therapist needed. Decide what possibilities you
want to explore - where you heart leads you! For
more information call Christine Boring, Lakeland, at
863-682-0027 or toll free at 1-800-464-3994.
[They prefer a commitment of one to
four hours a week. You can also reach them by
calling Patty Bennick, Volunteer Coordinator for East
Polk county areas at 863-682-0027 or 1-800-464-3994]
Polk County Volunteers
Spring is in the air with several volunteer
opportunities in full bloom!
TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE - janetbartuska@polk-county.net
* VOLUNTEER SERVICES OFFICE - SPECIAL PROJECTS
VOLUNTEERS - I need someone who can conduct telephone or
internet research & compile an updated listing of contact
information - i.e. Manufactured Home/Mobile Home
Communities; Church contacts and other Community
Resources. E-mail me if you are interested and we can
discuss more.
* PUPPET SCRIPT WRITERS - Individuals or Creative
Writing/Theatrical class students - Script is for a new
Puppet Troupe that will make community presentations
promoting volunteerism. E-mail me and we will talk about
it more.
* PUPPET TROUPE LEADERS - If you have had prior
leadership experience with a puppet troupe - we can use
your talents in starting our "Lend-A-Hand" puppet troupe.
E-mail me and we will talk about it more.
## DON'T SEE AN ASSIGNMENT THAT MATCHES YOUR
SKILLS/INTERESTS ? Let us know what you are interested in
and we will be glad to see how we can put those skills to
work!
TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE - janetbartuska@polk-county.net
--------------------------------
Polk County Board of County
Commissioners website,
http://www.polk-county.net go to Employment/Volunteers
click on Volunteer on the drop down menu. Download an
application, fill it out and the coordinator will send you
emails listing upcoming community service opportunities
throughout the county.
Polk
County
Teen
Court.
If you are interested in serving on the Teen Court,
Contact Polk County Teen Court - State of Florida. Drawer
J-111 - Bartow FL 33831-9000. or call 863/773-6547,
863/773-3505 and ask for more information and an
application.
Polk County Sheriff, website
http://www.polksheriff.org go to
Employment/Volunteers and click volunteers on the drop
down menu. Download an application, fill it out and mail
it in. Some of the opportunities in the Sherriff’s
office include C.A.P. which is a program initially
started by the Sheriff’s Office to assist law enforcement
officers in combating crime throughout the county. C.A.P.
volunteers patrol the unincorporated areas of the county
using specially marked golf carts and patrol cars acting
as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement. C.A.P.
volunteers are provided with uniforms. Volunteers do not
carry weapons and have no law enforcement powers. All
C.A.P. volunteers are subjected to background checks and
must participate in training.
Animal Control - to find out
about volunteering, call Crime Prevention at (863)534-6677
Town of Dundee website:
http://www.townofdundee.com – Select SERVICES from the
menu bar and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on
Volunteering in Dundee. There are a variety of areas that
need volunteer assistance.
Helping Our Needy Ones
Respectfully (HONOR) website:
http://www.honorinc.org
This organization is looking for
volunteers to assist seniors, age 60 and up, with a wide
variety of chores and repairs.
Lakeland Regional Medical Center website:
http://www.lrmc.com
Teen Volunteer
Program - Teens work side by side with clinical staff
and adult volunteers gaining valuable work skills in a
character-building environment. Students interested in a
career in medicine find this a great way to learn about
the many healthcare professions and opportunities. After
completing their initial Summer Program, teens can
continue to volunteer year-round in their assigned service
area. Applications are accepted each year until March
31st. Please call the Volunteer Services office at
687-1115 for more information or to schedule an interview.
Good
Shepherd Hospice website:
http://www.goodshepherdhospice.org
Hospice volunteers are men and women (age 14 and older) who have
a sincere desire to help others make the most of life.
Volunteers are prepared for their role with a free,
comprehensive training program. No previous experience in
the medical field is necessary.
For upcoming volunteer training sessions, visit our
Upcoming Events
page. For more information, call Volunteer Services at
(863) 297-1880 or (800) 464-3994.
Achievement Academy - is looking for volunteers
and has facilities in Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven.
Help is needed with Arts & Crafts, Story telling, Meal
Time servers, Office Aid/filing, and Special Events. For
more information on becoming a volunteer at Achievement
Academy please contact Stacy Williams at (863) 683-6504 or
email at
stacy@achievementacademy.com.
VISTE | Volunteers in
Service to the Elderly, website:
http://www.viste.org
VISTE Volunteers in Service to the Elderly Volunteers in
Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is a community-based
non-profit organization serving Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry
and Ft. Meade since 1983 The primary goal of VISTE is to
enable frail elderly persons to continue living
independently and safely in their own home. Viste is a
United Way Agency. If you are interested in volunteering,
either email to the above site or call: Volunteers in
Service to the Elderly, 863/284-0828
SweatMonkeyTM specializes in helping
students find jobs and volunteer work required for
graduation.
http://www.sweatmonkey.com
Historic Bok Sanctuary,
website:
http://www.boksanctuary.org
Imagine
working in one of the most beautiful spots in the world,
the joy of sharing it with thousands of visitors, the
satisfaction of helping to maintain historic and botanical
treasures. Volunteers are a vital part of Historic Bok
Sanctuary, with more than 300 volunteers donating
thousands of hours each year. Volunteers are needed as:
Information Hosts or Hostesses,
Garden Guides, Assistants in
Horticulture/Plant Shop/Carillon Café/ Gift
Shop/Office/Special Events, in addition Docents and Angels
are needed for Historic Pinewood. You may register online
using the form below, or forward a letter stating your
area of interest to: Volunteer Program Coordinator,
Historic Bok Sanctuary, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL
33853, phone: 863.676.1408, ext. 2224, ask for Lisa Allen
E-mail:
lallen@boksanctuary.org
Winter Haven Chamber of
Commerce, website:
http://winterhavenfl.com
The Chamber
benefits from volunteers who help direct visitors in our
lobby and also assist with registration at certain
luncheons and events. Duties generally include answering
the telephone, giving directions, answering questions and
being a city diplomat. Volunteering usually involves
working a four-hour shift once per week. If you are
interested in more information about being a Chamber
volunteer, please contact us. Greater Winter Haven Chamber
of Commerce at 401 Avenue B, NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881,
Telephone: 863-293-2138 or 800-871-7027,
Chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
Imperial Symphony Orchestra,
website:
http://www.imperialsymphony.org
Volunteers are needed to greet
concert-goers at the door and to distribute programs at
the masterworks concerts as well as serving juice and
cookies for the Cookie Concert. Guild volunteers are vital
on the days we have school concerts to usher the children
to the auditorium and to coordinate bus arrivals and
departures. Some assistance is needed in the office
several times a year to stuff envelopes and address
invitations. The Guild holds fundraisers, supports
musical scholarships for young artist winners from Polk
County, and hosts an appreciation dinner at the end of the
season for the orchestra musicians. If you are interested
in volunteering, call the ISO at 863.688.3743 or email us:
support@imperialsymphony.org
Polk County Water Resources,
website:
http://www.polk.wateratlas.usf.edu
Polk County
needs help managing and protecting its natural resources!
Just go online and fill out an info form, and you will be
contacted with more information about becoming a
volunteer. NOTE: The information you provide on this form
is kept private.
Polk Museum of Art,
website:
http://www.polkmuseumofart.org
If you a
High School Student looking for an opportunity to
volunteer in a dynamic setting that encourages creativity
and inspiration, then Polk Museum of Art is the place to
be! Reliable, responsible volunteers are needed to assist
with dducation programs, administrative support, the
museum gift shop work, and more. Your talents and skills
are appreciated as we progress through the summer schedule
and prepare for the exciting new art exhibitions and
educational programs. Your volunteer time can count toward
community service hours for your service club or school
requirements. Call 863.688.7743 ext. 226 to volunteer
today.
Theatre Winter Haven, website:
http://www.theaterwinterhaven.com
Theatre Winter
Haven has been producing plays for more than over thirty
years. This is possible because of people in the
community who give their time and talent for the love of
theatre. There are many ways to get involved as a
volunteer at TWH. From Box Office to Backstage, there is a
place for you here that will work with your interests and
schedule. Just e-mail or call to find out more! Main
office: (863) 299-2672 Email:
TWHOffice@aol.com
Sun 'N Fun,
website:
http://www.sun-n-fun.org
Many
year-round volunteers are needed to assist with projects
in the Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun which includes the
Research Library, registration, the museum shop, graphic
sign shop and more. Anyone who has an aviation background
or an interest in promoting the air museum can help
continue Sun 'n Fun's mission to promote aviation
education and air safety. In addition, volunteers meet and
work directly with some of the most interesting and
experienced individuals in the world of sport aviation
today. Sun 'n Fun Fly-In preparation is a year-round
activity, which largely includes the constant upkeep and
preparation of our site and facilities. If you are
interested, please contact us through our website or call
Sun ‘n Fun at 863-644-2431 or the Florida Air Museum at
863-644-0741
Polk
Theatre, website:
http://www.polktheatre.org
The Polk
Theatre Stagers are the dedicated group who assist the
theatre in a variety of essential ways to ensure the
comfort and safety of our patrons. Volunteers are the
Theatre’s first and most visible contact with the public,
welcoming patrons and performing duties that include box
office, taking tickets, guiding patrons to their seats and
serving concessions. As a nonprofit institution, the Polk
Theatre depends on the contributions of our volunteers.
For more information: contact
Julie Ashley,
House Manager and Volunteer Coordinator via email or call
863-682-7553. Training sessions for prospective new
volunteers are held the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10
a.m., and last approximately 1 hour.
Polk Senior Games,
website
http://www.polkseniorgames.org
Over 400
volunteers are needed to stage this annual event. There
are opportunities to help in all facets of the Games -
distributing posters and brochures, soliciting door
prizes, event check-in and refreshments, sport timers and
monitors, health and safety personnel, and more.
You will be
inspired, motivated, and appreciated as a volunteer with
Polk Senior Games. If you would like to help and be
involved in a very special project, please call
863-533-0055 or email
polkseniorgames@verizon.net for more information.
Central Florida Deaf
Services, Inc., website:
http://www.cfdeafservices.org
The
organization provides advocacy, education, and
communication services for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and
deaf-blind children, adults, and their families to assure
equal participation in the community. To volunteer your
services at CFDS, you can fill out the volunteer form on
their website and submit it online. If you have questions
about volunteering, please email
info@cfdeafservices.org.
Lakeland
Volunteers in Medicine, website:
http://www.lvim.net/
To become a patient, or a volunteer, please contact:
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805 Phone: 863-688-LVIM (5846) Fax:
863-802-4640 Kelley Reynolds, Director of Volunteer
Services, Ext. 116,
kelley.reynolds@lvim.net
Lori
Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections, website:
http://www.polkelections.com
There are a variety of opportunities
for students who want to help with elections. Volunteers
are needed to assist staff Several times a month with
registration drives in various cities throughout the
community. Many opportunities available at the elections
offices assisting with special events or projects. To get
an application, phone: 863/534-5888 or email
info@PolkElections.com
Lakeland Habitat for
Humanity, website:
http://www.nonprofit.polk.net/habitat
If you would like to
volunteer at one of our construction sites, ReStore or
office please register online under volunteer
opportunities. For groups larger than 10 people, please
call the office to schedule dates. 863-682-3812
The
Lake Wales Family YMCA, website:
http://www.lakewalesymca.net/
Help out at the YMCA's Middle
School Program. Each week there are different
educational and physically stimulating games to help
develop the minds and bodies of today's youth.
The program
is every Friday Night from 6:30pm to 8pm in the YMCA
Turner Center.
This is a
great program to help better today's young people by. To
volunteer, register on the website or contact Lake Wales
FamilyYMCA at 863-676-9441or
leah@lakewalesymca.net
FSC Volunteer Opportunities
(listed with Florida Southern College)
-
AMI Lakeland needs volunteers to help with after school
programs for At-Risk-Youth. If interested contact Monti
Sommer at (863) 682-7600
-
Volunteer with the Girl Scouts and work in the classroom
and earn internship credits or volunteer hours. Contact
Sandi Jenkins at (863) 683-4260 x117
-
Volunteer with the Center for Independent Living and
help build ramps for the disabled, no experience
necessary! Contact Emily Cabrera (407) 623-1070 for more
info.
-
Volunteer with Camp Fire USA’s Wacky World of Science
Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, for more information
contact Rhonda Williams at (863) 688-5491
-
Volunteer with the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, help
on the first Friday of every month 5:30-9pm, for more
information contact Julie Townsend @ (863) 513-3669
-
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Inc. needs
volunteers for their outdoor reading room, located in
Munn Park, help needed Thursday-Saturdays 11am-5pm. For
further information please call (863) 687-3256.
-
Stuff A Stocking with The Salvation Army and give the
gift of love to less fortunate children this Holiday
Season! The stockings are provided, all you need to do
is fill the stockings with gifts. For more information
contact (863) 682-8179
-
Big Brothers Big Sisters needs volunteers to mentor
children, ages 5-14. Spend just 1 hour a week at a
local school or 9 hours a month with a child from the
community. Activities include: playing cards, games,
sports, watching movies, visiting the library, reading
books, and much more. For more information contact
Kathleen O'Brien at (863) 682-5191 x105.
If you
are good at time commitments, contact PRIDE, call and ask
for Liz Hargis for opportunities, 863/661-4245.
For
opportunities with the Polk County Board of County
Commissioners, please go
here or call 863-534-6088.
For
opportunities with the Polk County Sheriff's Office,
contact Robert Groover, Volunteer Coordinator at
863-534-6681 or Mary Robinson, Volunteer Services
Specialist at 863-534-6682.
For
opportunities with Winter Haven Hospital, please click
here.
For
opportunities with the Red Cross, click
here.
