Published: October 30, 2024
From Thanksgiving collection efforts and nursing home visits to beach cleanups and caring for shelter animals, there are plenty of ways your family can pay it forward during the season of giving and beyond.
Harvest Drive Florida has been a mainstay in the South Florida community for more than three decades. The organization encourages and inspires Broward County Public School students to support struggling families by collecting and donating necessities including non-perishable food, toiletries and gently used clothing and household items. To see a list of the most needed items, and other ways you can help the cause, see http://www.harvestdriveflorida.com.
Citizen Science EcoAction Day at Crandon Park needs volunteers ages 9 and up to help clean up the beach, sort marine debris and gather and record data. Participants serve as amateur scientists while working with professionals. Volunteers younger than 13 must participate with a parent. The activity takes place at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne every second Saturday. Register at http://www.miamidadeparks.com.
Palm Beach Animal Care and Control offers school and college service hours for those who collect supplies for or foster pets from PBC ACC. Students are encouraged to design a supply drive document and collect goods from a pre-approved provided list to participate. In addition to the reward of helping animals in need, service and bonus bundle hours will be provided to those who qualify. Visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Pages/CommuniTEEN-Service.aspx.
Looking for other ways your kids can help serve the community? HandsOn South Florida is a good starting point. The organization compiles a variety of youth-friendly volunteer opportunities and projects including the Kids Ecology Corps Beach Sweep for all ages; a Kids Care Club for ages 5 and up; Urban Farming and Gardening for ages 8 and up; Community Gardening for ages 10 and up; Electronics and Recycling for ages 14 and up; and Feeding Families for ages 16 and up. To view all of the opportunities for kids and adults visit http://www.handsonbroward.org or http://www.handsonmiami.org