When a first-grade student is frustrated with reading and ready to give up, there is someone sitting next to him encouraging him to keep going. When a family must decide between paying the electric bill or buying food, there is someone at the food pantry full of kindness and ready to load their car with groceries. When a homebound senior is overwhelmed with loneliness, there is a knock on the door, a friendly smile, and someone who cares. When a struggling veteran needs someone to talk to, there is a fellow veteran who understands their experiences and is ready to listen.
Who are these humble heroes? They are our dedicated volunteers, serving in over 150 different locations throughout Tampa Bay. Check out the impact they are making in the community every day! And make sure to thank a volunteer this month for making our community a better place for all.
“It’s clear the students love working with “Grandma B,” as 81-year-old Burnett is affectionately nicknamed. The St. Petersburg resident spends more than 60 hours each month volunteering, working with children and mentoring students.” Scan the QR code to read Grandma B’s story in the St. Pete Catalyst!
*Photo Credit: Ashley Morales, St. Pete Catalyst
“THANK YOU! The service you provide is invaluable to teachers and students. I am so honored that I get to work with Grandma Myrna. She truly has become a special part of the classroom, and I would not be able to move my students along so quickly without the extra help. She is such a beautiful person and loves the students as if they were her own. She has gone out of her way to encourage and motivate them and teach them in a manner that they understand. The students love her so much that I am questioned (interrogated) when she is not here. Again, thank you!
-Marla Litz, 2nd Grade Teacher
“We at Keystone Place LOVE the time that our amazing volunteer Ken spends with us. He has developed a relationship with so many of our residents. They all Love Ken and the kindness and joy that he brings to us twice a week. One of his special friends is Jack who only comes out to play bingo when his daughter OR Ken is here. Ken takes such special care of him. We couldn’t be happier and thank God that you brought him to us. Thank you Seniors in Service.”
Sylvia Gheen writes letters to encourage a class of Air Force Cadets who are training at the Academy.
Carmen Lake (pictured in the middle) has been a volunteer for 20 years! She has served over 14,759 hours in Pinellas County, helping seniors age with dignity, tutoring and mentoring students, fight food insecurity, and helping others find the volunteer opportunity of their dreams!
Joseph Olivero teaches a tai chi class to veterans at St. Michaels Homeless Veterans Outreach, helping them improve their mental and physical health.. Shoutout to every Operation: Veteran Connect members who shares their talents through service to benefit veterans.
Volunteering for Seniors in Service makes me feel good! I call bingo at an assisted living community and the residents always thank me for volunteering. I think they realize I could be doing something else, but I choose to spend my time with them. I am lucky to have the good health that allows me to do this.”
– Ambassador Anne Kramer
Operation: Veteran Connect Members teach cooking classes to help struggling veterans learn how to make easy budget friendly meals that are delicious!
“Volunteering has helped me to meet very kind and caring people. It also has brought a very special feeling of contentment to me to know I am helping people and the community.”
-RSVP Volunteer Laura Oddo
Retired Senior Volunteer Program volunteer Ronnie, prepares utensils and ready to serve meals with a smile, at the Pasco County Senior Center in Land O’Lakes. Program Coordinator Tracy Raisor says, “We love Ronnie and so do the seniors. She really is awesome.”
Volunteers serving hot and nutritious meals to over 60 community members facing homelessness at Christ United Methodist Church in the heart of downtown St. Pete!