Schools
10 Best Places to Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer and make a difference in the life of a child, animal or person in need.
Volunteers are often the lifeline of our community organizations. Some people think the only way to help is through cash donations, but volunteering your time is just as valuable. Volunteering is rewarding for both those lending a hand and those being helped.
Think about your passions. What kind of organization would you like to help? How much time do you have available? Many places have orientation, training and a required amount of time per week or month.
There are many worthy organizations in Largo. Here is a list of the top ten places to volunteer in your community.
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Are you passionate about the environment and recycling? The Green Teamers encourage residents and businesses to adopt Largo's recycling program. Opportunities are available for neighborhood ambassadors or educational event presenters. They need help with special events like the Touch-a-Truck, Chili Cookoff, Trashy Fashion Show, Mobile Collection Events, Holiday Stroll, Largo's Downtown Market, Red Hat Party and other city sponsored events.
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Volunteers must be 16 years and older and available three hours a month. Schedules are flexible.
Contact:
Recycling Coordinator, Marissa Segundo
727-586-7424
The Largo Library, a valuable resource, is in need of volunteers. Volunteers are needed in collection maintenance, computers, program assistance, customer assistance and literacy tutoring. Other volunteer positions are available with library affiliates like the Friends of Largo Library and the Greater Largo Library Foundation.
Contact:
Library Adult Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie Secchiari
727-587- 6715 or email: dsecchia@largo.com
For teens (ages 14-18), consider joining the Teen Library Council to participate in teen programming and other library activities. Apply in the Teen Room or by calling the teen volunteer coordinator.
Teen Volunteer Coordinator, Julia Gonser
727-587-6715 or email: jgonser@largo.com
Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Consider volunteering for Friends of Parks. This group needs volunteers to work as tree tenders, nature park openers; nature park event assistants, park assistants, volunteer naturalists, animal care assistants and the nature preserve.
Contact:
John Sanguinet
727-518-3131 or visit the City of Largo's website: http://www.largo.com
SPCA of Tampa Bay
If you love animals, consider a volunteer position at the SPCA of Tampa Bay. This organization helps sick, injured, homeless and unwanted pets. Adult and junior (16 and older) can volunteer to be canine counselors, family dog trainers, feline counselors, small animals counselors (rabbits and pocket pets), foster parents and Web pet photographers.
Each position requires volunteers participate in training and agree to a set time commitment. Visit their website for requirements, training and descriptions. http://www.spcatampabay.org
Contact:
Volunteer Manager, Nicole Hartwell
727-586-3591 (ext. 127) or email: volunteer@spcatampabay.org
RCS is a non-profit, social service organization providing the basic needs of food, shelter, safety, clothing and household goods to individuals and families. Volunteers can be groups and individuals. RCS needs assistance in sorting food, data entry, truck drivers for scheduled donation pick-ups and assistance for special events. Volunteers can help in the RCS Food Bank, The Haven of RCS, RCS Thrift Store and other locations.
Contact:
Rachel Thurber
727-584-3528 (ext. 407) or email: Rachel.thurber@RCSpinellas.org
Volunteer Opportunities
Heritage Village is a 21-acre historical treasure. The center's air village and museum attract visitors from all over the Tampa Bay area. Volunteer positions include: docents/interpreters, receptionists, junior docents (12-18 years old), office assistants, library assistants, craft demonstrators, gift shop volunteers, collections assistants, special event assistants and marketing and outreach assistants.
Contact:
Heritage Village Volunteers
727-582-2427
11909 125th Street N.
Largo, FL 33774
Website: heritagevillage@pinellascounty.org
Volunteering with 4-H
If you want to help with children, consider becoming a 4-H afterschool volunteer. You will work with children ages eight to 12 in a 9-week program about finances, proper food nutrition, physical fitness and more. A county background check and orientation are required.
Contact:
Pinellas County Extension - 4-H
727-582-2411
12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774
Volunteer weekly hours - 2 hours
Pinellas Preparatory Academy
: Volunteer and Classroom Speakers
Pinellas Preparatory Academy (PPC) is a public charter school for children in fourth through eighth grades. Its mission is to, "provide a creative and positive environment for emotionally mature children". Like all Largo public schools, PPC can use volunteers for many positions, like tutors, mentors, classroom assistants, field trip drivers and chaperones, office and clerical assistants, classroom speakers, special events volunteers and more.
To register as a volunteer in any Pinellas County school you must complete a registration form and a background check. To register, visit the school of choice or download a registration document from the Pinellas County Schools website.
http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/volunteer
Contact:
Volunteer Coordinator, Pam Biagini
727-536-3600
Pinellas Preparatory Academy
2300 S. Belcher Road #100
Largo, FL 33771
Enterprise Village and Finance Park Volunteers
Individuals and business volunteers are always welcomed at The Gus A. Stavros Institute. The organization is a partnership between Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Public Schools. They help students learn in a hands-on environment. Kids learn about business, personal finance and careers. Volunteer training is mandatory.
Contact: Community Liaison, Karen Brighton
727-588-3746 or email: brightonk@pcsb.org
The Gus A. Stavros Institute
12100 Starkey Road, Largo, FL 33773
Volunteer weekly hours: one 3-hour shift per week.
Website: http://www.stavrosinstitute.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Training.Volunteer
Largo Medical Center provides complete medical services, including diagnostic, surgery, emergency and rehabiliation for people of all ages. Volunteer opportunities are available in many departments. Orientation and training is provided.
Contact:
Director of Volunteer Services, Nancy Read
727-588-5876
Volunteer work one, 3-hour shift per week.
