Organizations Needing Volunteers in Marion County Page 2
Ocala Marion
County census population in 2006 was
estimated to be 316,000.
Approximately 23% is over the age of 65 and the number is growing
yearly. Seniors play an important role in our community by participating in
the many non-profit and charity organizations.
Volunteer and senior services opportunities are abundant
throughout the area, as well as plenty of opportunities to relax or get
involved in Ocala’s active senior community.
If you are looking for an organization
where you can use your talents as a volunteer, review the list of
opportunities offered by the many organizations in the area.
This is a partial list so if you don’t see an organization of
interest let us know and we will help you locate one.
Cash4Kids
Organization:
A civic-minded organization devoted to helping your favorite charity for kids.
Their goal is to raise money for children’s advocacy centers, orphanages,
children’s education and fully funded housing for single mothers.
Fundraising events include World Series of Poker Tournament where 25%
of the ticket sales are donated to your favorite charity. Contact Wes Martin at
352-861-2248
The
Centers, Inc
The Centers offers a
wide variety of behavioral healthcare services to help all ages reach their
highest level of functioning.
Volunteer duties include reception and office work, assisting with
events, opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors or Development Advisory
Committee.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by contacting Laurie Menard at
352-291-5462
Covenant
Children’s Home
Healing broken hearts and helping hurting children this mission based
Christ-Centered home for school age children assist children in need of
long-term or permanent homes.
November has been declared by Congress as National Homeless Youth
Awareness Month. Volunteers can participate in this life-changing endeavor by
serving on the Board of Directors, as web designers, contractors, speaking
engagements, civic clubs and other fundraising events.
Contact Richard and Karen Errett at 352-489-2565
Fine Arts for Ocala
Volunteers who enjoy working and promoting an appreciation of fine arts and
educating the public are welcome to assist with setup and take-down, assist
with food, help distribute water to the artist and perform other duties, contact Jane Hicks at 352-624-9633
Equine Heritage Institute
The Florida Carriage Museum offers volunteer opportunities including tours
of the museum, sharing exciting stories and meeting people.
Their primary fundraising event is the Austin Horse Park Pleasure
Driving Competition which attracts carriage drivers throughout the United
States, Canada, Hungary, Great Britain and Australia. Contact Kelly Hawersaat at
352-750-5500 ext 245.
Florida Center for the
Blind The
mission of FCB is to help visually impaired and blink persons cope with
vision loss, remain independent and follow their chosen professions.
Volunteers are asked to perform clerical, teaching, van driver
duties and conduct day-to-day operations at the center. Contact Gwain Davis at 352-873-4700
GFWC Woman's Club of Ocala
More than 200 local women support such charities at Haven House, Marion
County Senior Services, Adopt a Park, Special Olympics, American Cancer
Society and many others.
Through fundraising efforts they donate $20K to various charities
and donated an additional $20K to the “Making Dreams Come True Through You”
program.
Contact Mary Ross at
352-622-5431 for additional info.
Friends of the Public
Library A
non-profit organization formed for the advancement of education by the
distribution of its funds for the promotion and development for the Marion
County Public Libraries, Ocala, and to encourage the use of such facilities.
Volunteers exist in the bookstore, hospitality and various
facilities. Contact Marilyn Stadick
at 352-368-4590
Guardian Ad Litem
Advocates for children who are alleged to be abused, abandoned or neglected
and who are involved in court proceedings. Volunteers are needed to visit
families, provide opinions from case study and visitation and speak in court
proceedings.
Contact Karla Grimsley at 352-369-2525
Kiwanis Club of Ocala
The clubs main priority is children and the local club organizes and
maintains Camp Kiwanis in the Ocala National Forest. Other involvements
include the Reading is Fundamental program.
Fundraising projects include a pancake breakfast, annual beef sale
with a steer purchased at the Southeast Youth Fair, a golf tournament.
The best opportunity to volunteer is to help maintain the Camp
Kiwanis Park.
Contact Diana Williams at 352-368-0637
MADD
The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this
violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
Many fundraisers are help throughout the year on an annual basis
and volunteers are called upon to serve on fundraising committees, secure
corporate sponsors, attend health and safety fairs, DUI checkpoints, work
phone lines and go face-to- face with the public to heighten awareness on
the issues facing teens and the youth in our community. Contact Anita Kinsler at 352-438-2352
Marion County Literacy
Council, Inc
The Council promotes the importance of literacy in society and provides a
frame-work for instruction dedicated to improving adult literacy skills
throughout Marion County. Volunteer opportunities range from tutoring adults
with varying degrees of ability to a one-on-one basis or in a small class
environment. Students are learning to read, preparing for the GED
examination and learning to read, write and speak English.
The annual Adult Spelling Bee and Auction is the main fundraiser
and Volunteers are encouraged to help with the Bee.
Contact Karen Hill at 352-690-7323
Marion County Senior
Services
Primary focus is helping assist frail elderly and disabled residents to
maintain their independence through supportive services.
Volunteers deliver meals-on-wheels, companionship and friendly
visits to shut-ins, office/clerical duties and other task.
Contact Gail Cross at
352-620-3501
Marion Therapeutic Riding
Association Inc
Few things are more rewarding than the smile on a child after just a few
minutes of riding in an atmosphere of love and support.
The MTRA offers the wonderful benefits of therapeutic horseback
riding and carriage driving to physically, mentally or emotionally challenge
persons.
Volunteers would be ask to work with the animals, perform office support,
facility maintenance and assist with fundraising initiatives.
Ages 14 and up are welcome as volunteers.
Contact Earleen Kenyon at 352-624-4240
Monroe Foundation, Inc
The mission of Munroe Foundation is to encourage philanthropic support for
MRMC and to improve the health of our community.
Volunteers are ask to serve on the Board of Directors, Gift
Committees, perform clerical duties in the office and support projects.
Contact Beth McCall at
352-351-7233
Ocala Civic Theatre
OCT is a non-profit community theatre devoted to providing cultural,
educational and entertainment opportunities of the highest quality to the
residents of Marion County and the surrounding area.
Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the organization.
In 2006-2007 over 60,100 hours were donated by 435 local
individuals.
The theatre also maintains a year-round education program with the
enrollment of over 1000 students the last two years while still producing 12
shows a year. A scholarship program is available for students who qualify.
Last season more than 68,000 people were reached by OCT.
Contact Mary Britt at
352-236-2851