Ever wanted to be a part of something bigger than yourself? Or even just simply give back? Whether it’s volunteering your time, finances or donating resources, we have a plethora of non-profit organizations here on Amelia Island that you can give back to. Everything from environmental conservation, to animal protection and awareness, to people-focused and community-driven programs, education and learning, the list goes on! We are so thankful to be a part of such a caring community and love all of the opportunities there are to get involved. Check out our list below of some organizations that are near and dear to our hearts.

Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch (AISTW)

Volunteer-based organization that is on a mission to protect a part of Amelia Island’s heritage, our local sea turtle population. During turtle season (May 1 - August 31), these volunteers are usually the first ones on the beach each morning. Volunteers patrol a section of beach that is approximately 1 mile in length one day a week, and commit to walking that section at daybreak (civil twilight). Volunteers are looking for sea turtle nests, tracks, eggs and hatchlings left behind. Volunteers can also be responsible for excavations and picking up litter on the beach, especially around or near a nest. Because of the overwhelming amount of willing volunteers, new volunteers have an opportunity to become a substitute. AISTW covers 11.5 miles of beach on the island, from the south boundary of Ft. Clinch State Park to the north boundary of Amelia Island State Park on the south end. If you are not an early riser, this is not the job for you! But not to worry, we have plenty of other awesome local organizations to get involved with!

www.ameliaislandseaturtlewatch.com

Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors

The AI Whale Ambassadors are an environmental conservation organization that is focused on protecting North Right Whales through education and awareness. They work closely with the NOAA and FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute to share sightings and reports of the North Atlantic right whales. North Atlantic right whales return annually to the warm coastal waters off northeast Florida and Georgia, where they give birth to and nurse their young. With less than 350 remaining, the AIWA works to protect these whales from extinction, as well as educate on how we can help in their recovery. The Whale Ambassadors also play a large part in the annual Right Whale Festival held locally, in Amelia Island.

www.facebook.com/p/Amelia-Island-Whale-Ambassadors...

Keep Nassau Beautiful

Keep Nassau Beautiful is a not-for-profit organization that conducts and promotes activities and educational opportunities that foster a personal appreciation of, pride in, and responsibility for the natural beauty of Nassau County. KNB is charitable and educational in its purpose to keep Nassau County clean and green through community engagement and educational programs. To achieve this purpose, KNB works to maintain litter and waste control programs, engage in community appearance improvement projects for the beautification and conservation of Nassau County, as well as promoting the benefits of a clean and beautiful environment! KNB hosts multiple trash clean-ups throughout the year. Sign-up to be a volunteer on their website!

keepnassaubeautiful.org

Nassau Humane Society

Nassau Humane Society is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals; to alleviate their suffering and neglect, to support the human-animal bond, and to foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. They pursue workable solutions to the most urgent animal welfare needs of our community, which are animal overpopulation and homeless pets. Their solutions will emphasize the mutual benefit of bringing pets and people together. They provide rescue and control as a lifeline to animals in need and for the necessary protection of our community. They encourage and provide pet adoption, animal-assisted therapy, pet care education, outreach spay and neuter programs and other welfare efforts, all in support of their comprehensive community service obligation. There are so many ways to get involved with NHS! You can volunteer your time, foster sweet babies that are waiting for their forever home and donate! Money donations are always accepted, but NHS also keeps an active Chewy Wish List that you can find on their website.

nassauhumane.org

Cats Angels

Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA is a volunteer based non-profit charitable organization. All of their financial support is acquired through donations, grants and fundraising efforts. Cats Angels was formed in June 2001 to help control the overpopulation of unwanted felines in the Fernandina Beach area. Cats Angels began a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program to spay and neuter feral cats and then return them to their caregivers. Their feline mascot “Halo” is present at many community events to help spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Their mission is successful thanks to their dedicated volunteers who help care for the cats and assist in the Thrift Store. One of the easiest ways to support Cat Angels is shopping at the thrift store connected to their adoption center! There is a large selection of used books and a variety of other items for sale, that directly benefits Cats Angels!

catsangels.org

Nassau County Council on Aging

Founded in 1974 by local citizens, Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) is a non-profit organization whose goal is to maintain and enrich the lives of older citizens throughout Nassau County. NCCOA’s programs enable those age 60 and older to live independently at home while also providing opportunities for socialization, and activities geared toward the needs of seniors. They are a resource for education, information, referral, counseling and general assistance – for ALL seniors. NCCOA delivers critical services to Nassau County seniors in several major categories: nutrition, adult day healthcare, advocate home healthcare, transportation (NassauTRANSIT), support groups, educational platforms and volunteerism. They also operate two Life Centers in Fernandina Beach and Hilliard. These programs and services resulted in NCCOA reaching more than 5,000 individuals in 2021, including 57,000 meals for seniors in Nassau County. Their purpose is to provide targeted services of comprehensive, compassionate care that not only foster independence, but also helps seniors remain active, valued members of our community.

www.nassaucountycouncilonaging.org

Barnabas

Barnabas provides help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County to improve their stability, health and well-being. They are Nassau County’s only comprehensive service center devoted to helping those in need thrive as healthy citizens. Barnabas believes every individual has an opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, thereby strengthening our entire community. Barnabas offers healthcare services, nutrition and meal distribution services, empowerment programs and crisis assistance. Barnabas is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping their neighbors thrive in Nassau County, with a well-rounded approach and willingness to assist in all areas of life.

barnabasnassau.org

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library is a volunteer-based organization whose mission is to promote literacy and lifelong learning in our community through programs, advocacy and fundraising for the Fernandina Beach Library. Activities that help them accomplish their mission include the annual Story Telling Slam and the used Book Sale held each spring and fall. They regularly host guest speakers, provide educational programs, arrange outings to nearby places of interest, hold events and assist at Amelia Island events that benefit the library such as the Shrimp Festival parking. Friends of the Library hosts educational programs, children’s programs, adult programs, art programs and a literary book club. They believe the library is where community begins and we are fortunate to have such a pillar of support for learning in our community!

fernandinafol.org