Five Polk County Area Family Volunteer Opportunities

Pope Francis declared this year to be the Year of Mercy. As we are asked to engage in corporal and spiritual works of Mercy, the Diocese of Orlando has a remarkable amount of programs to help the less fortunate throughout Polk County and help you participate in this Jubilee year. Families, students in schools in Polk County, and individuals wishing to give back to their community can volunteer by lending their skills, assisting in gathering and providing information and goods, and praying for others who have less than them. Below are a number of volunteer opportunities available through organizations throughout Central Florida.

• Preventing homelessness: Individuals and families who are homeless are often unable to hold down jobs, buy food and supplies, and live a fulfilling life. Volunteers for this important mission can perform clerical duties, act as receptionist, or work as an administrative volunteer.
• Alleviating hunger: When students attending schools in Polk County arrive hungry and spend the day focused on what they might have to eat after school, their basic needs have not been met and it reflects on their ability to focus and learn. The Agape Food Bank, and several food pantries in the Diocese of Orlando, relies on volunteers to stock, sort, pack, and distribute food to those in need. Hospitality volunteers at the food pantries are also opportunities that need to be filled.
• Promoting advocacy and justice: Many people are unable to function to their full potential because they do not have the knowledge to communicate with others. Help these individuals by teaching Internet and computer skills to seniors or showing families of the hearing impaired how to sign using American Sign Language.
• Caring for immigrants and refugees: Those new to the United States are often confused by more than the language. Customs, applications, finding work, and many other factors are extremely difficult for many to understand. Help those who are trying to assimilate by adopting a family – help immigrants learn the English language and teach them about American culture. The Centro Guadalupano in Winter Haven is a great mission that lends a hand to those looking for God’s love.
• Participating in prayer: Prayer is essential for every form of volunteering. Praying during the evening with your family for those less fortunate than you is always welcome. Many parishes regularly include prayers for organizations and individuals, and a moment of silence that follows allows all parishioners to pray for what is in their hearts. This is a perfect time to pray for the homeless, immigrants, the hungry, and all other people who are in need of God’s grace. Schools in the Diocese of Orlando have special masses for many of the volunteer programs and community outreach programs they are directly involved in promoting.

  While many of these opportunities are for adults only, others accept volunteers as young as 12. Youth volunteers from schools in Polk County work side by side with their parents to help the less fortunate in the Diocese of Orlando. Call the Diocese today at 407-246-4903 to learn about all the opportunities you have to help others in your community. Read our blogs to learn about other methods children can assist others in their area.