Our visitors love Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and all that makes Alabama’s Gulf Coast such a special place. Many decide to become a part of the community while they are here. If you, your family or your group have some time and want support one of our community organizations we’d love to have you with us, working side by side to build an even better community. The following organizations would welcome your participation.

Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup

The Alabama Coastal Cleanup engages citizens to remove trash and debris from the gulf coast beaches and waterways, to identify the sources of debris, and to, ultimately, change the behaviors that cause pollution. This event is held on the third Saturday in September at various locations throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties.

Type of projects: Debris pick-up and organizational assistance needs vary by zone.

Group size: Group size varies according to the Cleanup Zone.

Contact:
Amy King, Natural Resources Planner
amy.king@dcnr.alabama.gov
251-621-1216
www.AlabamaCoastaICleanup.com

Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is an opportunity for individuals and families, school, civic and church groups to get together and volunteer their time for an outstanding community event. Why volunteer? You'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're part of a team of volunteers that is committed to providing a fun, memorable experience for visitors to this ever-growing festival. In addition, each volunteer will receive a free official festival t-shirt, volunteer parking pass and festival lanyard. Volunteers may choose the area/day/shift that works best for them (groups should note on their form that they are a group that would like to work together). Volunteer opportunities are on a first come, first serve basis.

Type of projects: Assistance needs vary by area chosen.

Group size: Individuals or groups up to 4.

Contact:
Cindy Higginbotham
cindy@southbaldwinchamber.com
251-943-5510 or click here to register to volunteer online.
www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com

Christian Service Center

The Christian Service Center provides direct and indirect services to assist in meeting the needs of the people of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The Center is staffed by volunteers and provides emergency aid. Clients are given immediate help with their financial emergency while we try to show clients the way to a more permanent solution. We provide counseling for clients who have continual needs and make referrals to other agencies.

Type of projects: Case work, answering phone, food pantry, yard work, fundraising.

Group size: Individuals only

Contact:
Linda Chappelle
cscenter@gulftel.com
251-968-5256
www.cscgs.com

Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County

Through the work of Habitat for Humanity, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem – decent housing for all. Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County has numerous volunteer opportunities for all ages!

Type of projects: Check with us about our construction calendar as well as about A Brush with Kindness, a program that goes into neighborhoods to repair homes. From Green Building to Youth United, to the ReStore, there is something for every member of your group.

Group size: Individuals or groups

Contact:
Sandy Folan
Resource Development Manager
251-943-7268
sandy@baldwinhabitat.org
www.baldwinhabitat.org

Orange Beach Public Library

The Orange Beach Public Library offers citizens and visitors the highest quality services and staff in the state. This beautiful waterfront facility offers books, audio books as well as DVDs, CDs, a computer lab and wireless internet access.

Types of projects: We need volunteers in the following areas: Shelving, shelf maintenance, book repairs, assisting children's librarian and teaching individual basic computer lessons.

Group size: Up to 5

Contact:
Sherry Brandler
sbrandler@cityoforangebeach.com
251-981-2923
www.orangebeachlibrary.org

Share the Beach

Hundreds of volunteers take time to "Share the Beach" with threatened and endangered sea turtles each year. From searching for nests and assisting in hatchling success to public education, to talks for school groups, these volunteers are making a difference in the future of Alabama's sea turtles and Alabama's coastal ecosystem.

Type of projects: Sea turtle focused nature walks during nesting season Sea Turtle nesting season May 1 – October 31

Group size: Up to 10

Contact:
Mike Reynolds
Email adopt1@alabamaseaturtles.com
Phone Number 866-732-8878
Website alabamaseaturtles.com