This month is National Volunteer Month, and we are celebrating the amazing volunteers in our own communities. From non profit groups to student volunteers, our communities are honored to have such amazing visitors and helpers around our communities.
Our volunteers fill a wide variety of roles as well. From spending time with our residents to joining in with activities, crafts, or providing acts of service, having volunteers in our communities is part of the rich atmosphere we foster.
We especially love seeing our young volunteers and schools who visit and encourage intergenerational bonds between our residents and young students. It is a joy for our residents to spend time with the kids, and equally the students get to experience an enriching time hearing stories and life lessons from their elders.
Whether we are hosting fundraising events and need volunteer helpers, or we are sharing in an art class together, we understand the value and importance of volunteers.
Here are some of the stories of volunteers in our communities:
Colonial Heights Senior Living
At Colonial Heights Senior Living a local Middle School student stopped by to do a service project for our residents. Knowing their mobility may be limited, he decided to help our residents by washing and waxing their scooters and walkers. Our residents were delighted to have their mobility devices looking shiny and new again.
Pacifica Senior Living Sunrise 
At Pacifica Senior Living Sunrise, our residents were visited by students from Cypress Bay High School. The students came and spent time with residents while also donating books and goodies. It was a great chance for individuals of different generations to connect over their shared love of literature.
Tampa Gardens Senior Living
The residents of Tampa Gardens Senior Living had a wonderful visit from Lake Magdalene Christian School's kindergarten class! The students brought drawings, arts and crafts, and other handmade items to bring cheer to our residents. Everyone appreciated their visit and the joy they brought to residents and staff alike.
Pacifica Senior Living Peoria
Debbie is a regular at Pacifica Senior Living Peoria. She volunteers at the community once a week and is often seen twirling around with our residents during concerts or cheering them on in games of cornhole. Everywhere she goes, smiles follow. We love having Debbie come and visit residents, and it is especially meaningful for those who may not have loved ones who can visit as often.
Avila Senior Living
At Avila Senior Living, Joan is known for her compassionate nature and dedication to serving others. She spends time volunteering at two local establishments: the Hope Chest Thrift Store and the gift shop at Sierra Vista Hospital. Joan’s commitment to service is truly admirable and adds to the community spirit at Avila Senior Living.
Sun City Gardens
Sun City Gardens has a number of volunteers who visit the community. Phila is the sister of a resident, and she comes to visit often. On top of her visits, she also volunteers in the community for just about anything that needs doing. She is always eager to help out.
Other visiting volunteers are David and Claudia from Verdugo Hospice. Both David and Claudia volunteer at many of the social gatherings, big events, and craft activities in the community. They help set up, organize, and assist wherever needed. Their help is very much appreciated.
We also have volunteer guests and musicians in our communities. Residents of Sun City Gardens love when The Music Man & Friends come by. The group visits monthly and brings music and melodies of the past, which are often time nostalgic for the residents. Many of the residents sing along and dance in their seats to the wonderful performances.
Other volunteers come from Impact Church. Jay and other members of the local church visit Sun City Gardens and play music and share scripture with those who attend a worship service. After the service, the volunteers usually stick around for a fun game of chair volleyball, which is a favorite among residents.
Whether it is assisting with events and planning or simply spending time with residents, all of our volunteers bring so much to our communities. Thank you to our amazing volunteers for all you do!
