Northeast Florida has numerous charities that Realtors and builders can assist. So many, in fact, that it would be impossible to list them all but here are some which have been recommended by our readers.
Jacksonville Humane Society
What: An organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. Its mission is to find homes for all animals and educate people on responsible pet ownership. A fire in April 2007 destroyed the original building but a new building is up and running.
How you can help: People are always needed to help exercise dogs, socialize cats, greet people and work in administration among other duties. Donations are accepted and can now be donated online.
Contact: Donations - Pamela Javins
725-8766, ext. 240 Volunteering - Angela Juarez, 725-8766, ext. 206
Web site: www.jaxhumane.org
Builders Care
What: A division of the Northeast Florida Builders Association that helps reduce substandard housing by providing home repairs to the elderly, low income and disabled.
How you can help: By making online donations or becoming a member of the “$2 Club.” Funds go toward continuing the effort to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Strong backs also are needed for construction work.
Contact: 727-3443
Web site: www.builderscare.org
daniel
What: A home that helps physically, emotionally and sexually abused children in the area. It was established in 1884 and is considered Florida’s oldest child-serving agency.
How you can help: Volunteers are needed to mentor and tutor children and participate in charity drives for school supplies, food and wrapped gifts. Event sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Monetary and in-kind donations.
Contact: 296-1055
Web site: www.danielkids.org
Red Cross
What: The local chapter needs volunteers to help provide relief to disaster victims as well as help people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies.
How you can help: Volunteers are always needed to respond to local and national disasters, assist in blood drives, educate on safety and disaster preparedness, help with office support, teach health courses and assist in events like telethons. Donations are also needed and can be given online.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator- Judy Pisano 358-8091, ext. 1814.
Web site: www.nefloridaredcross.org
Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida
What: Chartered under the national organization, its goal is to provide Northeast Florida’s disadvantaged and at-risk young people achieve positive life outcomes.
How you can help: Monetary and in-kind donations are accepted and are used to provide housing programs for the children.
Contact: 396-4435
Web site: www.bgcnf.org
MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation
What: An organization that helps underserved children in the Jacksonville area and was started by Realtor and international tennis star MaliVai Washington.
How you can help: Volunteers are needed for special events. Adopt-a-family programs, tutoring and mentoring programs and numerous volunteer opportunities are available. Donations and gifts.
Contact: Terry Florio or Ben Pennymoon, 301-3786
Web site: www.malwashington.com
Ronald McDonald House
What: A chapter of the national organization that supports families of critically ill and injured children by providing housing and support services during treatment at medical facilities.
How you can help: A wish list of needed goods ranging from office and house supplies to gift certificates is available online. Monetary donations. Volunteers are needed to help with events and programs.
Contact: Sandy Asher or Mary Breedlove, 867-4663
Web site: www.rmhjax.org
Trinity Rescue Mission
What: Privately funded faith-based mission that helps the homeless. Multi-leveled men and women’s programs help homeless become self-sufficient and active within the community.
How you can help: Volunteers are needed to assist with everyday functions and special events. Donations.
Contact: 355-1205
Web site: www.trinityrescue.org
Florida/Georgia Blood Alliance
What: A non-profit community blood bank with 10 community centers and nine mobile units.
How you can help: Blood donations. There also is a variety of volunteer programs.
Contact: 353-8263
Web site: www.igiveblood.com
Child Cancer Fund
What: An organization that assists children and their families through the ordeals that come with a child being diagnosed and treated for cancer in hopes to live a normal life. Programs include financial assistance, child advocate and support services.
How you can help: Donations.
Contact: 396-4223
Web site: www.childcancerfund.org
Donna Hicken Foundation
What: An organization that raises money for Northeast Florida women living with breast cancer who need financial assistance.
How you can help: Monetary donations.
Contact: 242-0034
Web site: www.donnahickenfoundation.org
City Rescue Mission
What: A faith-based ministry for the homeless and needy.
How you can help: Donate holiday items, clothes, linens, personal care items and food. Sponsor a day of meals. Participate in the adopt-a-room or adopt-a-house program. Contribute directly or through paycheck/commission deductions.
Contact: 387-4357
Web site: www.crmjax.com
Susan G. Komen For the Cure
What: Local chapter of the nationwide foundation that raises money for breast cancer research and education.
How you can help: Donate money. Volunteer (opportunities available by contacting the organization.)
Contact: 448-7446
Web site: www.komennorthflorida.org
St. Francis House
What: Provides food, shelter and numerous services to the homeless in St. Johns County.
How you can help: Donations, Call the office for specifics.
Contact: 829-8937
Web site: www.stfranchisshelter.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida
What: Local chapter of the national organization that provides one-to-one mentoring between adults and at-risk children.
How you can help: Volunteer time as a mentor or make a donation that will go toward an event that will benefit the children. Donate office supplies and food and drink for events.
Contact: 727-9797
Web site: www.bbbsjax.org
Dreams Come True
What: A local organization that helps terminally-ill children between the age of two-and-a-half and 18.
How you can help: Volunteer in various areas.Corporate sponsors, monetary and in-kind donations are needed.
Contact: 296-3030
Web site: www.dreamscometrue.org
Salvation Army
What: Local chapter of the national organization that provides services for families, children and the homeless including emergency food and shelter for families in crises.
How you can help: Volunteers are needed for its bell ringing program, which helps with income revenue that supports services year-round. Cash donations.
Who to call: Calanthea Hires, 301-4846
Web site: www.salvationarmyjax.org