news release

Indian River CARES, a coalition of nonprofit leaders dedicated to connecting and strengthening local organizations, invites the community to the Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Tuesday, December 2, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center Gymnasium (4875 43rd Ave, Vero Beach).

This special Giving Tuesday event brings together at least 30 local nonprofits and service organizations to inspire residents to get involved and give back through volunteerism. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet local nonprofit leaders, and explore opportunities to share their time and talents across Indian River County.

The event will also feature the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition Food Truck, serving lunch and snacks throughout the day. Attendees can enjoy a free aerobics class from 9–10 AM before the fair begins.

Some participating nonprofits include:
Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of IRC, Arc of Indian River County, Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC, Center for Spiritual Care, Coastal Connections, Environmental Learning Center, Feed the Lambs, Florida Guardian ad Litem Office of the Treasure Coast, Hibiscus Children’s Center, Indian River Habitat for Humanity, Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation, Kashi, Literacy Services of Indian River County, Little Birthday Angels, New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Red Cross, Safe Families for Children, Sexual Assault Assistance Program, The Buggy Bunch, The Salvation Army IRC, The Willow School, Thrive, TRiO Upward Bound, United Against Poverty, United Way of Indian River County, Vero Beach Art Club, and VNA of the Treasure Coast.

“Indian River CARES is about collaboration and community,” said Barbara Schlitt Ford, the informal Coalition’s creator and facilitator. “This event is a chance for neighbors to come together, discover causes that inspire them, and make a lasting difference right here in Indian River County. We are hoping that people will make the decision to give more of their time this year as so many of our local nonprofits rely on volunteer power to accomplish their missions. We felt Giving Tuesday was a great time to promote the many rewarding opportunities that are available.”

Volunteering also benefits individuals by improving their mental, emotional and physical health while fostering stronger social connections and a sense of purpose within their community.

Community members who want to learn more about these organizations are invited to visit the Coalition’s website before or after the event as well IndianRiverCARES.org. This website organizes the nonprofits by focus area so can be useful to those in need of services as well as those looking for Volunteer or Donor opportunities. 

Admission is free, and no registration is required. For more information, visit IndianRiverCares.org.

If any additional nonprofits want to participate, they should sign up via the website IndianRiverCARES.org.