Frequently Asked Questions...
What is Hands On Orlando’s mission?
Hands On Orlando solves community problems by inspiring and empowering people to make a difference through volunteer action.
When was HOO founded?
June, 1999.
We are funded 100% by monetary donations from people like you, groups and companies.
When I volunteer, am I helping Hands On Orlando?
No. We help volunteers help the community, at our expense.
No. We identify, plan, manage and lead all of our volunteer projects. We are the exact opposite of a referral service.
What is Hands On Orlando's service area?
Our projects occur in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Our volunteers have come from all 50 states and over 60 countries.
How many volunteers and community organizations have Hands On Orlando served?
We have recruited, supported and managed about 180,000 volunteers and assisted over 300 organizations across Central Florida.
How many people in-need of help has Hands On Orlando assisted?
Hundreds of thousands of people. Help comes in degrees of importance. Our impact is as great upon volunteers as it is upon organizations and people we help.
Leadership helps to ensure positive outcomes for our volunteers and partner organizations.
I lead a group. Can we reserve volunteer spots or just show up to a project?
No. Only people who are signed up may attend. This due to the scope of work, available tools and supplies and duration of a project.
No. All HOO projects start on-time and include a Welcome and Wrap-Up.
How does HOO come up with project ideas?
We proactively contact and visit non-profit organizations to see how we can help. Organizations can always call us for assistance.
No. We encourage everyone to volunteer because it is the right thing to do in a civil society. Unfortunately, the court system has defined “community service” as a punishment.
Does HOO set the minimum age of participation for volunteers?
No. The minimum age is set by the agencies that benefit from our work. Factors include liability, work quality and quantity. However, all Hands On Orlando projects must welcome youth and adults.
Can HOO list and promote administrative or fundraising events for my non-profit agency?
We wouldn’t have much luck recruiting people for these jobs. Most volunteers want to have a direct impact, learn about community issues and get hands.
Do volunteers need special skills to participate?
No. We don’t want people to self-disqualify themselves from volunteering.
Can HOO write a letter to verify that I volunteered?
We would be happy to sign your own attendance form at the conclusion of each project. The charity that you helped may acknowledge your time with a note or letter? HOO would need a full-time employee to respond to these requests.
How do non-profit agencies benefit?
We save agencies money and accomplish important tasks. We cause agencies to become better known by more caring people. Agencies also use us to seek, retain or obtain grant money.
Is Hands On Orlando a faith-based organization?
No. People of all faiths and philosophies are welcome.
When it comes to helping non-profit agencies, what are Hands On Orlando’s greatest challenges?
Many agencies don't understand what volunteers may find meaningful. There is a high staff turnover rate in the non-profit sector. We have to rebuild relationship on an ongoing basis.
How many volunteers and agencies participated in Disney's “Give A Day” promotion?
HOO was the lead agency. About 7,200 people signed up for 303 HOO projects that supported 60 non-profit organizations. We also motivated over 400 community-based organizations to participate.
How can I help Hands On Orlando?
There are two ways. Cash donations enable us to offer our services to volunteers and non-profit agencies, at no cost. Volunteers can become Volunteer Leaders.