Volunteer Spotlights
Our Pinellas County volunteers and interns contribute close to 5,000 volunteer hours a month. Their commitment, passion, and efforts make a difference in the community.
Volunteer Testimonials
Volunteering gives you a new sense of purpose.
– Nancy Ritz
If you want to do something that is truly selfless — volunteer!
– Kristine Shaw
I think it’s important in life to be part of something bigger than our own day-to-day lives, and volunteering with the County allows that.
– Tod Stephens
If you love supporting the community in any capacity, get involved with Pinellas County because there are numerous events and ways that one can get involved.
– Marjorie Tincher
Ready to join the fun? See Be a Volunteer in Pinellas.
Meet a few of our volunteers below. Click + to read the spotlight.
Nancy Ritz
Department: Dog Adoptions/Walker, Animal Services
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 7+ years
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I rode by Animal Services on the way to work and told myself when I retire, I am going to volunteer there. And I did!
What motivates you to give back to the community? When you retire, you tend to lose your sense of purpose. Volunteering gives you a new sense of purpose.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Working with so many great dogs and seeing them go home with wonderful people. I have many memorable adoption stories, and many adopters have stayed in touch with me and sent pictures of their dogs.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Seeing wonderful adoptions happen and fostering kittens and mom cats with kittens. It is amazing to watch a mother cat take care of her kittens. It is such a miracle. Everyone should foster kittens once in their life.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? I only know about volunteering at Animal Services. Volunteering there is everything that is good for humans — interacting with animals, being outdoors, exercise, socializing with people, and a sense of purpose.
Kristine Shaw
Department: Dog Adoptions/Mentor, Animal Services
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 8 years
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I was recruited by a friend who previously volunteered.
What motivates you to give back to the community? Honestly, the dogs! They deserve all my best to give them a second chance for forever. Also talking and advocating about the shelter and all the amazing things we are doing here.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? The dogs, along with the staff and volunteers! I love all the enrichment programs we are doing to help bridge the dogs to their forever homes.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Oh wow, so many! Every successful adoption gives me the motivation to keep going. The best is when I walk through the adoptions area, and they are snoozing after all the love and exercise.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? Just do it! It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you have a passion for the “underdog” and want to make a difference, this is the place. It’s grueling but wonderful and joyous; sad and exhausting, but fun. If you want to do something that is truly selfless — volunteer!
Tod Stephens
Department: General Projects, Heritage Village (Log Cabin, Train Depot, Smith Store, Garden), Parks & Conservation Resources
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 4 years
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? My wife and I were at the annual Heritage Village classic car show and walked over to the Heritage Garden. We talked with a volunteer, and she mentioned they always need more volunteers to help out. A couple of years later, I retired and started volunteering.
What motivates you to give back to the community? I enjoy supporting the mission to protect Pinellas County history and educate the public in a real-world hands-on environment.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? I love the peaceful feeling I get walking around the park and the smell of old wood and history inside the buildings.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: It’s a lot of small things. Working on the garden on a perfect spring morning, seeing the sunshine through the trees, sweeping the floors of the log cabin, and feeling like I’m living in the past and connecting with my ancestors. The park also reminds me of my father who passed away 20 years ago. He would have loved the park — the HC Smith store and garage full of antique cars would have reminded him of his childhood.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? Do it! It’s very enjoyable and rewarding. If they’re not interested in Heritage Village, there are a lot of other opportunities throughout Pinellas County. I think it’s important in life to be part of something bigger than our own day-to-day lives, and volunteering with the County allows that.
Marjorie Tincher
Position: Volunteer in Disaster, Pinellas County Emergency Management
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? Since 2018.
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I got involved with the County after meeting an Emergency Management employee at a hurricane expo when I started my journey into my bachelor’s degree in emergency management through St. Petersburg College.
What motivates you to give back to the community? The community has always been a big part of my life since I was in middle school when I would do community service during my time as a member of Boy Scouts of America.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? My favorite thing is the fact that I can use the skills I have gained through my schooling to help others prepare and recover from the effects of disasters.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: When I was able to help with the hurricane activations and I got to see all the effort that goes into an activation. For Helene and Milton, I worked in the Emergency Operations Center as a Volunteer in Disaster, supporting logistics for over 100 hours.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? If you love supporting the community in any capacity, get involved with Pinellas County because there are numerous events and ways that one can get involved.
Julie Wade
Position: Front Desk Docent and Hike Guide, Brooker Creek Preserve, Parks & Conservation Resources
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 15 years.
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I came to a guided hike at Brooker Creek and then wanted to volunteer and get involved immediately after my visit.
What motivates you to give back to the community? You always get more than you give.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Reminding people about what’s really important, what a gift it is to have “Our Wildest Place”, and what some of our tax money gets used for.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Working with children every single week and seeing them engage and learn about our local environment.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? Volunteer at a place that touches you and is important to you; people will know it’s authentic.
Lorraine Wert
Position: Gift Shop Goodwill Ambassador, Heritage Village, Parks & Conservation Resources
How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? Over 15 years.
How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I began as the receptionist at Heritage Village and helped with the Country Jubilee when it used to take place.
What motivates you to give back to the community? I used to go to Heritage Village often with my husband before he passed away, and we would bring guests here.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Meeting so many interesting people from all over the world.
Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Met some other volunteers that I became good friends with. We have become sort of like a family.
Advice that you live by: Take it a day at a time. My dad used to tell me if I would keep still and listen, I would learn something new every day—proven to be true!
4/16/25