Building a Brighter Future: How Volunteerism Powers Southwest Florida

Florida’s communities have always relied on the dedication of volunteers – neighbors helping neighbors, businesses giving back and nonprofits stepping up when resources fall short. As Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) celebrates 100 years in the community, one truth remains clear: the strongest communities are those where people come together to support one another.

Across southwest Florida, volunteerism is shaping the future in tangible ways. Local food banks and organizations, like All Faiths Food Bank, Salvation Army and local United Way chapters, can provide thousands of additional meals and resources because of volunteer support. Seniors and veterans are living in safer, more energy-efficient homes thanks to hands-on assistance alongside organizations like Senior Friendship Centers and the Council on Aging for Southwest Florida. Parks, beaches and neighborhoods are cleaner and greener due to dedicated efforts from volunteers. Nationwide, nonprofits are feeling the need for additional community support, with rising operating expenses, lack of adequate resources and limited staffed capacity listed as their top challenges. 

The impact of corporate volunteerism has never been more significant. When southwest Florida businesses encourage employees to give their time, communities reap the rewards. Whether it is providing meals, mentoring young students or assembling emergency relief kits, these efforts directly improve lives. 

This month, hundreds of volunteers participated in FPL’s 17th annual Power to Care Week, coming together to make Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family. In Palmetto, FPL employees had all hands on deck, installing native Florida landscaping and cleaning up the broader community area within Taylor Park in partnership with Keep Manatee Beautiful. Across Florida, others made a difference by planting trees, cleaning beaches, and aiding families, children and seniors in need. And our commitment extends beyond a week; last year alone, our employees contributed more than 58,000 volunteer hours to local communities, supporting hundreds of nonprofit organizations.

As we look ahead to the next 100 years, the question isn’t just how businesses can give back —it’s how we can continue to uplift one another and power strong communities. Volunteerism is more than simply an investment in a cause; it is an investment in the people and places that make Florida home. The more we commit to service, the stronger our communities will be.

In 2025, let’s challenge ourselves to do more, support the organizations that work tirelessly to provide for Florida’s people and recognize that the time we give is just as valuable as the donations we make. When we come together, whether for a single volunteer event or a lifetime of service, we don’t just give back – we power the future of our community.