Back

COTM May 26

Community Champions – Spotlight local volunteers, nonprofit organizations, community heroes, or charitable initiatives making a difference.

JACKSONVILLE

  1. Feeding Northeast Florida – Combats food insecurity by rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it to those in urgent need throughout the region.
  2. FreshMinistries – Long-time leader in sustainable solutions with their state-of-the-art aquaponics facility driving poverty eradication through financial literacy, life skills, and job preparation programs.
  3. Hubbard House – Florida’s first domestic violence shelter (founded 1976) providing 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, and adult & youth outreach services for victims and their children.
  4. The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida – Since 1964, has distributed millions in grants to strengthen nonprofit capacity and build generational wealth, with initiatives like the Northeast Florida Resilience Fund.
  5. Rethreaded – Provides meaningful employment and comprehensive mental health services to human trafficking survivors, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

MIAMI

  1. United Way Miami – Brings together people and resources to improve quality of life, providing skill building, veteran job training, housing assistance, tax prep, and financial coaching.
  2. The Miami Foundation – For almost 60 years, has connected thousands of changemakers, philanthropists, and leaders to solve serious community challenges through collective philanthropy.
  3. Little Lighthouse Foundation – Makes volunteer opportunities accessible through programs like Adopt-a-Meal at Ronald McDonald House, serving families of children receiving medical treatment.
  4. Catholic Charities Matthew 25 Food Pantry – Serves low-income families in southwest and western Miami-Dade County, distributing food to over 1,450 individuals struggling with food expenses.
  5. HandsOn South Florida – For 50 years, mobilizes thousands annually to revitalize schools, parks, playgrounds, nonprofits and neighborhoods through hands-on service projects.

TAMPA

  1. Feeding Tampa Bay – Fights hunger through warehouse operations and mobile Groceries on the Go truck distribution, providing meals to families across the region.
  2. Tampa Bay Watch – Mobilizes volunteers to build oyster reef balls, clean up fishing lines, plant native species, and protect the ecological health of Tampa Bay.
  3. Meals On Wheels Tampa Bay – Volunteers deliver nutritious meals and human connection to senior and homebound neighbors, with convenient Monday-Friday opportunities throughout Greater Tampa.
  4. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful – Promotes environmental stewardship through volunteer-led cleanup and educational opportunities, with 100% of proceeds staying in the community.
  5. Crisis Center of Tampa Bay – Provides listening, support, and connection for people in mental health crisis, staffed by trained volunteers offering compassionate care.

ORLANDO

  1. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida – Partners with local food pantries, soup kitchens, and organizations to ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals, offering nutrition education and cooking classes.
  2. Heart of Florida United Way – Creates volunteer opportunities year-round through their Volunteer Resource Center, including signature events like the Community Baby Shower and Thanksgiving meal kit distribution.
  3. Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida – Assists homeless individuals and families with housing, services, and pathways to stability and self-sufficiency.
  4. United Against Poverty Orlando – Offers programs to stabilize community foundations and foster sustainable economic stability, serving 8,453+ unique households annually.
  5. Give Kids The World Village – Nonprofit “storybook” resort providing week-long accommodations for children with critical illnesses and their families, creating magical experiences.

ST. PETERSBURG

  1. Florida Dream Center – Faith-based nonprofit taking resources and aid into at-risk communities, fostering stability and promoting self-sufficiency throughout Pinellas County since 2012.
  2. Keep Pinellas Beautiful – Since 1992, provides meaningful service opportunities for residents of all ages, developing partnerships to turn public spaces into beautiful places from Tampa Bay to the Gulf.
  3. Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg – Accredited nonprofit serving 10,000-20,000 people annually through Foundations of Life, Friends in Need, and Shelters of Hope programs.
  4. YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg – Connects volunteers to coach teams, tutor kids, and assist with community events focused on youth development and healthy living.
  5. St. Pete CareFest – Annual Spring event where individuals and community groups adopt projects to help their neighbors through city-wide service day.

HIALEAH

  1. Amelia Earhart Park Community Programs – 515-acre park serving as hub for community fitness and recreation, bringing families together through sports, trails, and outdoor activities.
  2. Hialeah Gardens Community Services – Local volunteers and neighborhood associations working together to maintain parks, organize youth programs, and support seniors.
  3. HandsOn Miami – Branch of HandsOn South Florida mobilizing volunteers to create meaningful impact through hands-on service projects in schools and neighborhoods.
  4. Miami-Dade County Nonprofit Support – Provides resources, tools, and training for local nonprofits serving the Hialeah community through capacity building programs.
  5. Local Faith-Based Initiatives – Network of churches and religious organizations providing food pantries, after-school programs, and support services to families in need.

TALLAHASSEE

  1. Big Bend Coastal Conservancy – Conserves natural coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Big Bend of Florida for present and future generations through volunteer stewardship.
  2. Goose Creek Wildlife Sanctuary – Formed in 1988 by volunteers dedicated to rehabilitating sick, displaced, injured and orphaned native wildlife for return to the wild.
  3. Camp Boggy Creek – Fosters a spirit of joy by creating a free, safe and medically-sound camp environment that enriches lives of children with serious illnesses and their families.
  4. Birdsong Nature Center – 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1986 fostering awareness, understanding, and appreciation of nature through volunteer-led educational programs.
  5. FSU Center for Leadership & Service – Connects students and community members with local nonprofit organizations for meaningful volunteer service and civic engagement.

FORT LAUDERDALE

  1. HandsOn Broward – Part of HandsOn South Florida’s 50-year legacy, mobilizing volunteers to create meaningful impact through hands-on service projects across Broward County.
  2. Feeding South Florida – Fights hunger and food insecurity through food distribution, mobile pantries, and partnerships with community organizations.
  3. Kids In Distress – Provides shelter, advocacy, and support services for abused, abandoned, and neglected children, relying heavily on volunteer support.
  4. Covenant House Florida – Offers shelter programs, events, and daily operations support for homeless youth through dedicated volunteer opportunities.
  5. Sea Turtle Oversight Protection (STOP) – Volunteer-based organization protecting sea turtles through beach patrols, nest monitoring, and public education about marine conservation.

PORT ST. LUCIE

  1. United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee – Connects volunteers with local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations through annual service days and ongoing programs.
  2. Treasure Coast Food Bank – Addresses food insecurity across the region through food distribution, mobile pantries, and partnerships with local agencies.
  3. Molly’s House – Provides support services for children and families, creating safe environments and opportunities for healing and growth.
  4. Treasure Coast Wildlife Center – Rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured wildlife, relying on volunteers for animal care and education outreach.
  5. Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful – Volunteer-led organization with Adopt-A-Street program, annual cleanup days, and school partnerships promoting environmental stewardship.

CAPE CORAL

  1. Cape Coral Art League – Since 1965, promotes advancement of art throughout Southwest Florida as a 501(c)(3) charity, offering classes, exhibitions, and scholarships.
  2. Habitat for Humanity of Lee & Hendry Counties – Builds affordable housing for local families through volunteer construction teams and ReStore operations.
  3. YANA Foundation – “You Are Never Alone” organization helping people find reasons to live and teaching how to live better lives through peer support.
  4. A Roof for Roofus Rescue – Dedicated volunteer group helping animals in need through TNR (trap-neuter-return), shelter partnerships, and adoptable pet programs.
  5. Hearts and Homes for Veterans – Helps local veterans community through housing assistance, support services, and volunteer-led initiatives.
Scroll to Top