Tag Archive for: volunteers

 

LRC October 2018 News

 

The LRC Story Continues Because of YOU!

In 2017-2018, LRC experienced severe damage from Hurricane Irma, delayed or diminished implementation of fee-for-service contracts and two months of lost income.

Because of YOU
  • LRC was able to continue to deliver educational services to children, adults and their families throughout Polk County
  • LRC was able to utilize insurance monies for the needed repairs and not for day-to-day operations
  • LRC was able to evaluate systems and procedures to find even more efficient, while effective, business practices
  • LRC was able to investigate and forge new partnerships in creative and innovative programs
  • LRC was able to validate its value, need, and importance to the community through YOUR support, efforts and help.

 

LRC’s Award-Winning Kindergarten-Readiness Program

Because of YOU

United Way, and a GiveWell Community Foundation funder, 436 beginning or struggling Kindergartners engaged in interactive activities, increasing vocabulary development by an average of 7 months (quite a feat for a 5-year-old), social skills, listening, following directions, critical thinking and working with others.

LRC’s Summer Success Camps 2018

 

Because of YOU…

LRC Summer Success camps, partnering with Public Education Partnership, McKeel Academy, United Way, and All Saints Academy, again could offer enrichment and remediation in reading, math, and science serving more than 113 students at three sites in Winter Haven and Lakeland.

Because of YOU…

Another 655 students received 1-to-1 academic tutoring or small group instruction since Sept. 2017, in addition to over 850 served through various contracts.

Thank You to the LRC Volunteers Who Help:

  • Answer the phones and man the reception area on busy afternoons

 

  • Copy and collate curriculum

 

  • Work the LRC tables at First Fridays, children’s festivals, parent workshops

 

  • Join us for PigFest and Belk Charity Sales

 

  • Assist with pre- and post-assessments for programs and camps

 

  • File, file, and file!

 

GiveWell Match Campaign

Because of YOU

We are almost there! Two generous funders from GiveWell Community Foundation heard of LRC’s brave struggle these past months and offered a challenge.

  • 1st Round: LRC would need to collect $20,000 by May 31st, and a $20,000 match would be donated.

 

Because of YOU…we did it!

 

  • 2nd Round: If LRC could collect $40,000 by October 31st, another $20,000 would be contributed.
Because of YOU…we did it!

 
You’ve done so much for LRC and for our students! We asked for help—all kinds of resources: advice, referrals, ideas, contacts, and money—and you delivered in a BIG way. We have just one favor to ask you…
 
Would you share our story with someone you know?
Simply sharing our story with someone who may be able to support LRC in reaching this goal, could be the factor that ensures access to programs for our students—children and adults—for years to come.
 
To help, it’s EASY— just visit LRCpolk.com/donate.

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Click here to download LRC’s October 2018 newsletter.

2018 Graduates


Congratulations to all the 2018 high school and college graduates!
 
We’d like to give a special “congrats” to two of our very own.
 

  • Jadie Riffe, an LRC PEP counselor and a 2018 graduate of Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
  •  

  • Lacie Walls, an LRC office & event volunteer as well as a summer program counselor and 2018 graduate of George Jenkins High School
     
    We appreciate your hard work and dedication to not only serving the Learning Resource Center and this community, but in your studies and educational successes, as well.
     
    We know you both will continue to excel, and we wish you the best in all to come!

 
 

The Learning Resource Center offices sparkle, inside and out!
 
Sixteen enthusiastic Publix employees worked to improve the appearance and conditions at LRC and its storage space on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, a day designated as “Publix Serves Day”.
 

From 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the Corporate Accounting Department volunteers cleaned gutters, scrubbed siding, painted needed areas, installed shelving, purged and organized boxes of documents and removed years of dust and debris. LRC’s mini-proposal for help was selected by Publix, and the magic was created by these hardworking individuals!
 
Next time you’re on South Florida Avenue and passing by the LRC office, drive slowly to take a look at the fruit of their labor! Please, also, thank Publix employees for their priceless gifts to the community that they give in so many ways.
 

The 21st Annual Lakeland PigFest is just around the corner!
 

PIGFEST 2017

The festival will take place on Friday, January 27 from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Due to the renovations taking place at TigerTown, it has been moved to the Sun ‘n Fun campus, offering competitors and attendees more space to browse the area and enjoy the festivities.
 
The new site will also allow for easier parking, which will remain at $5.00 per carload. Admission will be free, but prices for food will vary by vendor.
 
The competition will heat up with the Kingsford Professional BBQ, Publix Super Markets Backyard and Badcock Kids-Q competitions.
 
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Photo: LakelandPigFest.org

PIGFEST COMMUNITY

What attendees may not realize is that PigFest takes hundreds of volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours to help carry out the event, and local nonprofits, such as the Learning Resource Center, partner to provide the needed amount of volunteers. PigFest then gives every dollar raised back to the community!
 
By granting the Learning Resource Center opportunities and funds based on service hours, PigFest has helped provide academic assistance and highly-qualified tutors to help students succeed and has also enabled LRC to meet the needs of students, parents and the community by aiding in the expenses of daily operation. The effect this annual barbeque festival has had on LRC reaches every aspect of the organization. Those who received any service from LRC in 2016 were impacted by its support.
 

VOLUNTEER AT PIGFEST

With that being said, LRC is seeking 2017 individuals, pairs and groups to volunteer. Volunteers are needed for shifts taking place in the judging, team breakfast and golf cart shuttling areas. Shifts are available Thursday, January 26-Saturday, January 28. To view the available shifts and to register, please click VOLUNTEER AT PIGFEST.
 
 
We look forward to seeing you there! Whether you’re a competitor, attendee or volunteer, it’s sure be a fun weekend.
 
 
Information for PigFest Volunteers
PigFest17 Map
PigFest17 Parking pass
Golf Cart Driver Info

United Way of Central Florida and Polk Kiwanis Clubs brought the community together to give back during National Volunteer Week. With two designated days for volunteerism, United Way Day of Caring on Friday, April 15 and Kiwanis One Day on Saturday, April 16, teams of volunteers from local organizations and individual volunteers were able to join together to help local nonprofits.
 
The Learning Resource Center was thrilled to be part of the event and would like to express sincere gratitude to both organizations as well as Lakeland Regional Health, who recruited a team of outstanding volunteers to help beautify the LRC office.
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The group arrived around 8:30 a.m. where LRC staff greeted them. Executive Director Pam Craven briefed the team with details on the organization and the tasks at hand.
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The tasks included cleaning gutters, sweeping steps, washing windows and pressure washing the building and fence. The Lakeland Regional Health team graciously and willingly took on this feat.


Thanks to LRC’s United Way Day of Caring 2016 team for refreshing the appearance of the office’s exterior and making it bright white again!
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We would also like to thank our volunteers who help us throughout the year because in the words of Hellen Keller, “Together we can do so much.”
 
Take a look back at the volunteer efforts in the community and beyond by searching #uwcfdoc16 and #kiwanisoneday on Twitter and Facebook.
 

Did you know that the Learning Resource Center offers numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year, annually?
 
We’re looking for people with a will to help, an interest in education, good customer services skills, and the ability to support our vision of providing high quality, customized academic opportunities to help students reach their maximum learning potential.
 
If you match these qualifications and are seeking community service hours, looking to assist local students or desiring for a meaningful way to make use of spare time, then please don’t hesitate to contact us about the opportunities below!
pep volunteers

LRC opportunities include:

  • PEP Center After-School Assistant (takes place Monday-Thursday in Winter Haven)
  • PEP Inwood After-School Assistant (takes place Monday-Thursday in Winter Haven)
  • Summer Program Assistant (May through August throughout Polk)
  • Office Assistant
  • Tutor (paid positions also available)
  • Spanish Translator
  • Special Event Assistant (December through February; PigFest and For the Love…of Learning fundraiser)
  • Community Outreach

 
We will soon be in need of many summer volunteers to assist with Camp READY!, our kindergarten-readiness program. Last year, the camp took place at nine sites throughout Polk during June through August. Each site’s camp will last four weeks. While we are still working on the specifics of each site for 2016, we are accepting volunteers.
 
Only have an afternoon or morning available? We can work with that. Regardless, please contact us at RebeccaT@lrcpolk.com to express your interest and receive more information.
 
We look forwarding to working with you and guarantee it’ll be a rewarding experience!
 
 
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LRC has the unprecedented opportunity to log over 200 volunteer hours during this year’s signature Bar-B-Q weekend.
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LRC’s assignments include the VIP Sponsors’ Party on Thursday, January 27, and the team breakfasts on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29. This year, however, LRC is also assigned to operate the 8-passenger golf carts which help shuttle people, equipment, and supplies on all three days. Two golf carts will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday. LRC drivers will also operate 5 golf carts every hour from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday.
 
PigFest proceeds will be divided between the participating non-profits based on the number of hours worked.
 
If you are interested in volunteering with LRC at PigFest, please email RebeccaT@LRCPolk.com.
 

About PigFest

 
The 20th annual event opens to the public on Friday, January 29 from 5-10 p.m. and continues through Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Tigertown in Lakeland. Over 150 competition barbecue teams will participate. Stop by for savory cuisine, lively entertainment, and a whole lot of fun!
 
pigfest flyer
 

PEP needs you! The PEP after-school elementary program is a collaboration between the Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. and the Public Education Partnership of Winter Haven, Inc. Currently, the after-school program is near student-enrollment capacity and is in need of volunteers to help at the center. This is a great opportunity for those looking to give back, high school students working on community service hours, college students looking for experience, and those with free time on their hands. pep photo2015
The program runs Monday-Thursday weekly from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with the exception of school holidays. It is set up so that students in grades 1-3 attend on Mondays and Wednesdays, while students in grades 4-5 attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Groups of students rotate through four stations each day (playground and snack, computers – Moby Max, homework, elective) with one of the six teachers. The PEP Center is located at 203 Avenue R NE in Winter Haven. Students are bused to the location and attend free of charge.
 
PEP is searching for committed volunteers who can dedicate their time to help students succeed.
 
Opportunities include:
 

  • Playground assistants, 3:30-4:00 p.m. — 4-6 volunteers
  • Teacher assistants (rotate with students), 4:00-5:30 p.m. — 6 volunteers
  • Stationary assistants (help with homework; assist 1:1), 4:00-5:30 p.m. — 2-4 volunteers

 
We hope that you will consider this opportunity and help us spread the word. If you are interested in volunteering with PEP, please contact Audrey Nettlow at Audrey@whpep.org and RebeccaT@LRCPolk.com.
 
PEP needs YOU as a partner in order to do a great job for our young learners!
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Click for information on the start of the after-school program.