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Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. Either way, there are more than enough great causes in Lakeland to support with your time. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 40+ ways to get involved in Lakeland.
If you’re looking for a reason to volunteer, here’s your sign.
Photo by Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc.
Outdoorsy types
- Se7en Wetlands | Monitor the trails and facilities at the wetlands, or lead hikers and educate them along the way.
- Bonnet Springs Park | Help out with events, complete one-time projects, or take on a long-term volunteer position.
- SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo | Help out at one of the world’s largest aviation events as a gardener, airplane mechanic, or even a pilot.
- Keep Lakeland Beautiful, Inc. | Take part in a monthly cleanup to keep lakes and roadways clear of litter.
- Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. | Make an even wider impact by planning a cleanup or adopting a road across the county.
- Hollis Garden | If you’ve got a green thumb, get your hands dirty by helping out in this public garden overlooking Lake Mirror.
Artsy types
- Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Sign up to assist with special events and administration, or on tours as a docent.
- Lakeland Community Theatre | Theater volunteers help design sets and props, make costumes, and sell concessions + tickets.
- Polk Theatre | Work the box office or concession stand during shows at this historic theater.
If you’re interested in healthcare
- Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine | Medical professionals can volunteer their time as physicians, RNs, and more. No healthcare experience? No problem. Volunteer as a greeter, housekeeper, or clerical assistant.
- Lakeland Regional Health | Serve in the pet therapy program, flower delivery, or the teen volunteer summer program.
- Arts in Medicine | Lend your musical talents or help assemble + distribute craft kits for patients in Watson Clinic’s Cancer Center.
Help your neighbors in need
- Volunteers in Service to the Elderly | Give back to older adults by sorting and packing food items or by delivering groceries to their homes.
- Meals on Wheels | Cook or deliver hot meals to homebound Lakelanders, or volunteer in the Winter Haven thrift store.
- kidsPACK | Pack food for children in need to eat over the weekends.
- Blessings and Hope Food Pantry | Collect, sort, and distribute food items to 800+ families each week.
- Parker Street Ministries | Serve the Parker Street neighborhood through community events, summer camps, and an Academic Enrichment Program.
- Lighthouse Ministries | Volunteer as an individual or with a group to help Lakeland’s at-risk population.
- Gospel Village | Join residents in a community dinner every Thursday or complete a project during a scheduled Serve Day.
Natural-born teachers and mentors
- Polk County Public Schools | Become a mentor for Polk students to make a lasting impact. You can also serve on the District Advisory Council or the School Advisory Council for a specific school.
- Dream Center | Adopt a block and serve the community by offering food, clothing, and children’s activities each month.
- One More Child Lakeland | Become a mentor for single moms in Lakeland, sponsor a child, or become a Family Support Mentor.
- Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) | Be part of ACE’s education initiatives that reach over 50,000 students each year.
- Florida Children’s Museum | Those ages 14+ can become Volunteers in Play (VIPs) to greet museum guests, keep exhibits clean, or help host special events.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County | Connect with children in after-school sports, leadership, and academic programs.
- Big Brother Big Sister of Tampa Bay | Become a positive influence in a child’s life.
- Eckerd Connects Project Bridge | Mentor youth and young adults aged 11-21 as they transition out of juvenile justice programs.
Support victims of abuse
- Peace River Center | Get involved at this center for victims of crisis, domestic abuse, and more.
- Peace River Thrift Shoppe | Donate clothes, accessories, books, art, and home items to help serve clients of Peace River Center.
- YFA | Volunteer at events throughout the year and help support kids in crisis situations.
Animal lovers
- Humane Society of Polk County | Become a member of the Humane Society to volunteer in the shelter or as a foster home for pets.
- SPCA Florida | Bring a group and participate in a service project to benefit the animals in this shelter.
- Polk County Bully Project | Foster a rescued pit bull or bully breed dog until they find their forever home.
- Saving Paws Rescue of Florida | Help out at animal adoption events across Lakeland, or volunteer with adoptable cats at Kitty Cat Lounge.
If you’re on a tight schedule
- ReadingPals | Volunteers are asked to help in local schools just one hour per week, teaching reading skills to kindergartners.
- Pedal Power Bicycle Ministry | Meet once a month to restore old bicycles, which are then donated to community members in need.
- OneBlood | Donate blood at any day and time that works for you.
Support local community groups
- Special Olympics | Volunteers can coach, train, and officiate athletes, or even play alongside those of varying abilities.
- Rose Dynasty Foundation | Help out by teaching classes, putting on community events, maintaining the Rose Dynasty Center, and more — in-person and remote positions are available.
- InnerAct Alliance | Work with this group that educates students about bullying and substance abuse prevention.
- Lakeland Youth Alliance | Support the LGBTQ+ community through volunteering.
Handy individuals
- Habitat for Humanity | Work in the ReStore thrift home and furniture store, which funds the repair program for low-income residents, older adults, and veterans.
- Rebuilding Together of Tampa Bay | Transform the homes of those in need.
