COMMUNITY RESOURCES GUIDE
Find Community Support and places to Donate or Volunteer in Lakeland + Polk County
If you find yourself in a financial crisis or family crisis, there are support systems in place in our community. It is ok to need help. These community organizations exist to help people in a time of need.
Or perhaps you are looking for a way to help others in the community and want to find a place to donate items or volunteer your time.
The organizations providing service are often the same organizations in need of volunteers and donations. Below you’ll find a list of places offering and accepting community assistance in the Lakeland area and Polk County, Florida.
Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list of all resources. Many of our local assistance programs are specific to an individual’s situation, and our goal is to help point you in the right direction.
Community Resource Articles
25 Random Acts of Kindness – Christmas Advent Calendar
Count down to Christmas with 25 Random Acts of Kindness for kids and families. If you’ve been looking for simple ways to slow down and focus on the joys of giving during the holiday season, we’re here to help with ideas that cost little to no money.
20 Places to Donate Toys this Christmas in Lakeland and Polk County + Opportunities to Volunteer
Find local opportunities in Lakeland and Polk County to donate toys for children, food for families, volunteer your time, or make a financial donation to give back to our community this holiday and Christmas season.
Sign Up for Christmas Assistance in Lakeland + Polk County
If you need a little bit of help with some Christmas magic this holiday season, there are local holiday assistance programs that provide toys, gifts, and food to families in need. Applications are due in October and November so be sure to apply early.
Project Prom Store Provides Free Dresses + Suits for High School Students in Polk County
Shop the Project Prom store in March and April. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate prom alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE.
Community Resources and Assistance Programs in Lakeland + Polk County
Whether you are still feeling the impact of the pandemic or find yourself unexpectedly in a financial crisis or family crisis, there are support systems in place and it is ok to need help. These community organizations exist to help people in a time of need.
Food Banks in Polk County – Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow & more
The United Way of Central Florida’s George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative and Feeding Tampa Bay have weekly Mobile Food Pantry stops across Polk County. If you are in need of food, visit a food pantry location on the set day and time to pick up a pre-packaged box of groceries, free of charge.
Donate Your Gently Used Toys, Clothing, and Household Items to Help Others in our Community
Looking for the best place to donate clothes and toys in Lakeland where they will be reused to help others? We’ve got a list of donations centers in Lakeland where you can take your gently used and brand new items to local charities doing great work to help children, families, and those in need.
Learn about becoming a Foster Caregiver in Polk County
Do you have a heart for children? Have you ever considered becoming a foster caregiver? Or wanted to learn more about foster care but weren’t sure where to start? We’ve partnered with Heartland for Children to tell you more about foster care, address some common misconceptions, and how to start the process of becoming a foster caregiver.
Community Resource Directory
Guide to Lakeland + Polk County
Check out our Guide to Lakeland + Polk County for more parenting resources and local information including Things to Do with Kids, Education, Childcare, Healthcare, Classes + Lessons, Youth Sports, Birthdays, and more.