THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE By Lynda Hadley LA HANDS 4 HOPE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE By Debby Landgrebe Four years ago it was brought to our attention by Carolyn Bishop that Wahneta Elementary School in Polk County needed assistance. The group of friends on Pinehurst Loop got together to donate time, love and a successful school supply drive. In these four years, the Pinehurst Loop friends have collected over 750 backpacks filled with much needed school supplies. This is how LA Hands 4 Hope was created. As we grow and branch out, we have decided to adopt Inwood Elementary for our 2024 school supply drive. Inwood Elementary is located in Winter Haven and is one of the neediest schools in Polk County. Over 74% of the students live in economically disadvantaged households. We are so fortunate to live in Lake Ashton and to be able to share with others. Please join us as we load more backpacks with much needed school supplies for the children and educators in need. LA Hands 4 Hope will be collecting donations of school supplies at the following locations until the morning of August 4. See blast emails for a detailed list of needs. Please drop donations off at: • Debby Landgrebe: 4331 Gullane Dr., Lake Wales • Val Yenor: 5304 Nicholas Dr., Winter Haven • Charlie Stotler: 257 Pinehurst Loop, Winter Haven Please tag all donations for Inwood Elementary School. Thank you for helping us help others! BLOODMOBILE AUGUST 19 A total of 8 units of blood were collected in June. Each blood donation can save up to three lives so that means 24 patients benefited from blood donations courtesy of blood donors at Lake Ashton. So far, Lake Ashton donations have impacted 102 lives with the 34 units of blood collected in 2024. Next blood drive: August 19 from 8:30 am to 2 pm in the Clubhouse West Parking Lot. For me, volunteering is more than working for free. It’s a way to meet the people in our community, contribute to the overall feeling of happiness we all feel living here, and to help our neighbors find answers and process administrative tasks that keep us safe and engaged.But I didn’t realize the fun and challenges that would make my life here much more rewarding. I have met some amazing people here and have learned so much about the inner workings of Lake Ashton. I feel more connected to my community and have gained a deep sense of belonging and satisfaction. Every week I come to volunteer at the Clubhouse I look forward to whatever challenges may come, and how I am able to resolve them. Having developed a great relationship with staff, I know if there are any issues I can’t solve; they are always there to help. Through this weekly commitment, I have also gained a better understanding of myself, and how we all want to feel that the person answering the phone or assisting us at the window, wants to be there and is there to help with a smile. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Christine Wells at cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com. Thank you to Larry and Joanne Hillock for their many years of service and dedication to the Lake Wales Care Center Caring Tree initiative at Lake Ashton. They have made hundreds of trips over the years bringing thousands of gifts donated by residents to the Care Center to assist families in providing Christmas gifts to their children. The 2023 season was their last season leading this endeavor and they will be missed tremendously. Please contact Christine Wells at cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com if you are interested in helping with the Caring Tree this upcoming season.
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