AEO associates share our commitment to doing better, being better and building a better world. We’re proud to spotlight our people who are making a real and lasting impact in their communities.
Meet Alison, Analyst – Central Pricing and November Volunteer of the Month! After learning of Hurricane Milton’s devastation in the South East U.S., Alison traveled to Lakeland, Florida where she worked with volunteer groups to tear out floors, remove wet insulation and more for the Light and Life Park community.
Tell us about your recent hurricane relief efforts in Florida. What organization did you go through? Where did you volunteer?
When I heard about the devastation across many areas of the country from the recent hurricanes, I knew I was being called to go and help. My church made an announcement about how Light and Life Park in Lakeland, Florida was pummeled by Hurricane Milton, and I knew that was where I needed to go. I got in touch with the volunteer coordinator at Light and Life Park and made arrangements to join in with one of the groups already there to help.
What did you do while you were there?
I spent most of my time in Florida assisting with the demo process. We tore out floors, removed wet insulation and cut walls to stop the mold growth. The focus was to try and salvage the foundation in hopes that residents could rebuild their homes in the future.
Why was volunteering for hurricane relief important to you?
I knew that I needed to take the time and help people – some who lost everything they own. Once I got there, I saw the “community” (young and old) that had formed. There was something everyone could do to help; no matter your age. I witnessed older women organizing meals and making sure sleeping arrangements were taken care of for the volunteers. I saw older men driving “the claw” to pick up the heavy debris and move it to dumpsters. I saw young children showing up with their parents to volunteer. The list goes on and on– and through all of the devastation, my heart was filled with the love everyone had for each other.
How long have you volunteered in your community?
This was the first time I had done anything like this, although I am a huge advocate when it comes to volunteering and do so whenever I have the opportunity. I volunteer regularly at my church, helping with the Supply Closet (a monthly distribution of non-food items serving the local community) and leading teens in youth group.
How do you think that being an active participant in your community helps to Build a Better World?
I believe that there is always something you can do and one person you can help – the need is great! One person cannot change the whole world, but to one person you can be the world. I consider myself a helper and am always looking for opportunities to be the light anywhere I can.
What are some of the benefits and learnings you’ve found through volunteering?
I have learned that Disaster Relief is not for the faint of heart… it’s grueling. What you see is absolutely heartbreaking. Many of the residents in the community where I volunteered are elderly and unable to do the physical work, so I was happy that I could lend a hand with the hard and dirty work of cleaning out their homes. I look forward to seeing the rebuilding process, and I hope to visit Lakeland again in the future.
