Tales of Our Volunteer Heroes and Life-Changing Community Service Programs
Want ideas for volunteering in the Tampa Bay area? Enjoy articles and volunteer and contributor spotlights that offer insights and firsthand experiences with our programs.
Classroom Grandparent Volunteers Shine at AmeriCorps Town Hall
“It’s a blessing to see their little faces shine every day. We love what we do, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me. It keeps me young.” Classroom Grandma Cooper shared these words with over 700 AmeriCorps staff on a virtual...
A Full Circle Journey From Loneliness to Lifeline
After spending 50 years in a wheelchair and living alone, James’s world was marked by isolation, leaving him irritable and hesitant to connect. When introduced to TelePals, a program designed to keep individuals socially connected through friendly phone calls, James...
Spectrum is Helping Seniors Step into the Digital Age with Confidence
The internet is a powerful resource to help seniors remain independent, especially when mobility becomes more and more difficult. For the 4th consecutive year, we are thrilled to partner with Spectrum to empower seniors with essential technology skills. This...
Happy National Volunteer Month!
April is National Volunteer Month, and it’s the perfect time to honor the remarkable individuals who make our mission possible, our volunteers. Your dedication is nothing short of heroic. You are the heart of our mission, the hands that lift others up, and the spirit...
Operation Veteran Connect is Furnishing Hope
In just 3 months, we've furnished the homes of 125 Tampa Bay veterans who were impacted by recent hurricanes or transitioning from temporary housing to permanent stability. These aren’t just couches and beds—they’re symbols of hope. For many, the furniture replaced...
We’re Building Connection and Camaraderie to Help Seniors Weather the Storm
Jerry sat terrified on his kitchen table for hours as the flood waters rose to over three feet. Francis was in the hospital when Hurricane Milton hit, overcome with fear that her dog, who was at home alone, wouldn’t survive the storm. Arthur lost all his belongings,...
Pasco County Comes Together for Seniors
We were honored as the January featured charitable organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office. Thanks to the leadership of Mike Fasano and the generosity of Pasco County residents, your donations are making a difference in the lives of seniors who need it...
CEO Corner
Loneliness tells us lies and strips us of our humanity. It makes up stories about who we are and the world around us. Human connection shines light into this darkness. I recently listened to a podcast where the host interviewed a Navy SEAL. He shared something that...
Cooking Up Community and Changing Lives for Veterans
Imagine moving into a new home after years of uncertainty, only to face the daunting task of rebuilding your life from scratch. For many veterans, this is a reality. But thanks to Operation: Veteran Connect and the incredible support of the Humana Foundation, veterans...

Geared Up News- February 2025
Highlights: All That Glitters is Ruby Red! A Dazzling Volunteer Celebration! CEO Corner & Generational Differences Make Us Stronger! Nat the Elf Delivers Much More Than Holiday Cheer! Unseen Heroes Transforming Lives & The Volunteer Who Became Family ...