Retirement gives us something we spent most of our working lives wishing we had more of: time. Volunteering is one way to put some of that time to very good use. Whether you love children, seniors, animals, books, building things or simply helping a neighbor, St. Johns County offers plenty of ways to contribute—and perhaps make a few new friends along the way.
Helping Seniors
Children & Education
Hunger, Homelessness & Families
Animals
Housing & Community Service
Not Sure What You Want to Do?
Helping Seniors
St. Johns County Council on Aging
More than 550 volunteers help older neighbors through Meals on Wheels, friendly visits, minor home repairs, lawn care, accessibility ramps and professional assistance.
Pie In the Sky Community Alliance, Inc.
Helps fight senior hunger and isolation. Volunteers deliver fresh produce and groceries directly to low-income seniors throughout St. Johns County.
Children & Education
RSVP of SJC — Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
Specifically for adults 55+. Volunteers tutor and mentor students, assist teachers and help with school-readiness programs. Even one or two hours a week can make a difference.
St. Johns County School District Volunteer Services
Help local students and teachers through school-based volunteering. Retirees who specifically want to tutor or mentor can be connected through RSVP. A volunteer application and school-access approval are required.
St. Johns County Public Library System
Volunteers help with shelving, book processing, children's programs, special events and other projects. There are opportunities at Ponte Vedra, Bartram Trail, Main, Southeast, Hastings and Anastasia Island libraries.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County
Older adults can make an enormous difference by mentoring a young person and providing encouragement, conversation and the benefit of life experience. The organization is listed among St. Johns CARES' nonprofit partners serving local children.
Hunger, Homelessness & Families
St Johns Food Pantry
A volunteer-powered food pantry providing emergency groceries to St. Johns County residents. A good choice for someone who enjoys hands-on, community-based service.
Emergency Services & Homeless — Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County
Serves families experiencing homelessness. Volunteer activities can include tutoring and mentoring, landscaping, cleaning and helping maintain the organization's residential campus.
Catholic Charities St. Augustine
Provides food assistance and other support to people in need throughout the region. Volunteer-supported programs include food pantry and outreach activities.
Epic Cure Food Distribution
Rescues surplus food and redirects it to people who need it. Volunteers can participate in food rescue, sorting, distribution and other activities combating food insecurity.
Animals
St. Johns County Pet Center
Ideal for animal lovers. Volunteers walk, bathe and socialize dogs and cats while they await adoption. Adult volunteers undergo a background check and training.
Safe Pet Rescue
A volunteer-powered animal rescue where opportunities can include walking dogs, socializing animals and helping with other shelter needs.
Love Me True Rescue
A Ponte Vedra Beach cat rescue—particularly convenient for SourceBook readers living in Ponte Vedra/Nocatee. Volunteers help care for and socialize cats awaiting homes.
Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida
For someone interested in wildlife rather than household pets. Volunteer possibilities include animal care, transportation, hotline assistance and behind-the-scenes support.
Housing & Community Service
Habitat for Humanity — St. Johns
Volunteers help build affordable homes, but construction skills aren't necessary. Habitat also needs assistance with gardening, marketing, sales and special events.
St. Johns County Government
An overlooked source of interesting volunteer work. Opportunities include libraries, the Pet Center, Extension Services and appointed county boards and committees. Gardening enthusiasts may particularly enjoy Extension-related opportunities.
Not Sure What You Want to Do?
Care Connect+ Volunteers
A useful volunteer-matching service. Seniors can search participating organizations by cause and location, making this a good starting point for someone who wants to help but hasn't settled on a particular organization.
St. Johns CARES
An all-volunteer organization that connects residents with numerous St. Johns County nonprofits serving seniors, veterans, homeless people, abused individuals, children and animals. Its partner directory is particularly useful for finding smaller organizations that need help.