Escambia County Employees Team Up for United Way Day of Caring

Escambia County employees teamed up Friday, Oct. 24 to volunteer in support of United Way Day of Caring, an annual community service effort coordinated by United Way of West Florida.

Escambia County volunteers worked on a variety of projects at several locations throughout the county, including First Tee Gulf Coast, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida, Valerie's House Pensacola, and West Pensacola Elementary.

Each year, the one-day event gives participants an opportunity to learn about the needs of the community while helping a nonprofit agency or school. United Way of West Florida matches groups and individuals with agencies and local schools to spend the day volunteering on various projects.

The volunteer work completed by Escambia County employees during this year's United Way Day of Caring included yard work, landscaping, painting, cleaning and organizing, and more. Escambia County Public Safety employees also delivered donations to Ronald McDonald House, providing for the daily needs of families during their stay.

Escambia County Environmental Quality Landfill Manager Clint Shevat said he has participated in Day of Caring for several years and always appreciates the chance to give back to organizations who give so much to the community.

"I'm excited that we had such a great team working out here today," said Shevat, whose team helped with landscaping at Valerie's House Pensacola, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families cope with grief and loss in a safe place. "We like to get out and help the community, and Day of Caring is a great way to do that. It always feels good to help out an organization that goes out of their way to help people in need."

Escambia County Natural Resources Management, Information Technology, and Purchasing employees participated in the "Red Ribbon Rally" at West Pensacola Elementary, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles. County staff helped with fun activities for the students, including running a photo booth station, and provided healthy snacks.

West Pensacola Elementary School Counselor Brittany Langlois said she encourages local schools to get involved in Day of Caring and help make a positive impact on the children in the community.

"It's so meaningful to be selected for Day of Caring, and we love when the volunteers come out," Langlois said. "The kids get so excited to see them out here helping with their school. It's a day of fun, but it's also educational, and we have an opportunity to tell them these people volunteer to help make their school better."

According to United of Way West Florida, 743 volunteers completed 61 projects during the 2024 Day of Caring, totaling 2,939 hours of volunteer work. The volunteers' donated time is estimated to have a $93,460 impact.

Escambia County departments and divisions that participated in this year's United Way Day of Caring included the County Attorney's Office, Engineering, EMS, Emergency Communications, Emergency Management, Escambia County Fire Rescue, Natural Resources Management, Information Technology, Mosquito Control, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards, Purchasing, Public Safety, and Waste Services.

To learn more about United Way Day of Caring, visit uwwf.org/dayofcaring.