{"id":266844,"date":"2026-05-11T17:17:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T17:17:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/266844\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T17:17:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T17:17:08","slug":"serving-the-community-together-the-community-paper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/266844\/","title":{"rendered":"Serving the community together – The Community Paper"},"content":{"rendered":"

What makes a community? Is it just a collection of houses? An area of town where people all live in close proximity and visit the same shops? Maybe it\u2019s people who have something in common. Surely there is more to it than that. I think a community is a group of people who care about each other and about the spaces they share, and who work to support those around them to make their shared spaces better.\n<\/p>\n

In our many Orlando communities, there are tons of groups working to do just that. For our service issue, The Community Paper has put together a list of great people doing great work who could use your help!\n<\/p>\n

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Mustard Seed volunteers break down donated mattresses to repurpose the materials. (INSTAGRAM.COM\/MUSTARDSEEDOFFL)<\/p>\n

Many have felt the fear and uncertainty that come after a personal tragedy. Whether it\u2019s a natural disaster or the sudden loss of your income, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next.\n<\/p>\n

This is where The Mustard Seed<\/a> of Central Florida seeks to help. With a focus on providing furniture and clothing to those who have suddenly lost their belongings to disasters or financial hardships, Mustard Seed helps nearly 3,000 people every year to have one less thing to worry about.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Volunteers at Mustard Seed have two main options for work. The first is the Seed Boutique where they can assist with organizing the many clothing items that come through the organization and by helping clients complete their applications. The second opportunity is at their Furniture Bank. This work focuses on organizing, cleaning and refurbishing the furniture inventory, as well as helping families to select and load their new furniture.\n<\/p>\n

For those who don\u2019t have the time to volunteer but want to help in another way, Mustard Seed relies heavily on furniture and clothing donations. For those who can afford to purchase clothing, the Seed Boutique also operates as a thrift store open to the public. Funds from thrift sales then go back into the organization.\n<\/p>\n

Adult Literacy League
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

The Adult Literacy League needs volunteers to help tutor Central Florida adults. (INSTAGRAM.COM\/ALL4LITERACY)<\/p>\n

Reading is a skill used daily and taken for granted by most, but many people struggle with literacy even into adulthood. This is especially a concern in Central Florida, where many of our community members do not speak English as their first language. This struggle is what drives the Adult Literacy League<\/a>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

The league operates in three levels. When a new applicant arrives, they are assessed to determine their literacy level. They are then able to join in on virtual classes at any time and are also able to sign up for one-on-one tutoring. Volunteers are needed in all of these areas.\n<\/p>\n

Anyone over the age of 18 with a high school diploma is welcome to become a tutor with the league. Even those who do not have experience with teaching are able to learn as well, as the Adult Literacy League offers training for all volunteers. Volunteer tutors are also given ready-to-use materials and curricula to follow.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Those interested in signing up to tutor can complete an online orientation at AdultLiteracyLeague.org\/Volunteer-Tutor-Orientation<\/a>. A full list of in-person and online classes can also be found on their website.\n<\/p>\n

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Lou and Myrna were recently named Central Florida Zoo volunteers of the year. (INSTAGRAM.COM\/CENTRALFLZOO)<\/p>\n

The zoo is much more than just a place to see animals. It can provide a spark that has driven many children to get excited about learning.\n<\/p>\n

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/a> does this from both sides. Volunteers at the zoo do amazing work to engage with visiting families and teach kids about the interesting world we live in. With opportunities to work in the gardens, as zoo crew at many of their seasonal events and as ambassadors in their many exhibits, volunteers are the main way that the zoo connects with its visitors.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

The Central Florida Zoo also works to help develop a passion for learning from the inside, with volunteer opportunities for kids as well. Youth ages 13 to 17 can become part of the \u201cteen team\u201d of volunteers who work to operate the facilities, educate visitors and assist with ongoing projects. Teen volunteers are even able to handle some of the animals and explain their behavior.\n<\/p>\n

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels can sign up online and will receive training to set them up for success.\n<\/p>\n

Upcoming events include \u201cStorytime at the Zoo!\u201d on May 13 and \u201cParty for the Planet\u201d on May 16.\n<\/p>\n

Friends of the Orange County Library System
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Friends of the Orange County Library System help prepare books to be distributed to Head Start Centers. (INSTAGRAM.COM\/OCLSFRIENDS)<\/p>\n

When people think of the library, they often imagine nothing but books and computers. The Orange County Library System is that and more. With classes, events and workshops available nearly every day of the week, the library offers a place for people to educate themselves in a wide range of ways.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Since 1949 the Friends of the Orange County Library System<\/a> have been supporting that goal. In a time where information is at our fingertips, it is just as important as ever to make sure that the community doesn\u2019t forget everything the library has to offer.\n<\/p>\n

Volunteers are needed at both the main library downtown and the many OCLS branch locations. While most opportunities involve sorting, stocking and working the bookshelves, there are also a range of opportunities for teen volunteers looking to expand their horizons.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

The library\u2019s Teen Volunteer League hosts events across Orange County to assemble craft kits and test out new classes. They also operate literary magazines created and assembled by teen volunteers. Creatives can submit poetry, stories, art, photography and even comics.\n<\/p>\n

Adult volunteers can visit the Friends of Orange County Library System website to sign up at Friends.OCLS.org. Teens can contact the volunteer league at AskOCLS@ocls.org<\/a> or call 407-835-7323.\n<\/p>\n

Goblin Market
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Volunteers at Goblin Market help with all aspects of the market like social media content, accessibility services, vendor setup and trading booths. (INSTAGRAM.COM\/GOBLIN.MARKETFL)<\/p>\n

Over the last two years, Goblin Market<\/a> has quickly rocketed to notoriety in the Oviedo area. With a focus on affordability, accessibility and inclusivity, the monthly discount arts market has become a staple for many and within the last year officially became a nonprofit organization. It has evolved beyond its original intent to bring affordable art to all and turned into a place where many have found a loving community.\n<\/p>\n

As an organization run mostly by volunteers, with events happening sometimes multiple times a month, the group needs all the help they can get to keep the fun rolling. All are welcome to come assist with everything from morning setup, running the information tables, working the trading tent and helping get the performers and artists ready to go.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

With accessibility as one of their top priorities, the market also needs volunteers to manage the sensory space and the other accommodations offered at their events. Creatives are also needed for their photography and social media teams.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

While Goblin Market will take a short summer break from their monthly market in May, there are still plenty of events on the horizon. On May 16, they will put on a mini market in partnership with the Fringe Festival.\n<\/p>\n

Those interested in helping to keep the free monthly event available for everyone can apply online or email goblinteers@goblinmarketfl.com.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Other service opportunities [sidebar]<\/p>\n

\t\t\t