Healthy Kids Day is almost here and volunteers are needed for a variety of positions. Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. For more than 30 years, YMCAs and their communities have hosted free community events to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond.   Learn more about volunteer needs here: stpeteymca.org/schedules/healthy-kids-day.

Rescue Pink is a local organization dedicated to helping people and animals through spay/neuter programs, assistance with rehoming and help paying vet bills. Rescue Pink is also focused on assisting the community through preventative vet care. You can support Rescue Pink by donating directly online. Rescue Pink is also looking for corporate sponsorships and a location for emergency boarding. If you can help, contact the organization through this online form: rescuepink.net/contact-us

The University of South Florida's Suit-A-Bull program gives students new and donated business-formal clothing that reflects their professional aspirations, helping them dress for future success.  Suit-A-Bull needs donations of gently worn professional clothing, shoes and accessories to keep up with student need. For more on how to donate, visit https://careers.usf.edu/resources/suit-a-bull/. There’s also an Amazon Wish List for those interested in donating new items: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CW6RGVRCY0B4?ref_=wl_share

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is looking for summer camp counselors at various branches, including the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA and Speer YMCA. The paid role is for anyone 18 years or older, with a flexible schedule. More information and an online application can be found at this link: https://www.stpeteymca.org/job-openings Volunteers are also needed to serve as summer camp assistants, helping our staff with facilitating arts and crafts, STEM activities, group games, team building, literacy activities and preparing daily curriculum. Volunteers are welcome to sign up based on their availability. Summer Camp activities take place during weekdays, and only during summer months (generally June - August). Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Learn more and apply online at this link: https://www.stpeteymca.org/give/volunteer/

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is recruiting lifeguards at various locations. Training can be provided for certification and hours are flexible, with a particular need for early morning and afternoon lifeguards. To view all open lifeguard opportunities, visit https://www.stpeteymca.org/job-openings. For more information about lifeguard opportunities at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA, reach out directly and/or send your resume to Christina Noell Bravi, Aquatics Director, at cbravi@stpeteymca.org.

Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful, City of St. Petersburg and City of Gulfport leaders for a community cleanup. This event is free and open to all, with a goal of helping keep the 49th Street corridor litter-free. The cleanup is March 22 at 9 a.m. Meet at Trolley Market Square, 4900 Tangerine Ave. S., Gulfport. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing. All cleanup supplies will be provided.

The Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco is a program of Gulf Coast JFCS that connects children in foster care with their forever families through adoption. In addition to featuring children, we recruit and support families interested in adoption. Since the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco was created in 2006, the nonprofit has helped more than 400 children find adoptive families. You can support The Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco by signing up to become a volunteer photographer, using your skills and creative eye to capture portraits of the local children and teens hoping to find their forever homes. If you are interested, email a sample of your professional portfolio to heartgallerykids@gcjfcs.org.

Empath Healthy is the country’s largest non-profit hospice and home care-based healthcare organization. Empath Health is seeking volunteers for multiple opportunities, including teens and adults. Volunteers are needed to help at its resale stores, arts programs and bereavement care, where volunteers can be a supportive presence to those who have lost loved ones by making bereavement support phone calls or in-person visits. See all the current volunteer opportunities and sign up online here: https://www.volunteermatch.org/s/srp/orgOpps?orgsearch=true&org=70864&l=St.+Petersburg%2C+FL

Celebrate Earth Week with the Institute of Strategic Policy Solutions (ISPS) and Keep Pinellas Beautiful by joining a community cleanup at Gandy Beach April 25 from 9-11:30 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing. Cleanup supplies will be provided, including gloves, trash bags, pickers, sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer. This is a great opportunity for students seeking volunteer hours for scholarships and Tampa Bay residents seeking to make a positive impact in their community. Get more info and register online here: https://isps.spcollege.edu/events/third-annual-earth-week-beach-clean-up/

Volunteers are needed to support the Homeless Empowerment Program, a nonprofit with a mission to provide homeless and low-income individuals and families, including veterans, with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. In 2023, 87% of the families and 82% of the veterans exiting HEP programs did not return to homelessness. Opportunities exist in areas of kitchen service, maintenance, office work and gardening. For more info, contact Edie Minton at 727-442-9041 ext. 107 or EdieM@HEPempowers.org.