Needs From: United Way of Northwest Florida

ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Pre-K to 3rd grade who may need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings.

In Bay & Washington Counties, ReadingPals volunteers help elementary students build strong early literacy skills necessary for success. 

Being a ReadingPals volunteer means becoming a real-life superhero in a child’s story—someone who sparks imagination, builds confidence, and opens doors to a lifetime of possibilities through the power of reading.

As a ReadingPal, you’re more than a volunteer; you’re a mentor, a cheerleader, and a trusted friend. You’ll spend just an hour a week sharing books and conversations with a young student, helping them fall in love with stories while strengthening their literacy skills.

It’s about creating a moment that matters—where a child learns to believe in themselves because you believed in them first.

One book. One hour. One child at a time. That’s the heart of ReadingPals—where small moments create big change

Join us in making an impact in the lives of young students in Northwest Florida by signing up to be a ReadingPal today!!

For many in our communities, taxes can feel like a burden. VITA volunteers work to help lift that burden by offering low income families free tax preparation. Tax refunds give these families a springboard for the future by putting their hard-earned money back into their pockets. It's a simple way to offer a sense of hope. The United Way of Northwest Florida VITA program is now being offered in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties.  We need volunteers like you to help these families! 

Why Volunteer with VITA? 

Learn a New Skill - No experience is necessary. As a volunteer, you have the chance to try your hand at a new skill. VITA will spend time preparing you to become certified in tax preparation through free online and classroom training. If tax preparation is outside of your comfort level, we also need volunteer “Greeters” to welcome families and individuals to the site with a smile and help prepare them for their appointments. Flexible Schedule – At our locations in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties, you have the opportunity to help as your schedule allows. Plus, tax season isn't year-round, our sites run only from the end of January to the middle of April. Get to Know Your Community - Once you're certified, you will work side by side with residents to prepare their tax returns. Our goal is to provide services for 3,000+ residents this year alone. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and strengthen your community. Make an Impact - VITA volunteers directly impact the community in tangible ways. More than $2.8 million was returned to our most vulnerable community members last season. As a volunteer tax preparer, your help getting families their tax refunds helps build financial stability for those that need it most. Prefer to Discuss Volunteering for VITA via Phone? No problem!  Call us at 850.785.7521 ext. 103 and the United Way staff can assist!