Category: Community Resources

The Libertore Fund for Children, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides grants and resources for non-profit agencies that offer services for our most vulnerable children, those at-risk of failure. Our team is passionate about helping children overcome obstacles that threaten their minds, bodies and hopes.

Lighthouse Ministries serves the community by providing needed products and clothing at reasonable prices at our stores. You can contribute by donating goods to be resold. Stop by one of our stores to drop off any of the accepted goods listed on our website including clothing, electronics, furniture, shoes, linen, books.

LoBo Ranch serves sibling groups in foster care. They provide siblings currently separated in different foster care homes opportunities to unite for a time of fun on Sibling Saturdays. They also offer furnishings at no charge to families caring for children in foster care.

Welcomed donations include: bedroom furnishings, cribs, twin beds, pack n plays, new and gently used mattresses, diapers, baby formula and children’s hygiene items. Contact LoBo Ranch to make arrangements for donations or to host a donation drive.

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) is a volunteer-run health care center that provides free, high-quality medical, dental, and mental health care to the working uninsured of Polk County.
-Are you a Polk County resident?
-Are you uninsured?
-Is your income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?*
-Are you employed or a full-time student?
If you answered YES to these four questions, we’d love to welcome you to the LVIM Circle of Caring! Please call 863.688.LVIM (x104 or x105) to schedule your eligibility screening today! You can also visit their website for more information.
(*For Example, The income of a family of four cannot exceed $51,500 dollars)

The Mission of the Mulberry Community Service Center is to create financially stable households through financial management education.
What We Offer:
Money Management Education
Free Tax Preparation
Utility Bill Assistance
Rent/Mortgage Assistance
Food Boxes
Clothing/Thrift Store
Medical Assistance
Special Support to Laid Off Workers
School Uniforms/Backpacks/Supplies
Participation in Local Angel Trees
Thanksgiving Meals/Christmas Baskets

Visit the thrift store featuring seasonal decor, household items and more. All proceeds from the thrift store support the community center and the food bank. Accepting food and clothing donations. Clothing donations should be washed and food items should be in date.

Additional opportunities – Volunteer your time. Sort food/clothing, stock shelves, pack and distribute Christmas baskets. Be a Money Coach for families in our Personal Finance Center.

NLC is open to single, pregnant women and teens (18 and older) in and around Polk County. The focus of the NLC is to meet the needs of the homeless pregnant women and support them in their desire to keep and raise their child¦. changing lives two at a time.

Volunteers and donations are welcome. The wish list can be found on the NLC website. Call or email for the donation location.

The Nurse-Family Partnership is a free, voluntary program that partners first-time moms with nurse home visitors. When moms enroll in the program, a specially trained nurse will visit them throughout their pregnancy and until their baby turns two years old. During these visits, the nurse will offer the knowledge and support needed to confidently create a better life for baby and mom.

PAL serves over 1500 children each year. PAL provides activities such as youth football, cheer-leading, baseball, basketball, track & field, wrestling and the Driven 1 fitness program. Additionally, PAL offers an after-school program, where 60 children attend and receive tutorial assistance from law enforcement officers, teachers and college interns from area colleges and universities.

Peace River Center provides an array of mental and behavioral health services as well as domestic violence shelters, and a Rape Recovery and Resource Center.

24-hour Crisis Line: (863) 519-3744
Lakeland 24-hour Domestic Violence Line: (863) 413-2700

Services include: Mental health, victim services, substance abuse treatment, crisis services, club success, and more.

The Thrift Shoppe gratefully accepts donations from the community and is open to the public for shopping. Clients of Peace River Center can shop for necessities through a voucher program. Additionally, it is a drop-off point for donations to Peace River Center’s many programs.

Pedal Power Bicycle Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, Florida collects used bicycles then restores and refurbishes to safe working order and gives away for FREE to Children and Adults in need.

We always welcome new volunteers and helpers. Teens earn community service volunteer hours for helping. We work in air conditioning once a month and have all the tools and parts you would need to safely restore and repair any size bicycle.

We graciously accept bicycle donations. To donate a bicycle you can drop off at main office of First Presbyterian Church Monday – Friday between the hours of 9 and 4.

To request a bicycle you need to stop at First Presbyterian Church main office and fill out bicycle request form. We distribute bicycles on a first come and first served basis.

Polk County Animal Control provides a variety of services to our community. Animal Control Officers investigate bite cases and dangerous dog cases, pick up sick or injured dogs or cats, and quarantine animals. The Polk County Animal Shelter also provides pet adoptions for healthy pets including dogs and cats, and welcomes donations.

The Polk County Health Department provides a range of services to children and adults including preventative care, comprehensive screenings, family planning, dental care, and more. If you do not have insurance, care is provided on a sliding fee scale.

The Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) is for those who are caught in the gap between not qualifying for Medicaid, and not being able to afford market place insurance. While the PHP is not insurance, it is a way for qualifying individuals to get healthcare. IHC manages a provider network for the healthcare plan that includes primary care and specialty care physicians, urgent care centers and five area hospitals. Sponsored services include primary and specialty careservices, routine diagnostic testing, lab, radiology, hospital inpatient, outpatient and emergency services, and a Plan formulary.

Because the PHP is not insurance, participants have no annual deductibles and no claim forms. Most services require a low co-payment, which is collected by the provider. Only Polk County residents who are not covered by any other health insurance and are not eligible for any other state or federal programs are eligible for the Polk HealthCare Plan.

This support group at Winter Haven Women’s Hospital is for individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or early infant death. Explore your grief, strengthen communication with loved ones and learn self-care. Honor the loss of your baby and begin to heal. Topics vary every month. Free. Registration is encouraged but not required. Visit the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Calendar for upcoming dates.

This teen run organization hosts a Project Prom Store during Prom, Homecoming & Graduation time each Spring & Fall. High school students in need can pick out formal wear and accessories at no cost in return for signing a pledge to celebrate alcohol/substance-free. Donations are accepted at the Project Prom Store when open and at the InnerAct Alliance office. Learn more about shopping or donating formal wear: Project Prom Polk

The AmeriCorps Retired Senior Volunteer Program, also known as RSVP, is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. RSVP Polk is an AmeriCorps Senior Program sponsored locally by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. RSVP Polk provides opportunities for people 55 and over to make a difference in their community through volunteer service. Volunteers contribute anywhere from a few to 40 hours a week and serve through nonprofit, faith-based and government organizations to help meet critical community needs.

New and gently used stuffed animals are collected, cleaned if needed, and donated to local organizations that can use them. Stuffed animals are donated to law enforcement to keep in their vehicles in case they come across children in an accident or in crisis, the Child Protection Teams who are interacting with children in foster care, and other organizations serving children. Contact James at (813) 300-5769 or on Facebook for drop off times and location.

SPCA Florida provides caring, compassion and hope to homeless animals, SPCA Florida has both cats and dogs for adoption, and is also home to a full service veterinary clinic to serve your pets.

Donations can be dropped off at the Adoption Center during normal business hours. Wish list items include:
Dog and cat beds
Used blankets and towels can be repurposed for animal crate beds.
Distilled Water, Rubbing Alcohol, Glass Cleaner, Trash Bags (all sizes), Household Rubber Gloves (all sizes), Latex Gloves (all sizes)
Kitty supplies – litter, toys, food, treats
Dog supplies – dry puppy food, dog food, biscuits, Nyla Kongs, Peanut Butter for Kongs (regular, NOT sugar free), Dog Leashes, Collars & Easy Walk Harnesses

Suncoast Community Health Centers, a not-for-profit organization, provides high quality, affordable health care to southern and eastern Hillsborough County and OB in Lakeland, FL. We believe that each and every community member is entitled to quality health care. No patient will be turned away because of inability to pay. Based on income, you may qualify for a sliding fee for your medical, dental, laboratory, and medication needs. Women’s Health Clinic in Lakeland offering: Free Pregnancy Testing, Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), Low Risk Pregnancy Care, Family Planning, Laboratory Services, Financial Counseling, Bilingual Staff.

Talbot House provides help to the homeless and hungry of Polk County through food, shelter, medical and dental care. Volunteers are welcome as well as physical and monetary donations, visit the Talbot House website to see a list of current needs.

The Dream Center of Lakeland operates a community co-op that provides non-perishable food, clothing, and home goods to those they serve, at no charge. Donations can also be made at the Outreach Center at 704 W. 5th Street, Lakeland. Contact the Dream Center or check the website calendar for hours.

The Nest is a nonprofit community resource center that serves the growing families of Lakeland and its surrounding areas through lactation support and classes for pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, postpartum health, baby care, and more.

Those struggling to make ends meet will find a helping hand to move them back toward self-sufficiency. During times of disaster, we provide accommodations and a hot meal. Families going through difficult times discover spiritual help from caring Corps Officers and loving support from a community of believers. Whether it’s a warm blanket, a safe place to stay, The Salvation Army stands ready to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Emergency Financial Assistance, Food Pantry, Disaster Services, Youth Character Building, Worship Services, Holiday Assistance

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Social Services Office Assistance, Food Pantry, Disaster Services, Red Kettle Campaign, Holiday Donations

Donations are welcome – needed items include new and gently used linens, school supplies, clothes and shoes, and hygiene items.

Those struggling to make ends meet will find a helping hand to move them back toward self-sufficiency. During times of disaster, we provide accommodations and a hot meal. Families going through difficult times discover spiritual help from caring Corps Officers and loving support from a community of believers. Whether it’s a warm blanket, a safe place to stay, The Salvation Army stands ready to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Emergency Financial Assistance, Food Pantry, Disaster Services, Youth Character Building, Worship Services, Holiday Assistance

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Social Services Office Assistance, Food Pantry, Disaster Services, Red Kettle Campaign, Holiday Donations

Donations are welcome – needed items include new and gently used linens, school supplies, clothes and shoes, and hygiene items.

Top Buttons is a boutique open for public shopping with both NEW and gently used thrift items. The Boutique proceeds help fund the Wearing Confidence Program to promote positive body image, healthy self-esteem and modesty among young women.

Top Buttons accepts quality new or used clothing items and accessories for females including: Pre-teen, teen, adult, maternity and plus sizes, shoes, handbags, scarves, belts, and jewelry

Tri-County Human Services, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization, providing substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring treatment to residents of Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. Services include: outpatient substance abuse and mental health services, Behavioral Health Network (BNet) serving children and young adult ages 5 to not yet 19, DUI Programs, and residential treatment for detoxification, substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Donations needed: Hygiene items, bus passes, gas cards/ gift cards, clothing for men women and children, as well as cleaning products for clients. Most of them have disability income or no income at all, and are in dire need of these basic items.

Uplift Support Services outpatient programs provide mental health services to children, adolescents, adults and families, with the goal of helping those in our care grow and develop, despite their obstacles. After completing an assessment and evaluation to determine treatment needs, our therapists provide individual and/or family therapy at our client’s homes or school setting. Our comprehensive services also include psychiatric evaluation and treatment, if needed, crisis intervention, and linkage to community resources.

Women’s Resource Center of Florida helps women and their families during times of crisis and transition. Services include domestic violence support, crisis intervention, financial fitness classes, interview skills, interview clothing, computer skills, job training, and more.

Donations welcome – diapers and pull-ups, formula, baby wipes, baby shampoo, teething gel, soap, deodorant, bath products, feminine products, toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste, non-perishable food. Volunteer opportunities are also available – visit the website for details.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have recently been pregnant, infants & children under age 5. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support
referrals to health care, immunizations, and community services. Visit the website or call 1-800-765-5942 to see if you qualify. Visit the Polk Health Department website for WIC office locations.