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To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.
Community Update and Public Service Announcements are available to non-profit organizations only. All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event. Please include only the basic facts: who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.
Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.
Gainesville Race for Inclusion
Dec. 7 | 8:30 a.m.
University of Florida Flavet Field
Woodlawn Drive
Gainesville
Special Olympics Florida’s "Race for Inclusion" is coming to Gainesville. Funds raised from the "Race for Inclusion" helps support more than 70,000 Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state and in our region. It’s a movement to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with dignity and respect. For more information and to register visit RaceforInclusion.org.
Fall & Farm and Cane Festival
Dec. 7 | 9 a.m. to 3 pm.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W Newberry Rd.
Gainesville
Celebrate the region's pioneering past by watching some of the areas rural lifestyle. The Park Service commemorates Ms. Myrtle Dudley's birthday by grinding sugar cane and boiling it into cane syrup. Farm tours, domestic crafts, children's activities, music and vendors are featured on this living history day. Demonstrators will be showcasing Florida's traditions. More information available at 352-472-1142 or https://www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org/event-5943841
Alachua County Bicentennial Symposium
Dec. 7 | 9:45 to 3:30 p.m.
Matheson History Museum
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
The lives and adventures of the many peoples who contributed to the making of Alachua County will be featured: from indigenous/native peoples who settled in this area for thousands of years, to the arrival of Europeans, Africans, and others who made Alachua County what it is today. The program presenters are from Gainesville, Alachua, Orlando and Nashville. The event is sponsored by Alachua County, Matheson History Museum, Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, UF African American Studies Program, Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center. Alachua County African & African American Historical Society, Inc. is organizer of the Bicentennial Symposium. The event is free, but registration is required. Go to: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/78794-the-making-of-alachua-county-past-present-and-the-future
A Very GNV Holiday Parade
Dec. 7 | Noon
West University Avenue
Downtown Gainesville
Bring the family to downtown Gainesville for A Very GNV Holiday Parade. Starting at noon, enjoy floats, dancers, live bands, and a special appearance by basketball legend and parade grand marshal — Shaquille O'Neal! Kick off the holiday season in style as Shaq leads the way down West University Avenue. Be sure to stick around after the parade for a variety of family-friendly activities the whole community can enjoy.
CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services Benefit
Dec. 8 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Kendra Scott at Butler Town Center
2851 SW 35th Drive, Suite 30
Gainesville
Learn about CDS’s 54 years of service to 11 counties across North Florida supporting children, youth, families and communities. There will be sips and sweets and a jewelry preview. A portion of in-store sales will be donated to CDS.
36th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec. 21 | 8 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4225 NW 34th Street
Gainesville
The evening will be filled with peace-inspired music, poetry and art. More information available at vfpGainesville.org
Gainesville Camellia Society Hosts National American Camellia Society Convention and Plant Sale
Jan. 2-5 | National Convention at Hilton UF Conference Center
Jan. 4-5 | Plant Sale at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Gainesville
The Gainesville Camellia Society will host the National American Camellia Society Convention as well as a public plant sale. Convention registration:
https://www.americancamellias.com/about-american-camellia-society/acs-convention-january-2-5-2025. More information available at: https://camellia5.azureedge.net/assets/ACS%202025%20Convention%20Article.pdf
MLK Day of Service hosted by UF’s David and Wanda Brown Center for Leadership & Service
Jan. 20 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kick-off at the Reitz Union Atrium at 8 a.m.
University of Florida campus
Gainesville
Join UF’s Brown Center for Leadership & Service in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through a day of community service and reflection. MLK Day of Service is a chance for students, faculty, staff and community members to come together and make a meaningful impact across Gainesville. This day celebrates Dr. King's vision of a "beloved community" and empowers us to turn that vision into action through service and collaboration. Volunteers can register to serve at nine different sites throughout the community. More information and registration at ufl.givepulse.com/event/521503.
Spring Hill Timebank
Ongoing
Timebank brings people together to match needs with skills. People of all ages and all abilities can join. For every hour of work done for a member, the individual will receive one time credit to “buy” an hours worth of work from another member. For more information contact Andy at 727-517-1148 or springhilltimeback.org.
Donate Used Musical Instruments to the Hernando Youth Orchestra
Ongoing
The Orchestra is collecting used musical instruments for talented young musicians who can’t afford to buy or replace their own. Donations of unneeded instruments will be repaired if necessary before passing it on to a student. Call 352-600-9555 for more information or to make a donation. We’ll pick up your instrument and give you a tax deductible receipt. More information
Nature Coast Community Services Foundation Homeless Services
Ongoing
The Nature Coast Community Services Foundation is serving the homeless of Hernando with food, clothing, shoes, job, IDs, food stamps, spaying and neutering pets, transportation and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call Ellen at 352-600-9555.
Elder Options Referral Helpline
1-800-262-2243
Ongoing
Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for sixteen counties in North Central Florida. The agency oversees the efficient administration of home and community care programs and long term care services for elder Floridians. In partnership with lead agencies and local service providers, the agency serves thousands of frail, low-income seniors each year, providing home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), personal care, transportation and other in-home services that help seniors to remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more expensive nursing home care. Call the Elder Helpline for referral to resources.
Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians, ages 6 to 18
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Heather Community Center
9100 Nakoma Way
Weeki Watchee
Hernando Youth Orchestra has resumed rehearsals and is recruiting new members. We need young musicians aged ages 6-18, and adult mentors to support them. HYO plays classical music and gives several concerts throughout the year. You must be able to read music and play an instrument. Instruments are also available to loan to those in need. Sign up at www.HernandoYouthOrchestra.org or call 352-600-9555. If you have an instrument to donate, call and it will be picked for a tax deductible receipt.
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) Bicycle Collection
Hernando County
Ongoing
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) and Grace Presbyterian Bicycle Ministry is collecting unwanted bicycles (or parts thereof) that will be reconditioned and given to the needy. Call 352-600-9555 to schedule a free pick up.
WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing
Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.
Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing
North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org.
Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing
The church is collecting books and toiletries for People Helping People.The PHP book drive will provide books offering information on marketable skills and possible work opportunities. ‘How to’ and text books on subjects such as cooking, culinary sciences, computer/office skills, sales, and gardening/landscaping are especially appreciated. Toiletry items needed include: tooth brushes, razors, combs, soap, lotions, shave creams etc. Call 352-600-9555 for information or to schedule your donation.
Gainesville Peer Respite
Ongoing
Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.
Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org
Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options, 100 NW 75th St., Suite 30, Gainesville
Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.
Operation PetSnip
Ongoing
Spay and neuter pet services available for qualifying low-income Alachua County and surrounding rural county residents. The cost of surgery, pain medication and anesthesia for pets spayed or neutered is covered. More information available from No More Homeless Pets’ Operation Petsnip at www.nmhp.net.
Gone 4 Ever Shredding
Ongoing
The Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing
Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.
“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing
The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities NCF Seeks Long-Term Volunteers
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org or call Dorie Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator at 352-374-4404 ext. 224.
Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, contact Judy Bates at bates@rmhcncf.org or call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.
MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing
In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.
Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing
The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.
Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing
There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.
Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing
The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.
Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.