Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities / Events

Usually involves a single-day or 1-time event.  The times below reflect the volunteer shifts and may not represent the actual event times.  You must sign up so we can be prepared with supplies and refreshments as needed.

January

Operation Our Neighbor  
Saturday, January 11th, 8:30am
Location: 3481 NE 20TH Avenue,

    Operation Our Neighbor is a program designed to assist elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners with yard tasks to bring their property back up to Code and neighborhood standards.
    This event will consist mostly of removal and hauling of many neglected potted plants, outdoor furniture and other miscellaneous materials to the curb. Some aggressive tree and shrub trimming, uprooting some plants, weed whacking and clipping is also needed.
    This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and older. Younger volunteers age 12 and over with direct parent or guardian supervision are permitted. Volunteers should check in at the property after 8:00am and complete a waiver form prior to the event.
Gloves and all equipment will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own gloves. Volunteers should wear comfortable casual clothing. Long sleeves and trousers are recommended. It is suggested volunteers bring a hat, sunscreen, and closed toe shoes. Water and snack items will be provided for all volunteers.  
 

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Monday, January 18th, 2021.  11am-2pm.
Collins Community Center, 3900 NE 3rd Avenue.

    This fun family event combines a remembrance service and various forms of entertainment and inspiration.  Features are a bounce house and music.  
    Volunteers are needed: 9 am- 11 am to set up of tables and chairs; assist with lunch asset up and prep; traffic flow and parking assistance. 11:00 am - 3:00 pm assist with lunch service; event cleanup and break down; assist with outdoor events.  This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and over.  Water and lunch will be provided. Gloves are provided.  Wear dress casual clothing - no shorts.

 

Lakeside Sand Pine Preserve Cleanup
Saturday, January 23, 2021, 8:30am-noon
2820 NW 27th Ave, Oakland Park 

    This nature preserve boasts over five acres of native sand pine scrub and plants, walkway, elevated decking and educational shelter. It is also home to many Florida native species including the gopher tortoise. After a brief orientation to the preserve, volunteers will remove invasive plant species, clear and define trails, and maintain walkways. Tools, gloves, beverages and snacks provided. Volunteers should wear long sleeve shirts, pants and comfortable closed toe shoes. It is suggested volunteers bring a hat, sunscreen and your favorite gloves if desired.
    This event is appropriate for ages 15 and up. Younger volunteers welcome with adult supervision.

February

Soul Fest
TBD February, 2021, 5pm to 9:30pm                                                      
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway

    This fun family event includes music and dancing, kids’ activities, and food and beverages.  We’re in need of about 10 volunteers to help in these main areas:             1. Outdoor Activities – Volunteers are needed to help set up for outside entertainment. 2. Kids’ Kitchen – Volunteers will assist children assemble ice cream floats.  Set up and clean up included.
3. Parking Assistance – Volunteers will help direct visitors with parking onsite and tracking lot capacity. 
4. Guest relations – Volunteers will greet visitors and engage them in a very brief survey to help us monitor our efforts.
    This event is suitable for volunteers ages 15 and over.  Gloves provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable casual clothing.  Shorts no less than knee length please.  Water and snack bars available.  You can either have a meal in advance of your shift, or use a short break to purchase from food vendors.
    Volunteers should check in at the Jaco Pastorius Community Center.

Taste of Oakland Park
Friday, February 28, 2020, 5pm-10pm
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway

    This culinary tour of our City celebrates foods of all cultures and styles. Volunteers are needed in these main areas:
1. Assist with event, tent and table setup
2. Guide guests through the check in process
3. Assist vendors in distributing samples
4. Attend and man bottled water tents
5. Monitor and maintain dining areas between guest use
6. Event break down.
     This event is suitable for volunteers ages 15 and over. It is recommended volunteers have a meal prior to arrival as this event is very busy. Gloves provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable casual clothing.



Tree Giveaway and Tree Assistance Program
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 7am-11am
Wimberly Field, 4000 NE 3rd Avenue

    This event provides up to three free trees to Oakland Park residents and businesses.
    Volunteers will help set up tents, tables and chairs for education stations. Volunteers can assist at these stations, or with selecting desired trees and help with loading into vehicles. There is minimal lifting involved. This event is suitable for age 15 and above.
    Volunteers involved with the Tree Assistance Program will follow a city truck to registered qualified residents to deliver and plant desired trees. Tools and gloves will be provided.
    Beverages and light snacks provided for all volunteers. It is suggested volunteers bring a hat, sunscreen, closed toe shoes and your favorite gloves if desired. Please sign up so we can be prepared.

March

43rd Annual Broward County WATERWAY CLEANUP
Saturday, March 7, 2020
J. Dewey Hawkins Landing, 2960 NE 12th Terrace
Watercraft users can check in at 8:00am at J. Dewey Hawkins Landing.
Shoreline participants will check in at 8:00am at our cleanup site:  3391 NW 18th Ave (cul de sac behind Home Depot).  Park on right side of road opposite homes.
 
     This county-wide effort focuses on removing trash and debris from our beaches, rivers, canals, lakes and shorelines. You can participate on land or by personal watercraft. Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and shore walkers…All are welcome! 
Watercraft can launch at Hawkins Landing or an Oakland Park Waterway of your choice. Shoreline volunteers will meet at the above address.  ALL TRASH COLLECTED WILL BE BROUGHT TO HAWKINS LANDING FOR RECORDING.
    This event is appropriate for volunteers 15 and over. Younger volunteers are encouraged with parental supervision. Wear long pants and boots that will get dirty!
       You must also register below for your t-shirt at: www.waterwaycleanup.org. Clicking on “Find Your Site HERE!” at the top will lead you to registration. Select Oakland Park – Hawkins Landing from the dropdown menu.



SANDBAG SATURDAYS
Saturday, March 21, 8:00am – 11:00am
Public Works Facility, 5100 NE 12th Terrace

    This hurricane preparedness event is designed make the sandbagging process easy and safe. Most tasks require little or no bending or heavy lifting. We are updating our process this year to incorporate a new multi-bag device that saves a lot of energy.  Our goal is to reach 2,000 bags in advance of hurricane season. We’re in the shade and take frequent breaks.  
     Thanks to past volunteers, we were able to provide 7,000 sandbags to Oakland Park residents in advance of Hurricane Dorian. Participants were well trained and participated in the distribution process in advance of the storm.
    This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and over.  Some lifting is required for some positions in the process.  We’ll provide gloves, beverages and snack bars. Please be sure to sign up so we can be prepared with supplies.
    Directions to 5100 NE 12th Terrace: Head east on Commercial Blvd. Cross Dixie Highway. After crossing the RR tracks, make a U-turn at the first turn lane. After u-turn, take an immediate right turn onto NE 12th Terrace. The Public Works facility will be on your right. A sandbag sign will be out on the street.

April

SANDBAG SATURDAYS 
Saturday, April 18, 8:00am – 11:00am
Public Works Facility, 5100 NE 12th Terrace 
 
    This hurricane preparedness event is designed make the sandbagging process easy and safe. Most tasks require little or no bending or heavy lifting. We are updating our process this year to incorporate a new multi-bag device that saves a lot of energy.  Our goal is to reach 2,000 bags in advance of hurricane season. We’re in the shade and take frequent breaks.  
     Thanks to past volunteers, we were able to provide 7,000 sandbags to Oakland Park residents in advance of Hurricane Dorian. Participants were well trained and participated in the distribution process in advance of the storm.
    This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and over.  Some lifting is required for some positions in the process.  We’ll provide gloves, beverages and snack bars. Please be sure to sign up so we can be prepared with supplies.
    Directions to 5100 NE 12th Terrace: Head east on Commercial Blvd. Cross Dixie Highway. After crossing the RR tracks, make a U-turn at the first turn lane. After u-turn, take an immediate right turn onto NE 12th Terrace. The Public Works facility will be on your right. A sandbag sign will be out on the street.
  
  
  Dancing In The Street
Friday, April 24, 2020, 4pm-11pm
Main Street / NE 12th Avenue

    This fun music event features multiple performers spread the length of Main Street.  Food and Children's activities make this a fun family night out.
    Volunteers will assist with tent and table set up, children's activities and crafts and event breakdown.  Dress is casual, no logo shirts please.  Bottled water provided.  Volunteers will be provided a break when they might walk the event and purchase food and drink desired.  This event is appropriate for volunteers 15 years of age and older.
   

 

 

 

EARTH DAY 2020
Saturday, April 25, 2020, 8:30am – Noon
Location: To be determined

    Join us as we celebrate Earth Day with a project designed to recognize the importance of caring for our plant life, wildlife and waterways. Projects typically include plantings, shoreline cleanups, or park enhancements.
    We encourage volunteers of all ages, including younger children with parental supervision. We’ll provide all the tools and gloves necessary for your participation, along with water and snack bars. You should bring sunblock, closed toed shoes, a hat and your favorite pair of gardening gloves.
    Please be sure to let us know you’re coming so we can be prepared with tools and refreshments. More details to follow. 
 
 
 

May

 Health and Fitness Fun Day
Saturday, May 16, 2020,  (time and details to be announced)

June

Summon Pride
Friday, June 12, 5pm-11pm
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway
(Details will be posted soon)

Stonewall Parade
Friday, June 19, 3pm-6pm
Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
    Join the Oakland Park Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners and City Staff as we join in support of this LGBT+ celebration.  Participants will meet at the south end of Wilton Drive at the parade start.  The parade begins at 5pm and the length is approximately 1/2 mile.  The walk takes about 1/2 hour to complete.    (Final details may vary and will be updated as needed.)

 

Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Tournament
Saturday, June 20, 6:30am – 11:00am
Royal Palm Park, 1701 NW 38th Street
(Meet at the center courts)

    Come join us as we celebrate our Dads on their special weekend. This popular event brings parents and children together on the shores of our lakes to share the fishing experience. Participants can win any of several awards, including largest fish, most fish, casting contests and more.
    We’re looking for volunteers to help patrol the shores of Royal Palm Park assisting families by providing information, measuring and documenting their catches. It’s lots of fun for volunteers 15 years of age or older. Be sure to wear a hat and use sunscreen. We’ll provide the tape measures, clipboards and water

 

Summer Tree Giveaway and Tree Assistance Program
Saturday, June 27, 2020, 7am-11am
Wimberly Field, 4000 NE 3rd Avenue

    This event provides up to three free trees to Oakland Park residents and businesses.
    Volunteers will help set up tents, tables and chairs for education stations. Volunteers can assist at these stations, or with selecting desired trees and help with loading into vehicles. There is minimal lifting involved. This event is suitable for age 15 and above.
    Volunteers involved with the Tree Assistance Program will follow a city truck to registered qualified residents to deliver and plant desired trees. Tools and gloves will be provided.
    Beverages and light snacks provided for all volunteers. It is suggested volunteers bring a hat, sunscreen, closed toe shoes and your favorite gloves if desired.

July

Beat The Heat
Saturday, July 18, 11am-4pm
Wimberly Field, 4000 NE 3rd Avenue
(More details to follow)

August

Senior Appreciation Day Luncheon
Friday, August 21, 2020, 10am-3pm
Jaco Pastorius Community Center, 1098 NE 40th Court

    This event celebrates our senior citizens through the availability of a variety of health care education opportunities, free screenings, guest speakers, along with a catered, table-service luncheon. Volunteers will assist with event set up of tables, chairs, decorations and place settings. They can also assist at various booths as needed, and preparing and serving lunch plates. No cooking required.
    This event is suitable for age 15 and above. If possible, please wear black pants/shorts and white shirt, or business casual attire. Volunteers will enjoy the catered lunch after seniors are served. 
 

September

Latin Fest
Saturday, September 19, 2020, 5pm-11pm
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway

    This celebration of Latin culture through music, dance, food and activities, is a fun family event. 
Volunteers are needed in three main areas:
1. Kids’ Kitchen – Volunteers will hand out chef hats and aprons, help set up and break down tables, replenish food items needed for “Nacho Building”, and cleaning off tables between users.
2. Kids’ Craft Area – Volunteers will assist families and children through varied fun activities.
3. Guest tables – Volunteers will monitor and maintain dining areas between guest use.
    This event is suitable for volunteers of all ages, (including those under 14 with parental supervision). Gloves provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable casual clothing. 
 

October

 
16th Annual OKTOBERFEST 
October 2-4, 2020 
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway
Volunteer shifts:
Friday, 4pm-10pm and 7pm-10pm
Saturday, Noon-4pm / 4pm-8pm / 6pm-10pm
Sunday, Noon-4pm / 4pm-8pm

    From authentic German foods and Oktoberfest beer, to music, dancing, contests and amusement rides, there’s something for EVERYONE to enjoy.
     Volunteers can help in the following areas:
1. Venue Management – tents and dining areas.
2. Games Assistance – races, contests, etc.
3. Guest Welcome – greeting, surveys and information distribution.
     This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and over. Some tasks require volunteers 21+ years old. Dress is casual, but no branded t-shirts please. Traditional Oktoberfest dress is allowed. Shorts must be a minimum length of just above the knee.
    Volunteers must check in at the Jaco Pastorius Community Center lobby. Volunteer Corps t-shirts will be provided if desired. A meal will be provided to volunteers working over a 5-hour shift. Bottled water will be available. Volunteers will enter the event free and are welcome to stay after their shift to enjoy the event, but you must remove your Volunteer Corps shirt if necessary.
    Some shift flexibility available. Please be sure to sign up early to ensure you reserve the shifts that work best for you.



Halloween Bash 2020
Friday, October 23th, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway

    This fun family event features costume contests, trunk or treat, kid’s activities, caramel apples and more.
    Volunteers are needed in these main areas:
1. Event set up – Volunteers will help with preparing children’s activity areas and outside activities as needed.
2. Assist with the caramel apple making inside the Community Center and other kids’ activities as needed.
3. Volunteers will assist with the breakdown of chairs, tables, furniture and other areas after the event.
    Volunteers should check in at the Jaco Pastorius Community Center lobby. Water and snack items will be provided for all volunteers. You are encouraged have something to eat prior to your shift.
    This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and up. Gloves provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable casual clothing. Appropriate functional costumes allowed if you are so inclined.



Make A Difference Day
Location: To be determined 
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Time: 8:30am
 
    The City recognizes National Make a Difference Day with various projects in which volunteers can be engaged. We strive to select meaningful opportunities to appeal to volunteers of all ages. Individual projects will be identified as we near the event date.
Details to follow.

December

Holiday Village
Volunteer shifts:
Friday, December 4th, 4:30 pm-10 pm
Saturday, December 5th, 10am-2pm, 2pm-6pm, 6pm-11pm
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway

    This fun family event kicks off with the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the Kinara, Menorah and Holiday Tree. Also featured are music, food, a snow mountain, ice skating rink, and a Kids’ Corner full of art and craft activities. This event is suitable for volunteers age 15 and over.
    Volunteers are needed in these main areas:
1. Parking assistance - controlling access to vendor and dignitary parking.
2. Holiday Tree Tent upkeep - maintaining the decorated trees and engaging visitors in the voting process.
3. Kids Crafting assist - working indoors in Santa photo area assisting children with various craft tasks. Must be energetic and good with children.
4. General event maintenance - remain on field to ensure dining areas are ready for visitor turnover. Working with stage events to assist with band transitions as needed.
5. Art Wall - monitor our kids color wall and maintain supplies for participants.
6. Snow Mountain and Skate Rink Attendants - Volunteers will help maintain the visitor lines and assist with skates as needed.
    Volunteers should check in at the Jaco Pastorius Community Center lobby. Water will be provided for all volunteers. A meal will be provided for those volunteers working a double shift on Saturday. Volunteers are encouraged to have something to eat prior to arrival. You will be provided a break for a snack or lunch you bring, or you may enjoy the event and purchase available food items. Gloves are provided if desired. Volunteers should wear comfortable casual clothing.

Long-Term Opportunities

Involves ongoing participation throughout the year.

Adopt A Storm Drain
    You may have a storm drain in your yard. There may even be several in your neighborhood. Residents and business can now ADOPT A STORM DRAIN in your area. Simply keep the drains clear of leaves, trash and other debris that limit the flow of rainwater.
    This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for adults and families of all ages. Physical requirements are minimal. There is no major equipment required to participate. Gloves, a broom, a rake, and trash bags are all that’s needed.



Adopt-A-Street
    Would you like to help to keep Oakland Park beautiful? The Adopt-a-Street program empowers volunteer groups to keep their neighborhoods litter-free, one street at a time.     We currently have over 15 groups of friends, residents, civic organizations or neighborhood associations who have adopted a street around the city or near their homes.  Benefits include increased property values, reduce litter-removal costs, fosters neighborhood pride, and frees up maintenance crews to perform other tasks in emergency events.
    The commitment is simple. Your team leader will arrange an agreement to adopt a street for a 2-year period. Your team is required to perform 6 cleanups per year, traditionally alternating months. You could select from a list of identified City streets, or suggest a minimum of ½ mile street of your choice for approval in the program.
    We provide your crew with bags, reacher/grabbers, reflective vests, street signs and gloves.  Your group or organization’s name will be placed on signs on both ends of your adopted street section to recognize your civic and volunteer contribution.



ATHLETICS AND COACHING
    The City of Oakland Park offers a wide variety of athletic programs aimed at giving our youth opportunities to grow physically, emotionally, athletically and socially through sports. By lending your talent and experience, YOU can make a difference in the development of a child. Through encouragement, patience, basic knowledge and support, your coaching will not only help a child develop skills and love of sport, but provide tools that will carry on through his or her life.
    “It’s not always about how good you are or how much time you spend, it’s about being there.” While coaching or assisting with a team, you will have the opportunity to teach and learn at the same time. We also offer discounts for your children in our athletic programs should you become involved in coaching. And if you’re at the field, please consider helping at our concession stands.



DOG BARK PARK
    The City’s Bark Park is located across from Easterlin Park at 971 NW 38th Street. Intended to provide a fun and safe environment for our furry friends and those who love them, this park serves as a meeting place for residents while promoting socialization and exercise. The individual large and small dog sections of the park provide unique features and ensure a more stress-free experience for visitors.
    We are looking for individuals to provide some basic park maintenance tasks in their spare time. You don’t need a dog to help! Your time commitment may involve a brief one to two-hour period during the day when your schedule allows. Tasks include blowing pebbles from pathways, restocking bags, emptying trash receptacles, and hosing down pools, water bowls and structures. We’ll provide the leaf blower and any supplies you will need.
    This volunteer opportunity is suitable for ages 15 and over. 
 
 

FERAL FRIENDS PROGRAM
    The City of Oakland Park has embarked on a program to address concerns about feral cats using the “TNR” approach. TNR (trap, neuter, return) has proven to be the only effective method for stabilizing and reducing the number of cats in feral cat colonies over time, in some situations all the way down to zero. TNR is also the only humane method to accomplish this. The City is proud to partner with local animal shelters and hospitals and respect all life by embracing this approach.
    We have numerous volunteers who coordinate and share all aspects of this intricate process including identifying colonies, feeding, trapping/releasing, transporting, temporary housing and adoption. The task is ongoing, but the goal remains to humanely address the reduction, as well as the health and safety, of feral cats in our neighborhoods. We could ALWAYS use more help. Volunteers will need their own transportation.  If you are a lover of animals, please contact us to learn how you can become involved.



GRAFFITI PATROL
    Join fellow volunteers who have formed a “rapid response” team to eliminate unwanted graffiti and stickers all over the city.
    The GRAFFITI PATROL is a community beautification project combining the efforts of the Volunteer Corps, multiple city departments and local partners. This program is designed to address and eliminate the many forms of graffiti, nuisance stickers, and illegal yard signs that can detract from the overall beauty of the City of Oakland Park within 48 hours of reporting.
    Graffiti and stickers on our light poles, sidewalks, curbs, bus stops, walls, fences and buildings cause blight and are not representative of the fine city Oakland Park truly is.
Volunteers are provided with a kit of most commonly required spray paint colors, along with spray removal products, scrapers and gloves. Also included are tools to share with residents and businesses to engage them in the process as needed.
    This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for licensed drivers with a vehicle. The time requirement is low and flexible. You can photograph, repair and report incidents during the course of your day when found, or respond to a specific request as time allows.

Community Events & Volunteer Opportunities

The following events may be of interest to our residents, but are not organized by the City of Oakland Park Volunteer Corps. You must contact the event or organization directly for more information on how you might get involved


Tour de Broward
Join our team of HEROs and Volunteer
for this year’s
Tour de Broward
Miramar Regional Park
16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL

Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
     Saturday volunteers will be assisting with all aspects of park set up. Team participation is welcome. If you know of a sports team, business, department or club that wishes to participate as a group we can accommodate most needs.
    Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older and student volunteer hours will be provided upon request. Water and snacks will be provided to all shifts.
     9:00am-1:00pm – 30 volunteers needed
    12:00pm-04:00pm – 50 volunteers needed
     3:00pm-06:00pm – 20 volunteers needed

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020
    Sunday volunteers will be assisting with everything from volunteer check in, cheering athletes, distributing medals, water support, parking, Power of Play Kids Zone and crowd control. Please see what hours fit your schedule best and let us know of any physical limitations and you will be placed where most needed.
*All Sunday volunteers will receive an event volunteer t-shirt and service hours if requested.
    04:00am-08:00am – 20 volunteers needed
    05:00am - 09:00am – 70 volunteers needed
    06:00am-10:30am – 65 volunteers needed
    06:30am-01:30am – 60 volunteers needed (Power of Play Kids Zone)
    07:30am-12:30pm – 10 volunteers needed
    09:00am-01:00pm – 40 volunteers needed
    12:00pm-04:00pm – 40 volunteers needed (High School sports teams are welcome     to help with this tear down shift!)

    If interested in volunteering please email lisharper@mhs.net with the date and shift you are interested in. ***Please include each volunteers name, email address, cell number, t-shirt size and age if under 18.
     Another opportunity for Tour de Broward is helping at our Packet Pick Ups prior to the event.
    If interested in volunteering for any of the opportunities below please email lisharper@mhs.net with the name and age if under 18, date, shift, location and cell number. We are seeking volunteers 15 and older when accompanied by a parent for these shifts.
     Visit this website to learn more about this great event! 

http://support.mhsfoundation.org/site/TR?fr_id=1110&pg=entry