Ava McDonnell
As Thanksgiving approaches, the community enters a season defined by gratitude, generosity, and a shared desire to uplift one another. From hunger relief to senior services, developmental support, community wellness, and mental health advocacy, nonprofits serve as the backbone of community support.
Below, we highlight six nonprofit organizations whose work reflects the best of our community. Their missions, impact, and the many ways our community can come together to support them this season.
Seniors First
For nearly six decades, Seniors First has been Central Florida’s leading advocate for the dignity and independence of older adults. Their mission is centered on helping seniors live safely at home for as long as possible. This is a goal that not only enriches lives but also reduces the need for costly institutional care.
As the sole provider of Meals on Wheels in Orange County, Seniors First delivered more than 329,000 meals in 2024. Their services extend beyond nutrition: in-home care, medical equipment, Neighborhood Lunch Program, and digital connection programs like Project Connect to ensure that older adults feel supported.
The organization recently launched its “Food Is Medicine” initiative through the Garden Patch Delivery Program, bringing farm-fresh produce and recipe cards to seniors. With demand rising, Seniors First plans to expand this program in 2026 to help even more clients embrace healthier living.
This Thanksgiving, Seniors First encourages the community to make a monthly gift or sponsor services such as in-home care, meals, or essential medical equipment. Each contribution directly impacts a local senior and reminds them they are never alone.
Second Harvest Food Bank
For more than 40 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has helped neighbors access the nutritious food they need to live, learn, work, and thrive. What began as a simple idea among friends to collect food and share it with families who couldn’t afford it, has grown into one of the most vital community resources.
Today, Second Harvest distributes enough food for 300,000 meals every day, partnering with more than 870 local nonprofits across seven counties, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Lake, and Marion. Their work ensures that children can focus in school, parents can stay strong for their families, and seniors can maintain their independence.
Looking ahead, Second Harvest is investing in job training, improving access to nutritious foods, and mobilizing community advocacy to address the root causes of hunger. This holiday season, residents can support their mission by hosting food and fund drives, making a financial contribution, or volunteering. Every dollar donated provides 40 meals, making even the smallest gift incredibly impactful. Find ways to get involved at FeedHopeNow.org.
Central Florida Public Media
For more than 45 years, Central Florida Public Media has served as a trusted source of independent journalism for the region. Formerly known as WMFE, the organization rebranded in 2024 to reflect its evolution into a multimedia newsroom committed to informing, connecting, and empowering the community through fact-based reporting.
As one of the few remaining local news outlets in the state, Central Florida Public Media plays a vital civic role. Their journalists provide free access to reliable information across nine counties, and during hurricanes or other emergencies, their radio signals (90.7 FM and 89.5 FM) deliver updates when cell service and internet may be unavailable. Beyond daily reporting, programs like the Engage in the Community series bring conversations about Central Florida’s future directly to neighborhoods, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding.
In 2026, the organization will prioritize expanding election coverage with a dedicated reporter and increasing transparency through initiatives like a monthly “Transparency Corner,” which explains how newsroom decisions are made.
This season, the organization invites community members to support independent local journalism by making a gift at cfpublic.org, attending its Nov. 30 Marlow’s Tavern fundraiser, subscribing to The Wrap Inbox Edition, downloading the mobile app, or tuning in on 90.7, 89.5, or online. CF says each action helps sustain a reliable source of news and strengthens civic health.
Quest
Quest has been a resource for people with developmental disabilities since 1962, when a group of Central Florida families came together to build opportunities for their children. What began with support for eight kids has grown into a network that serves more than 500 individuals across more than 20 locations in Orlando and Tampa.
Quest plays a crucial role in a state where more than 21,000 individuals remain on waiting lists for disability-related services. The organization offers a continuum of support, from Quest Kids Academy and Quest Kids Therapy to job placement services, adult enrichment programs, recreational experiences at Camp Thunderbird, and a range of residential offerings, including group homes and supported living.
In early 2026, Quest will open Quest Kids Orlando, a state-of-the-art center designed by Schenkel Shultz. This new facility will unite therapy and education programs under one roof and increase enrollment capacity, giving more children and young adults a place to thrive.
To meet growing community needs, Quest welcomes volunteers, donors, and families seeking support to reach out to Lauren Nelson, Quest’s Vice President of Philanthropy, at giving@questinc.org. Their call this season is simple: “Together, we can make a difference.”
YMCA of Central Florida
Driven by its Christian mission, the YMCA of Central Florida has long been a cornerstone of health, youth development, and community connection. Serving individuals across six counties, the Y offers a wide range of programs that encourage people of all ages to grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body.
The Y’s impact is visible in everything from group exercise and aquatics to youth sports, teen programs, and family activities. Its commitment to accessibility shines through Y on the Fly, a mobile initiative that brings play, fitness, and enrichment directly into neighborhoods lacking resources. By reducing transportation barriers, the Y is creating new pathways for families to engage in healthy lifestyles.
The organization is also deepening its investment in teen empowerment through YMCA Achievers, which helps students prepare for college and future careers through mentoring, leadership development, and exposure to new opportunities.
This holiday season, the YMCA invites community members to get involved by volunteering, joining a local Y center, or supporting youth and family initiatives. Every hour, membership, or donation helps fuel a healthier and more connected community.
The CAMEN Foundation
Founded in 2013 by Board Certified Behavior Analyst Claire Lottman, her husband David, and several colleagues, The CAMEN Foundation was created to address the growing need for awareness and financial support for children with autism and related special needs. After years of providing ABA therapy in homes and community settings, the founders saw firsthand the barriers families faced in accessing consistent care.
The CAMEN Foundation now provides scholarships for ABA therapy, specialized education, and camps, ensuring the children receive the services they need even during insurance disruptions. The organization also hosts sensory-friendly community events, promotes inclusive activities across Central Florida, and leads fundraising efforts. CAMEN hopes to expand across Life Labs for special-needs schools, increase scholarship opportunities, and provide vocational pathways for young adults with disabilities.
This season, the community is invited to attend the Annual Autism Car Show on December 13 at 5959 Lake Ellenor Dr., Orlando, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open to all, the event features cars, live performances, activities, concessions, and more.
Mental Health Association of Central Florida
Founded in 1946, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida is one of the oldest and most trusted advocates for mental wellness in the area. MHACF believes in addressing mental health “Before Stage 4,” focusing on early intervention, education, and connection long before it worsens.
In January 2026, MHACF will expand with a new Outlook Clinic in Sanford, allowing access to care in an underserved community. Their Outlook clinic provides free counseling and psychiatric services for uninsured or underinsured residents, serving more than 5,000 patients annually.
Mental Health Connections helps individuals navigate the complex behavioral health system, while Reflections Peer Support pairs trained peer specialists with community members seeking support and understanding. Other initiatives include the Guardian Advocate Program, life skills and educational workshops, and You Are a Lifeguard, a suicide-prevention campaign uniting stakeholders to protect youth mental health.
This Thanksgiving, MHACF invites the community to lead with empathy. Individuals can volunteer as Guardian Advocates, donate to support the Outlook Clinic, or contribute to Project Cheer, which delivers care packages to behavioral health patients during the holidays. Each package includes a simple but powerful message handwritten by volunteers: “I believe in you. I care about you.” Donate to support free services at the Outlook Clinic.
This holiday season, we invite readers to support these nonprofits through time, resources, or simply by sharing their stories. Together, we can ensure that gratitude becomes action, compassion becomes connection, and the spirit of giving carries well beyond the holidays.
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