November is the season of gratitude. Many worthy charities and nonprofits in our community do admirable work. To help you decide where to give your time, talents and money, Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine has created this giving guide to local charities along with a few national nonprofit organizations.
From charities that focus on helping children to animal care, we hope this giving guide will inspire you to reach out and help those in need.
Organizations that Serve the Homeless– Giving Guide
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
407-295-1066 | feedhopenow.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 625 feeding partners in seven Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Last year, with the help of numerous donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributed enough food for 81 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, daycare centers and Kids Cafes.
In addition to helping feed the line of our neighbors who need help, Second Harvest also transforms dozens of lives directly every year. The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity offering adults facing barriers to employment the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a full-time sustainable career in the food industry. Yet another important activity helps connect people eligible to receive SNAP food assistance benefits with the resources they need to access the program and get help.
Orlando Union Rescue Mission
407-422-4855 | ourm.org
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
407-652-5300 | centralfloridahomeless.org
Mustard Seed of Central Florida
407-875-2040 | mustardseedfla.org
Children’s Services– Giving Guide
Runway to Hope
407-802-1544 | runwaytohope.org
Through relationships with children’s hospitals, Runway to Hope fosters collaborative efforts among corporations, local businesses and philanthropists to not only raise funds and awareness but also bring new programs and initiatives to the pediatric cancer community, all while providing direct support and aid primarily to Central Florida children and their families impacted through the Family Assistance Program.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida
407-206-0957 | rmhccf.org
Give Kids the World Village
407-396-1114 | gktw.org
Teen Challenge
407-330-9600 | teenchallenge.cc
Federation of Families of Central Florida
407-334-8049 | ffcflinc.org
Elderly Support Services– Giving Guide
Jewish Family Services | 2100 Lee Road | Winter Park 32789 | 407 644-7593 | jfsorlando.org
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (JFS Orlando) provides services that stabilize individuals and families in crisis and enhance the quality of life across generations for all members of the Central Florida community.
JFS Orlando was founded in 1978 as a human services organization based on the principles of community building, kindness, compassion and concern for the betterment of our world. JFS Orlando reaches thousands of people each year thanks to vital community partners and financial and in-kind contributions, program development, and program delivery, as well as dedicated volunteers and their time and service.
Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter | 2170 W. S.R. 434, Suite 300 | Longwood 32779 | 407-951-7992 | alz.org
Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | 350 S. John Young Parkway | Orlando 32805 | 407-295-5371 | guardiancarenursing.com
Meals on Wheels, Etc.
407-333-8877 | mealsetc.org
Orlando Senior Health Network
407-425-1033 | orlandoseniorhealth.org
Special Needs Services– Giving Guide
Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida |
407-478-5621 | dsacf.org
People with Down syndrome can do anything with the right support and resources. If you have Down syndrome or care for someone who does, DSACF is here to help you and your loved ones reach your greatest potential and live the best life possible.
Nathaniel’s Hope
407-857-8224 | nathanielshope.org
Inspire of Central Florida
407-699-4419 | inspireofcentralflorida.org
Primrose Center
407-898-7201 | primrosecenter.org
Special Olympics of Central Florida
352-243-9536 | specialolympicsflorida.org
LGBTQ+ Services– Giving Guide
The Center
407-228-8272 | thecenterorlando.org
The mission of LGBTQ+ Center Orlando is to promote and empower the LGBT community and its allies through advocacy, education, information and support. The Center Orlando believes in creating a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in a space that reflects the community and the people within it.
Zebra Coalition
407-228-1446 | zebrayouth.org
Come Out with Pride Orlando
One Orlando Alliance
407-499-1711 | oneorlandoalliance.org
onePULSE Foundation National Pulse Memorial & Museum
407-775-2437 | onepulsefoundation.org
Arts Organizations
Orlando Repertory Theatre/Orlando Family Stage
407-896-7365 | orlandorep.com
It all began in 1926 when the Orlando Little Theatre was part of the City of Orlando’s Recreation Department. Orlando Repertory Theatre, now renamed Orlando Family Stage, is Florida’s only professional theatre for young audiences, serving nearly 100,000 children and families annually. Their mission is to enlighten, entertain and enrich children and adults by producing theatre of exceptional quality. Housed in a three-theatre complex in Loch Haven Park, Orlando Family Stage is also home to the University of Central Florida’s MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences graduate program.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
407-770-0071 | orlandophil.org
Orlando Fringe
407-648-0077 | orlandofringe.org
Orlando Shakes
407-447-1700 | orlandoshakes.org
United Arts of Central Florida
407-628-0333 | unitedarts.cc
Pets and Animal Organizations
A Better Life Pet Rescue
A Better Life – Pet Rescue, Inc. helps to promote the adoption of rescued dogs and cats throughout Central Florida. They believe that every animal deserves a second chance through rescue and rehabilitation. Their mission is to rescue animals from unfortunate situations and empower community members to foster animals until the pet is ready for placement in their forever home.
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
407-351-7722 | petallianceorlando.org
ADORE Pet Rescue
407-995-6571 | adorepetrescue.org
DreamCatcher Horse Ranch and Rescue Center
407-702-8332 | dreamcatcherhorses.com
Happy Trails Animal Rescue
407-270-7074 | happytrailsanimalrescue.com
Health and Wellness Organizations
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County
407-648-4567 | habitatorlandoosceola.org
YMCA of Central Florida
407-896-9220 | https://ymcacf.org/
Federation of Families of Central Florida
407-334-8049 | ffcflinc.org
The mission of the Federation of Families of Central Florida is to provide support, education and advocacy to parents/caregivers of children experiencing an emotional, behavioral or mental health need or substance use across a lifespan. Through their efforts, they ensure that every family in Central Florida will have access to quality, appropriate and comprehensive mental health services that embrace the System of Care core values.
American Heart Association
407-481-6300 | heart.org
Florida Center for Change
407-271-4452 | floridacenterforchange.org
Heart of Florida United Way
407-835-0900 | hfuw.org
Shepherd’s Hope 407-876-6699 ext. 248 | shepherdshope.org
We hope this giving guide has inspired you to pour back into our community. Think about the lives you will impact, and commit to make a difference. Your efforts matter.