Article written by Blog Post Contributor HolmesContentTeam
The holidays are almost here, and, in the spirit of giving, many people will want to find ways to give back to their community.
904 Custom and members of the Holmes Content Team have participated in several charity events throughout the year to help our local community. Here are five of the organizations we have worked with in the Jacksonville area that would benefit from your time and talent this holiday season.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of the most well-known and respected charity organizations in the nation. The agency’s Jacksonville location on Sunbeam Road is part of the Central and North Florida branch and provides services to 45 counties across the state.
There are several ways to support our local Jacksonville and Orlando chapters. Donating money, vehicles, or gifts for the children are easy ways to help. However, if you’re able to put in a little extra effort, consider applying to host a fundraising event or volunteer your time at one of the organization’s upcoming events.
Located on Salisbury Road, the Best Buddies Florida’s Jacksonville office helps connect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with volunteers and new friends. Donations and attending events like the annual Best Buddies Friendship walk are great ways to help, and applying to become a buddy or volunteering your talent at Best Buddies events supports a more inclusive community for everyone.
Her Song is a local Jax organization dedicated to helping young women and girls who have been victims of human trafficking. Established in 2013, Her Song has helped over 200 women in Duval county escape their traffickers, but that is only a fraction of those believed to still be trapped.
Hosting a fundraising party is a wonderful way to gather friends and neighbors and spread awareness and information about Her Song’s vital mission. Additionally, there are several volunteer opportunities for a variety of positions.
If you’re a big cat lover, Catty Shack Ranch, located on Starratt Road, is a fantastic organization to contribute your time, talent, or resources. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and sheltering exotic animals, primarily big cats, from neglectful or abusive circumstances.
The organization gives the animals a caring home for life, and does not buy, sell, trade, or breed any of the animals. You can “adopt” the animals cared for in the sanctuary by pledging funds that go toward ensuring Catty Shack Ranch remains a safe and loving home for the animals for many years to come.
First Coast No More Homeless Pets is a great choice for animal lovers to volunteer their time this holiday season. Covering the northeastern parts of Florida and southeast Georgia, the organization’s mission is to reduce, and eventually put an end to, kill shelters across the country. No More Homeless Pets works toward this goal by providing affordable spaying and neutering of pets and feral cats across the First Coast area.
You can help by donating to the organization or volunteering at one of their Mega Pet Adoption Events, or you can adopt from one of their partner shelters and bring home a new furry family member in time for the holidays.
Author: Brodie Cornett Writer for Holmes Content Team