Description

Fall For Sarasota 2026 Presented by Baltimore Orioles

Uniting Business and Community Through Service

Fall for Sarasota is in its 5th year of bringing together the Sarasota Business Community and our Local Non-Profits.

Join us for Fall for Sarasota, a two-day initiative designed to strengthen the bond between Sarasota’s local businesses and the nonprofit community. Choose a project and make a difference in our community! Each of these opportunities is hosted by one of our nonprofit Chamber members, and pots are limited - sign up early to secure your place.

Our goal: 500 hours of community service in just two days!

Together, we’ll make a powerful impact—one volunteer hour at a time.

Event Schedule:

Kickoff Reception & T-Shirt Pick-Up

Network with fellow volunteers, pick up your event t-shirt, and get ready to serve!

Where: Greater Sarasota Chamber Boardroom

When: Wednesday, September 16 | Time Open from 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Quick View Volunteer Projects

Project tags: OUTDOOR | INDOOR | PHYSICAL | SKILLS-BASED | ANIMAL CARE | DELIVERY

Thursday, September 17 - Morning (9 AM-12 PM)

Save Our Seabirds - Campus Refresh & Beautification  [OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Plant, mulch, weed, and refresh a three-acre sanctuary for rescued wild birds.

Bridge a Life - Stew Crew  [INDOOR]

Cook and assemble freezer meals for foster and adoptive families navigating a new placement or crisis.

Harvest House - Community Service Days  [INDOOR | OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Support families through food-pantry service and campus beautification; final activity schedule to be confirmed.

CreArte Latino Cultural Center - Organizing the Storage at CreArte  [INDOOR]

Organize props, costumes, and program materials using a simple digital inventory system.

Second Chance Last Opportunity - Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Community Food Choice Distribution  [INDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Welcome families, restock pantry shelves, and support a dignified client-choice food distribution.

Children First - Maintenance Storage Refresh  [OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Clean, organize, and inventory a maintenance storage unit that supports early-learning programs.

Friday, September 18 - Morning (9 AM-12 PM)

The Twig Cares - Preparing Christmas & Holiday Items  [INDOOR]

Prepare and organize holiday items that will bring joy to children and families in foster care.

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota - More Than Just a Meal  [INDOOR | DELIVERY]

Pack meals and support deliveries that bring food, friendship, and wellness checks to homebound neighbors.

Empower Prosperity Foundation - Career & Opportunity Day  [INDOOR | SKILLS-BASED]

Share professional skills through resume help, interview practice, career coaching, and opportunity resources.

Children First - Classroom Volunteers  [INDOOR]

Read, play, prepare materials, and support teachers in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms.

All Faiths Food Bank - Warehouse Sorting & Packing  [INDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Inspect, sort, box, and stage donated food for distribution to local families.

NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties - La Cucina Italiana at YANA  [INDOOR]

Prepare and serve a three-course Italian meal that creates connection and celebration at the YANA Center.

Cat Depot - Cat Care  [INDOOR | ANIMAL CARE]

Support daily shelter care, cleaning, organization, and enrichment for cats awaiting adoption.

Innovation Academy SRQ - Campus Beautification & Learning Environment Enhancement  [INDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Paint, organize, and refresh classrooms and shared spaces to create an inspiring elementary-school campus.

All Star Children's Foundation - Beautify the Campus of Hope & Healing  [OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Refresh gardens and outdoor spaces at a campus designed to help children in foster care heal and thrive.

Friday, September 18 - Afternoon (1-4 PM)

Lighthouse Vision Loss Center - Employer Outreach Resource Packets  [INDOOR]

Assemble employer outreach packets that promote inclusive hiring and employment opportunities for people with vision loss.

The Sarasota Players - Warehouse Clean-Up Day  [INDOOR | OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Clean and organize costumes, props, and set pieces as Sarasota’s community theatre prepares to move.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce - Outdoor Beautification  [OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Help give the Chamber's garden beds a seasonal refresh by planting new flowers and greenery for fall.

Date & Time To Be Confirmed

The Bay Park Conservancy - Pre-Anniversary Park Clean-Up  [OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL]

Weed, trim, clean, and spruce up Sarasota’s waterfront park before its anniversary celebration.

Detailed Project Descriptions

Save Our Seabirds - Campus Refresh & Beautification

OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

Save Our Seabirds rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured wild birds, works toward their release, and helps the public learn about birds and environmental stewardship.

Spend the morning refreshing a three-acre outdoor sanctuary that gives rescued birds a safe place to recover and thrive. Volunteers will plant flowers, spread mulch, weed garden beds, and, as skills and time allow, may help move landscaping rock or complete light painting. Your work will make the campus more welcoming for both its feathered residents and the people who come to learn about them.

When: Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236

Volunteer capacity: As many as available

Parking / arrival: Ample parking is available on site.

Dress code: Dress for outdoor work. Closed-toe shoes are required; gloves and hats are recommended.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Bridge a Life - Stew Crew

INDOOR

Bridge a Life provides practical support, services, and training for foster and adoptive families so they can care well for children who have experienced hardship.

Gather in the kitchen for a high-energy morning of cooking and teamwork. Volunteers will prepare and assemble family-size freezer meals that Bridge a Life can deliver to foster and adoptive families welcoming a child or navigating a crisis. Every pan you pack gives a busy family one less thing to worry about and one more reminder that the community is behind them.

When: Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 - location pending final confirmation

Volunteer capacity: Up to 10-12

Parking / arrival: No special parking instructions were provided.

Dress code: Wear casual, comfortable clothing that can get a little messy while cooking.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Harvest House - Community Service Days

INDOOR | OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

Harvest House champions hope and transforms lives through supportive and affordable housing, addiction recovery programs, workforce development, and food security.

Help Harvest House create stability and dignity for neighbors facing homelessness, housing insecurity, and hunger. The survey proposes hands-on opportunities that include packing food for families, assisting guests during pantry distribution, and beautifying the campus through planting, mulching, weeding, and light cleanup. Whether you organize a food box or refresh a gathering space, your service helps families feel welcomed and supported.

When: 

Wednesday, September 16 | 9 AM – 12 PM (Up to 5 volunteers)

Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM – 12 PM (Up to 10 volunteers)

Friday, September 18 | 9 AM – 12 PM (Up to 20 volunteers)

Where: 3650 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235

Volunteer capacity: Up to 35 across the activities listed in the survey

Parking / arrival: Campus parking and street parking are available.

Dress code: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Outdoor volunteers should consider sunscreen and a hat.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required. Campus-beautification volunteers are encouraged to bring gardening gloves.

CreArte Latino Cultural Center - Organizing the Storage at CreArte

INDOOR

CreArte Latino Cultural Center celebrates Latino and Hispanic heritage and builds cultural exchange through arts and education.

Bring order to the behind-the-scenes materials that make performances and classes possible. Volunteers will organize props, costumes, and program supplies, then use a simple digital inventory system to label storage totes so instructors can quickly find what they need. Your attention to detail will help CreArte spend less time searching and more time creating connection through the arts.

When: Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 1913 Northgate Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34234

Volunteer capacity: 5-6

Parking / arrival: Ample on-site parking is available in the designated areas.

Dress code: Dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes.

Equipment / supplies: Bring a smartphone. The nonprofit will provide other supplies.

Second Chance Last Opportunity - Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Community Food Choice Distribution

INDOOR | PHYSICAL

Second Chance Last Opportunity empowers people in crisis with practical skills, tools, and essential support so they can build more stable and productive lives.

Create a welcoming, dignified food-shopping experience for local families. Volunteers will greet and check in guests, guide them through the client-choice pantry, restock produce and staples, organize inventory, and help distribute water and other resources. Your kindness and organization will help neighbors choose the food their households need while feeling respected every step of the way.

When: Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL 34234

Volunteer capacity: 5

Parking / arrival: No special parking instructions were provided.

Dress code: Wear closed-toe shoes.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Children First - Maintenance Storage Refresh

OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

Children First strengthens children and families through early education, development, health, and family-support services, including Sarasota County Head Start and Early Head Start.

Help the team behind Children First work more efficiently for the children and families they serve. Volunteers will clean out, organize, and inventory a maintenance storage unit so supplies are easy to find and ready when needed. A few focused hours will create a safer, more functional space that supports classrooms and programs across the organization.

When: Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: Public Storage, 2590 17th Street, Sarasota, FL - next to Cat Depot

Volunteer capacity: 4

Parking / arrival: Park near the entrance; a staff member will meet volunteers and guide them to the unit.

Dress code: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

The Twig Cares - Preparing Christmas & Holiday Items

INDOOR

The Twig inspires and encourages foster families by meeting practical needs and helping children in foster care know they matter.

Bring some early holiday cheer to children and families in foster care. Volunteers will work in The Twig warehouse to sort, prepare, and organize Christmas and holiday items for the upcoming season. Your behind-the-scenes help will allow The Twig to create more joyful, dignified experiences for families during a busy time of year.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: Venice Storage Company, 400 Substation Road, Venice, FL 34285

Volunteer capacity: 10

Parking / arrival: Continue to the end of Substation Road, pass through the Venice Storage Company gate, follow the gravel road, turn left, and park near the other vehicles.

Dress code: Closed-toe shoes are required.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota - More Than Just a Meal

INDOOR | DELIVERY

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota provides nutritious meals, social connection, and wellness checks so homebound and older neighbors can live with greater independence.

Help deliver nourishment and connection to hundreds of Sarasota neighbors. Volunteers may pack and prepare meals, assist with serving, join a delivery route, or do both as scheduling allows. Every meal carries more than food - it brings a friendly face, a wellness check, and reassurance to someone living at home.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 421 N. Lime Avenue, Sarasota, FL

Volunteer capacity: 30+ per day

Parking / arrival: Park in the lot adjacent to the office; look for the building with the red roof.

Dress code: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Delivery volunteers should be prepared to spend time outdoors.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Empower Prosperity Foundation - Career & Opportunity Day

INDOOR | SKILLS-BASED

Empower Prosperity creates pathways to growth for working families through practical coaching, training, education, and mentorship in life, career, and business development.

Put your professional experience to work for someone else’s next chapter. Volunteers may help with resume reviews, mock interviews, LinkedIn profiles, career coaching, entrepreneurship guidance, financial literacy, headshots, or connections to training and community resources. This skills-based project is designed to leave every participant with greater confidence and practical next steps toward opportunity.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: Pier House at The Isles at Lakewood Ranch, 8230 Redonda Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Volunteer capacity: 5

Parking / arrival: Provide your name and the event name to security at the entrance.

Dress code: No special attire requirements were provided.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Children First - Classroom Volunteers

INDOOR

Children First strengthens children and families through early education, development, health, and family-support services, including Sarasota County Head Start and Early Head Start.

Step into a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom and make the morning brighter for young learners. Volunteers will support teachers by reading, playing, helping with classroom projects, and preparing activity materials. No special experience is needed - just patience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help children learn through connection and play.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 1723 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34234

Volunteer capacity: 4

Parking / arrival: Park in the gravel lot to the right of the building.

Dress code: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

All Faiths Food Bank - Warehouse Sorting & Packing

INDOOR | PHYSICAL

All Faiths Food Bank works with community partners to provide healthy solutions that address hunger and strengthen long-term food security.

Turn donated food into ready-to-distribute support for local families. Volunteers will inspect labels and product condition, sort food, pack boxes, and move completed boxes into the warehouse distribution flow. This active, three-hour shift directly strengthens the food bank’s ability to get nutritious items where they are needed most.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 8151 Blaikie Court, Sarasota, FL 34240

Volunteer capacity: 15

Parking / arrival: For the morning shift, use the rounded driveway and look for the parking sign. Volunteers will work in the smaller warehouse next to the main office.

Dress code: Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear appropriate work clothing; tank tops and clothing with offensive language or images are not permitted. This is a standing activity with no seated positions.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties - La Cucina Italiana at YANA

INDOOR

NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties offers free support, education, advocacy, and welcoming YANA drop-in centers for people living with mental health conditions and the families who care about them.

Help create a joyful restaurant-style experience for members of the YANA (You Are Not Alone) Center. Volunteers will plan, prepare, cook, and serve an elegant three-course Italian meal complete with table settings, flowers, and special touches. Your hospitality will offer connection, dignity, and a memorable celebration for adults who gather at YANA for peer support, activities, and community.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: NAMI YANA North Center, 240B S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237

Volunteer capacity: 6-8

Parking / arrival: Ample parking is available at the YANA Center. Enter through the front door, where staff will greet you.

Dress code: Black-and-white attire inspired by Italian waitstaff is preferred for the theme, but not required.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Cat Depot - Cat Care

INDOOR | ANIMAL CARE

Cat Depot saves lives, finds loving homes, and provides resources and education that improve the future of homeless cats.

Spend the morning alongside Cat Depot’s care team helping cats feel safe, comfortable, and ready for adoption. Volunteers will assist with daily care, cleaning, and organization, with time for enrichment and one-on-one attention with cats and kittens. Your helping hands give shelter staff more capacity and give every cat a little more comfort while waiting for a home.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234

Volunteer capacity: 3-5

Parking / arrival: Meet at the Adoption Center boutique. Park along the cat patios or in the back lot; carpooling is encouraged because space is limited.

Dress code: Wear a comfortable shirt, long pants, and closed-toe, nonslip shoes.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Innovation Academy SRQ - Campus Beautification & Learning Environment Enhancement

INDOOR | PHYSICAL

Innovation Academy SRQ gives diverse elementary learners a personalized, inquiry-based education that nurtures creativity, global thinking, resilience, and lifelong curiosity.

Help transform everyday school spaces into brighter, more inspiring places to learn. Volunteer teams may paint and refresh the gym, front office, classrooms, hallways, and common areas; add planters and greenery; organize classrooms; install educational graphics; or assemble bulletin boards. Your work will help students feel welcomed, energized, and proud of their campus.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 845 S. School Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237

Volunteer capacity: 20-40

Parking / arrival: Enter through the front gate and wait to be buzzed in.

Dress code: Wear clothes that can get paint on them.

Equipment / supplies: Special equipment is required. The school will provide paint, some drop cloths and painting tools, plus some landscaping tools and design elements.

All Star Children's Foundation - Beautify the Campus of Hope & Healing

OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

All Star Children’s Foundation builds brighter futures for children in foster care through trauma-informed care, research, training, innovation, and compassion.

Help care for the gardens that surround All Star’s Campus of Hope & Healing - a nurturing place where children and families affected by foster care can find support and recovery. Volunteers will spend approximately three hours beautifying outdoor spaces and garden areas. Your work will help keep the campus peaceful, welcoming, and worthy of the healing that happens there.

When: Friday, September 18 | 9 AM-12 PM

Where: 3300 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235-8904

Volunteer capacity: 6-8

Parking / arrival: No special parking instructions were provided.

Dress code: No special attire requirements were provided; outdoor work clothes and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

Lighthouse Vision Loss Center - Employer Outreach Resource Packets

INDOOR

Lighthouse Vision Loss Center educates and empowers people affected by vision loss so they can live healthy, independent lives and participate fully in the community.

Help open doors to employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Volunteers will organize and assemble professional outreach packets with program information, inclusive-hiring resources, success stories, employer supports, business cards, and accessible links. Lighthouse employment specialists will use the finished packets to engage local businesses and grow inclusive job opportunities across the region.

When: Friday, September 18 | 1-4 PM

Where: 7318 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

Volunteer capacity: 13

Parking / arrival: Overflow parking is available at the neighboring hair salon.

Dress code: Wear closed-toe shoes and casual business attire.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

The Sarasota Players - Warehouse Clean-Up Day

INDOOR | OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

The Sarasota Players is Sarasota’s community theatre, creating quality live productions and training opportunities that entertain, educate, and keep the community engaged in the arts.

Take a starring role behind the scenes as The Sarasota Players prepares to leave its warehouse. Volunteers will clean, sort, organize, and help responsibly dispose of costumes, set pieces, and props gathered through years of community theatre. Your effort will make the move more manageable and help preserve the materials that keep live performance possible.

When: Friday, September 18 | 1-4 PM

Where: 2169 10th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

Volunteer capacity: 7 or more preferred; all help is welcome

Parking / arrival: Use the open on-site parking or the grass lot to the right of the building.

Dress code: Dress comfortably and be prepared to break a sweat.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

The Bay Park Conservancy - Pre-Anniversary Park Clean-Up

OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

The Bay Park Conservancy preserves and transforms Sarasota’s bayfront into a free, accessible public park designed to welcome everyone.

Help The Bay shine before its fourth-anniversary community celebration. Volunteers will weed, trim, clean, and tackle hands-on beautification tasks throughout the waterfront park. This active outdoor project is perfect for green thumbs and anyone ready to get a little dirty while caring for one of Sarasota’s most welcoming public spaces.

When: DATE & TIME TO BE CONFIRMED

Where: 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL

Volunteer capacity: 4-6

Parking / arrival: Use the East Promenade parking area via the 10th Street entrance or the lot next to the Van Wezel.

Dress code: Dress for heat and wear clothes that can get dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; the nonprofit will provide supplies.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce - Outdoor Beautification

OUTDOOR | PHYSICAL

Help beautify our gardens that surround the Sarasota Chamber office. Volunteers will spend around three hours time beautifying the garden areas through planting new flowers and plants. Your work will help brighten our outdoor area and create a more welcoming setting for all who visit.

When: Friday, September 18 | 1-4 PM

Where: 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236 

Parking / arrival: Use the parking area at the Sarasota Chamber. 

Dress code: Dress for heat and wear clothes that can get dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Equipment / supplies: No special equipment is required; we will provide supplies.