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With its vibrant communities and diverse opportunities, Palm Beach County offers many ways for individuals to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, community outreach, or helping those in need, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. In celebration of National Volunteer Month, this article will explore various avenues for volunteering across Palm Beach County, highlighting departments, initiatives, and events where your time and effort can make a difference.

Animal Care & Control (ACC)

Daily volunteer opportunities: Dog walker, Dog Playgroup, Dog Puptography, Dog Paw Spa, Event Dog Handler, Doggie Day Out, Kennel Care Assistants, Dog and Feline Adoption Counselor, Feline Friends, Feline Purrtography, Cattery Care Assistants, Community Event Volunteers.

ACC volunteer opportunities are available here: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/Pages/Volunteer.

ACC Volunteer Coordinator, Holly Yoder: HYoder@pbc.gov (561) 233-1200.

Environmental Resource Management (ERM)

ERM regularly offers various volunteer opportunities each month. Please note that there are restrictions on the number of volunteers attending each event, and a waitlist is set up when an event becomes full. ERM volunteer opportunities are available here: https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/Pages/Get-Involved.aspx​.

Volunteers must register for each event they want to attend. The volunteer projects are designed for volunteers ages 16 and older. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers 15 and under. Volunteers can register for an ERM event by calling (561) 233-2426 or emailing amathews@pbc.gov.

Library System

Our libraries accept teen (ages 12-17) and adult (ages 18+) volunteers year-round as needed. In late April/early May, the webpage will be updated with additional opportunities to volunteer at each library branch for the Teen Summer Volunteer Program. Prospective volunteers can find current availabilities, applications, and general information here: https://www.pbclibrary.org/volunteers.

Parks and Recreation

Ongoing volunteer opportunities are available at Riverbend Park, recreation centers, golf courses and general/one-time volunteerism is available at beach/park cleanups. Applications and more information are found here: https://discover.pbc.gov/parks/General/Volunteer.

Public Safety – Emergency Management

Volunteers and Interns are utilized in Emergency Management. Also, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is available to both adults and teens. More information is found here: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Volunteer-Internship-Program.

UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Extension

4-H Youth Development Program: Adult volunteers are needed for club leaders, events, and project judges. Youth and adults can also volunteer as members of the advisory committee. For more information, visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/coextension/4H/Pages/default or contact Noelle Guay: (561) 233-1731 or NGuay@pbc.gov.

Mounts Botanical Garden: Gardening volunteers help in all aspects of garden maintenance, from planting and grooming to assisting in the Garden Nursery with potting, weeding, pruning, watering, propagation, and labeling. Special Event volunteers work with the public or behind the scenes to support special events and programs, including plant sales, children and family programs, fundraising events, and more. Administrative support volunteers provide valuable administrative support by assisting with mailings, data entry, copying, and other office work. For more information, visit https://www.mounts.org/volunteer.

Youth Services

Annual Super Summer Spelling Bee – held annually in July (7/11/24). Contact: Javona Wilson at JWilson@pbc.gov or (561) 242-5705

Birth to 22 United for Brighter Futures Action Teams. Contact: PBC-Birthto22@pbc.gov or (561) 242-5705.

Future Leaders United for Change - Advisory Committee, Youth Council. Contact: YSD-Future-Leaders@pbc.gov or (561) 242-5705

In partnership with other agencies, the Youth Summit of Palm Beach County is held annually in April (4/27/24). Contact: Shirlon St. Amour at SStamour@pbc.gov or (561) 355-2155.

As we conclude our exploration of volunteer opportunities in Palm Beach County, we’re reminded of the incredible power of collective action and the difference it can make in the lives of individuals and the well-being of our community. National Volunteer Month serves as a call to action, inspiring others to join the ranks of volunteers. You can assist in this call by sharing these opportunities with your fellow Palm Beach County residents.