7 Places Where Orlando Families Can Volunteer During Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving arrives, many Orlando families seek ways to give back to the community and teach children the power of generosity. Thanksgiving is all about, as the holiday namesake declares, giving thanks! So, we’ve created a list of where Orlando families can volunteer during Thanksgiving time.
Parents, get your fill of Thanksgiving dinner, football, and Black Friday shopping… but also schedule time to help your little turkeys truly grasp gratitude. I love family-focused volunteerism because research suggests that when one does something good, a happiness-high ensues. A heaping of this “do good, feel phenomenon” is dually beneficial for kind-hearted families and those they help.
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Where Orlando Families Can Volunteer
1. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida
1030 N. Orange Ave., Suite 105, Orlando, FL 32801
Ronald McDonald House Charities is a nonprofit that supports children with serious illnesses and their families. Their programming allows families to stay together during periods of hospital stays, either at the Ronald McDonald House or other accommodations like nearby hotels.
During the holidays, students who volunteer with their families can earn volunteer hours through RMHC’s Baking Buddies opportunities. Help fill this charity house with seasonal scents by baking pumpkin pie, pecan squares, sweet potato cupcakes, apple tartes, and other Thanksgiving favorites.
2. Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K
Lake Eola Park, 227 N. Eola Dr., Orlando, FL 32801
Thursday, November 28
The Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition in Orlando 35 years. Each year, thousands of runners take to the streets of Downtown Orlando to burn off those (soon-to-be-consumed) pumpkin pie calories. Plus, event proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels and other programs addressing food insecurity among senior citizens in the Orlando area.
While the Track Shack team has an incredible staff, this race is run with volunteer support. Active families, with kiddos 13+, may especially love volunteering for the Turkey Trot or other Track Shack hosted events.
Related:Turkey Trots in Orlando
3. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
411 Mercy Dr., Orlando, FL 32805
Before indulging in a delicious Thanksgiving feast, digest the following staggering statistics. According to the Second Harvest, 1-in-8 people in Central Florida are food insecure. That’s why Second Harvest is committed to combating hunger in Central Florida by distributing food to families and individuals in need.
During the holiday season, efforts ramp up with much-needed volunteers who sort, pack and distribute food. You can conveniently sign up through the organization’s shift calendar. Each slot outlines project details, as well as age requirements.
Generally, volunteers must be at least 10 years old (with an 18+ chaperone) or 16 years old without a chaperone. Occasionally, Second Harvest hosts “Family Night” to also welcome volunteers ages 5-9 years old.
4. Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
18 N. Terry Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
The Coalition for the Homeless provides shelter and supportive services to homeless individuals and families. Around Thanksgiving, the organization hosts special holiday meals and events to bring some cheer to those staying at their facilities.
As your adorning your table with autumn décor, realizing that many fellow residents don’t have a home to decorate at all. To find a volunteer opportunity, the Coalition has an online portal listing areas of need, such as groundskeeping, facility cleaning, and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Orlando families can volunteer with a minimum age of 13 (along with an adult).
5. Meals on Wheels, Etc.
2801 S. Financial Ct., Sanford, FL 32773
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to elderly and homebound individuals in the Greater Orlando area. During Thanksgiving, the organization puts extra effort into ensuring that local seniors who can’t leave their homes still enjoy a traditional holiday meal.
Volunteering as a family to deliver Thanksgiving meals can be a heartwarming experience. Children can accompany their parents as they bring food and friendly conversation to those who may not have family nearby. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spread holiday cheer to elders who might otherwise spend Thanksgiving alone.
6. Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW)
1940 Cannery Way, Orlando, FL 32804
Heart of Florida United Way is on a mission to “improve the lives of individuals and families, building stronger communities by uniting people and organizations to create measurable results and a lasting impact.”
HFUW offers a variety of family volunteer projects, like the HFUW Thanksgiving Project, an annual tri-county food drive to provide holiday meals to those in need. Teams, including family volunteer groups, can work together to fill tote bags with donated Thanksgiving food items, decorate greeting cards and fill resource packets to help families connect with local organizations for year-round assistance.
HFUW lists volunteer opportunities online, including many under its ‘students’ section.
7. United Against Poverty Orlando
150 W. Michigan St., Orlando, FL 32806
United Against Poverty (UP) aims to lift families out of poverty through education, training and essential needs. Like the organizations previously mentioned, UP runs a Thanksgiving program to ensure that Orlandoans in need have the goods needed to prepare a holiday meal.
UP is a student-friendly organization with volunteer opportunities geared for 10+ years old. Plus, all ages are welcome to lend a hand at Family Volunteer Night, held on the second Friday of every month.
More Opportunities for Orlando Families to Volunteer
- Orlando Union Rescue Mission: Help work the Thanksgiving buffet line to dish out festive fare and friendly banter.
- Red Cross: With many Floridians recently impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, volunteers can still help with basic needs during the holidays.
- Habitat for Humanity: Because home is where your heart is, volunteer with Habitat to help build homes for Orlando families, especially if and when you have extra time off during the holidays.
- Soldiers Angels: Orlando families can bake treats, or make care packages in general, for heroes.
Tips for Volunteering with Children in Orlando
Volunteering as a family can be incredibly rewarding. For the best experience:
- Confirm age limits: Select organizations have minimum age requirements for volunteering, however, this may not be applicable if volunteering as a parent-child team or family unit.
- Explain the experience: Talk to your kiddos about what they may see while volunteering, particularly if they haven’t been exposed to homelessness or hunger before.
- Focus on gratitude: Reinforce the importance of giving back and the significance of gratitude, especially around Thanksgiving.
- Continue to do good & feel good: Log onto VolunteerMatch.org to find additional opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.
