What We Don't Always Say About Volunteering
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
We talk a lot about how important volunteers are-and for good reason. Our office volunteers are our friends. We celebrate with them, share with them and sometimes cry with them. The same with our United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) Board members. Their guidance, vision and unwavering belief in our mission have not only helped shape the direction of our organization-they’ve shaped me too.
UWCC volunteers keep programs running, bring comfort where it’s needed, and show up when others can’t. But here’s something we don’t say often enough: volunteering has a way of surprising you. Volunteering isn’t just about doing good. Sometimes it’s about becoming whole.
It pulls us out of our routines and into someone else’s story. It reminds us that empathy matters, that kindness counts and that being part of something bigger than ourselves is more satisfying than we imagined.
That’s why moments like our Award Recognition Breakfast are so meaningful. This week, we gathered to honor the incredible individuals and organizations who give their time, energy and heart throughout the year. Over hot coffee, orange juice and shared stories, we presented awards to those who’ve gone above and beyond-not just in hours served, but in the spirit they bring.
Tricia Bramble shared, “I volunteer because it fills me up. I love to smile and be a positive smiling presence for others. One day, I visited one of my senior clients who was feeling down. After spending some time talking with her, she was smiling by the end of our visit too!”
There is a huge benefit for small businesses and organizations to learn more about UWCC. Casey Magliozzi, Charlotte County Airport Authority said, “It’s a great way to really get involved with our community and also let our employees know of the resources that United Way can give to them.” In addition, Jessica Cline, Owner and Vice President of Pool Boy states that she decided to get involved with United Way because she could see the struggles that most people have in our community. “I am appalled at how hard it is to find housing and how tight finances are even when you’re being paid a relatively good salary. Everything is so high that I want to see how I can help ALICE, Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed people.
Stacy Jones has been volunteering for several years with UWCC in many capacities. Her passion for volunteering with UWCC comes from having grown up in an ALICE household. “I actually broke that cycle of poverty. It’s important for me to give back to my community so others can break the cycle too!”
Congratulations to all the 2025 Award winners! We are endlessly grateful for all who volunteer. We deeply appreciate everyone who gives their time to volunteer-whether supporting seniors, mentoring children or strengthening the Charlotte County workforce.
But this time, we also want to say: if you’re feeling stuck, worn down, or just in need of a reset, volunteering might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed. It’s not always convenient. It’s not always easy. But it is always worth it. For more information about the award winners and volunteer opportunities, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/2025Awards.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.