LEND A HAND

Bright Futures Scholarship requirements as well as others. There are a number of volunteer activities to assist with from sorting books to assisting with book sales and other summer programming events. If you or your family are interested in volunteering your time with our local library, visit one of the many WFPL locations, or visit mywfpl.com to download an online application form, and simply return it to any library location.

Manna Food Pantries

This local grassroots organization is dedicated to fighting hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Manna provides groceries directly to individuals and families in need and all services are all offered free of charge. The organization relies on volunteers and funds received from individuals, foundations, faith-based organizations, corporations and businesses throughout the community. Manna is always seeking volunteers to assist with their food pantry and food drive events. Other volunteer opportunities include administrative support, warehouse assistance, housekeeping, inventory, pantry assistance, special events and assisting with client services. Youth under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult. For complete details on available volunteer opportunities and to complete the online volunteer application, visit mannahelps.org/participate/volunteer. The Pensacola Humane Society (PHS) is another local non-profit organization that offers a number of volunteer opportunities for its many services and programs provided to benefit communities in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Milton. PHS provides opportunities for both individuals and local groups needing to accrue mandatory volunteer hours for things like high school, collegiate or military requirements. The organization’s volunteer program consists of nearly 200 individuals who regularly donate their time for a variety of tasks and activities throughout the year. PHS is always seeking new volunteers to help out with their many programs and services. Some of their regular volunteer opportunities include cutting dog treats, helping with laundry, processing donations, providing administrative support, cleaning litter boxes and kitten play areas, tidying the grounds, walking the dogs, taking dogs to training sessions, working at community events and providing tours to potential adopters. Individuals interested in volunteering their time with PHS will need to complete and submit the required volunteer application, which can be accessed online at pensacolahumane.org/ volunteer. Once applications are approved, individuals must then complete a brief orientation session prior to volunteering. Visit pensacolahumane.org for details on current volunteer opportunities. The YMCA of Northwest Florida is always looking for more hands to “hold the rope” for their many locations throughout the Northwest community. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, YMCA provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to give men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life the resources and support they need to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. The Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA offers a wide range of regular volunteer opportunities like helping out in the aquatic center, greeting and assisting members with check-in, wellness ambassadors, beautification team, individuals to help supervise youth in the KidZone area and providing support for special events and fundraisers throughout the year. For complete details on available volunteer opportunities and to download the required volunteer application, visit ymcanwfl.org.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

Volunteers play a vital role in the mission of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Each year thousands of volunteers contribute their time and talent to help build homes and assist with community projects and events throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The organization relies on support from volunteers to continue its work both in our local community and abroad. Local volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the year to assist with construction projects, painting homes, minor home repairs, handicap accessibility accommodations, neighborhood cleanups, gardening and more. The organization is also in need of volunteers at the ReStore shop, which sells new and donated items at deeply discounted prices. ReStore volunteer activities include donation processing, merchandising, furniture repair, painting, shopper assistants and more. Individuals are required to be at least 16 years of age to volunteer at the ReStore. For complete details on available volunteer opportunities, visit pensacolahabitat.org.