Volunteer Opportunities — ONGOING

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, 12 Mustard Seed Lane, Orlando, seeks volunteers — individual or groups — to assist with various light-duty and manual tasks around the warehouse and office. No background check, but a completed application is required. For more information, email volunteer@mustardseedfla.org.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, 9400 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, seeks volunteers, who may choose to participate in direct patient-care services or nonpatient-care services. For more information, call 321-842-7416 or visit www.orlandohealth.com/drpphillipshospital/getinvolved on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Language Company — Orlando, 1650 Sand Lake Road, Suite 100, Orlando, seeks local families to host international students in their homes for two to three weeks. The primary language spoken in the home must be English, and volunteers must provide the student with meals; transportation to/from school in the Florida Mall Business Centre; a furnished, private room; computer access/Wi-Fi; and a clean, safe and friendly home environment. Hosts are compensated $237.50 per week, per student. For more information, call 407-712-3880 or visit www.thelanguagecompany.com on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida seeks volunteers for various tasks, including volunteer managers, home visits, meet and greets, transportation, fundraising, adoption counselors, foster homes and more. For more information, call Amy Couts, 407-504-7003; email acouts@lrrof.org or visit www.lrrof.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Junior Achievement of Central Florida seeks local business and community members to serve as classroom volunteers for students in middle and high schools. JA mentors educate students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Training is held monthly at JA’s office, 2121 Camden Road, Orlando, near the Orlando Science Center. For more information, call Rachel Whitmire, 407-898-2121, ext. 30; or email jwhitmire@jacentralfl.org.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, seeks volunteers to complete various projects on its monthly Community Volunteer Workday. Time: third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers also are needed to welcome visitors to the Environment Education Center, provide guided trail and boardwalk tours, assist with horticultural maintenance and a variety of other duties. Hours are flexible, and training is provided. For more information, call 407-905-0054 or email volunteers@oaklandnaturepreserve.org.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Osceola County Historical Society seeks volunteers to greet guests and give tours at the Pioneer Village & Museum for one to three hours per week. Training is provided. For more information, call Megan Mirones, 407-396-8644; email megan@osceolahistory.org; or visit www.osceolahistory.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The American Red Cross seeks volunteers for office, computer and telephone support; public speakers; community presenters; warehouse help; instructors to teach first aid, CPR and disaster classes; fundraising assistance and more. Safety and security personnel with military or law-enforcement backgrounds also are needed for shelters. For more information, call 407-894-4141, ext. 4622; or email honoram@midfloridaredcross.org.

Ongoing — Foster & Permanent Homes Needed
Poodle & Pooch Rescue of Florida seeks foster homes for dogs. Just a two-week commitment is needed, and applications can be obtained online. These dogs also are available for adoption. For more information, call 321-277-3089 or visit www.poodleandpoochrescue.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Foster & Permanent Homes Needed
Volunteers are needed to provide temporary and/or permanent homes for dogs and cats that need somewhere to live. For more information, call 407-909-1822 or email purestrength@peoplepc.com.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Mid-Florida Retriever Rescue Inc. seeks volunteers to assist with adoption days at Petco at The Mall at Millenia and volunteers to provide foster homes. MFRR is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to finding retrievers loving, permanent homes. For more information, call 407-345-5120 or visit www.mid-floridaretrieverrescue.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Alzheimer’s Association of Central and North Florida, 988 Woodcock Road, Suite 200, Orlando, seeks volunteers of all ages to assist in the office or at special events. For more information, call 800-272-3900.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Child Rescue Network, a nonprofit organization for missing/victimized children, seeks volunteers to assist in efforts to protect children. CRN provides parents free photo/fingerprint safety ID cards of their children and conducts safety events on a regular basis. For more information, call Lee Shaw, 877-209-5437, ext. 81; or visit www.childrescuenetwork.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge seeks volunteers and donations. Towels, sheets, blankets, T-shirts, heating pads, stuffed animals, bleach, dish detergent, paper towels, birdseed, pet food, raisins, cracked corn, cages, pet carriers, yard tools etc. also are needed. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call 407-568-5138.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Vitas Innovative Hospice Care of Central Florida seeks Southwest-area volunteers to befriend terminally ill patients, provide relief for caregivers, make bereavement calls, sew or make crafts, bring a pet for Paw Pals visits, provide art and music therapy, help repair medical equipment, or help with administrative work. For more information, call 407-691-4541 or email central.floridavolunteers@vitas.com.

Ongoing — Volunteers/Donations Needed
Florida Boxer Rescue Inc. seeks volunteers/donations to assist with fostering, transporting, kennel cleaning and maintenance. Items needed include food, laundry detergent, bleach, leashes, collars, toys and blankets. Monetary donations and items can be mailed to Florida Boxer Rescue Inc., 2347 Merrily Circle South, Seffner, FL 33584. For more information, call 888-612-5782 or visit www.flbr.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Hospice Volunteer Training
Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, offers free orientation and training classes for community members interested in volunteering. For more information, call 407-682-0808 or visit www.hospiceofthecomforter.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Arthritis Foundation seeks volunteers to teach programs and services; present speeches; and help with general office duties, mailings, phones and more. Training is provided. For more information, call 800-741-4008, ext. 231.

Ongoing — Animal Lovers Needed
Orange County Animal Services, 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, seeks temporary foster families for homeless animals, especially kittens. Animal Services provides bedding, litter, food and other supplies, when available. For more information, call 407-254-9150 or visit www.ocnetpets.com on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Heart of Florida United Way seeks volunteers to man its 24-hour informational and referral line, United Way 2-1-1. Volunteers assist callers seeking resources and ensure calls are directed to the appropriate services. For more information, call Whitney James-Ordonez, 407-849-2372; or email whitney.james@hfuw.org.

Ongoing — Volunteer Drivers Needed
American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program seeks volunteer drivers to assist cancer patients in getting to and from their treatment facilities. Spanish-bilingual drivers are in particular demand. For more information, call 800-227-9954.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Adult Literacy League Inc., the premier provider of literacy services and information to the Central Florida community, seeks adult volunteers to serve as tutors for eager adult learners in the tri-county area. For more information, call 407-422-1540 or visit www.adultliteracyleague.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Mentors Needed
The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Inc.’s Read2Succeed program seeks volunteers to mentor second-graders who read below grade level. Volunteers read with a student for one hour per week at a participating Orange County school, and new volunteers must consent to a background check and attend a one-hour orientation. For more information, call 407-317-3261 or email read2succeed@foundationforocps.org.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The West Orange Christian Service Center, 300 W. Franklin St., Ocoee, seeks volunteers to tutor children in its KidsFocus program. For more information, call Karen Flynn, 407-719-9035.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Samaritan Care Hospice, 1300 N. Semoran Blvd., Suite 210, Orlando, seeks caring, loving, committed volunteers to assist its patients. Tasks include community presentations, support for veterans, special projects, office work, and more. For more information, call Diane Klebanow, 407-514-1300; or email diane.klebanow@fundltc.com.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Seniors First Inc. seeks volunteer drivers to deliver Meals On Wheels to elderly clients in Orange County. A Level 2 background check is required. For more information, call Lorraine Shumaker, 407-615-8982; or visit www.seniorsfirst.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Kids Beating Cancer seeks volunteers to help with office work and committees for upcoming events. For more information, call Adele, 407-894-2888; or visit www.kidsbeatingcancer.com on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers & Host Families Needed
Youth for Understanding USA, a nonprofit international educational organization that provides study abroad opportunities to high schoolers from 64 countries, seeks volunteers and host families for exchange students. Students have their own spending money and health insurance. For more information, call 321-682-9748, email kysadonawa@yahoo.com or visit www.yfu-usa.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Orlando Day Nursery Association Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides quality and affordable child care and early childhood educational services for children of lower-income families, seeks volunteers. For more information, call 407-422-5291 or visit www.orlandodaynursery.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Orlando Pug Rescue & Adoption Inc. seeks volunteers to perform home visits, transport pugs, help with fundraising and events, and provide long-term foster care. For more information, call 407-696-7210 or visit www.pugrescueofflorida.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
Suncoast Basset Rescue seeks volunteers to provide long-term foster care, transportation throughout Florida and home visits; as well as participate in rescue events. For more information, visit www.suncoastbassetrescue.org on the Web.

Charities / Fundraisers — ONGOING

Ongoing — Donations Needed
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando seeks donations. Donations, which can be made in honor of a friend or family member, can be made online, and via check or credit card. For more information, visit www.habitatorlando.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Adopt-A-Manatee Program
Save the Manatee Club sponsors the Adopt-A-Manatee program, from which individuals can “adopt” a manatee and receive an adoption certificate, photo, life history of the manatee, and information about this endangered species. Cost: $25-$35. For more information, call 800-432-5646 or visit www.savethemanatee.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Donations Needed
The Church of the Ascension and The Parenting Experience Preschool Co-op, 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, seek donations of newspaper, magazines, catalogs, and office and school paper for recycling to help fund a new playground. All paper can be placed in the red-and-green Dumpster at the church. For more information, email vespagirl@bellsouth.net.

Ongoing — Food Drive
Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, Windermere, hosts an ongoing food drive for West Orange Christian Service Center. All nonperishable food items are accepted. Time: Sundays before and after church services. For more information, call 407-876-2112.

Ongoing — Assistance Needed
School Clothes Make a Difference, a nonprofit organization that maintains a “kids closet” for social workers throughout the school year, seeks new members and business representatives, as well as donations. For more information, call Karen, 407-352-0264.

Ongoing — Vehicle Donations
Teen Challenge International seeks vehicle donations. For more information, call 407-330-9600.

Ongoing — Donations Needed
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida Inc., 7531 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, seeks donations of gently used clothing, housewares, electronics, books, cellphones, etc. For every 24 pounds of donations Goodwill receives, one person with a disability or other barrier to employment gets a permanent job. For more information, call 407-235-1563 or visit www.goodwillcfl.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Donations Needed
The nonprofit organization S.T.A.R.S. — Supplies To Assist ouR Students — seeks donations to help purchase school supplies for economically disadvantaged children in west Orange County. Donations may be mailed to S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange Inc., 9600 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761. For more information, call 407-292-3559 or visit www.supportstars.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Donations Needed
The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida Inc. seeks donations of food and kitchen items, baby and resident items, school supplies, educational supplies for its day care, and more. Drop-off times are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment at 639 W. Central Blvd., Orlando. For more information, call 407-426-1256 or visit www.centralfloridahomeless.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Cell Phone Drive
Real Living Real Estate Solutions seeks donations of wireless cell phones to benefit survivors of domestic violence. Donated phones are refurbished, reprogrammed with emergency phone numbers, and redistributed free of charge to victims in need. Phones can be dropped off at 6401 Raleigh St. in MetroWest. For more information, call Stephanie Kresl, 407-353-3268.

Ongoing — Sea Turtle Adoptions
Sea Turtle Conservancy offers sea turtle “adoptions” for those interested in saving sea turtles. Participants receive a personalized adoption certificate, sea turtle conservation guide, logo decal, magnet and quarterly subscription to STC’s newsletter. Adoption proceeds benefit sea turtle research, conservation and advocacy. Cost: $25-$35. For more information, call 800-678-7853 or visit www.conserveturtles.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Donations Needed
The Mustard Seed of Central Florida Furniture & Clothing Bank, a nonprofit organization that helps rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster or personal tragedy, is in need of children’s school clothes, household furnishings and other basics. The facility is located at 12 Mustard Seed Lane, Orlando. For more information, call 407-875-2040 or visit www.mustardseedfla.org on the Web.

Ongoing — Food Donations Needed
New Era Apprenticeship and Education Services Inc., a partner of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, seeks food donations to fight hunger in Orange County. For more information, email neweraedservices@yahoo.com or visit www.newera4families.com on the Web.

Fourth of July Festivities - JULY 2012

July 3 — Fourth of July Celebration
Cranes Roost Park in Uptown Altamonte hosts the 17th annual Red Hot & Boom, including live entertainment, food and fireworks. Coolers, personal fireworks and pets are not permitted. Time: 4 p.m. For more information, call 407-571-8863 or visit www.uptownaltamonte.com on the Web.

July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration
Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, hosts Fireworks at the Fountain, including entertainment, food vendors, a children’s area and fireworks display. Parking is available at the courthouse garage off Magnolia Avenue or library garage on Central Boulevard. Time: 4-10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.cityoforlando.net on the Web.

July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration
Newton Park, 301 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden, hosts Party in the Park, a Fourth of July celebration that includes live music, games, family activities, food vendors and a firework display over Lake Apopka. Parking is available at Health Central Park and Dillard Street Elementary School. Time: 5 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration
Celebration Town Center in Celebration hosts A Flashback 4th of July, including a movie-themed costume contest, when people come dressed as their favorite movie characters; a Kid's Zone; live musical entertainment; A Salute to Cinema movie-themed fireworks show; and more. Time: 5:30-10:30 p.m.; costume contest is at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.celebrationtowncenter.com on the Web.

July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration
Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 101 Lakeshore Blvd., Kissimmee, hosts the Monumental July 4th Celebration, including live entertainment, food and drink vendors, activities and a fireworks display. Coolers are permitted; however, alcoholic beverages are not. Time: 5 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:10 p.m. For more information, call 407-518-2501.

July 4 — Admission Offer
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, offers free admission. Time: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 407-645-5311 or visit www.morsemuseum.org on the Web.

Mother's Day Dining - 2012

May 13 — Mother’s Day Brunch
Amici Italian Restaurant, 8594 Palm Parkway, Orlando, offers a Mother’s Day brunch, including Italian specialities, candied ham, chicken Marsala, penne vodka, desserts and breakfast favorites. Italian sangria, mimosas and bloody marys are available for $3, and each mom receives a free mimosa. Reservations are required. Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner menu begins at 4 p.m. Cost: $17.99, adults; $7.99, children 3-12. For more information, call 407-238-9632 or visit www.amiciorlando.com on the Web.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Offer
Cariera’s Cucina Italiana, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 12, Orlando, offers a free cocktail or dessert for mothers dining in the restaurant. For more information, call 407-351-1187.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Offer
Nagoya Sushi, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 66, Orlando, is accepting reservations for Mother’s Day. Each mother receives a mystery gift. Time: noon-9:30 p.m. For more information, call 407-248-8558 or visit www.nagoyasushi.com on the Web.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Offer
Cedar’s, 7732 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, is accepting reservations for Mother’s Day. Diners receive a free appetizer of hummus or tabbouleh with the purchase of two entrees. For more information, call 407-351-6000.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Offer
LeRouge Wine Bar & Tapas, 7730 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, is offering a choice of three tapas and one glass of house wine for mothers for $25. The restaurant has live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday, and a daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m. For more information, call 407-370-0909 or visit www.lerougewinebar.com on the Web.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Dining
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant at The Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, is accepting reservations for Mother’s Day. Time: Open at 11 a.m. For more information, call 407-859-7844 or visit www.bucadibeppo.com on the Web.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Brunch
Westerly’s at MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando, offers a Mother’s Day brunch, including a prime rib carving station, salmon pesto, chicken bruchetta, salad bar, mimosa bar, chocolate fountain and more. Reservations are required. Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cost: $29.95, adults; $12.95, children 12-younger. For more information, call 407-297-0050.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Brunch
Fiorella’s Cucina Toscana at Westin Imagine Orlando, 9501 Universal Blvd., Orlando, offers a Mother’s Day brunch. Reservations are required. Time: Seatings are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost: $39.95, adults; $14.95, children 4-12. Valet parking is complimentary. For more information, call 407-233-2950 or visit www.fiorellasorlando.com on the Web.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Brunch
Nine 18 at Villas of Grand Cypress Orlando, 1 N. Jacaranda St., Orlando, offers a 50-item champagne brunch. Reservations are required. Time: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $48.95, adults; $21.95, children 4-12. For more information, call 407-239-1999 or visit www.grandcypress.com on the Web.

May 13 — Mother’s Day Brunches
The onsite hotels at Universal Orlando Resort — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando — offer Mother’s Day brunches, including chef-inspired buffets, desserts, entertainment and more. Reservations are required. Times and costs vary. For more information, call 407-503-3463 or visit universalorlando.com/hotelevents on the Web.

Easter Activities - APRIL 2012

April 1, 6 & 8 — Easter Worship Services & Activities
Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, Windermere, hosts the following Easter worship services: April 1 at 10 a.m., Palm Sunday service, including traditional and contemporary music; April 6 at 7:30 p.m., the youth group presents Carpenter 2012; and April 8 at 10 a.m., an Easter worship service followed by an Easter-egg hunt for children through sixth grade. For more information, call 407-876-2112.

April 4, 5, 6 & 7 — Easter Presentations
First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, hosts performances of One, an Easter presentation. Time: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 3 p.m. For more information, call 888-461-9824 or visit www.easterone.com on the Web.

April 5, 6 & 8 — Easter Worship Services
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at Windermere, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, hosts the following Easter worship services: April 5 at 7:30 p.m., a service of Holy Communion; April 6 at 7:30 p.m., services in contemporary and traditional worship venues; and April 8 at 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. for traditional worship; and 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for contemporary worship. For more information, call 407-876-4991 or visit www.st.lukes.org on the Web.

April 8 — Easter Brunches
Restaurants at the on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort — Trattoria Del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, and Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort — offer Easter brunches. Times and costs vary. For more information, call 407-503-3463 or visit universalorlando.com/hotelevents on the Web.

April 8 — Easter Brunch
Nine18 in The Villas of Grand Cypress, 1 N. Jacaranda St., Orlando, offers an Easter brunch, including chef-prepared waffles, made-to-order omelets, Virginia ham, grilled Atlantic salmon, sushi, chocolate-covered strawberries and more. Reservations are recommended. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $48.95, adults; $21.95, children ages 4-12. For more information, call 407-239-1999 or visit www.grandcypress.com on the Web.

April 8 — Easter Brunch
Fiorella’s Cucina Toscana at the Westin Imagine Orlando, 9501 Universal Blvd., Orlando, offers an Easter brunch, including a buffet with antipasti, fresh skillet creations, hand-carved meats, desserts and more. Time: Seatings are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Cost: $44.95, adults; $19.95, children ages 3-12. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 407-233-2950 or visit www.fiorellasorlando.com on the Web.

April 8 — Easter Brunch
MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando, offers an Easter brunch, including an omelet station, ham carving station, Belgian waffles, salads, baked macaroni and cheese, crab legs, chicken, fruit, cheese, desserts and more. Residents who bring the ad in this issue of the Southwest Orlando Bulletin receive a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa or children’s Easter goodie bag, with the purchase of one adult brunch. Time: Seatings are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., followed by egg hunts at 12:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Cost: $24.95, adults; $12.95, children. Reservations are required. For more information, call 407-297-0050 or visit www.metrowestgolf.com on the Web.