The Unsung Hero Behind the Scenes of Volunteer Work in Her Community

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Evey Antle. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

In the realm of volunteerism, it’s often the quiet dedication of individuals like Evey Antle that forms the backbone of community service. Evey’s commitment to various organizations, including Lynch Elementary School, The Kind Mouse and Healthy Start, showcases the profound impact of behind-the-scenes work in supporting vital community programs.

Evey’s journey as a volunteer began in 2006 at Lynch Elementary School. With a previous background at the school and subsequent experience at the Postal Service, her return post-retirement reflects her deep-rooted commitment to education. At Lynch Elementary, she plays a crucial role in the media center and kindergarten, contributing significantly to the school’s day-to-day operations and the educational experience of young students.

For more than two years, Evey has also been volunteering at The Kind Mouse, an organization dedicated to assisting families in transition and children experiencing food insecurity. Her responsibilities involve meticulous office work and managing the pantry. Evey’s role in checking in and out volunteers, tracking volunteer hours and maintaining accurate records is invaluable. This organizational work ensures the smooth operation of volunteer activities and the effective distribution of resources to those in need.

And at Healthy Start, Evey has dedicated over a year to assisting with office work and sorting baby and children’s clothes and food. Her contribution is crucial in streamlining the process of providing essential supplies to new mothers and families, directly impacting the wellbeing of the community’s youngest members.

Read on to learn more about Evey’s dedication of around 76 volunteer hours monthly.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I started volunteering at Lynch Elementary, where my daughters attended school. I assisted the Kindergarten class and 3rd grade class that my daughters were in. After I retired, I returned to be a volunteer and mentor at Lynch Elementary. I volunteer in a Kindergarten class, where I have reading groups. We also do some arts and crafts at holiday times. I also assist in the media center, where I shelve books, help students find and check out books, help with book fairs and decorate the media center for holidays and other occasions. This will be my seventeenth year at Lynch Elementary.

How did you get started with The Kind Mouse?

While at Lynch, I learned about The Kind Mouse pantry. The Kind Mouse helps supply snacks for the students signed up for the “Pack A Sack” program. The bags were delivered to students on Fridays with snacks to have some food to eat over the weekend. The Kind Mouse was founded in 2012 by Gina Wilkins. It is a nonprofit organization based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

This nonprofit is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers ranging from 3 to 88 years old. Leadership includes a devoted Board of Directors and an involved advisory board. I help with office work, dating donated food coming in and help putting together items for events and fundraisers.

What other causes are you involved with?

One of the agencies that the Kind Mouse donates items to is Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County. This is how I learned of this agency. I have been volunteering there for close to two years. Healthy Start is a community-based, private nonprofit organization focused on improving the health and wellbeing of pregnant women, their children and their families. Donations help provide basic needs for the families, including providing a safe and separate place for babies to sleep. My volunteer duties there include helping with office projects, sorting donated children’s clothing and bagging and labeling the diaper sizes – all to be given to families.

I also belong to a home fellowship group located in St. Petersburg. The group was formed to use our talents to bless others through knitting, crocheting, loom working, sewing and machine knitting. The “Made With Love” group gathers together women who wish to serve the community by making baby blankets, shawls, scarves, hats, bookmarks, pins, toys and other items to bless others. We have two meetings monthly.

What makes you so passionate about volunteering?

I have always felt the need to help others with whatever I can do. Volunteering makes you feel like you made a difference in someone’s life.

Why is it important for people to get involved with the causes they care about?

I think it is important for people to start volunteering because there are so many people who need help with everyday living. It doesn’t matter how much time you give it’s about knowing you are helping others.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Evey? Find local volunteer opportunities.