Day of Service at Easterseals South Florida brings together over 100 volunteers

United Way Miami’s Day of Service brings together Easterseals South Florida and over 100 volunteers to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month

On February 26, 2022, United Way Miami volunteers came together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month through a day of service in partnership with Easterseals South Florida (ESSF) to renovate its older adult and children center. ESSF is an imperative organization that has been serving families in the South Florida community for nearly 80 years. ESSF provides services, education, and outreach for children ages 0 to 22 years old, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, adult daycare and in-home respite for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders and their families. Support programs include autism spectrum disorder, help with employment & training, medical rehabilitation, recreational activities, etc.

Over 100 volunteers and their families rolled up their sleeves to work on the beautification project which consisted of eight areas outside of the ESSF center. Together, they cultivated edible gardens, painted the interior and exterior of the facilities, revitalized the parking lot perimeters and decorated the common areas to create a warmer ambiance for those they serve there. In addition to rejuvenating the outside of the center, volunteers assembled furniture and installed TV screens.

Prior to the event, volunteers created over 200 wellness kits to benefit the community at ESSF. Volunteers assembled DIY Memory Enrichment Kits for older adults, which included items such as puzzle books, brainteasers, color cubes, musical instruments, deck of cards, etc.; as well as Children’s Healthy Snack Packs including nutritious snacks for children ages 2 – 5 years old such as applesauce, fruit gummies, granola bars, fruit cups and 100% fruit juice.

ESSF believes in the importance of partnership throughout the community. “This collaboration with United Way and volunteers enables us to have a greater connection with the community” said Barry Vogel, Chief Administrative Officer of Easter Seals South Florida. “It helps educate the community about our mission and enhance the facilities and the quality of life for our clients and programs.”

Volunteer, Alexandra Blanco expressed why she believes giving back is important.  “Miami is such a special community. I think it’s important to give back and be a part of something bigger than yourself, as well as spending time with your professional partners and giving back to make the community a better place. Thank you for having us,” said Blanco.

United Way Miami is proud to host a day of service in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month where volunteers come together and be a part of solutions that will influence the community.

President and CEO of Easter Seals South Florida, Maurice Woods, expressed his gratitude for United Way volunteers. “We are so appreciative of Joe Zubi and United Way. We are excited about today because we are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who is a legend. We believe this beautification project is a great opportunity to come together.”

United Way Miami would like to thank our presenting sponsors, L’Oreal and MasTec. Along with our participating sponsors Bermont Gold Raymond James, Wells Fargo, Bilzin Sumberg, Ryder, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and USI Insurance Services.

To learn more about our upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit: www.volunteermiami.org.

2022-03-02T12:35:16-04:00 March 2nd, 2022|