Families at a Kissimmee shelter are waking up to refreshed surroundings, new haircuts, and cherished memories after a group of Hispanic community leaders marked the end of National Volunteer Month with a powerful demonstration of service.
The local leaders spent the day cleaning, painting, fixing garden areas, providing free haircuts, and baking cookies at a Kissimmee shelter for families affected by domestic violence. This initiative underscores their commitment to community transformation beyond traditional boardroom settings.
The event, organized by Florida Technical College in partnership with Heart of Florida United Way and the Hispanic Chamber, brought together a coalition of influential figures, including: Alberto Soto, Hispanic Chamber of Orlando Ambassador chair; Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of Florida Technical College; Sharon Rigaud, VP of Student Financial Services at Florida Technical College; Vice Mayor Olguita Castano of Kissimmee; Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez; and Danny Ruiz Manrique, CEO of Total Industrial Supplies, Inc. Additionally, the executive leadership of Florida Technical College, along with their barbering and culinary arts teams, and the Heart of Florida United Way team played significant roles in the event.
The primary objective of the event was twofold: to increase diversity in volunteering, recognizing its importance in meeting the needs of all communities, and to raise awareness of Heart of Florida United Way volunteering programs while fostering unity within the community.
By Maria Isabel Sanquirico
11 Communications
