FRONT PORCH

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (April 2, 2025) – At least 79 employees of Neal Communities (new home builder in Southwest Florida) will participate in the company’s second annual Volunteer Week, celebrated during National Volunteer Week (April 21-25). The employees will volunteer with 10 different non-profit organizations throughout Southwest Florida.

The company has long supported philanthropy and employee volunteerism through corporate gifts and individual volunteering opportunities. The week-long coordinated event was an evolution of Neal Communities core belief that “Where You Live Matters” and commitment to giving back.

Among the volunteer organizations that will welcome Neal employees are:

• SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy), which provides equine-assisted therapeutic services to serve individuals in the Sarasota/Manatee community. Services are designed to benefit participants physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally through work with equines and trained volunteers. Neal volunteers will help prep horse stalls on April 21 from 8:30 – 11 a.m.
• Sarasota County Parks on April 22 from 10 a.m. – noon, where volunteers will assist in a litter cleanup at Ackerman Park, a dog-friendly park with an unpaved trail, playground and picnic pavilions located near I-75.
• Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, an animal shelter and adoption center, on April 25 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., where volunteers will make interactive dog treats and assist with animal activities, such as walking or yard play.
• Palma Sola Botanical Park on April 25 from 2 – 4:30 p.m., where volunteers will celebrate National Arbor Day by helping Palma Sola hand out free trees to members of the community.

Throughout the week, employees  will also volunteer at: PACE Center for Girls, which partners with community agencies in Manatee County to provide girls with a multitude of resources to best meet their development and social service needs; the Haven, which provides support and programs for adults and children with disabilities to enhance quality of life; Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County, Habitat for Humanity Pinellas, United Way Suncoast and Lee Weatherington Boys and Girls Club.

“Through partnerships with impactful local organizations, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for our employees to give back and create positive change,” says Tashara Carmichael, vice president of Human Resources for Neal Communities. “The level of engagement from our team demonstrates the compassion and character of our workforce; I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication to community service.”

Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week promotes and shows appreciation for volunteerism and volunteering. Many organizations host special events to celebrate volunteers, engage community members, and spread awareness about volunteer opportunities. A National Volunteer Week proclamation has been issued by the President of the Unites States each year since the holiday’s inception. In the U.S., National Volunteer week is organized by the Points of Light foundation.