Summer of Service

In an effort to promote volunteerism and community service throughout Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs announced the Summer of Service initiative, a month-long project featuring a variety of events and organizations through which citizens can become involved while serving their community.

These opportunities cover a range of activities that seek to improve the quality of life for Orange County residents. The goal is to encourage volunteerism and the development of a lifestyle of service.

From June 24 through July 20, 2013, Orange County residents are asked to make a commitment to volunteer on at least one occasion in service to our community.

Monday, June 24, 2013 - Friday, June 28, 2013
Fixin' Up The Neighborhood
Conway Acres neighborhood (Semoran Blvd. & Hoffner Rd. area)
Fixin' Up the Neighborhood is an opportunity for volunteers to directly assist some of our neighbors by helping make small repairs and painting homes. Thirty homes have been approved for the project. Activities will take place in the morning and volunteers may select the day(s) on which they would like to serve. All the necessary tools and supplies will be provided. To participate, please contact Tabitha Wood in the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation & Revitalization Division at 407-836-5613 or tabitha.wood@ocfl.net.

Saturday, June 29, 2013
Environmental Protection Community
Clean-Up & Storm Drain Labeling Event
Near Ward Park in Winter Park
Help keep our neighborhoods clean and our surface water clear. Volunteers will help clear debris and tag neighborhood storm drains with "No Dumping" labels. This event is for all ages and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To participate, please contact Carrie Mohanna in the Orange County Environmental Protection Division at 407-836-1430 or carrie.mohanna@ocfl.net.

Saturday, July 20, 2013
Animal Services Volunteer Orientation
2769 Conroy Road Orlando, FL 32839
Orange County Animal Services is looking for volunteers to join its team! If you are highly motivated, love animals, and enjoy volunteering, then this orientation is for you. There are many opportunities to help the animals through jobs such as dog exercisers, cat attendants, clinic assistants, and even photography assistants. Orientation begins at 8:45 a.m. To register, please contact Crystal Kincaid in Orange County Animal Services at 407-254-9155 or crystal.kincaid@ocfl.net.

Partnering with Orange County in this effort is Hands On Orlando and the Heart of Florida United Way, both of which work toward connecting citizens to service projects or organizations seeking volunteers.

Individuals and groups may choose from a list of activities and non-profit organizations made available at the Hands On Orlando and Heart of Florida United Way Volunteer Resource Center websites. Opportunities are also available through various Orange County Government divisions, as listed on the sidebar to the left.

Hands On Orlando features a number of service projects available throughout the community. When navigating the website, browse the volunteer project calendar for an event you are interested in, register as a volunteer, and sign up for the specific activity.

Heart of Florida United Way highlights non-profit organizations in need of volunteers. These agencies seek assistance for projects ranging from one-time activities to long-term initiatives. You may find them on the website by ZIP code, type of service, or agency name.

For additional information on Summer of Service, please call 407-836-7370.