Civics | Volunteer Opportunities - What's What New Port Richey

Woman hands holding piece of cardboard with words Volunteers Needed — Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteers are welcome and needed at organizations throughout Pasco County

So maybe you are looking for a way to spend some hours. Perhaps you’ve got to fill a volunteer requirement. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to pay it forward or simply want to make a difference in your community. The following is a list of local organizations offering volunteer opportunities in the New Port Richey/Pasco County community. Of course, if you don’t have the time or means to volunteer, there is always an opportunity to donate funds. Click on the links below for more information. And if you have a non-profit you’d like to see listed here, please contact Michele Miller at mmiller@whatswhatnewportrichey.com

New/Newer Listings!!

Seniors in Service

Seniors in Service is a new listing to What’s What NPR, but this helpful organization has been around for a while. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for those looking to help.

From the Seniors in Service website –

Founded in 1984, we connect volunteers, age 55 and over, to meet the needs and challenges of at-risk seniors, veterans and children in our community. We serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties and help more than 2,500 individuals annually, making a difference and changing lives through community service. Learn More.

Guardian ad litem Volunteer Orientation and Information Sessions

Guardian ad litem – There are currently over 1,000 children in Pasco County in the foster care system. Hundreds of these abused, neglected and abandoned children are still waiting for someone to be their voice. YOU can make a lifelong difference for a child by becoming a Guardian ad Litem. Training is provided for volunteers who then advocate for children who have been abused to make sure their basic rights are not ignored. To learn more: Visit herotoachild.org or call 727-834-3493, x2929. Thinking about giving it a try? Attend an information session listed below.

100 + Women Who Care Pasco

This newly formed group supports the community with a collective donation by voting to support one of three non-profits nominated by members at one-hour meetings held quarterly. Members commit to a $100 donation each quarter and can contribute individually or as a team of 2-4 members.

Future meetings are held at 7 p.m. on May 17, Aug. 16, and Nov. 15, 2022, at Journey Church in New Port Richey. For more information or to sign up, go to 100womenwhocarepasco.com

The Help List

Feeding Tampa Bay – Offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. From the website – Just one hour of volunteer work generates exponential meals to feed our neighbors in need. When you give your time, you’re directly contributing to the livelihood of your neighbors. From sorting non-perishable goods in our warehouse to serving meals and groceries, with every volunteer opportunity, you make a direct impact on the wellbeing of our community. to check out volunteer opportunities, click here. To see a Volunteer Calendar (and to learn this work is done locally) click here.

United Way Suncoast offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the Suncoast area. There are lots of opportunities listed in the organization’s volunteer calendar meant to fit most anyone’s lifestyle. You can give your time in person, perhaps as a reading helper at a local school, or assisting others in preparing this year’s taxes. Work at home on “Do-It-Yourself” Kits for teachers and students, or hygiene kits for the homeless. Make an ongoing commitment at a community farm or sign up for the annual Day of Service events.

Metropolitan Ministries Pasco, 3214 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691 (727) 937-3268. Facebook or Website (Food, Housing, Education). Over 1,000 organizations partner with Metropolitan Ministries so there is an opportunity for schools, civic groups, faith groups and businesses to volunteer as a group. Individual opportunities are also available. And you can help with a donation of clothing, food or money. For information, click here.

Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, Inc., 5652 Pine St, New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727)842-8605. Facebook or Website. (Homeless Services) Volunteer opportunities include Homeless Connect events, helping with transportation, benefits, fundraising, holiday outreaches, preparing hot meals. Accepts food, hygiene products, clothing and other items, and monetary donations. Go to www.pascohomelesscoalition.org/giving

One Community Now, 5841 Main St., New Port Richey, FL (727) 375-8801 Facebook or Website (General Help/Resources). Be part of the Pack-a-Sac program to help provide food for students who might not otherwise eat over the weekend. Help with events for veterans, become a mentor in helping some in need procure employment. For information on volunteer opportunities go to onecommunitynow.com/volunteer

Volunteer Way, 8061 Congress St, Port Richey, FL 34668 (727) 815-0433 Facebook or Website Opportunities in the Soup Kitchen, Warehouse, Office, Little Angel Centers, Free Clothes Closet at Moon Lake, Fundraisers, Marketing, Hydroponic Farm, Teachers/tutors for our GED program, Delivery of Brown Bag for homebound seniors, for information, go to www.thevolunteerway.org/how-to-get-involved/volunteer

Good Samaritan Health Clinic, 5334 Aspen St, New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 848-7789 Facebook or Website (Health Services). Volunteer Opportunities: Front Desk, Qualifying Patients, Special Events, Administration, Medical Assistants, Yard Maintenance, Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians, Licensed Healthcare Providers including MDs, DOs, ARNPs, PAs, DDs, DPM. For information and volunteer sign up go to www.goodsamclinic.org/volunteer

Cindy’s Pets, Delivers pet food and supplies to seniors enrolled in the Pasco County Meals on Wheels Program. Donations of pet food and supplies are always needed. Contact cindys.pets@aol.com, or e-mail nina_genesis.school@verizon.net or call 727-372-9333 Facebook or Website For more information, go to www.cindyspets.org/#help

Meals on Wheels, 8600 Galen Wilson Blvd, Port Richey, FL 34668 (727) 834-3340 Website/Application (Seniors) For information on how to help, go to www.mealsonwheelspasco.org/volunteer

Habitat for Humanity, (Pasco/Pinellas) Volunteers are the heart of Habitat for Humanity. Whether you are a builder or have never used a hammer, YOU can make a difference in your community. Join us for Nuts & Bolts, an informative one-hour session for those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities and the homeownership program. Nuts & Bolts is held virtually from 6 PM – 7 PM every first Thursday of the month. Individuals and groups are welcome. For information go to www.habitatpwp.org/volunteer

End Recidivism Project Extreme – This local 501(C)3 nonprofit organization assists those re-integrating back into the community (from incarceration) in making the most of their first steps at a second chance. From their website mission statement – “We utilize a holistic approach as they “take charge; mind, body and soul. We equip them with the tools necessary to reduce recidivism We offer a hand up not a handout” Volunteers are needed to assist with the re-entry program and also to help with community events. For information, go to erprojectextreme.com. To make a donation, click here.

Keep Pasco Beautiful – Adopt a road or sign up for one or all of the five events the local nonprofit hosts each year – are two cleanup days along with Earth Day, the Pasco Upcycle Arts & Drafts Festival, and the Arbor Day Celebration. For information or to register for these events, click here. To donate, click here.

Helping Hands Calendar of Services

For information on services such as soup kitchens, food distribution sites, and other ways local services and organizations are helping the less fortunate, click on the story below –