Serving the Community

Share the Plate Changes for 2025

Each year, First Unitarian Church of Orlando selects a variety of nonprofit organizations serving our community to support financially. In 2025, SIX organizations have been selected and each will be supported for two months. Ideally, this will allow the congregation to build stronger relationships with each organization, amplifying our values of generosity, interdependence and justice. More information about the Share the Plate program is here. 

“Compassionate service to the community” is part of the mission of First Unitarian Church of Orlando. We believe that being engaged in service is an opportunity to put our UU values into action in practical ways. While specific opportunities change, there is always something to be done that can benefit the community, and enrich our souls!

See the newly created Volunteer Opportunities Calendar here.

Current opportunities serving the community:
  • While the Big Red bus no longer comes to the 1U campus, blood donors are still needed.  Thanks to all who have given this gift of life. The need continues! Learn more here. 
  • Write notes of hope for One Heart for Women and Children. Ongoing; check Gore Hall on Sundays during social fellowship time after service. Learn more about One Heart here. Instructions for writing notes is here. 
  • Share your bounty with our neighboring church Joy MCC! Bring nonperishable food items to church.  Donation box located in Gore Hall. Bring items anytime!
  • Friends of the New Image Youth Center:  Opportunities vary; supporting school age kids who attend the Center. Learn about ongoing initiatives. Sign up to get updates regarding activities here.  Contact group newimageyouth@orlandouu.org 
  • Little Free Library is open for all to enjoy! Look for it near the community garden. Bring books to Gore Hall that would excite and expand the imagination.  Storage space is limited, but children’s books are always needed.  Contact Wendy D here with questions. 
  • 1U Community Garden: Enjoy the 1U garden and area anytime. Pick items as they are ready to harvest. Enjoy the shade and the butterflies. Join in a gardening work party to tend the space on the 4th Saturday of the month.
  • Adopt a Precinct: Volunteers from 1U are election workers at 1U, an Orange County election precinct. Contact PrecinctCoordinator@orlandouu.org  to learn more about upcoming opportunities to serve.
  • Other opportunities will arise that might be a great match for your passion, time, and talents. Consider being added to the Serving the Community Team (STC) volunteer list to receive announcements. Contact us here to learn more.

For more information or to be put on the Volunteer Opportunity list, contact the team here.

Mission of Serving the Community Team:

  • Consolidate information about various community connections.
  • Provide opportunities for engagement and encourage connections within the congregation and community through participation in service.
  • Communicate details of opportunities.
  • Collaborate with other groups in the congregation that are involved in justice and service efforts.