April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and as a nonprofit organization, the YMCA of Central Florida wouldn't be where we are today without the selfless support of our volunteers throughout our history. Kids, families, schools, community partners, social groups... No matter how volunteers have gotten involved with us, we appreciate their time and dedication to improving the lives of all in Central Florida by helping the Y bring lifesaving resources to people in need. To celebrate National Volunteer Month this year, we've decided to highlight some stories from YMCA volunteers. Read on to see how some of your neighbors across the state have worked alongside the Y, and if you feel inspired, we encourage you to sign up to be a YMCA volunteer now!
Pat at Blanchard Park YMCA
Pat McCormick has been a member of the Blanchard Park YMCA for six years and is the leader of our Active Aging Committee. Pat organizes all events for our Silver Sneakers members: Bible Study, knitting, off-site social outings, and the walking group (self-proclaimed Steadfast Turtles)! There’s not a holiday that the Y is not decorated thanks to Pat, and when it comes to our annual Fall Festival and Healthy Kids Day, you can count on Pat to have the group ready to help make it a special day for the kids. Maybe most importantly, every member of the Active Aging Committee is celebrated on their birthday and if we don’t see someone for more than a week, you better believe that Pat will get to the bottom of it.
Pat and her husband, Paul McCormick, care deeply for the Y mission and are consistent donors to our Annual Support Campaign. Pat also organizes a yearly Fall Craft Bazaar to raise additional funds from the Active Age Committee. She understands the great need in our Blanchard Park community and is determined that no one is turned away for financial reasons, especially our youth. During the COVID shutdowns, Pat made sure to keep everyone connected through social media, phone calls, and cards through the mail. She even came up to the Y each week to make sure our grass and flowers were watered properly and to check on our staff. The Blanchard Park YMCA would not be the same without Pat McCormick and we take this time to celebrate her during Volunteer Appreciation Month!
Jeremy Garren
Executive Director
J. Douglas Williams YMCA
Food Distribution Team at Frank DeLuca YMCA
It has been my pleasure as a staff member at the Frank DeLuca YMCA, to have worked with such a dedicated and compassionate group of long-time "family" members to help support our community through the confusion and insecurity of this last year by hosting a weekly food distribution. Every Wednesday, this group of amazing people unfailingly were here to meet the truck for offload and hand out food items to those in this community who needed it. Their only reward being a sense of duty and compassion. This distribution would have not been possible without them and the number of lives improved is innumerable. They have earned my undying devotion and we WILL work together in the future. A small list, but there are many more... Fred and Julie Wingate; Mike and Sue Sadlon; Jeff Harvey; Barbara Van Dyke; Roxanne Schwaller; and Jae Centonze—I am forever in your debt.
Jeff Stogner
Environmental Services Supervisor
Frank DeLuca YMCA
Marvin at Titusville YMCA
Marvin has been a huge asset here at the Titusville YMCA as a devoted member and volunteer. He goes above and beyond to help other members, looks out for staff by monitoring the facility to report and assist with issues, and strives to give our youth a good role model and to build up their confidence on and off our basketball court. Marvin also brings groceries to share with members and staff during these difficult times. His friendly personality and readiness to support our cause are why we cherish him at our Titusville Y!
Lisa Santana
Membership Supervisor
Titusville YMCA