Big Brothers Big Sisters
Description: 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.
Contact: Kathleen O'Brien at 863.682.5191 x105 or Carol Zoffinger at 863.682.5191 x109.

Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc.
Description: The Center for Independent Living (CIL) has been serving families in Central Florida since 1976. CIL, in partnership with the community, promotes personal rights and responsibilities among people with all disabilities and strives to eliminate architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers. For those interested in becoming a volunteer at CIL, please contact Oceana Sanchez at 407.623.1070 x3119.

Faith In Action of Central Lakeland
Description: An interfaith volunteer caregiving program consisting of a coalition of area community leaders and participants who work to help frail, older adult neighbors remain independent, live with improved health, and retain autonomy and independence by receiving a variety of free, home-based services provided by a dynamic group of volunteers. The program both addresses the needs of seniors and provides service to them. It identifies those in the community who can benefit from this outreach program, as well as reaches those who may be willing to volunteer their time and love to help their neighbors in need.
Contact: Call 863.682.7249, E-mail admin@fiacl.org, Web at Faith In Action Volunteering

Lakeland Habitat for Humanity
Description:Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry building affordable houses with God’s people in need. By investing themselves in the building process, homeowners gain self-reliance, self-esteem, and new skills. As the crushing cycle of poverty is broken, their children benefit, their neighborhoods change for the better, and the whole community improves.
Positions Available: House Supervisors <will train>, Crew Leaders (will train), Workers on construction sites (unskilled laborers needed, will train), Committee members <publicity, church-relations, construction, family selection, family relation>, Worker in office, Web Master, Workers, stockers, pick-up people, phone answerers, cash register operators <for “ReStore” Thrift store>
Contact: Claire Twomey or Rachel Strickland, 863.688.4660

Lighthouse Ministries
Description: Lighthouse Ministries shares the Gospel with people in need in our community. They do this through providing basic needs like food, shelter and clothing; through training, worship services and Bible studies. They support, educate and care for the poor and at risk population of Lakeland.
Positions Available: Teaching Bible Studies, Leading Chapel – preaching and music, Adult Learning Center – Life, Parenting, Financial and Computer Skills, Childcare, Assistance in Community Childcare / Preschool, Library – cataloging material, Food Service Preparation, Administrative / Clerical work, Thrift Store – sort and price, Tutoring and after-school programs, Maintenance – Pressure-washing, yard work, landscaping.
Contact: Naomi Maiuzzo, 863.687.4076.

Noah's Ark of Central Florida
Description: Noah's Ark is a not-for-profit organization founded by parents of individuals with developmental disabilities. We are committed to empowering individuals who have developmental disabilities by advocating on their behalf and by providing or facilitating meaningful employment, recreational and social opportunities and affordable housing choices. Volunteers are the life-blood of Noah's Ark. You can help with special events, teach a class, organize an outing, help with fund-raising or simply become a friend. For more information visit the web site or call 863.687.0804.

The Outreach Center
Description: The Outreach Center is a non-profit organization designed to meet the needs of the poor and needy and hurting in the Lakeland community. The Center collects household items, furniture and appliances, and distributes them free of charge to the community through a voucher system.
Positions Available: Unloading and moving furniture <Mon. & Thurs. b/w 8-9am>, Sorting clothes & items, Answering phones.
Contact: Anita Peak at 863.665.7700 or 863.533.1282.

Parker Street Ministries
Description: Parker Street Ministries is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization committed to individual, family, and community restoration, reconciliation and revitalization in Lakeland's Parker Street Community.
Positions Available: Saturday Workdays, Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery, Christmas Dinner Delivery, Christmas Store Volunteers, Community Dinners, Tutoring, Reading & Art Camps in the Summer months, Mentoring)
Contact: Tim Mitchell at 863.682.4544.

Rath Senior ConNEXTions and Education Center
Description: The Rath Senior Center is looking for instructors for their Senior Scholars Program. Classes range from 1-2 hours one day a week for 4-6 weeks. You can pick and choose your topic and time you want to teach the class. Topics can include computer classes, life long writing, creative writing, book club, or arts and crafts.
Contact: The Rath Center at 863.533.5925.

Salvation Army
Description: The Salvation Army offers many programs: The Center of Hope is a shelter for the homeless where they can stay for up to 14 days. The shelter is available to families as well as to single men and women. The Transitional Living Program is for families of single moms with children as well as for those experiencing domestic violence. The Feeding Program is directed toward the feeding of street people.
Contact: Cynthia Kenney, Volunteer Coordinator at 863.853.2214 x230.

Talbot House
Description: Talbot House is a downtown ministry making a difference in our community by serving the needs of the homeless population. Services include: Basic Needs (Food, Shelter, & Clothing), Renewal Program (Building Self-sufficient and productive lives), Good Samaritan Free Clinic (Health and Dental care), Troxel Transitional Housing (Supportive Housing). Various positions are available from tutoring, arts & crafts instructors, mentors, food pantry workers, etc.
Contact: Tony Fusaro at 863.687.8475

YMCA Reads
Description: Volunteers are needed on a weekly basis 2:30 to 5:00 pm to help a child build their literacy skills. This ongoing commitment can help our 1st and 2nd graders prepare for the FCAT.
Contact: Dorene Walter at 863.859.7769 or e-mail Dorene Walter