SFSC Gives Back 2026-2027

SFSC Gives Back is an initiative that encourages our team to step beyond our four campus locations and make a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work. Guided by the belief that TEAM means Together Everyone Achieves More, we are committed to serving others through volunteerism, outreach, and acts of kindness.

As an educational institution, we positively impact lives every day through learning, training, and workforce development. However, our commitment extends beyond the classroom. Through community service, we have the opportunity to support those in need, strengthen local connections, and create lasting positive change.

Giving back brings people together around a common purpose—whether through volunteering time, providing resources or financial support, or simply lending a helping hand. Research shows that individuals who volunteer regularly experience benefits such as improved physical and mental well-being, a stronger sense of purpose, and deeper engagement with their communities.

Through SFSC Gives Back, we strive to inspire service, foster compassion, and demonstrate the power of working together to make our communities stronger for everyone.

SFSC Gives Back Calendar of Volunteer Events

Serve our Veterans (Highlands)

Date: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 8-10 a.m.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- We will be providing and serving our Veterans breakfast (about 8 individuals) and socializing with them; time to spend and thank our Veterans while they visit Heartland Horses Equine Activities and Learning.
- If you are not able to participate in the breakfast service and are not able to donate for it, PLEASE stop by and sign the thank-you posters located in the SFSC Foundation Office.
- Please note: this volunteer activity requires our volunteers to provide the food and drinks to serve our veterans; so we will be volunteering our time and donating goods.

Central Florida Healthcare Food Distribution (Hardee)

Date: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 8-11:30 a.m.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Unloading, organizing, and preparing food for the distribution line.
- Package and deliver food to the distribution car line.

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Central Florida Healthcare Food Distribution Nov 9, 2026, 8-11:30 a.m. – Fill out form

Lights of Remembrance at Good Shepherd Hospice (Highlands)

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3-8 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities: Assist with preparations and setup for a candlelight celebration for lost loved ones. Tasks would include (but not be limited to) setting up chairs and tables outside, directing traffic for parking in the lot, and manning the sign-in tables and the tables where people write names of loved ones on Christmas ornaments. Indoor tasks could include serving cookies and snacks.

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Good Shepherd Hospice – Lights of Remembrance – Thursday, Dec 3 from 3-8 p.m. – Fill out form

Cuda Bear’s Lair (Highlands)

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2027, 8 a.m.-noon
Volunteer Opportunities: Outdoor activity: Animal care and property maintenance to ensure a healthy and safe place for the animal sanctuary.
Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Cuda Bear’s Lair – Thurs., Jan. 28, 2027, 8 a.m.-noon. – Fill out form

Ridge Area ARC (Highlands)

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2027, 7:45-11:30 a.m.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Setup Crew: Set up water stations, snack stations, field day activities, tents, and make signs to cheer on the consumers
- Field Event Activity: Assist and cheer on the consumers as they rotate through and participate in Field Day Activities.
- Clean up Crew: Clean up water stations, snack stations, field day activities, tents, and others.

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Ridge Area ARC – Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027 7:45-11:30 a.m. – Fill out form

Read Across America

Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2027 (various times and schools)
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Lake Placid Elementary School: 9:10 -10:30 a.m. – 1 volunteer needed. School provides book.
- Avon Elementary School: 7:45-9:30 a.m. – 4 volunteers needed. You can bring your own book or use one from the school.
- Sun N Lake Elementary School: 8 a.m.-10 a.m. – 4 volunteers needed. School will provide books, but if you have a favorite book, you can bring it.
- Wauchula Elementary School: 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. – 4 volunteers needed. School will provide books.
- Fred Wild Elementary School: 8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. – 4 volunteers. You can bring your own book.
- Memorial Elementary School: 10-10:45 a.m. School will provide books.
- Other Elementary schools coming soon….

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Read Across America (various times and locations) – Fill out form

Spring Arcadia Rodeo (DeSoto)

Date: Thursday, March 11, 2027, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Greet guests and scan tickets. You will receive breaks so you can enjoy the rodeo at times. This is a covered outdoor activity, and you will be standing.

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Spring Arcadia Rodeo Thursday, March 11, 2027, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Fill out form

Hands for Hope (Highlands)

Date: Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8, 2027, 8 a.m.-noon
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Kitchen: Prepare and cook meals to serve. Prepare and package meals and serve clients.
- Restore: Organize and clean items for the store sale.

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Hands for Hope April 7 and 8, 2026, 8 a.m.-noon – Fill out form

Heartland Food Bank (Highlands)

- Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2027, 8-11 a.m.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Unpacking, sorting, and organizing food shipments for the food bank.

Sign up: SFSC Gives Back – Heartland Food Bank Wednesday, April 14, 2027, 8-11 a.m. – Fill out form

SFSC encourages its employees to be part of the SFSC TEAM and join one or all of these volunteer opportunities as we make a positive impact on our communities beyond higher education by taking our TEAM off campus to give back.

For more information on SFSC Gives Back, contact Anastasia Fuchser at 863-784-7183 or email anastasia.fuchser@southflorida.edu.