The Alliance gives back 2019
Volunteer Registration now Open!

The LWRBA is pleased to announce its 2nd annual Alliance Gives Back Volunteer Days will take place October 3, 4 and 5, 2019. This is your chance to give back to the community. The Alliance is encouraging all its member businesses and professionals to consider dedicating a few hours of their time on one of the three Volunteer Days. While volunteering, each volunteer participant will receive their own “Alliance Gives Back” T-shirt as a way to promote teamwork and unity! 

Last year, over 150 LWRBA members volunteered in various activities with nearly 20 local non-profits, generating an estimated 500 volunteer hours for non-profit organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Volunteer sign-ups are now closed. Thank you to all who registered.

We're very excited to share that nearly 200 volunteers will give back to our community during our 2019 Volunteer Days!

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW SIGN-UPS AND ACTIVITIES

A Life Story Foundation

Thursday, October 3
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: 8009 Bounty Lane Lakewood Ranch
Number of Volunteers Needed: 4

Type of Activity
A Life Story Foundation is partnering with Manatee Performing Arts Center, for their upcoming production of Tuesdays with Morrie, running from Oct 10 - 27th.  We would like 2 volunteers that can help with preparing material that we will be using for the shows.  We have a separate event, our First Responders Event on October 19th that celebrates First Responders, and the launch of our ALS specific curicculum at Manatee Technical College, so we would also like 2 volunteers that can help prep for our Oct 19th launch event.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
No, there is no special equipment necessary.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills

Additional Information
If there are any people who have a strong passion for the theater or performing arts, then this would be a good fit.  If there are any people who are really passionate about helping with First Responders, then this would also be a good fit.

A Life Story Foundation Contact(s):
Priya Parikh
9412814522
pparikh@alsfteam.org

All Faiths Food Bank

Thursday, October 3
8:30 am - 11:30 am / 1:00 - 3:30 pm

Location: 8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota, FL 34240
Number of Volunteers Needed: 20 per timeslot 40 total

Type of Activity
Our volunteers will participate in an activity called Sorting & Packing. It involves inspecting food donations for consumption safety and quality, sorting the food into categories, and then weighing and packing it for distribution into the community.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Volunteers must wear closed toed shoes and it is recommended that they wear comfortable clothing they can easily move around in. They might want to bring gloves as well in case they handle frozen meat, we provide rubber gloves, but some volunteers prefer more heavy duty gloves.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Volunteers will be standing for the duration of the activity and moderate to heavy lifting (20-40 lbs) is involved. But the volunteers will be working indoors with air conditioning and we have a volunteer breakroom they can utilize if they need to rest.

Additional Information
Volunteers must be at least 10 years old to participate and any child under 16 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All Faiths Food Bank Contact(s):
Victoria Hasselbring
941-549-8156
vhasselbring@allfaithsfoodbank.org

American Cancer Society
(THIS ACTIVITY IS FULL)

Thursday, October 3
1:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: 2970 University Parkway Ste 104
Number of Volunteers Needed: 5-20

Type of Activity
Preparing for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer we will need packets put together, rocks painted, paper feathers painted and logistics packing (not heavy work)

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Just a passion to volunteer and open to a variety of activities

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Just a smile

American Cancer Society Contact(s):
Janet Bell
941-328-3771
janet.bell@cancer.org

Bethany Lynch
941-328-3771
bethanyk.lynch@cancer.org

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
(THIS ACTIVITY IS FULL)

Saturday, October 5
9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location: 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Number of Volunteers Needed: 3-4

Type of Activity
Helping with carboard building projects for families, keeping materials organized, assisting with setup and cleanup.

The carboard challenge is a Soar in 4 event in which preK and Kindergarten children in Manatee County Title 1 schools are invited with their families for a morning of tinkering with cardboard. The event takes place the morning of October 5th from 10:00 am to 12:00.  Volunteers would be asked to arrive around 9:30 and stay till 12:30.  We could also use some help the day before for preparation, on Friday the 4th from about 2-4 pm.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Comfortable clothes that aren’t your favorites – the event is a little messy but not terribly so. (A lot of cardboard, tape, and markers, but not a lot of paint and glue.)

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
It’s helpful if you can stand for a while and get down on the floor to interact and help the children. We can provide chairs if that’s needed. During setup and clean up there is some walking around and carrying of cardboard and such. It’s helpful if you can safely use a box cutter, but not essential.

Additional Information
You will be helping to emphasize and share with children and parents the importance of open-ended play and tinkering; this is a great way for young children to practice important learning and developmental skills.

Bishop Museum Contact(s):
Tish Sacks
941-746-4131
tsacks@bishopscience.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

Thursday, October 3 / Friday, October 4
4:30 - 5:45 pm

Location: 1600 10st Street W
Number of Volunteers Needed: 6-10

Type of Activity
Reading to our younger members. Arts & crafts projects. Games. Speaking with our teens.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
No special equipment needed.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
None, other than able to interact with our club members.

Additional Information
Come with a lot of energy!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County Contact(s):
Angie Sims
941-722-1268
angie.sims@bgcmanatee.org

Willie Cooper
941-761-2582
willie.cooper@bgcmanatee.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County

Friday, October 4
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
Number of Volunteers Needed: 2-6

Type of Activity
Organize books in our library. – 2 volunteers
Clear and weed our garden beds.  – 2 volunteers
Clear off our tennis courts.   – 2 volunteers
Entire Club wipe down & sanitize. We do this several times a year to prevent the spread of germs. – 6 volunteers

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
No, we will provide all the tools necessary for each project. However, we would suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
No special skills needed.

Additional Information
These are all half day projects and we would prefer mornings.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Contact(s):
Tanya Orr, Community Engagement Manager
(941) 366-3911
torr@bgcsarasota.com

Dawn Bouck, Volunteer Coordinator
(941) 366-7940
DBouck@bgcsarasota.com

Children  First, Inc.

Thursday, October 3
9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Marieb Center - 1723 N. Orange Ave in Sarasota with side trip to HRP Center 1729 33rd St. in Sarasota and HRP Annex 1742 Dr. Martin Luther King Way in Sarasota
Number of Volunteers Needed: 10-12

Type of Activity
We offer a full day of activities - Gardening and Classroom experiences!    The day will start with a breakfast and an introduction to Children First, Inc. at the Marieb Center, 1723 N. Orange Ave.  After breakfast you will have the opportunity to spend about an hour in the classroom, reading to children and other activities.  We will need 4 people to go to local sites 2 at Helen R Payne Center and 2 at Helen R Payne Annex (both within a mile) to read to the children at these sites.    The rest of the day will be spent sprucing up the front garden beds at the Marieb Center. We need the mulch removed from the front garden beds, the ground leveled, some plants replaced, putting down new mulch and help haul away old mulch.  We will provide lunch and water for everyone.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
We will provide gardening gloves, but if you have a favorite pair please bring them with you.  Please wear shirts that keep your shoulders covered so that you do not get sunburned.  Wear clothing that can get dirty, plus closed toed and closed heeled shoes.  We will need everyone’s driver’s license to run through our Raptor system and to create a name tag.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Gardening will be outside- we will provide water.

Additional Information
Children First, Inc. is the Head Start, Early Head Start provider for Sarasota County.  Our Mission: Strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being.  www.childrenfirst.net

Children  First, Inc. Contact(s):
Jean Ward
9419533877
jward@childrenfirst.net

Easterseals SWFL

Thursday, October 3 & Friday, October 4
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday, October 5
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: 350 Braden Ave., Sarasota, FL  34239
Number of Volunteers Needed: 6 - 10

Type of Activity
Offering a variety of activities both indoor and outdoor.  Outdoor activities include meeting our partners, ECO vets, a group of female veterans who maintain, design, plant and harvest our organic garden, as well as assisting us with landscaping, trimming, hedging, and pruning.  Indoor volunteer activities will include classroom helpers or art room helpers in our Lily School which educates children from 6 weeks to 1st grade.  Both activities will be very rewarding and enjoyable.  We offer services and education to individuals living with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Of course, we will offer lunch, water and snacks.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Bring your favorite outdoor tools and a pair of work gloves for outdoor activities. Wear clothes that provide protection from the sun and can get dirty.  If you have yard equipment for trimming, pruning or hedging, that would be very helpful.  With all the rain we have been having bug spray might be a good idea.   

** Please bring your driver’s license, everyone must get checked in with our Raptor system.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
No special skills…… just a great smile and be prepared to have fun.

Additional Information
EASTERSEALS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA began in 1946 as Happiness House, offering hope to children with polio and their families. Over the years, services have evolved in many ways to match the needs of today’s community. We are excited to announce that our offerings include Early Childhood Education and inclusive K-12 therapeutic education. Today, we offer services across the life span, from infants to senior citizens, for those living with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Our programs include, but are not limited to, employment services for adults, art and music programs for all ages, and adult day programs for anyone over 22 years of age. Family Support Services help families by offering parent educational trainings and support, as well as home and center-based respite. 

While the age of the population served has expanded over the years, one core aspect remains the same: helping abilities shine. Early intervention, education, employment, and enriching activities, along with wrap around services, are at the heart of our programming. Whether it’s a diagnosis of autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, or developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, Easterseals is there to help overcome those barriers, and to help each person we serve to achieve full potential. Get involved and learn more about our programs and facilities by scheduling a tour today. 

Easterseals SWFL Contact(s):
Maureen Bradley
9413557637 X406
mbradley@easterseals-swfl.org

Jeff Tarbell
1-779-203-3142
jtarbell@easterseals-swfl.org

Family Network on Disabilities

Friday, October 4
5:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 5
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Glasser Schoenbaum Human Service Center, 1750 17th Street, Building J1, Sarasota, FL  34234
Number of Volunteers Needed: 2-4 for each day

Type of Activity
Assembly of Welcome Bags and Other Items for our Fundraising Event Scheduled for Thursday, November 7th.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
No - Everything will be provided.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
No

Family Network on Disabilities Contact(s):
Mary Smith
941-928-0682
bsmith22@tampabay.rr.com

Mary Smith
941-928-0682
bsmith22@tampabay.rr.com

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
(THIS ACTIVITY IS FULL)

Thursday, October 3 & Friday, October 4
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Florida Cancer Specialists, 5200 Paylor Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240
Number of Volunteers Needed: 10

Type of Activity
The volunteers will be creating a Thanksgiving themed craft that will serve as a thank you to our 400 Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation volunteers in the local community and across the state of Florida. Volunteers will make a total of 400 small turkey envelopes, photos and instructions attached. (If approved, 200 thank you gifts per day on October 3 and 4.) Patient Support Volunteers are dedicated individuals who work directly in the infusion room at the FCS cancer centers greeting the patients and caregivers, bringing a warm blanket and pillow, offering beverages and snack or reading material, and engaging in conversation and lending a sympathetic ear. Their caring and compassion is priceless, and this is a small way for the FCS Foundation to show its gratitude.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Volunteers do not need to bring anything. However, if the volunteer group or business would like to donate some of the materials to create the thank you gifts, we would be very grateful. A list of supplies and pricing is attached.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
There are no physical requirements for this activity. Some hand eye coordination would be useful though.  A volunteer who enjoys arts and crafts would be best suited for the task, but anyone could participate without an issue. Instructions are attached fo

Additional Information
An image of the FCS Foundation volunteer thank you gift is attached, along with an item list, and instructions. Thank you.

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Contact(s):
Lynn Rasys
941-677-7184
lrasys@flcancer.com

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.

Saturday, October 5
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Camp Honi Hanta, 4825 51st Street E., Bradenton, 34203
Number of Volunteers Needed: minimum of 6, maximum of 12

Type of Activity
LWRBA volunteers will work together with girls and Girl Scout volunteers. Projects include: painting trail blazes on trees along our nature trails; creating and installing simple wooden signs for the low-ropes challenge course; and spreading large amounts of mulch within the challenge course area. All participants will also enjoy a team-building exercise utilizing portions of the challenge course, and be treated to solar s’mores and other refreshments.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Volunteers should dress comfortably for outdoor activities, including hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, and insect repellant. Gardening gloves would be helpful. Some volunteers may be painting signage, and should dress accordingly.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Volunteers should be able to use a wheelbarrow, shovel, and rake to spread mulch, and be comfortable using paints.

Additional Information
We are very excited about this opportunity! Outdoor programming is one of the cornerstones of Girl Scouting, so this project is very much in alignment with our organization's mission.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Contact(s):
Patricia Ramthun
941-921-5358 ext/ 311
patriciar@gsgcf.org

Madeline Jackson, Property Manager
941-91-5358 ext. 305
madelinej@gsgcf.org

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

Thursday, October 3
7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Location: 2207 Hammock Place, Sarasota FL 34235
Number of Volunteers Needed: up to 50

Type of Activity
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota utilizes the talents and skills of hundreds of volunteers each year to support our mission to provide permanent, affordable housing to families in our community.  Our volunteers help to raise walls; lay flooring; paint; install trim, doors and windows; install fixtures, and tile.   Volunteers from the LWRBA will volunteer on a home in Hammock Place, Sarasota’s first planned affordable housing community. Hammock Place is a deed-restricted community of 40 single-family homes that will serve 40 families and their 100+ children. The exact activity will be determined in partnership with LWRBA.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
When volunteering at Habitat job site, volunteers should wear clothes they do not mind getting stained and close-toed shoes with good traction. (Sandals, flip-flops and bare feet are prohibited.)  Snacks and drinks are provided by Habitat Sarasota. We suggest volunteers wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat as there is often very little shade.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Please note that you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer with Habitat Sarasota. We welcome volunteers of all skill levels; no experience is required. Habitat Sarasota provides all the tools and training.

Additional Information
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota is the leading organization that provides permanent, affordable housing to income-qualified families in Sarasota. By serving qualified homeowners with an affordable mortgage, we help families achieve housing stability and improve their living conditions. Habitat Sarasota’s operating expenses are funded by the ReStore through sales of gently used furniture and home improvement materials, allowing financial contributions to go directly toward serving families. Habitat Sarasota leverages our resources with community partners, collaborations and volunteers to keep our homes affordable. Habitat Sarasota is building Hammock Place, a 40-home neighborhood that is the first of its kind in this area.   Habitat Sarasota began developing Hammock Place in response to the growing need for affordable housing in our community. Currently, Hammock Place is the only option in Sarasota for families who are earning 60-80% of area median income and who need a 3 or 4 bedroom single-family home.   The homes in Hammock Place are 1,500 sq under air and feature 3 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; an attached 2-car garage; all major appliances; window blinds; and lawn maintenance. Built with insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, the homes are Category 5 storm rated and energy efficient. All the homes in Hammock Place exceed green building standards.

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota Contact(s):
Rhonda Leiberick
941-487-5507
rleiberick@habitatsrq.org

Anna Wilson
941-487-5529
awilson@habitatsrq.org

Harvest House

Friday, October 4
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: 2752 Dr. MLK Jr Way, Sarasota, FL 34235
Number of Volunteers Needed: 7-10

Type of Activity
We are in dire need of landscaping, gardening, and other general beautification done at our Lee Wetherington Family Village campus for families in permanent supportive housing and unaccompanied youth.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Volunteers should be able to lift at least 15 lbs.  Volunteers with a love for landscaping and gardening will enjoy this activity!

Additional Information
About Harvest House: http://online.fliphtml5.com/lmjiv/uzgc/

Harvest House Contact(s):
Shaelina Holmes
7869161735
shaelina@harvesthousecenters.com

HOPE Family Services, Inc.

Thursday, October 3, Friday, October 4, Saturday, October 5
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Throughout Manatee County
Number of Volunteers Needed: 2 -10

Type of Activity
October is domestic violence awareness month. To start off the month we are looking for volunteers to help spread awareness about domestic violence to our local community members by providing HOPE Family Services' (HOPE) information. With new people moving to the Manatee County area on a daily basis we want people to know about our services and where they can receive help. 95% of people who are killed at the hands of their intimate partner have never reached out to a certified domestic violence center, like HOPE. We want to make sure all our community members are aware of our services. We are requesting volunteers to help provide HOPE's brochures, information cards and posters to local hair and nail salons, spas, doctor's offices, dentist offices and other medical professionals.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
HOPE would provide the materials to the volunteers to pass out to local businesses. Comfortable shoes and clothing. Reliable transportation would be needed as well.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
We'd like for the volunteers to first meet at HOPE Family Services (HOPE) to meet our staff and learning about HOPE and services we provide to victims and survivors of domestic violence. HOPE staff would then provide the materials to the volunteers to pas

HOPE Family Services, Inc. Contact(s):
Kayla Terrel
9417478499
kayla.terrel@hopefamilyservice.org

Humane Society of Manatee County

Thursday, October 3
11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: 2515 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Number of Volunteers Needed: 5 and 10

Type of Activity
Paint our dog adoption area at the shelter

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Old clothes that they do not mind getting dirty. Water and food for themselves.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Able to bend, squat, and stretch while painting.

Additional Information
We will provide the paint and the brushes. We appreciate any help that is provided!

Humane Society of Manatee County Contact(s):
Tisha Przybylski
9417478808
tisha@humanesocietymanatee.org

JFCS of the Suncoast
(THIS ACTIVITY IS FULL)

Friday, October 4
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: JFCS of the Suncoast Food Pantry 2688 Fruitville Rd.
Number of Volunteers Needed: 4

Type of Activity
Help unload, stock, sort, and package donated food into our food pantry.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Closed toed shoes and pants are preferred for safety.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Unloading and sorting.

JFCS of the Suncoast Contact(s):
Karen Pharo
9414006685
kpharo@jfcs-cares.org

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity

Thursday October 3
7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Location TBD
Number of Volunteers Needed: 10

Type of Activity
The group will participate with trained volunteers to build a home in Bradenton.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
We can provide all the needed equipment: hard hats, safety glasses, shovels, rakes, work gloves (bring your own if you like). We also provide a non-smoking/non-vaping job site.   A light snack will be provided mid-morning. We encourage all volunteers to eat a hearty breakfast to fuel them through the morning’s work.  Please wear closed toed shoes, no flip flops or sandals allowed.  Also wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
No special skills needed, as trained volunteers will be on hand to guide them.

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity Contact(s):
Barb Slater
941-748-9100 x110
bslater@manateehabitat.org

Mayors Feed the Hungry Program/Giving Hunger the Blues

Thursday, October 3 / Friday, October 4 / Saturday, October 5
Time: Flexible

Location: Sarasota/Manatee Counties
Number of Volunteers Needed: 20+

Type of Activity
Posting Giving Hunger the Blues event posters

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
We will provide posters and tape (and push pins for indoor bulletin boards)

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
None

Mayors Feed the Hungry Program/Giving Hunger the Blues Contact(s):
Peter Anderson
941-228-1535
ghtb19@gmail.com

Christopher Ash
941-544-1795
c_j_ash@hotmail.com

Meals on Wheels PLUS

Thursday, October 3 / Friday, October 4
9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: Meals on Wheels PLUS, 811 23rd Ave E, Bradenton
Number of Volunteers Needed: up to 6

Type of Activity
Attend a one hours training and deliver meals in own car.  Ride alone or with a friend to deliver hot nutritious meals to home bound seniors on a designated route somewhere in Manatee County.  Delivery begins at 10:45am (following training) and the average route of 12 meals takes about 1.5 hours.  Enjoy bringing a meal and a smile to a senior in our community.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Insured vehicle, valid driver's license, GPS device or smart phone with map, and casual appropriate attire.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Volunteers should have compassion for the elderly, a comfort level navigating, and be able to get in and out of car multiple times to deliver meals.

Meals on Wheels PLUS Contact(s):
Jackie Godlewski
941-747-4655 ext. 1230
jgodlewski@mealsonwheelsplus.org

Meals on Wheels PLUS

Thursday, October 3
7:30 am - 11:30 am

Location: Meals on Wheels PLUS, 811 23rd Ave E, Bradenton
Number of Volunteers Needed: 2

Type of Activity
Assist with packing totes in warehouse for meal delivery.  Sanitize totes as they are returned to the warehouse.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Weather appropriate casual clothes (no tank tops or short shorts).  Closed toed shoes required.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Volunteers will be on their feet most of the time.  Some light lifting involved.

Meals on Wheels PLUS Contact(s):
Jackie Godlewski
941-747-4655 ext. 1230
jgodlewski@mealsonwheelsplus.org

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

Thursday, October 3 / Friday, October 4 / Saturday, October 5
12:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: 838 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Number of Volunteers Needed: 4-8

Type of Activity
We need organizational help! Preparing for our Halloween Costume Sale Sorting and storing our backdrops Organizing our Holiday Decorations

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Be prepared to move!  No open toe shoes... must wear tennis shoes, or shoes that are solid, no flip flops.  Shorts and t-shirts are great!

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Just a great attitude!

The Players Centre for Performing Arts Contact(s):
Jeffery Kin
9413652494
artisticdirector@theplayers.org

Georgina Wilmott and Ken Junkins
941-365-2494
georginaw@theplayers.org & kenj@theplayers.org

Prospect Riding Center

Thursday, October 3 / Friday October 4
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: 34250 SR 70 East, Myakka City 15 miles east of I-75
Number of Volunteers Needed: 8-10

Type of Activity
We have various activities.  Horse care, washing horses, barn chores.  Painting.  Clearing small debris from sensory trail. Cleaning arena game equipment.  Making directional signs for trails.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Bring any comfort items, beverage, sunblock, bug spray. Work gloves.  Wear closed toe shoes. Have completed volunteer paperwork. We can send this to the individuals or it is available on our website, www.prospectridingcenter.com

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Must be able to work outside.  Lift 25 pounds.

Additional Information
This is a great help to our programs and keeping them top notch !  We appreciate the time and help given.

Prospect Riding Center Contact(s):
Susan Tambone
9417131736
prospectridingcenter@gmail.com

SANCA @ Nathan Benderson Park
(THIS ACTIVITY IS FULL)

Friday, October 4
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, Florida 34235
Number of Volunteers Needed: 8

Type of Activity
For the 2nd year, we will be constructing a hay maze at the playground area of Nathan Benderson Park.  Hay and appropriate tools/supplies will be provided.  After the maze is complete, NBP would like to offer the group the opportunity to kayak at the lake as a thank you for their volunteerism.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Gloves may be helpful.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Lifting and stacking hay bails.

SANCA Contact(s):
Stephen Rodriguez
941-358-7275
stephen@sanca.us

Bob Whitford
941-224-4938
bob@sanca.us

Sarasota Christian School

Friday, October 4
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Sarasota Christian School, 5415 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota
Number of Volunteers Needed: 8-10

Type of Activity
We would like volunteers to work with our students in one or two ways:

1.  Talk to our High School students about their career, how they prepared for the work they are in, and other job-seeking tips

2.  Spend time with our Elementary School students reading to the smaller students or sharing their career experiences with our older elementary students

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
Volunteers will be indoors. If they wish to make presentations to our high school students, we encourage them to bring their own device which can connect with our projection systems.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
We are looking for volunteers that would like to interact with our students and share their experience.

Sarasota Christian School Contact(s):
Laura Randall
9413716481
lrandall@sarasotachristian.org

SunCoast Blood Bank

Saturday, October 5
1:00 - 4:30 pm

Location: Walmart (SR70 & I 75), 5810 Ranch Lake Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
Number of Volunteers Needed: As many as possible

Type of Activity
Come and visit our blood mobile located at Walmart (5810 RANCH LAKE BLVD BRADENTON , FL 34202), on October 5th, 1pm- 4:30pm, and help us to save lives, by donating blood. Your blood donations will support 10 hospitals near you, including Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. You are helping to keep the area blood supply at a save level. Every single donation can save up to 3 lives. All you need is a photo ID. We provide snacks and refreshments, free eligibility screenings and health screenings for all blood donors.  Let’s make an impact.

SunCoast Blood Bank Contact(s):
Tanja Malkovich
941-203-6275
tmalkovich@scbb.org

Tidewell Hospice

Thursday, October 3 / Friday, October 4
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: 6800 Professional Parkway West, Lakewood Ranch FL
Number of Volunteers Needed: 3-5

Type of Activity
Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly program for grieving families has a new home in Lakewood Ranch! Blue Butterfly serves upwards of 100 children and families who have encountered a significant loss in the Lakewood Ranch area in a free support program. These days of service will focus on getting our new facility ready for our support sessions that will start on October 8.  Painting, assembling, landscaping, and set up will all be a part of these days.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
None.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Painting, lifting items, possible gardening/outdoors, assembly, moving furniture

Tidewell Contact(s):
Stacy Groff
941-894-1753
sgroff@tidewell.org

Turning Points

Thursday, October 3
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: 701 17th Ave West
Number of Volunteers Needed: 10

Type of Activity
Area canvasing, creating information packets and distribution of information packets.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
No additional equipment needed.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
Walking.

Turning Points Contact(s):
Francisco Enriquez
941-747-1509
frank@tpmanatee.org

United Way Suncoast

Friday, October 4
1:00 - 3:00 pm

Location: 4215 Concept Court, Bradenton, FL 34211
Number of Volunteers Needed: 5

Type of Activity
As the new academic year kicks off, volunteers will provide support for ReadingPals and LearningPals – two academic-focused volunteer initiatives that take place at Title I schools in Manatee County. Volunteers for this project will assist with organizing and preparing resources for volunteers in the schools. United Way Suncoast fights for the education and financial stability of every member of our community.

Suggested Equipment/Provisions
No, we will be inside and there is space to either sit or stand.

Physical Requirements/Special Skills
None required. Volunteers will receive training on the day of the event and will have resources made available to them.

United Way Suncoast Contact(s):
Jessica Maxon-Berrier
941-932-8259
jmaxon-berrier@uwsuncoast.org