Miss Heidi and the pastor is absolutely exceptional. Unfortunately they don't serve anybody but…read moreOrange Park in Fleming Island area as a Middleburg resident. They said they don't get food packages just clothing.

I recently visited the Clothes Closet and Food Pantry of Orange Park while my son was playing…read morebaseball at a nearby park. Since I'm new to the area, I wanted to explore the neighborhood, and when I saw their sign, I became curious. I wasn't sure if they operated like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, so I entered, hoping to learn more about what they do. Now, for context, I'm a 5'2" Asian female, carrying nothing but my sun hat--no bags or anything else. As I stepped inside, I noticed a bulletin board and took a moment to read the materials posted there. After that, I walked a few feet toward an area where people were sitting, seemingly waiting for their turn to enter the main floor to pick out clothes and household items. You could call it a reception or waiting area. As I stood there, simply observing the environment and the process, an older lady approached me and asked what I was doing there. I replied, "I'm just browsing." Then, out of nowhere, a younger staff member suddenly hollered at me from an inside office in a hostile tone, telling me I wasn't supposed to be there. I was shocked by this reaction. I was simply standing outside the main area, reading posted information and observing--nothing disruptive or inappropriate. Instead of being welcoming or helpful, the staff treated me with suspicion and unnecessary hostility for no valid reason. This kind of reaction seems completely out of place for a charity whose mission is to serve and assist the community. If they are so quick to act hostile toward someone who is just looking in, I can't help but wonder how they treat those who actually need their services. I hope Clothes Closet and Food Pantry of Orange Park reconsiders its approach to interacting with the public. A more welcoming and understanding attitude would be much more in line with their mission.

Friday, August 01, 2025…read more I'm writing to share a disappointing experience my spouse and I had at the USO located at NAS Jacksonville. As a military family, we've always appreciated the mission and values of the USO--to support and uplift service members and their families--but unfortunately, our visit left us feeling disrespected, unwelcome, and possibly even discriminated against. We came in to inquire about Jacksonville Jaguars tickets. Upon entering, we noticed a staff member named Marge warmly hugging and greeting another guest. This made us feel that the environment was friendly and welcoming. However, when Marge saw us, her demeanor changed. She asked why we were there, and we said we were just inquiring about the tickets. She immediately responded, "Did you check in?"--in a noticeably different tone. We then checked in as instructed and selected "Travel and Information" and "Food" on the kiosk. Another elderly staff member (not Marge) kindly approached us to explain that the deadline for the Jaguars tickets had passed. She then offered us drinks and snacks, which we appreciated. When my husband asked what drinks were available (more out of politeness than anything else), she kindly invited us to follow her to the fridge, explaining it was easier to show us than list them all. After grabbing two Sprites, she asked if we'd like bread. As we followed her to where the bread was located, we passed by Marge, who suddenly snapped at us, saying, "Go ahead and hurry up!! We're busy here!! Go ahead and pick and then go!!" We were shocked by her tone and words. Even the woman assisting us was visibly taken aback and commented, "Marge!" My husband immediately took my hand and said, "Let's go." As we were walking out, we heard Marge make a comment along the lines of, "People don't come here just to shop," which felt like an unfair and unnecessary judgment. The entire experience left us feeling embarrassed, humiliated, and deeply disrespected. We couldn't help but wonder if her treatment toward us was rooted in bias--especially in contrast to the warm, friendly way she treated the guest before us. We came in simply seeking information and maybe a small treat, and instead, we left feeling hurt and unwelcome. This is not what the USO stands for, and it's disheartening to experience such behavior from someone representing your organization. We hope this feedback is taken seriously, not just for us, but for the sake of every military family who deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported when they walk into a USO facility.

I've been to many USO locations, but this one was by far the worst. The employees were rude and…read moreshowed a complete lack of professionalism. I'd rather donate elsewhere than support a place that just pretends to help.

The Florida Christian Center is the non-profit "providing ministry and pastoral care, worship…read moreservices, classes on faith and aging, and other programs focused on the spiritual health of the residents of the Florida Christian Apartments and Sundale Manor." They do have people on the board that are part of the community and are actively working to carry out this mission. I had the pleasure of speaking to one of them at the last "Taste of Murray Hill" event a couple of weeks ago. He told me the FCA was a independent living community as opposed to assisted living with nursing care options for the elderly. This non-profit helps to organize this annual event as well as other community events that are held at the Florida Christian Apartments here in Murray Hill. Some of the programs and activities they organize for the senior residents on an ongoing basis include a caregiver support group, chair yoga, transportation to worship services at a local church, chair volleyball,Silver Sneakers with the YMCA, meditation classes, line dancing, English class for Spanish and Spanish class for English speakers, movie day, hot dog lunch, monthly resident birthday parties, and live music and dancing at Lane Wiley Senior Center. The Florida Christian Center is a nice organization that serves our community's seniors and persons with special needs in the area. I am glad that this resource is available to our senior citizens. ​ ​

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.

Recently my company volunteered at the Sulzbacher Center to prepare and serve lunch to those in…read moreneed. And believe me, there are a lot of people in need at this center; from homeless living on the streets of downtown Jacksonville to the few residents that live at the Sulzbacher. It is not a pretty sight at all, so we who are fortunate enough should give our time and effort to help these people. We can change lives! The kitchen at the Sulzbacher is small, but has everything you would find in a professional restaurant kitchen. The food that local businesses and individuals donate is what the staff here has to work with. So it's also important that they receive donations to help keep the center open. I will say if volunteering at Sulzbacher parking can be a real nightmare, like every other place downtown. So you'll probably have to park on Catherine St like we did. Remember love your neighbor no matter what!

Sulzbacher is a wonderful non-profit serving the most needy in our community. Please consider…read moredonating to keep their kitchen stocked and their extraordinary services for the homeless ongoing well into the future.

Service is great. I enjoy talking to the volunteers. Most of them are retiree's. I appreciate being…read moreable to get this service free of charge. May God continue to bless you church & community services. Sincere thanks. Cheryl Mayhew

REAL SENSE-Thank you so much for helping people get their taxes prepared with expertise!! Most of…read morethese ladies who prepare your taxes for you, work for IRS. I believe they do the Real Sense as a volunteer job every year. I work with these ladies in the Federal Bldg. I have a lot of respect for these ladies volunteering their precious time to help people with their taxes. The bldg. is a part of the church. Thanks going out to the church as well for loaning the building, so this can be possible. I am glad I did not have to pay this year. It is not a big return, but better than having to pay.

I attended the Longest Table event last night sponsored by Jax Chamber. I was excited to go bec the…read moreconcept of diff people from all over Jax meeting, eating and talking about life in Jax is exactly "my cup of tea"! It hopefully shows we are more alike then we are different! Many have the same concerns and others have entirely diff ones bec they live so far away from you. The restaurants that provided food was excellent and appreciated. Two suggestions I'd make: 1. Have stickers for people to write their first name and zip code on and ask people to met and greet maybe 3-5 people in diff zip codes. 2. Have the giving thanks for our food in a non-denominational blessing; here of all places was to recognize we aren't all of the same religious background.

Great time at Jacksonville's longest Table! This was my first time! Met lots of cool people and had…read moregreat food and a lovely time. Thanks so much to the Chamber , restaurants and even JSO for a wonderful event!

This is a new addition in the area between Orange Park and Middleburg. They have quite a few neat…read morehome decoration items and furniture. They also have books for a most reasonable price!

This place doesn't have much of anything. The selection was terrible. Didn't find anything worth…read moregetting and I've been to others that were phenomenal. Don't know why this place was lacking maybe just a bad location