LARGO - Ten selected “Bigs” volunteers and their “Littles” received the VIP Honda Grand Prix experience during Big Brothers Big Sisters Pinellas Day At The Track April 23.
The event kicked off with a lunch sponsored by PDQ in St. Petersburg heading to the track.
Upon their arrival, Littles were not only blown away by the extreme speeds of racecars, but by the educational lesson behind the wheel. Matches were granted access into the Rahal Letterman Lanigan garage to learn about racing logistics like tire wear and fuel consumption, followed by an afternoon with Indycar driver, Graham Rahal.
“It was a terrific outing. The PDQ lunch was very nice and was a great place to meet some of the participants and organizers of Honda Grand Prix. The input from my Little, David, was that the best part was meeting the Indy driver, Graham Rahal, and getting an autographed hat,” said Mike Cunneen, a Big Brother from Citrus County. “Seeing the race operation up close was a special opportunity. Thanks again for the VIP encounter.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County would like to thank Reaco Group’s charity division, Racers For A Cause; including Daniel Reagan of Indian Shores and Erik MacPherson of St. Petersburg, with the participation of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Laken Kurtz, head runner of Graham Rahal Foundation.
If you have ever been to Heritage Village you may have run into Lester Dailey. He and his wife Judy are both history buffs and can often be found volunteering at the H.C. Smith general store.
The 67-year-old Dailey is a semi-retired freelance journalist who lives in Largo and writes for Tampa Bay Newspapers.
Dailey says he first started working for the New York stock exchange in the 1960s before being drafted into the military. After serving his country, Lester used the GI bill to enroll in college, earning a doctorate in law. He found he didn’t care for practicing law but he did like the probate side of it. Dailey said he then became a probate officer as well as a vice president in the banking industry.
DUNEDIN - Goodwill Industries-Suncoast announced Sandee Heidner of Dunedin as Goodwill Volunteer of the Year and the Kiwanis Club of Top of the Bay as Volunteer Group of the Year.
The awards were presented April 11 during Goodwill’s volunteer recognition luncheon at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.
Heidner has volunteered for Goodwill’s BookWorks early childhood literacy program since 2002. She reads to children at Dunedin Head Start each week from October through April and presents a book to each child.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Resource volunteers are needed to commit to volunteering two hours a week assisting 2-1-1 Tampa Bay staff stay connected with more than 1,400 health and human service agencies and programs.
Once trained, volunteers will assist staff in the 2-1-1 resource department by scanning local newspapers and other media outlets for new agency and program information; adding and updating agency program information in the 2-1-1 database; creating specialized guides for the community in response to special needs such as disaster guides, parent resource guides, and more; and assist in marketing efforts to the community about 2-1-1 services.
LARGO - Adult volunteers are needed to serve Pinellas County youth, ages 8 to 12, involved in 4-H Afterschool at Extension.
The program involves giving one hour a week to lead the kids through fun learning experiences. Training, material and support are provided. Days, times and locations are tailored to each volunteer's needs.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The American Cancer Society is in need of volunteers to drive patients to and from their cancer treatments.
The society has a special program called "Road to Recovery." Volunteers also call and make appointments with those who drive the patients for their scheduled appointments.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross needs volunteers to serve on Disaster Action Teams, that provide relief to victims of fires, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters in the Tampa Bay area.
Specialized training in preparedness and response will be provided at no cost to volunteers. Volunteers also are needed to work in shelters to provide relief to victims of hurricanes, fires, floods and other natural disasters Specialized training in shelter management, CPR and First Aid is provided at no cost to volunteers.
CLEARWATER - The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter needs volunteer drivers and dispatchers to operate its Transportation Program in Clearwater.
Drivers and dispatchers are needed to fill assignments from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Red Cross Clearwater Branch, 2481 Sunset Point Road. The Red Cross community service provides free transportation to those who have no other means of getting to critical medical and dental appointments, rehabilitation or therapy sessions.
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. needs Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders - SHINE - volunteers to help individuals understand Medicare and provide free unbiased information and counseling. SHINE is called SHIP in most of the other 50 states in the United States.
Specially trained SHINE volunteer counselors provide free information and assistance. Consumers can speak to a volunteer by phone or meet with a person for an appointment at our community outreach sites. Call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and ask to be connected with a SHINE counselor.
BAY PINES - Bay Pines Veterans Administration Medical Center has a need for volunteers to provide companionship to disabled veterans at their homes for two to four hours, one day a week.
The volunteers will receive training in a new program called “Volunteer Home Respite.”
GULF BEACHES - Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach, is seeking "beach monitors" to keep watch on the coastline. Dr. Beach needs volunteers to measure beach erosion, test for red tide and rip currents.
Volunteers will get training and equipment and will be asked to volunteer 10 to 15 minutes twice a week.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County is seeking volunteers to become friends and mentors to children in their site-based mentoring programs.
Children are individually matched with a quality adult volunteer to provide them with a positive and caring friendship. Often from single-parent households, Little Brothers and Little Sisters benefit from the consistency and friendship of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. One hour a week can make a difference in the life of a child.
TARPON SPRINGS - Be a part of history by volunteering at Pinellas County’s newest preserve.
Volunteers are needed to fill positions at the Brooker Creek Preserve’s Environmental Education Center. Volunteer opportunities include being a Education Center receptionist, roaming naturalist, exhibit or theater assistant and more, to name a few.
ST. PETERSBURG - Advocates are needed for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Volunteers (age 16 and up) are needed to help in the CASA Collection Thrift Shoppe to accept donations, greet customers, price and display merchandise.
Volunteers are asked to commit to one four hour shift a week (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.).
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Center for Victim’s Rights is in need of volunteers to make calls or send e-mails to let residents know that a speaker is available to them and to organize the accumulated articles, literature and other operating materials. Computer knowledge is helpful but not a must.
Volunteer time can be done from home. Other needs include financial contributions, small desk, chair, file cabinets, any office supplies, business cards, a place to make free copies and businesses that will allow us to leave information for their patrons. Help with computer use would also be helpful.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Children’s Home Society of Florida has started a Model Mentoring Program, designed to provide mentors for youth, ages 4 to 15, who have an incarcerated parent. Mentors are needed in the Tampa Bay area where more than 11,000 children have an incarcerated parent.
The mentoring services will be provided in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. Mentors must be 21 years of age or older, reside in the same county as the youth, complete eight hours of training a year and commit to an hour meeting weekly for one year.
CLEARWATER - Clearwater Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteers to help with, among other things, its tutoring programs in the recreation centers, the nature park, special events and festivals, community beautification projects and an adopt-a-park program.
The city has about 125 individual volunteers and 75 groups that work in various areas. They also work with local Boy Scouts on their Eagle Scout projects.
DUNEDIN - The Clothes To Kids organization is seeking volunteers for its committees.
Members meet monthly and distribute information regarding clothing drives, clothesline projects, volunteer opportunities and other needs in the community.
DUNEDIN - Faith in Action of Upper Pinellas needs volunteers willing to serve as members of its board of directors or on one of its committees - personnel and planning; budget and finance; volunteer training; public relations; grant writing; fundraising; and outreach.
Faith Action is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization that exists through the efforts of volunteers to enhance the quality of life and promote the health and well-being of the frail elderly and persons with disabilities to enable them to remain independent in their own homes.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Florida Department Of Elder affairs needs volunteers with computers to help lower income people obtain free or almost free prescription drugs.
Full training is provided as well as reimbursement for mileage and incidental expenses.
ST. PETERSBURG - The Friends of Fort DeSoto is a nonprofit organization whose mission is, "Supporting the Preservation, Conservation and Promotion of Ft. DeSoto County Park".
The volunteer group consists of approximately 70 to 100 citizens from the United States and Canada who perform services such as:
PINELLAS COUNTY - Volunteers are sought for the Sixth Judicial Circuit's Guardian ad Litem Program that provides advocates for county children caught between an overburdened welfare system and an abusive or otherwise dysfunctional home.
GAL volunteers provide a voice for these children and speak out in court on what is in the best interest of a child who has been a victim of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Gulf Coast Community Care needs volunteers age 30 and older for its mentoring program. Volunteers are matched with children from single parent homes who need adult companionship.
Many of the children are in foster care or live with a single mother who is going to school and working. There is a special need for volunteers for children ages 10 to 14.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services is committed to helping refugee and asylum children to succeed in school, reduce dropout and successfully transition from school to work place as well as improving the families overall adjustment life in the United States.
Volunteers are needed to be tutors, mentors, cultural guilds, and administrative assistants.
CLEARWATER - Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County seeks volunteers to assist on home construction sites. No experience is necessary. All tools, safety equipment and daily training are provided on-site.
Volunteers are needed Tuesdays through Fridays for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. shifts. Volunteers also are needed for the home improvement outlet, Habitat ReStore at 13355 49th St. N. in Clearwater. One-day projects and weekly or monthly projects also are available.
CLEARWATER - The Haven of RCS is in need of volunteers to assist in various areas of their organization. People who are bi-lingual/Spanish are especially needed.
There are many varied opportunities for volunteers, including legal support.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Help a Child Inc. is seeking parent aide volunteers. While providing friendship and emotional support, the volunteers will share life skills with parents facing the unique challenges of raising children in today’s society.
Volunteers should be able to share information on discipline techniques, being consistent, stress reduction, nutrition, budgeting, how to access community resources and more. Volunteers also will help parents understand what their children can do for their age.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Be a hero - become a mentor. Hi-Five Pinellas, an Eckerd Youth Alternatives program, is seeking those with a warm and friendly heart to become a friend to a fourth or fifth grader.
A child is waiting to share new experiences, set new goals and dream new dreams with a special person.
CLEARWATER - The Humane Society of Pinellas is seeking weekday and weekend volunteers and help for the canine enrichment KONG Team.
Opportunities vary from direct animal interaction using the acclaimed Open Paw method, administrative assistance, adoption counselors, event and fundraising, humane education amongst others.
CLEARWATER - Morton Plant Mease Health Care provides opportunities for members of the community to make a difference.
Volunteers at Mease Countryside Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Bardmoor Outpatient and Surgery Center, Trinity Outpatient and Surgery Center and Turley Family Health Center enrich the lives of patients and families by generously donating time and services.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Neighborly Care Network provides life-sustaining services to county seniors in need. The network's services include meals-on-wheels, home and day care and transportation assistance. There are volunteer opportunities for all age groups.
Volunteering for the Neighborly Meals on Wheels program is a hands-on, front-line experience. People with one to two hours to spare around midday are needed to help in their neighborhood. Volunteers help improve the life of others and make a real difference in this critical area of need.
LARGO - Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.
The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special training and certification is provided.
PALM HARBOR - Teen volunteers are needed at the Palm Harbor Library in several areas. The volunteer hours can help teens meet their Bright Futures Scholarship and other volunteer requirements as well as helping society.
ST. PETERSBURG - Palms of Pasadena Hospital is offering volunteers something fun and rewarding to do with spare time, new skills and an opportunity to develop new interests and make new friends.
The rewards and benefits of volunteering at Palms range from greeting and providing information to patients and their families at the information desk, radiation oncology, new emergency room, new surgical waiting area, outpatient diagnostic center, health information services, admitting as well as other office positions, and of course, helping out on the inpatient floors by delivering magazines, newspapers, blankets, refreshing water pitchers and generally assisting the nurses in helping make a hospital stay more comfortable.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Parent Aide Program is asking for help from volunteers to share wisdom and life skills with a parent and volunteer as a visiting role model to give the gift of friendship, encouragement and emotional support as a parent faces the unique challenges raising young children in today's society.
- Help a parent understand what their children can realistically do for their age - help the parent begin to have fun with their child.
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.
The Pasco and North Pinellas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council is a part of Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The council is made up of local ombudsmen whose goal is to improve the quality of life and care of residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family-care homes. An ombudsman is a specially trained and certified volunteer who has been given authority under federal and state law to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care facility residents. The Pasco and North Pinellas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council serves Pasco and North Pinellas counties.
ST. PETERSBURG - Pet Pal Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter that recently opened in St. Petersburg, is seeking dedicated volunteers. Volunteer positions are available seven days a week, mornings and afternoons, to perform jobs that range from cleaning kennels and exercising dogs to answering phones.
Volunteers meet monthly at the shelter on second Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. New volunteers are encouraged to attend.
ST. PETERSBURG - PARC is seeking volunteers for its thrift store. Volunteers are needed to greet customers, sort and stock merchandise and tag priced items.
The 26,000-square-foot store offers quality merchandise at reasonable prices, including furniture, glassware, small appliances, clothing and books.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Sheriff’s Office Volunteers In Partnership (VIP) program is looking for interested citizens who would like to volunteer at the Sheriff’s Office.
The VIP program is always looking for new volunteers.
PINELLAS PARK - The Pinellas Park Boys & Girls Club is looking for volunteers to help with its summer camps. Students ages 16 through 18 can earn volunteer hours for Bright Future scholarships.
All potential volunteers must be at least 16 years old and pass a Florida level 2 background check, paid for by the club’s Unit Advisory Council with a three-month commitment.
CLEARWATER - The Pinellas Talking Book Library needs volunteers to assist in providing library services to the blind, low vision, physically and reading-handicapped eligible Pinellas County patrons.
The volunteers also send and receive audio cassettes, which we call "books" to and from patrons. Current volunteer opportunities including processing of incoming books, book inspections, and book shelving.
CLEARWATER - The Rape Crisis Program of Family Service Centers needs volunteer rape crisis counselors.
Volunteers are on call two shifts a month during nighttime, weekend and holiday hours to provide victims of sexual assault with crisis counseling and support. Commitment and follow-through are key requirements for this worthwhile activity. Family Service Centers provide training and pagers. Classes for new volunteers will be in November.
CLEARWATER - RCS needs volunteers to help in its administrative office. Current opportunities include the following.
- Volunteer to assist with fundraising and event planning Available Hours: Flexible - depending on date of events In this position, volunteers would work closely with staff and board members in planning and coordinating fundraising events.
CLEARWATER - The RCS Food Bank is seeking volunteers. Current opportunities include the following.
- Receiving Assistant Available Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.- 4p.m., Thursdays 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. In this position, volunteers would assist with receiving food donations and completing appropriate documentation of the donation.
CLEARWATER - RCS Grace House is looking for volunteers. Current opportunities include the following.
- Receptionist (bi-lingual (English/Spanish) especially needed). Available Hours: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In this position, volunteers would serve as the receptionist as well as screening callers to ensure they are eligible for services at RCS Grace House.
CLEARWATER - The Refugee Youth and Family Program at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services is seeking volunteers to serve as tutors, mentors and community guides to refugee children ages 5 to 18.
The program is designed to help refugee children succeed in school and improve acculturation as well as preserve the refugee family. Volunteers can help a child with their homework, read a book or practice conversational English. Others can help teach English to more recent arrivals. Learn about a new culture while helping a child succeed in a new life. Tutoring and mentoring may be conducted in-home or in a public setting such as a library. No experience necessary. English is the only language requirement.
PINELLAS COUNTY - With more than 4,500 dependent children in Pinellas and Pasco counties due to child abuse, neglect or abandonment, foster homes are needed to meet the growing need in the community.
Candidates must be at least 21 years old, have appropriate housing and must pass a background screening.
SAFETY HARBOR - The Safety Harbor Neighborhood Family Center has been serving residents of Safety Harbor since 1997.
The center provides a variety of children and early childhood development programs. Although Center staff is partially funded by the Juvenile Welfare Board and the city of Safety Harbor, community need is now outpacing the capacity of the small Center staff. The Center is seeking a regular group of volunteers who enjoy working with elementary and middle school children.
SAFETY HARBOR - Saddle Up Riding Club, with locations in Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor, is in need of volunteers for its equine-assisted therapy programs.
No experience is necessary; the club offers training. Volunteer hours with the nonprofit can fulfill scholarship or court-mandated requirements.
ST. PETERSBURG - The St. Petersburg Free Clinic needs of volunteers to help to assist in the maintaining of current service levels and assistance efforts.
The clinic also has an immediate need for volunteer physicians and ARNPs in the Health Center.
ST. PETERSBURG - Applications are now being accepted to become a volunteer with the St. Petersburg Police, Volunteer Road Patrol and Parking Enforcement Specialist Unit.
For an application appointment, call Fred Harriman at 893-7063.
ST. PETERSBURG - The Science Center of Pinellas County is looking for volunteers to work in their gift store one day a week, 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Science Center is a unique learning environment for children and adults, offering hands-on education activities to promote an interest in and understanding of science.
An all volunteer organization giving free counseling to small businesses meets third Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. at Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, 1130 Cleveland St., Clearwater.
The chapter's focus is helping people develop and grow their business.
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. needs Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders - SHINE - volunteers to help individuals understand Medicare and provide free unbiased information and counseling.
SHINE is called SHIP in most of the other states in the United States.
SAFETY HARBOR - SPOT, Stop Pet Overpopulation Together, an all volunteer, nonprofit organization, whose mission is dedicated to ending pet overpopulation by educating the public about the importance of spay/neuter and adoption has volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of areas.
PINELLAS PARK - The Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission is seeking volunteers to help the city's homeless population.
The mission, located at 5625 Park Blvd., needs someone to teach an evening or day anger management course. Help is needed in a variety of other areas besides instruction.
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation Inc. needs volunteers in all areas of the sanctuary to help with animal care, cleaning, office work, gardening work, maintenance on building and equipment, fundraising, animal food prep and staffing the guest relations table at the front gate.
To volunteer, visit www.suncoastprimates.org, call 943-5897 or come to the volunteer meeting the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m.
INDIAN SHORES - With baby bird season fast approaching, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is seeking bird lovers interested in volunteering. Individuals interested in feeding and caring for orphaned baby birds, rescuing injured seabirds and caring for all types of wild birds are needed.
Experience is not necessary as the sanctuary will provide training. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. A commitment of a block of four hours each week is required. Day and evening shifts are available.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Suncoast Search and Rescue is in need of new volunteers. The not-for-profit organization provides manpower to municipalities throughout Pinellas County when mass disasters occur. They operate primarily as a mass triage team, providing on-site patient assessment and stabilization while awaiting transport to nearby hospitals.
Additionally, Suncoast Search and Rescue provides assistance to the American Red Cross, American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and local Emergency Operation Centers with communications, search coordination, shelter operations and emergency medical assistance. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, pass a drug and physical exam, pass a homeland security background check and have a professional attitude. A medical background is not needed. Training will be provided.
St. Petersburg - Sunken Gardens is currently accepting volunteer applicants to assist with gardening, greeting guests, bird care and conducting guided tours.
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this historic botanical treasure, while learning about horticulture and the wonderful birds in our collection.
GULF BEACHES - The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is in need of volunteers.
Volunteers aid visitors to the area with directions, suggestions on where to stay, eat and play. Four-hour shifts are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m.
TARPON SPRINGS - The Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society is looking for additional volunteers to serve as docents and receptionists at its Historical Society Depot Museum in downtown Tarpon Springs.
Docent and receptionists greet visitors, guide visitors through the Depot Museum, and answer questions about the Museum's activities and other activities in the community.
LARGO - There are numerous, wide-ranging volunteer opportunities with The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast for individuals interested in activities that truly make a difference in the lives of people with chronic illnesses and those nearing the end of life or addressing end-of-life issues.
Volunteers involved in patient and family support become family friends to those served by The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, assisting with a broad variety of needs that arise, such as visiting with patients and families, running errands, helping with light household chores and much more.
CLEARWATER - United Methodist Cooperative Ministries needs people willing to help refugees and immigrants learn English.
Volunteers would teach once or twice a week at one of three sites in Clearwater. A tutor training class will be offered at $35 or free to those who tutor.
ST. PETERSBURG - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary needs administrative and operational volunteers.
The organization serves as a civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard, promoting safe boating in the classroom and on the water, assisting in search and rescue and monitoring safety and security zones.
PINELLAS COUNTY - Volunteers are needed for the Veterans Liaison Council of Pinellas County Honor Guard. Male and female veterans are needed.
Volunteers must be sufficiently physically fit to handle an M-1 or M-14 rifle, and march for short distances. For those without weapons experience, or who are just rusty, training is available. Currently conducting more than 100 funerals a year, the Honor Guard's primary purpose is to provide final honors for departed comrades.
CLEARWATER - The Victory House Ministry, a youth-oriented organization, is looking for a female volunteer to assume chaplain duties in the evenings through its program at the Pinellas Regional Juvenile Detention Center at 5255 140th Ave. N.
The individual will have oversight responsibilities; she should have a strong willingness to work with youths.
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