Giving back as a family doesn’t just strengthen the community—it builds gratitude, empathy, and lifelong lessons of compassion. Across St. Johns County, local nonprofits are creating ways for parents and children to volunteer together, turning small acts of kindness into lasting impact.
The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County
The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County provides safe housing and compassionate support for families transitioning out of homelessness—and for the children, that support often begins with joy. The Coalition offers fun, safe, and engaging activities for roughly 40 children, many of whom have faced the trauma of instability or displacement.
Local groups, including students from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, visit weekly to host projects that build confidence and teamwork—like “I am ___” self-affirmation exercises, imagination challenges with spaghetti and marshmallows, and games that strengthen social skills. Jax Thrive brings creative STEM activities, while Evie & Friends lead art therapy sessions that help children express emotions and build resilience.
The Coalition also organizes field trips to local favorites like Anastasia Lanes, the Lighthouse Maritime Museum, 3rd Space Improv, and the D.E.V.A. Mosquito Museum, giving children new experiences that nurture healing and happiness.
🌟 Volunteer Opportunities for Families:
Families can help by collecting pantry items or healthy snacks for after-school programs, donating gently used toys or clothing, or volunteering in the food pantry and children’s programs. The organization is currently renovating its old office into a Children’s Education Center that will include a library, study room, kitchen, and Imagination Station—a space where kids can read, learn, and dream in safety.
To learn more or volunteer, visit homelesscoalitionstjohns.com.
Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County
At Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County, building homes is only part of the story—their true mission is building community, stability, and hope. Volunteers play a crucial role in every phase of the process, including families with teens who want to make a hands-on difference.
Habitat constructs quality, affordable homes for hardworking neighbors who might otherwise be unable to achieve homeownership. Every nail hammered and board painted by volunteers helps keep costs low and makes homeownership more attainable for local families.
🔨 How Families Can Get Involved:
Volunteers ages sixteen and up can work on construction sites Tuesday through Saturday, often side-by-side with future homeowners earning their own “sweat equity.” Parents and teens can earn community service hours together while contributing to something that changes a family’s future.
Recently, volunteers took a break from construction to plant a garden at a completed model home. With help from the Garden Club of St. Augustine, they planted shrubs and flowers that symbolized new beginnings—and sowed the seeds of community connection.
That’s what Habitat does best: building strength, stability, and self-reliance while building shelter.
Visit habitatstjohns.org to explore volunteer opportunities.
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties
For decades, United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties has served as a powerful connector—bringing together nonprofits, volunteers, and donors to tackle some of the community’s most pressing challenges. Through its dual approach of funding local nonprofits and running direct community programs, United Way drives measurable impact across housing, hunger, and health.
In 2025 alone, the organization’s VITA free tax preparation program processed $1.5 million in returns and served 1,565 households—just one example of how local partnerships help families build stability and hope.
✨ Volunteer Opportunities for Families:
Families can join United Way efforts in many ways, from community-wide events and donation drives to ongoing service with partner agencies. One especially meaningful option for kids and teens is Student United, a United Way–supported club that empowers students to lead volunteer projects in their schools and neighborhoods.
Through Student United, young people organize food and clothing drives, partner with local nonprofits for hands-on service projects, and design creative initiatives that meet real community needs. And during the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, volunteers of all ages come together to collect and distribute thousands of pounds of food—12 tons in 2025 alone!
From children loading boxes to retirees offering smiles as they pack donations, the event embodies United Way’s mission: neighbors helping neighbors so that everyone in our community can thrive.
Learn more or get involved at unitedway-sjc.org.
