Editor’s note: Lend a Hand is the Star-Banner’s running list of volunteer opportunities in Marion County. We stopped running the column when the COVID-19 pandemic started. We are bringing it back today, since many groups are becoming more active. Please call or otherwise contact these groups if you are interested, as their situations may have changed. To submit a call for volunteers, or to revise this list in any way, email calendar@starbanner.com and write “Lend a Hand” in the message line.
Brothers Keeper: Assist in thrift store, soup kitchen and more. (622-3846)
City of Ocala: Multiple opportunities including special events, Fort King National Historic Landmark Visitor’s Center, Fleet Management Shop and Discovery Center. (368-5517 or ccarroll@ocalafl.org)
Crones’ Cradle Conserve: Learn about organic farming and help with tasks. (595-3377)
Elder Options: Teach senior diabetic education. (386-697-4977 or bonillaw@agingresources.org)
Florida Center for the Blind: Drive clients, help with reception and filing. (873-4700 or www.Flblind.org)
Fort King Heritage Center: Help visitors at historic landmark. (368-5517 or CCarroll@ocalafl.org)
Guardian ad Litem: Advocate for abused and neglected children in court. (343-2736 or amarilys.ortega@gal.fl.gov)
Habitat for Humanity: Help in ReStore and with home construction. All skill levels. (351-4663 or bfish@habitatocala.org)
Helping Hands: Help in thrift stores and apartments. (732-4464 or helpinghandsocala.org)
His Compassion: Various. (362-3198)
Horse Protection Association of Florida: Assist with grooming and care of rescued horses. (hpaf.org or 352-466-4366)
Hospice of Marion County: Patient support, office, thrift stores and pet programs. (873-7441)
Humane Society of Marion County: Help in thrift store and warehouse. (www.humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com or 873-7387)
Interfaith Emergency Services: Various. (www.iesmarion.org or 629-8868, ext. 210)
Kids Central: Ocala Family Resource Center — Volunteers can assist with clerical work (answering phones, faxing/coping), adult mentoring, event assistance, sorting incoming donations and working in the clothing closets. (274-2817 or Volunteer@kidscentralinc.org)
Kindred Hospice: This volunteer opportunity requires only one thing: your heart. Help in the office or visiting patients. No medical experience needed. (Call Gayle at 622-9331)
Marion Chamber Music Society: Seeking volunteers to join the board as a member of the society. Music experience is desired but not necessary. Some experience in management, volunteering or fundraising would be beneficial. The board generally meets eight times a year. (352-867-1988 or ken344@hotmail.com)
Marion County Animal Services: Dog walkers, cat cuddlers, kong stuffers needed. (671-8700 or friendsofmcas@gmail.com)
Marion County Literacy Council: Help students develop skills. (690-7323)
Marion County Medical Reserve Corps: Various; no medical experience necessary. (644-2742 or April.Irvin@FLHealth.gov)
Marion County Memorial Honor Guard: Assist with “final calls.” (209-1952 or email ppetefoster@aol.com)
Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology: Help with visitors and museum. (236-5245)
Marion County Search and Rescue: Training provided. (marioncountysearchandrescue@yahoo.com)
Marion County Genealogical Society: Needs editor for newsletter. (897-0840 or president@mcgsocala.org)
Marion Senior Services: Office support, friendly visitors, Meals-on-Wheels drivers. (Contact Nancy La Selva at 352-620-3501 or nlaselva@marionseniorservices.org)
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association: Various. (732-7300 or volunteer@mtraocala.org)
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Marion County (NAMI): Various. Apply at www.namiocala.org. (368-2405 or executivedirector@namiocala.org)
Ocala Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center: Volunteer areas — donation processing, transportation, light cleaning, events, hotline and more. Volunteer orientation is on the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. (or by appointment), at the Sexual Assault Center, 2010 S. Pine Ave., Ocala. (351-4009 or volunteer@ocalacsi.com)
Ocala Wildlife Sanctuary (OWLS): Needs volunteers to help with cage maintenance and yard and garden work. (owls-ocalainc@hotmail.com or 895-0451)
Open Arms Village: Provide one meal per month at transitional home. (875-1033)
Operation Shoebox: Help in thrift store and pack items for troops overseas. (307-6723)
PACE Center for Girls: Various. (369-0571 or www.marion@pacecenter.org)
Project Hope of Marion County: Various. (624-4673 or 427-5549 or visit www.projecthopeocala.org)
Project PUP: Pets visit health care facilities. (615-9277 or email info@projectpupinc.org)
Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force: Various. (368-5517)
Rizing Starz Inc.: Seeks volunteers to speak at weekly Shining Lights community life group for caregivers on Thursday mornings. The group especially needs long-term and financial planning experts. (rizingstarzinc@yahoo.com or 678-925-0026).
Salvation Army: Angel Tree helpers — taking applications, sorting gift bags and distribution; soup kitchen; family store warehouse; grounds maintenance and janitorial. (629-2004, ext. 306)
Seniors vs. Crime: Help resolve civil/consumer complaints. (873-6377)
Sheltering Hands: Assist with cat care, cat adoptions and special events. (840-0663, option 5, or www.shelteringhands.org/volunteer)
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders): Help clients make Medicare choices. (800-262-2243 or FloridaSHINE.org)
Silver River Museum: Seeks volunteers to serve on a regular basis and for special events. (Call Judy or Scott at 236-5401 or email scott.mitchell@marion.k12.fl.us. Visit www.SilverRiverMuseum.com)
Silver Springs State Park: Many opportunities daily, including visitor center, landscaping, boating, maintenance, office and more. (236-7156 or Craig.littauer@floridadep.gov)
Southeastern Guide Dogs: Foster guide dog puppies. (www.guidedogs.org/volunteer/raise-a-puppy)
Special Olympics Florida — Marion County: Various. (988-7998)
Stirrups ’n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center: Various. (427-3569 or grayhitime@windstream.net).
Take Stock in Children: Work with students 30 minutes a week. (671-4162)
The American Red Cross: Various. (620-0500 or Terry.Kinder@redcross.org)
Transitions: Assist with errands, short-term respite for caregivers and more. (854-5200)
Three Angels Clinic: Many opportunities. (509-6350)
Transport for Christ: Chaplains for chapel at travel center. (216-3226)
United Way of Marion County: For Reading Pals, 732-9696 or jhathaway@uwmc.org. For general, 732-9696 or ctruesdale@uwmc.org. For Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, 355-1225 or email dmacphail@uwmc.org.
Veterans Helping Veterans: Assist veterans and families by helping package food and clothing, office tasks such as answering phones and record keeping, helping disperse equipment such as walkers, and assisting with case work (training provided). Also, special need for volunteers skilled in Microsoft Office Suite. (433-2320, ext. 100, leave message)
VOCAL: Volunteers with mild-mannered dogs to visit senior centers. (289-0800)