Volunteer Appreciation Month

Behind every act of kindness is a volunteer choosing to show up for someone who needs support, encouragement, or simply a reminder that they matter. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating the individuals transforming lives across Tampa Bay — mentoring students, feeding families, supporting veterans, comforting isolated seniors, and strengthening communities through compassion and service. Their stories reveal the extraordinary impact that happens when ordinary people choose to care.

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.

A Heart for Every Child

At 81 years old, Barbara "Grandma B" Burnett continues to inspire students every day with her patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential. Through her Classroom Grandparent service, she reminds every child they are seen, valued, and capable of success.

Barbara Burnett, known as "Grandma B," meets with school staff as a Seniors in Service Classroom Grandparent volunteer supporting student success.

Photo Credit: Ashley Morales, St. Pete Catalyst

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.
– Ashley Morales, St. Pete Catalyst

Read Grandma B’s story in the St. Pete Catalyst.

Learning Through Love

For Grandma Myrna, every lesson is an opportunity to encourage, inspire, and build confidence. Through her Classroom Grandparent service, she helps students strengthen their academic skills while showing them the patience, kindness, and support every child deserves.

Classroom Grandparent volunteer Grandma Myrna and teacher Mrs. Litz pose together at an elementary school, celebrating a partnership that supports students and strengthens the school community.

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, Second Grade Teacher

Friendship That Changes Lives

A simple game of bingo has become so much more for Ken and the residents he serves. By showing up consistently with kindness and compassion, Ken has built meaningful friendships that bring comfort, connection, and joy to older adults at Keystone Place.

Senior Companion volunteer Ken visits with resident Jack at Keystone Place, building friendship and reducing social isolation.

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.
– Keystone Place Staff

Words That Make a Difference

A handwritten letter may seem like a small gesture, but for Sylvia Gheen, it's a meaningful way to encourage the next generation of leaders. Through every note she writes, Sylvia reminds Air Force Academy cadets that someone believes in them and their commitment to serving others is appreciated.

Seniors in Service volunteer Sylvia Gheen writes encouraging letters to Air Force Academy cadets during their training.

Twenty Years of Heart

Carmen Lake, center, 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!

Carmen Lake, center, celebrates with fellow Seniors in Service volunteers after two decades of dedicated community service in Pinellas County.

Healing Through Movement

Joseph Olivero teaches a tai chi class to veterans at St. Michaels Homeless Veterans Outreach, helping them improve their mental and physical health. We commend every Operation: Veteran Connect members who shares their talents through service to benefit veterans.

Joseph Olivero, an Operation: Veteran Connect volunteer, teaches tai chi to veterans at St. Michael's Homeless Veterans Outreach to support their physical and mental well-being.

A Simple Hour. A Lasting Difference.

For Anne Kramer, volunteering is about showing up, making connections, and brightening someone's day. As a Seniors in Service Ambassador and bingo volunteer at a local assisted living community, she sees firsthand how a simple act of kindness creates joy for both residents and volunteers. Anne's story is a reminder that giving your time is one of the most meaningful gifts you can share.

Seniors in Service Ambassador Anne Kramer visits with a resident at an assisted living community after volunteering as a bingo caller.

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

Cooking Up Confidence for Veterans

Operation: Veteran Connect Members taught cooking classes to help struggling veterans learn how to make easy budget friendly meals that are delicious!

Operation: Veteran Connect volunteers prepare budget-friendly meals during a cooking class that teaches veterans easy, affordable recipes.

Finding Joy Through Service

For RSVP volunteer Laura Oddo, volunteering is about more than giving back — it's about building meaningful relationships and experiencing the fulfillment that comes from helping others. Through her service, Laura has found a welcoming community and the lasting joy that comes from making a difference in the lives of neighbors across Tampa Bay.

RSVP volunteer Laura Oddo poses with a Seniors in Service team member during a community volunteer event in Tampa Bay.

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

Serving Smiles at Every Meal

Whether preparing utensils or welcoming seniors with a warm smile, Ronnie helps make every mealtime at the Pasco County Senior Center feel special. Her dedication reminds us that even small acts of service can make a lasting difference in someone's day.

RSVP volunteer Ronnie prepares meal service at the Pasco County Senior Center in Land O'Lakes, supporting local seniors with a warm smile.

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."

Community in Action

When volunteers come together, amazing things happen. Across Tampa Bay, Seniors in Service volunteers are tackling food insecurity, supporting neighbors in need, and proving that compassion is strongest when it's shared.

Our volunteers served hot and nutritious meals to over 60 community members facing homelessness at Christ United Methodist Church in the heart of downtown St. Pete!