Learning Resources: Vikings Fall into Service 2023: Welcome!

In the fall of 2019, SJR State’s College project, Vikings Days of Service, was launched. With this project, SJR State made a commitment to provide members of our campus community with two opportunities each year to engage and serve within our three counties.

St. Johns River State College facilitates two college-wide service days each academic year. One college-wide event, Vikings Fall into Service, will be scheduled on the Friday closest to September 11 and another college-wide event, Vikings Spring into Service, will be scheduled the Friday prior to the three-day Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.

The purpose of the Vikings Days of Service is to:

Provide SJR State students, faculty, and staff meaningful service opportunities intended to address identified community needs;
Recruit a diverse cross-section of the College community and engage them as volunteers;
Honor sacrifice & service and support a legacy of servant leadership; and,
Provide SJR State students, faculty, and staff with opportunities for sustained service and ongoing community involvement

Vikings Fall into Service - September 15, 2023

Thank you to everyone who volunteered!

189 people provided 521 hours of service on September 15, 2023. This does not include individuals who donated to the Viking Exchange.
2,557 food and personal care items were collected for distribution to current SJR State Students in need at our 4 Viking Exchange locations.

Visit the photo album on SJR State's Flickr site for pictures from the day!

Clay County Projects

Orange Park Campus Flower Bed Refresh

Site Captain: Sorya Ou and Dawn McLane

Need 2 volunteers minimum, 4 maximum.

Time: 9:00 - 12:00

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers:: All are outdoor activities so volunteers should be resilient against sun and heat. Minimum gardening skills will be helpful as well. Gardening/recreational attire - hat, gloves, walking shoes, drinking water.

Orange Park Campus Perimeter Litter Patrol

Site Captains: Mike Keller and Paula Reeger

From 1:30-3:30pm, SJR State will hold a campus perimeter roadside cleanup on the main public road nearby each campus. Highway cleanup participants will gather in the Student Center of each campus on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 1:30pm for a safety chat and to receive safety vests, garbage bags, and disposable plastic gloves. Everyone should plan to dress comfortably and must wear closed-toe shoes and attire suitable for working outdoors in the public. Participants are encouraged to bring heavy work gloves to layer on top of the provided disposable gloves.

Clay Education Foundation

Site Captain: Ashley Braswell

Summary: This is a local nonprofit that ensures that Clay County Educators have a place to come and procure classroom materials for their students.

Project Description: Volunteers will be counting inventory, restocking, or assisting teachers in preparing for the upcoming school term.

Project Work Hours: 9am-1pm

Minimum Volunteers: 5 Maximum Volunteers: 6

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Bending and squatting while picking up school supplies, reaching overhead. Closed-toe shoes -Required. Comfortable clothing. No restrictions.

Orange Park High School Beautification

Site Captain: Mike Keller

Summary: Orange Park High Community Partnership's mission is to me a cornerstone of the community where students are challenged to achieve and demonstrate excellence, integrity, and responsibility. In order to do this, there is an emphasis on removing barriers which may impede student progress. As the cornerstone of the community, Orange Park High is in need of exterior enhancements that will increase curb appeal. As a community fixture in the Orange Park entry area, the school is seeking to beautification to increase appeal and engagement.

Project Description: School Beautification/Landscaping in the key areas of high visibility: Area where school sign in located. Community Partnership Portable area Courtyard Areas

Time: 9:00 - 12:00

Minimum Volunteers: 5 Maximum Volunteers: 10

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: The desire and ability to dig, plant, mulch, and landscape. Also, knowledge about low maintenance plants and where to plant is preferable. Comfortable, gardening attire. No restrictions.

Quigley House, Inc.

Site Captains: Dustin Latta

Summary: At Quigley House, our mission is to educate, equip, and empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence while providing awareness through community education. Quigley House provides victim services for domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, bullying, and harassment through their 24-hour crisis helpline, emergency shelter, crisis counseling, injunction for protection attorney, legal accompaniment, medical accompaniment, financial literacy, child welfare advocacy, pet shelter, sexual assault forensic exam program, children's advocacy and more.

Project Description: We need assistance with deep cleaning the kitchens, pantries, dining areas, and playroom in our emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors. We provide a communal living facility with up to 47 men, women, and children and need assistance to maintain a safe and clean environment for our residents and advocates. This will include purging old/broken items, removing expired food items, wiping down cabinets/appliances, cleaning walls and floors, and organizing areas to aid our currently understaffed shelter team.

Time: 9:30 - 12:30

Minimum Volunteers: 10 Maximum Volunteers: 20

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Ability to bend, sit, stretch. Organization/Cleaning experience is a plus. Clothing that they do not mind getting dirty. Please refrain from wearing any clothing that is extremist, revealing, indecent, racist, or sexist. We encourage volunteers to bring their own water/water bottles. Volunteers will need to complete a short volunteer application that includes a liability waiver, confidentiality agreement, and local background check. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 unless accompanied by an adult.

The Viking Exchange Showdown! Collecting Donations to Restock the Viking Exchange for SJR State Students in Need

Site Captain: Andrew Macfarlane

Individuals do not need to sign-up to participate.
Want to complete as a team? REGISTER A TEAM BY SEPTEMBER 14
Items will be collected September 11 - 15.
For complete details visit the Viking Exchange web site.

Putnam County Projects

ARC of Putnam

Site Captain: Dr. Diane Pagano

Summary: Any community is enriched when each of its members participates and contributes fully, when all persons are equally valued for their diversity and individuality, and when opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment are available to all. The Arc of Putnam County is committed to providing a community-based support system, which enables individuals of differing abilities to live in such a community.

Project Description: Participate with clients in activities that foster learning and fun.

Minimum Volunteers: 4 Maximum Volunteers: 12

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Patience, understanding of people with disabilities. Casual clothing. Volunteers are not required to bring any items for this project.

Palatka Campus Flower Bed Refresh

Palatka Campus Site Captain: Brett Boynton

Need 2 volunteers minimum, 4 maximum.

Time: 1:00 - 4:00

Information for volunteers from the project proposer: All are outdoor activities so volunteers should be resilient against sun and heat. Minimum gardening skills will be helpful as well. Gardening/ recreational attire - hat, gloves, walking shoes, drinking water.

~~REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER FOR THIS PROJECT~~ FULL!

Palatka Campus or Workforce Training Center Perimeter Litter Patrol

Palatka Campus Site Captains: Melanie Brown and Kara McKinley

Workforce Training Site Captain: Nate Southerland

Heart of Putnam Thrift Store

Site Captains: Joyce Smith and Michelle Gibson

Summary: PCSC (Putnam Christian Service Center) helps residents from all areas of Putnam County who are in a crisis situation. The Heart of Putnam Thrift Store (HOP) is a way to help PCSC pay some of its bills. Thru donations and volunteers, we run the Store and all proceeds go directly back into PCSC to aid in helping to achieve this Mission. Our staff and volunteers gather the information necessary to assess the needs of the family or individual and we work diligently to determine the best possible solution to their crisis. We are a crisis prevention agency, not a maintenance agency. Assistance provided is meant to help the client to avoid or overcome a crisis, not maintain a lifestyle, and clients who receive assistance must be able to show that they can maintain their bills without further assistance after receiving help.

Project Description: We have several projects in the Heart of Putnam Thrift store that would benefit from some assistance. From helping us to clear out a room full of donations (that is needed for interview purposes), to helping us to deploy the merchandise and clothing within and around the store. Most of our volunteers are older and are not able to do some of the heavy lifting, such as boxes of merchandise and the arranging of clothes bags. It would be a tremendous help if we could get this all done in one day.

Minimum Volunteers: 4-5 Maximum Volunteers: 6

Time: 1:00 - 4:00

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Ability to lift 25 - 40 lbs., casual, comfortable, indoor work clothes. No restrictions. Volunteers are not required to bring any items for this project, and lunch will be provided if necessary.

Keep Putnam Beautiful

Site Captain: Brittnee Fisher

Summary: "Keep Putnam Beautiful, Inc. (KPB), is a 501c (3) non-profit education organization, was organized to be a county-wide program designed to address the need for grassroots solutions to critical and costly solid waste and littering issues. We work closely with stakeholders in Putnam County, from county, city, and town government to neighborhood organizations, services groups, schools, and individuals to help further efforts to address litter, waste reduction, recycling and environmental beautification. We work in Putnam County public spaces, including our waterways."

Project Description: A litter clean-up of 309C from State Road 100 to Wes Larson Road. Volunteers will be provided personal protection gear and clean-up supplies and will clean-up trash along the roadside.

Minimum Volunteers: 5 Maximum Volunteers: 10

Time: 8:30 - 12:30

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Stand and walk for long periods of time, heat tolerant, some lifting. Closed toed shoes or work boots, long pants, hats/visors, sunscreen, sunglasses. No small children. Volunteers are not required to bring any items for this project.

Lee Conlee House

Site Captains: Dr. Lynn Powers and TBA

Summary: The Lee Conlee House (LCH) Domestic Violence Shelter is committed to recognizing and responding to our community’s need for comprehensive, multicultural domestic violence services. We understand that domestic violence in its fullest scope impacts primary victims, family members, society, and future generations. With this in mind, it is our goal to stop the campaign of violence by providing crisis intervention, emergency shelter, advocacy, treatment, prevention, and education through the establishment of community partnerships. Oftentimes, we wonder how we can make a difference in our community or how we can give back to someone in need…. we, the Lee Conlee House, are providing you an opportunity to do both. Lee Conlee House (LCH) provides various services for survivors and their families. In addition to our emergency shelter, LCH offers programs including but not limited to; emotional support and counseling, empowerment & DV education workshops, economic empowerment classes, child welfare advocacy, and courtroom advocacy. Additionally, LCH offers youth services to include play therapy, tutoring, and a comprehensive prevention program that works directly with children in the community. LCH also maintains a 24-hour crisis hotline to ensure survivors always have access to an advocate.

Project Description: LCH would also love the support of SJR State to assist with developing our “Serenity Garden & Playground” for our emergency shelter. Due to severe weather last year, our playground sustained a lot of damage. We had to remove our playground equipment due to hazards and breakage, as a result of harsh weather conditions last year. We are in the process of rebuilding the playground and adding in a section for older children and a “serenity garden” for the families. The previous playground only suited younger children. Our goal is to add in activities for older children such as a space for basketball, volleyball, etc. In addition to a space where mothers and children can plant seeds and small plants and watch them grow. This will be therapeutic for families to symbolize the growth in rebuilding and regaining after domestic violence. We would need help with mulching the playground area in preparation for putting up playground equipment and creating the space for garden. Another project is our "Safe & Together Closet". We have a lot of survivors that come to the shelter with only the clothes on their backs, so we keep a special storage room full of clothes to provide them. We receive so many donations that it is hard to keep up with and organize. We would like help with reorganizing our shed.

Minimum Volunteers: 6 Maximum Volunteers: 10

Time: 9:00 - 12:00

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Able to work outside; bend and lift 15 lbs. or less. Comfortable clothes. Prior to coming on property, we would need the names of the volunteers and Volunteers would need to sign a disclosure agreement also. No one with a violent criminal record is allowed on property. Volunteers are not required to bring any items for this project.

Putnam County Animal Control

Site Captain: Bailey Akin

Summary: The Putnam County Animal Control’s dedicated staff works tirelessly to ensure the safety and welfare of all the animals in their charge. Through generosity of the community, they can continue to be a euthanasia free facility.

Project Description: The Putnam County Animal Control has several volunteer divisions and is always looking for volunteers. At the shelter, they are looking for people to walk dogs, cuddle cats, help bathe and groom the animals, take photos for their website, and clean the kennels.

Location: 174 County Landfill Road, Palatka, FL 32177

Project Work Hours: They would prefer to have one group from 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Minimum Volunteers: 1 Maximum Volunteers: 40

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Volunteers of all skill sets and physical abilities are welcome to participate. There are both low impact and high impact projects to be completed at the facility. Please wear casual, athletic-style attire, and close-toed shoes. Bring water to keep hydrated. All other items will be provided. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

United Way - Jacobs Family House Beautification

Site Captains: Needed

Project Description: Jennifer Jacobs home beautification project: Jennifer is a single mom whose home was damaged in the named storms of 2022. She was further sited by the county if her home was not improved to a safe standard, it would be condemned. Good news, UW helped with a new roof and electrical safety issues and now she needs some TLC as a finishing touch.

Minimum Volunteers: 8-10 Maximum Volunteers: 20

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Ability to paint and possibly plant shrubs and flowers on the outside of the home. Some clean up after will also be required. Breathable clothes you don't mind getting paint on, closed toe shoes for doing yard work and painting. We can provide zip cover suits if needed. Volunteers may need to bring some tools to garden with, UW will provide paint provisions along with the homeowner.

The Viking Exchange Showdown! Collecting Donations to Restock the Viking Exchange for SJR State Students in Need

Site Captains: Heather Jones, Victoria Morris, and Kelly Lewis

Individuals do not need to sign-up to participate.
Want to complete as a team? REGISTER A TEAM BY SEPTEMBER 14
Items will be collected September 11 - 15.
For complete details visit the Viking Exchange web site.

Water Works Environmental Education Center

Site Captains: Royce Bass and Dr. Kim Van Vliet

Summary: The Water Works Environmental Education Center (WWEEC) is a nature-based learning center with a focus on local water history and environmental stewardship. It is owned by the City of Palatka, and the Water Works Committee and its Volunteers build trails, conduct tours, host field trips, and meet regularly to review goals and progress. The WWEEC provides a tranquil place for reflection, a site for community activities, and a platform for experiential learning through informative exhibits, walking trails, natural habitat demonstration areas, special projects, and community interactions.

Project Description: Projects WWEC volunteers will be asked to assist with may include:

1. Remove air potato vines, Ardisia, & other invasive plants

2. Work in Food Forest area to pull weeds and replace mulch, plant fall seeds.

3. Fertilize stone fruit and pecan trees if needed in the Fall.

4. Paint and weed around well head #7.

5. Help repair gopher tortoise enclosure –materials and tools provided

6. ID and label native plants along the slope trail.

7. Work in Glade (weeding, mulching, etc.)

8. Clean the turtle tank and put plants in there for food.

9. Repair tree frog holders.

10. Trim trees and plants that were planted last year.

Location: 1101 Whitewater Drive, Palatka, FL

Minimum Volunteers: 2 per shift Maximum Volunteers: 25 per shift

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: Ability to do yard work, closed toe shoes. No restrictions. Volunteers should bring their own personal water bottle.

St. Johns County Projects

St. Augustine Campus Flower Bed Refresh

Site Captain: Tim Mouse and Renee Bachman

Time: 9:00 - 12:00

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers:: All are outdoor activities so volunteers should be resilient against sun and heat. Minimum gardening skills will be helpful as well. Gardening/ recreational attire - hat, gloves, walking shoes, drinking water.

St. Augustine Campus Perimeter Litter Patrol

Site Captains: Tim Adams and Myrna Allen

Council on Aging

Site Captain: Celeste Mark

Summary: To lead and advocate for the dignity, independence, health, and community involvement of older St. Johns County Residents.

Project Description: Assist in preparing equipment for events and ceremonies. Possibly assist with garden project.

Project Work Hours: One group from 9am-12pm

Minimum Volunteers: 2 Maximum Volunteers: 4

Skills, abilities, attire and/or restrictions for volunteers: No physical limitations, casual attire. Must be 18 years old. All materials will be provided.

The Viking Exchange Showdown! Collecting Donations to Restock the Viking Exchange for SJR State Students in Need

Site Captains: Brenda Hoffman and Randi Gibson

Individuals do not need to sign-up to participate.
Want to complete as a team? REGISTER A TEAM BY SEPTEMBER 14
Items will be collected September 11 - 15.
For complete details visit the Viking Exchange web site.