Flagler County, FL – The numbers are astonishing when quantifying just how many volunteer hours are given across America each year. Updated in April 2021, the value of a single volunteer hour is worth $28.51, and organizations like Flagler Volunteer Services track those hours to use as match for grants and other needs during times of disaster or emergency.

Saying ‘thank you’ to the thousands of volunteers who step up and give of their time is important, and in honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Month, Flagler Volunteer Services hosted a luncheon on Wednesday, April 28th.

Sponsored by R&K Roofing, owner Don Reed said that he was moved to give after a positive experience while getting his COVID vaccine, and seeing the countless volunteers supporting the efforts of the Flagler County Health Department.

“I know when I got my shots they were out directing traffic and they just did a great job,” said Reed. “They deserve my thanks and more. This means we get to help out a little bit. We get to pay back a little bit instead of being helped by Flagler Volunteer Services volunteers.”

Flagler Volunteer Services volunteer coordinator Judy Mazzella said 110 volunteers have provided over 5,000 hours of service since January 2021, helping at testing sites and vaccination sites, as the community worked to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Judy Mazzella, Don Reed and Suzy Gamblain celebrate volunteers during the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
Photo courtesy Judy Mazzella.

“We’ve all become friends because we spend a lot of time together,” she said.

“I’ve worked around Judy for years and she is a tremendous lady,” said Reed, a regular supporter of the agency. “She’s always there for everybody.”

Enjoying a hearty lunch from Beach Belly Bob’s, volunteer Gary Bomely said he felt a sense of pride in being able to help the community during the time of need, rather than just sitting home and reading the daily statistics.

“You’re out here, directing traffic, most people are happy they’re getting their shots, and being out here doing this, I feel like I’m part of the solution,” said Bomley. “I’m retired and hate sitting around doing nothing, so this has been great.”

Volunteer Jack Lupo echoed Bomley’s words, and was a near daily volunteer at vaccination and the testing sites.

“He volunteers every single day at the vaccine site, he leaves and goes to the testing site at the airport. Every single time they are there to do testing, he is there doing traffic as well,” shared Mazzella, of Lupo’s commitment.

He was grateful for the party to celebrate all the volunteers.

“We do a little bit, to help get this over. It feels great to help people out,” he said. “Originally we didn’t know what we were going to do, and then this came along and it really got us all together because we’re helping out.”

Featured Image: Gary Bomely, Judy Mazzella and Jack Lupo enjoy the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon hosted by Flagler Volunteer Services on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Cattleman’s Hall in Flagler County.