Volunteers are the glue that holds communities together and their collective actions make a difference. It’s one of the reasons United Way Suncoast sets aside its annual Week of Caring each April as part of Global Volunteer Month.
In its 32nd year, Week of Caring celebrates the power of volunteers everywhere who tackle our greatest challenges to build stronger, more vibrant communities by giving of their time and talents.
Dozens of nonprofits throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties seek volunteers to support their meaningful projects. Week of Caring aligns those opportunities with United Way Suncoast’s focus areas: education, financial stability and support services.
100 Years Of Volunteering
As United Way Suncoast celebrates its Centennial, this year’s Week of Caring holds even more significance. To kick off this year’s celebrations, volunteers from JP Morgan Chase (JPMC) celebrated Earth Day by painting pavers in the University Area Community Development Corporation’s Harvest Hope Park in Tampa.
“It’s an amazing feeling to give back,” said Leigh Weaver, JPMC’s community manager, who helped organize her co-workers for the event. Last year alone, JPMC employees donated more than 12,000 volunteer hours with 16 different nonprofit organizations in Tampa Bay. She says giving back just is part of the company’s corporate culture.
Throughout the week, community volunteers, corporate employees, and civic groups spent time volunteering for activities ranging from packing food for neighbors in need to reading books to young children.
“We have great partners,” said Mike McCollum, United Way Suncoast’s Chief Philanthropic Officer. “But we always need more hands.”
365 Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities are available year-round. United Way Suncoast makes it easy to pair volunteers with organizations that are helping to transform the lives of individuals. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, or encourage your family members and friends to join in.
What volunteers get in return is the satisfaction of knowing their small efforts made a big difference.
“When you see the joy to bring to others, you’ll always want to volunteer,” adds Leigh. “Find something you’ve never done before and you will have a great experience.”
United Way Suncoast invites everyone to Volunteer United to elevate our community.
