If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity and a chance to do something meaningful for the city you now call home, you're in the right place! We've put together a few of the non-profit organizations and charities that outpour generosity to the community, enabling you to volunteer and, by doing so, contribute to society and feel ever more Florentine.

Full tummies and warm hearts

Everyone deserves to have a warm meal without worry – that's the goal at Banco Alimentare. This local food bank aims to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food to needy people. One of their most notable events is National Food Collection Day, where donors can grocery shop for deserving individuals and families in person or online.

Nuovo Rinascimento ONLUS is another local food bank where you can volunteer. For those who can't access their in-person sites, they have a grocery delivery service so people can get food delivered right to their door. Assist their aims by bringing food to their collection point located in via del Drago d'Oro 5.

Creating a safe space

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out Angeli del Bello, a non-profit organization that aims to keep the beauty of Florence alive through maintenance and urban projects. By volunteering with this organization, you can help carry out trash clean-ups in Florence, remove unwanted graffiti from the streetscape, and care for the city's green spaces – often an occasion for a fun day out with new-found friends!

Oxfam Italia Onlus is a globally renowned organization with a branch Via Pierluigi da Palestrina, 26r. Their long list of initiatives includes providing clean water, sanitary products, natural disaster relief, and working against gender injustice.

Another impactful organization to consider is the Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana). Their impressive list of community services ranges from medical care to aid for the homeless, with many ways to get involved.

Le Curandaie is a safe space and resource centre with families as its focus, with myriad activities including legal aid, therapy, post-partum care, and more. Their second-hand store needs help to run, and they're always on the lookout for ways to expand their services.

English-speaking hospitable hubs

If you're an English speaker looking to put your language skills to good use, check out the American International League of Florence (AILO). Created by a group of Americans seeking to give back, it has since become a powerhouse of community outreach, comprised of many international members. They host charitable events throughout the year, such as their popular Christmas Bazaar that raises funds for non-profit organizations in the area. Frequent volunteer activities include visits to the elderly, parties for underprivileged children and collections for local food banks. English is the official language of the group. However, both English and non-English speakers alike are welcome.

The volunteer-led Children's Lending Library of Florence is a perfect fit for book lovers. With an extensive range of books, games, and activities in English, they host volunteer-led book readings, arts and crafts sessions, and themed parties for children.

The U.S. non-profit organization Friends of Florence is supported by individuals from all over the world who are passionate about preserving Florence's rich cultural heritage. Through extensive restoration and conservation projects, they actively care for the city's artistic treasures through their generous donations.

Working to create a more comfortable environment for hospital patients, Associazione Volontari Ospedalieri Firenze (AVO) offers companionship during treatment and information for patients and their families. They provide volunteer services in over 20 different languages, so international patients have the comfort of their language while navigating tricky medical situations.

Whatever way you choose to give back, you can be sure that there's an unforgettable feel-good factor that comes from contributing to those around you, helping you feel more involved in life in Florence and giving you a deeper connection to the city.

Credits: www.angelidelbello.org