3/25/26. I want to help where I can and this local foodbank (not city run or any corporate…read moreaffiliation). We are open M, W, F from 9-11:30. Clients need to have proper ID-social security cards, zip code for our area and such. People volunteering are just trying to help in some way to those in need.

I so appreciate the service they provide to the community. I…read moreappreciate the merchants that donate the goods to help those of us that really need it. Some of what I get I cannot eat due to dietary restrictions, but I donate them to neighbors that appreciate and can use them.

I went there for a visit on a night time feeding. It was a neat concept. They have to feed the…read moreanimals anyways, so why not invite people to educate and raise money for the sanctuary. The animals seem well taken care of and happy. The have mostly tigers but also a lion and some smaller cats. They even have two foxes and two bears! This is different than a zoo, because they have these animals as a way to save them. Some of them were from private owners and some were form closed zoos. The workers and volunteers were all happy as well.

Animal exhibits are always risky. Is it truly a sanctuary? Are the animals being treated well? Do i…read morefeel icky being here? Are they teaching people how to help the animals? The answer here is an 80/20 split for good. The vast majority of their animals are rescue from shut down zoos, and people thinking they can own a tiger. However, they did some breeding years ago, so there are a few "bred in captivity" animals. They no longer breed, which is a plus. They also don't go in the enclosures with the big cats, which I appreciate. The employees were very knowledgeable. The enrichments really seemed to be enjoyed by the animals. The animals seem to be healthy, and comfortable. They very kindly have sun screen and bug spray near the entrance. The bathrooms were nice and air conditioned. The gift shop is small and unassuming. They don't hound you for money, despite being a reasonably priced experience who relies a lot on donations. Overall, while not perfect on the "is it good for the animals front" (there's too much to dive into) they did a lot of things right, and i would go back!

Shoutout to our local community heroes!! I had the honor of meeting a few awesome volunteers like…read moreWalter, Shelly, Eli, and Mack. This faithful group may fluctuate of volunteers, food availability, and people in need... but the Love is a constant!!! The lines start early and the set up starts even earlier. This team is run like a well-oiled machine and are efficient, effective, and willing to share Love with their acts of service. Food is organized for the purpose of providing for the appropriate amount of food for the appropriate amount of people. The food comes from a lot of different sources, but with the same heart of Love and Hope. There is a group of volunteers that also like to help out by providing prayer support to the individual cars as they are awaiting their turn in the drive thru line. May God bless all that are involved and may this be a Lighthouse to the community!!

Review #900 comes in the form of admiration for the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville. I…read morerecently toured the facility for the first time and still have goosebumps from my experience. This non profit charity does not receive any federal or government grants or funding. Contrary to popular belief, it's a completely donation-based organization, which is absolutely stunning, since they currently house 53 families free of charge. Patients and their families come from all around the world to seek medical attention in Jacksonville. When I toured the house, they spoke enthusiastically of a family who recently crossed the pond from Ireland. People might not be talking about this enough, but Jacksonville is home to state-of-the-art medical care. The house is beautiful. There's a courtyard, a full-service kitchen (larger than some restaurants), a pantry, a movie room, a play room, a prayer room, a class room, a covered parking garage, a gorgeous rooftop garden and so much more. On top of that, each employee I've worked with or met in passing has a passion so evident it's contagious. I have to admit there were times during the tour I found myself getting choked up. The mission is clear and they are truly changing lives by providing lodging, food and transportation better than most hotel accommodations. Add to the mix, families at their most stressful only emphasizes the Lord's work they're doing. Love, love, love! I encourage anyone to donate or give back to the Ronald McDonald House.

Working with the Kitten Foster Army is a joy! The staff makes it easy to foster fail, or just enjoy…read morea few weeks with a sweet new kitten before they reach their forever homes. Scheduling is generally easy, though weekend clinics can get busy. We appreciate the service the Humane Society provides to our community.

I called them 4 times over a one week period. They never answered the phone. I left three voice…read moremail messages, explained I have cancer, I'm sick, my dog is sick, I need to talk to somebody, please return my call. NO RETURN CALL....NOTHING. Terrible servic.

HABIJAX has been a great place to spend our days off from work to volunteer whether it is at the…read moreReStore or one of the home build sites.

Great place , great atmosphere and great prices. Would highly recommend for D.I.Y oriented people…read more The people are friendly and for a great cause.

Every Saturday, from 10-3, under the bridges in Riverside, many of the best food and craft vendors…read morein the area, along with performers, local residents, and Jacksonville's greatest dogs, converge for a great weekend event. RAM is just a vibe. We make this a weekly stop and bring our dogs. There is something for everyone here. The outside lanes are devoted to local food vendors and food trucks respectively. Tons of great bakeries, produce and coffee selections. Inside, art, jewelry, and on stage, local talent weekly. Some of my favorite food vendors are 1748 Bakehouse and Mixed Fillings. The art vendors differ week to week and we've made a few purchases. Most importantly, this is THE highlight of the week for my dogs. They get to mingle with other dogs and people and they smile the entire time we're there. This is THE event to start your weekend in the Jacksonville area. If you haven't been, I highly encourage you to visit RAM.

Great selections. Vibrant place to visit. Many local crafts and artist plus 20+ food trucks.read more