Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman joined Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum at the Goodwill Prosperity Center in Tallahassee today to launch April 2015 as Florida Volunteer Month.

Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman said, “Florida Volunteer Month celebrates our state’s millions of hardworking volunteers and encourages others to serve. We are thrilled that Mayor Gillum has the opportunity to see some of Tallahassee’s finest volunteers in action today at the Goodwill Prosperity Center.”

City of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum said, “The City of Tallahassee is home to Florida’s hardest-working volunteers, who truly make a difference in our schools, churches, senior centers, and nonprofits like the Goodwill Prosperity Center. I am proud to join Volunteer Florida today to not only kick off Florida Volunteer Month, but to see AmeriCorps members and volunteers serving our neighbors.”

Fred Shelfer, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc., said, “Our community faces significant needs and limited resources. That is why AmeriCorps and Volunteer Florida are so vital to the work that Goodwill does in North Florida. Volunteers allow Goodwill to serve more people than it possibly could on its own. Mayors across the state are recognizing this very important work during Florida Volunteer Month and we are especially proud that our own Mayor is recognizing local volunteers.”

To spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve, Mayor Gillum also joined mayors across the country to participate in the third annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on Tuesday.

“We are excited to have Mayor Gillum’s support for both the Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service and Florida Volunteer Month,” continued Spellman. “The nation’s mayors are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to address local challenges. By unleashing the power of citizens, our volunteers and AmeriCorps members are making the City of Tallahassee a better place to live.”

To learn more about Florida Volunteer Month or to look for volunteer opportunities in your area, visit our Volunteer Opportunity page. View the 2015 Florida Volunteer Month PSA here.