Celebrating Volunteer Month
April 2024
April is designated as National Volunteer Month to recognize volunteers across the United States who dedicate their time to helping others. The Volunteer Services staff would like to express our sincere appreciation for the important contributions our volunteers and interns have made to our organization. Their willingness to use their talents and abilities has allowed us to continue serving the citizens of Pinellas County without interruption. Our volunteers and interns continue to contribute close to 7,000 volunteer hours a month.
If you see a volunteer in your area, please express your thanks. Their continued commitment, passion, and efforts make a difference in the community.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with Pinellas County, visit Volunteers in Pinellas for more information. If you would like to host a volunteer or intern in your area, contact Volunteer Services at volunteers@pinellas.gov.
We hope you enjoy these volunteer spotlights as part of the celebration.
Matthew Arsenault
Position: Dog Enrichment Volunteer
Department: Animal Services
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? Since 2021.
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? As soon as I moved to Florida, I looked up “shelters near me” and it was Animal Services. I walked to the shelter, which is 4 miles round trip, and I took a tour with Collis and Jennifer. Since that day, I have volunteered for over 930 hours.
What motivates you to give back to the community? There are so many animals that need my help.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Walking the dogs for their mental and physical health. I don’t do it for me! I do it for them for their stress relief.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: I organized a pet walk fundraiser for the Animal Welfare Trust Fund and raised $1,255 on February 24. It was so much fun, and we had a great group join us in the park!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? Choose Animal Services because the staff and volunteers are what makes this shelter an amazing place. The best part is all the time you get to spend with the dogs and cats, too.
Sam Bergstrom
Position: Shelter Operations Volunteer
Department: Animal Services
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 3 years.
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do.
What motivates you to give back to the community? The shelter dogs.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Spending time with the dogs and educating the public about the shelter’s programs and services.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Every time a dog or cat goes to their forever home is a memorable moment!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? I always compare Animal Services to another shelter like going from a Volkswagen Bug to a Rolls Royce because I feel respected and appreciated, which are two essentials for any volunteer. The staff is great, and the volunteer coordinator is beyond comparison.
Gayle Cooper
Position: Master Gardener
Department: Parks & Conservation Resources, Florida Botanical Gardens
Contributed by the Florida Botanical Gardens
The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation (FBGF) is excited to announce Gayle Cooper as the Volunteer of the Year for Fiscal Year 2023. She is actively involved in plant procurement and maintenance of the Butterfly Garden. Gayle has always loved plants and has logged over 2,000 Master Gardener hours. She’s been volunteering with us for 15 years now, including four years on the FBGF Board of Directors. Thank you, Gayle, for your dedication and involvement with us!
Watch an interview with Gayle to learn more about her volunteer work with the Botanical Gardens.
Ned Czajkowski, Mary Kay Estep, and Ed Hussey
Position: Courthouse Ambassador Volunteers
Department: Communications
Below are collective responses from Ned Czajkowski, Mary Kay Estep, and Ed Hussey.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County?
Helping people—especially those who have children—and trying to navigate how to provide them with friendly assistance.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County?
1) Rounding up the peacocks in the west parking lot with security.
2) Helping a couple after same sex marriage became legal. The couple was so overjoyed on their special day, and we were very happy to help them and share in their special day with them.
Margaret and Steve Santangelo
Position: Shorebird Stewardship Volunteers
Department: Parks & Conservation Resources, Fort De Soto Park
Contributed by Michael Polizzi, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Parks & Conservation Resources
Margaret and Steve have spent many years dedicating their time and conservation efforts to Fort De Soto Park. They both exercise endless enthusiasm and patience with our park patrons as they currently assist the park in shorebird stewardship. Their red umbrella is a welcome sight on the outskirts of the Fort De Soto bird sanctuary where they spend countless hours educating the public on the importance of providing a respite for resting and nesting shorebirds. Over the years they have led guided walks, installed hundreds of memorial bricks at the flagpole and always have been on the ready for any task the park may need assistance with. There are not two more deserving people to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award than Margaret and Steve. Thank you for all you do.
Kristine “Kris” Shaw
Position: Dog Enrichment Volunteer
Department: Animal Services
Contributed by Jennifer Renner, Community Outreach & Volunteer Program Manager for Animal Services
Kris Shaw joined the dog enrichment team in 2017, having recently retired as a Chief Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force where she served for 24 years. Kris brings strong organizational skills, patience, and passion for the shelter dogs in our care. She’s a dog and human trainer, prides herself in organizing “the troops”, fosters some of the neediest pups for multiple organizations, and even creates some of the most heartwarming and cute social media stories to help dogs find their furever homes. Kris’ dedication is an amazing contribution to the shelter’s lifesaving mission.
View additional volunteer spotlights.
4/25/24