Everglades City
by Reverend Dr Bob N. Wallace
Everglades Community Church
I’m very impressed by the amount of volunteerism which takes place in our town. There are so many in our community who have retired, yet find time to give of their time and resources to the various causes and opportunities available.
For example, I’m so proud how many faithful volunteers show up at Community Church every Wednesday to receive, assemble and distribute food to around 120 families every week. The joy and fellowship among them are a thing to behold! We owe them a big round of applause for their faithfulness. This may be something you would enjoy doing.
The Everglades Visitors Center is a vital part of the welcoming spirit we offer visitors. There’s nothing better than a warm smile and friendly word to those who come here from every part of the world letting them leave feeling they were welcome in our midst. If you think that would be something you would enjoy doing, contact the Visitors Center and let them know you would like to help.
Every Season we have people coming to our community who are volunteers at the National Park Service on Tamiami Trail. Volunteers support the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect our national parks. You can volunteer for a day, or year-round; on your own, or with friends and family; close to home, or at a dream destination. Volunteer opportunities are available nationwide including in U.S. Territories.
Friends of the Museum in Everglades City is a wonderful place to volunteer. Faithfully restored to its original, 1920s Collier-era appearance, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum is devoted to displaying local history from early Native American times to the present. Permanent exhibits tell the story of adventurers stubborn enough to persevere in Southwest Florida’s “Last Frontier”. The Pauline Reeves Gallery offers special temporary exhibits from local, and regional artists. The Museum of the Everglades is part of the Collier County Museums system. Contact the Museum and let them know you would like to help.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park may interest you. The Friends of Fakahatchee work hand in hand with park staff to provide resource-based recreation while interpreting, preserving, and restoring natural resources. One of the group’s important missions is to promote public awareness of the fragility of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park’s biodiversity, and does so by creating wonderful adventures and programs. There may be a place for you.
You might contact the Everglades City Office and offer your services where needed. There are always needs for helping our community.
And don’t forget our Everglades Community School. If this is where you would like to give some of your time, contact the Principal and let her know of your desire to help in some way.
And don’t forget your church. Contact your Pastor and let him know you are available.
The bottom line is, retirement can mean the freedom to do not only what you want to do when you want to do it, but it can also mean that you have the freedom to do something meaningful, perhaps for the first time in your life.
So, volunteer your time and your talent. You’ll be glad you did!
