Page 10 - Palm City Spotlight - January '21

Page 10, Palm City Spotlight DOUBLE SPACE

Good Works from page 9 thanks to Cares Act funds from the Martin County Board Elev8Hope Bike Event A
of County Commissioners.
United Way faced another challenge in adjusting its Nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations, and the “Wheel” Success
volunteer strategy to adhere to social distancing and safety Martin County School District also played a vital role in
protocols. Small groups of volunteers in staggered shifts referring families in need. The lists were compared with By Jackie Holfelder
worked diligently in the days leading up to distribution other area holiday programs to avoid duplication and This Christmas, hundreds of local Martin County
to ensure the right toys got to the right children. ensure as many families as possible received assistance. children found bikes, toys and holiday cheer under their
Cardboard boxes filled with unwrapped toys for “United Way dedicates an incredible amount of time trees.
kids of all ages lined the Martin County Fairgrounds, and energy for this project, but it truly could not happen Elev8Hope partnered with Martin County Firefighters
where volunteers carefully selected toys based on client without the entire community rallying around the effort, IAF Local 2959, firefighters and two collaborating
preference sheets filled out by the families. especially this year,” Terlizzi said. “It’s a shining example businesses to ensure their dream became a reality on
First-time volunteer Lorna duPlooy brought her 10-year- that we are stronger united.” December 19 at the Martin County Fairgrounds.
old daughter, Bryn, to help package toys for families. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org. Bin Deals and Reed Child Care Center of Stuart
“This year, I felt it was more important than ever to help About United Way Of Martin County provided immeasurable assistance. Bin Deals donated
out and for my children to see how we can all pitch in for United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve 100 bikes and Reed Child Care Center donated $1,000,
the good of the community,” duPlooy said. “My daughter lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. to use towards the purchase of additional bicycles.
enjoyed the experience, especially reviewing each child’s Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create Elev8Hope CEO Rinamarie Shpiruk received a call
interests and finding the perfect gift for them.” long-term social change and provide support to Martin from a team of “angels” wanting to help assemble the
Volunteers packaged the toys in large black bags with County residents by investing in programs that strive to: more than 150 bicycles that needed to be put together.
a number that matched up to a number the family was enhance healthy living, improve education, and support Martin County Fire Rescue and the nonprofit worked
provided. Families were scheduled to pick up their bags financial stability. together seamlessly to prepare them for their special
during a two-day drive-through distribution event. recipients.
Typically, parents can select toys themselves, but Elev8Hope was honored to dedicate its 2020 bicycle
safety protocols put into place during the pandemic build to the late Captain Scott Schlawiedt. Captain
limited the number of individuals permitted in the Schlawiedt was a former Martin County fire captain
fairgrounds at one time. and his love for the community was palpable during the
“This model for distributing toys was not ideal, but bicycle build.
ultimately, we were able to fulfill our mission of making In addition to their immeasurable help in assembling
sure there was a toy underneath the tree for every child,” bikes, Martin County Firefighters IAFF Local 2959
Terlizzi said. “And what’s more important is that we were had another surprise. Scott Risk, the union president,
able to give parents the ability to provide a traditional presented Rinamarie Shpiruk and Elev8Hope with a
Christmas for their children.” $10,000 donation.
In addition to the toys, families were provided with a To learn more about Elev8Hope or how to donate, visit
turkey, pork tenderloin and two weeks’ worth of groceries www.elev8hope.org. Elev8Hope is a registered 501(c)(3).
Photos provided by Elev8Hope

United Way of Martin County Board Chair Gene Zweben
loaded toys into vehicles during the drive-through distribution
event.

Members of Martin County Firefighters IAFF Local 2959
Martin County Commissioner Harold Jenkins (pictured left) and their families assembled the bikes.
and Colleen Pachowicz during United Way Holiday Project Volunteer Angelina Perez handed out bags of food at the
distribution United Way Holiday Project distribution. Good Works on page 11
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