Make a Difference: Try an Alternative Spring Break this year

Habitat International recently wrote about a new concept: the alternative spring break. Students wishing to make a difference can take part in activities that will better their community, capsule or even travel nationally or abroad for projects.

Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding way of donating your time and efforts to help others. If you or someone you know is looking to help out a charity in the Daytona Beach area, approved there are plenty of volunteer opportunities. Many are local and others are national, but they are all legitimate and worthwhile. Take a look. 

Habitat International Alternative Spring Break

Halifax Habitat for Humanity – We have three home builds currently in progress. Please reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Andy Thompson to inquire about how you or your group can get involved. Habitat International also has global opportunities, if helping abroad is important to you.

Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach – After some training, HHS routinely needs people in the adoption lobby, receiving lobby, office help, dog and cat socializers, and many other positions.

The Rose Marie Bryon Center is an inner city center caring for at-risk kids on mulitple levels. They often have ministry opportunities to tutor, mentor, read, and play with children. You can also assist with office work, organization, building, and grounds maintenance.

The Palmetto House is a halfway house for those attempting to transition out of poverty, addiction and homelessness. Their ministry operations include joining a team of 6-7 people who prepare and serve evening meals several nights per month.

The Jesus Clinic provides medical services to those who have a job but no health benefits. They need people to volunteer who are certified in the medical field or have medical office experience.

The Resources for Women is a pregnancy center helping, counseling and educating women in different stages of pregnancy & early motherhood. Volunteers can work at the reception desk, counsel young mothers, or help out in the Second Blessing Thrift Store.

Some other local affiliations in the Daytona Beach area that need volunteering include Daytona Rescue Mission, Halifax Urban Ministries, Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless, and Family Renew Community.

Hospice of Volusia/Flagler – This facility is in need of volunteers, especially at mealtimes. This facility cares for people in the final stages of life. You can volunteer to cook or serve meals, welcome visitors at the front desk or just sit and visit with patients.

Elder Helpers needs volunteers to help elders for the activities you will enjoy, on a schedule that works best for you. Elders need help with cooking, cleaning, shopping, gardening, reading, and going to entertainment.

The American Cancer Society of Flagler, Volusia Counties always needs volunteers to help drive cancer patients to treatment.

As an American Red Cross, you can help provide support to disaster victims, teach safety classes, assist our military members and their families facing crisis situations, and use your skills and talents to help our community through the mission of the American Red Cross. Volunteers can manage recruitment, help victims of disasters, provide logistical support of disasters, give emergency support, or simply staff the front desk.

Lastly, on an international scale is Amigos de las Americas. They allow people to volunteer in Latin America for a Summer, Semester or Year! High school, college students and young adults – spend the summer, semester or year of your life working, sharing, living, and learning in Central and South America with Amigos de las Americas (AMIGOS)!

If you have any time on your hands at all, reward yourself with the gift of volunteering. You won’t regret it.

Can’t help this spring break? That’s OK too. You can still support the volunteer projects in a very meaningful way with a donation.