Nonprofit organizations in South Florida provide vital services and cultural enrichment.
South Florida, with its mixture of urban and suburban areas, has many nonprofit organizations catering to the needs of diverse populations and working to maintain the region's cultural, medical, and environmental services. They are found in major cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami and also in smaller coastal and inland communities where nonprofits fill in gaps left by public services.
Treasure Coast Food Bank
The Treasure Coast Food Bank offers food and educational programs to low-income families in Fort Pierce, Florida. This food bank distributed more than three million tons of food in 2009 collected from community donations. The Food for Kids Backpack Program issues backpacks filled with nutritious snacks to kids each month. The Kids Cafe is an afterschool program that features healthy meals and activities for low-income youngsters. This nonprofit organization also works with local charities in St. Lucie County to offer clothes, food, and health education through the Orange Avenue Outreach Center.
Treasure Coast Food Bank
3051 Industrial 25th St.
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
772-489-5676
treasurecoastfoodbank.org
The League Against Cancer
The League Against Cancer in Miami provides free medical care to low-income and uninsured cancer patients in south Florida. The organization has worked with 350 physicians to provide mammograms and cancer education to 50,000 patients as of August 2010. Qualifying patients can request prosthetics, lab services and hospice care through the League Against Cancer. Fundraising efforts range from the Annual Telethon in June to the yearly Christmas Raffle. This nonprofit center organizes an annual Children's Fashion Sinvolve local boutiques and designers in raising funds for cancer prevention.
The League Against Cancer
2180 Southwest 12th Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
305-856-4914
ligacontraelcancer.org
Marco Island's Center for the Arts
Marco Island's Center for the Arts promotes local artists and provides arts education in southwestern Florida. The center maintains the Lauritzen/Rush Gallery and the MacFarland Atrium Gallery for ongoing exhibits. This nonprofit organization hosts art displays at the Marco Island Farmers Market and the Fall Arts & Crafts Festival. The Center for the Arts also features an outdoor painting and sculpture display at the Physicians Regional Medical Center. Local artists can refine their skills at the center's three painting rooms and a large clay studio.
Marco Island's Center for the Arts
1010 Winterberry Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
239-394-4221
marcoislandart.com
Big Cat Rescue
Big Cat Rescue is a Tampa animal sanctuary specializing in exotic cats surrendered by individuals and circuses. This sanctuary hosts daily educational tours that promote responsible treatment of tigers, leopards, and other big cats. Children can learn about exotic animals during the summer through the sanctuary's day camps. Big Cat Rescue lobbies the Florida state legislature and the United States Congress for restrictions on exotic animal ownership. The annual Fur Ball held in October is a fundraiser that helps pay for animal care and facility maintenance.
Big Cat Rescue
12802 Easy St.
Tampa, FL 33625
813-920-4130
bigcatrescue.org
Tags: Marco Island, Against Cancer, Center Arts, League Against, League Against Cancer, Coast Food, Coast Food Bank
