Welcome to Lynn's 2024 Turkey Trot Blogs
The Sun City Emergency Squad: Making a Big Difference
In Our Community
10.02.24
by Lynn DiCerbo, Chair, 2024 Turkey Trot 5K Fundraiser
The Sun City Center Emergency Squad is one of two local beneficiaries of the 2024 Turkey Trot 5K event.
Providing services to the greater Sun City area for over 60 years, the Emergency Squad has grown to 440 volunteers with four ambulances, two of which are in service 24/7, 365 days a year.
The squad is a certified Basic Life Support Emergency unit working closely with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR), and averaging more than 5,000 emergency runs a year. The squad has a mutual aid agreement with HCFR to go outside their licensed area at their direction to provide emergency services to Valencia Del Sol, according to Eileen Peco of the Emergency Squad.
Other Services
Other services provided by the Squad include the following:
-Medical Van Wheelchair Transport, available for wheelchair patients to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, dialysis and, upon hospital discharge, to a nursing home or their Sun City residence.
-Vial of Life. A special pill bottle that contains forms for pertinent medical information and medications.
-Key Locator Service. Residents can provide the squad with contact information of a friend or neighbor who has a key to their home. This confidential information is used only when a resident is incapacitated and the squad’s emergency personnel need access to a resident’s Sun City home.
-Community Education. The Squad’s Speaker’s Bureau provides educational presentations about its services, Fall Prevention and Stop the Bleed. In 2023, the organization held two education sessions at VDS, according to Peco.
-Wheelchair/Walker Loan Closet. A closet of walkers, canes and wheelchairs are available to the community on short-term loan.
Learn more about the Squad at https://sccems.com/services-2/.
Register Online for the Turkey Trot
You can help support this great organization with your (donated) $25pp entry fee(s) for the Turkey Trot ‘Walk, Run or Roll’ event taking place on Saturday, Nov. 9th.
You can register (and pay) online at https://robinhoodsvds.com/donate You can also pay by cash or check in advance or on the day of the event.
Your support is so appreciated!
local high impact, nonprofit organizations are the beneficiaries of funds raised from the 2024 Turkey Trot 5K event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9th.
Fighting Human Trafficking with Action: CAHT
10.01.24
by Lynn DiCerbo, Chair, 2024 Turkey Trot 5K Fundraiser
Two local high impact, nonprofit organizations are the beneficiaries of funds raised from the 2024 Turkey Trot 5K event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9th.
The first--Campaign Against Human Trafficking, Southshore (CAHT)--is a nonprofit committed to supporting victims, celebrating successful survivors, and ending human trafficking.
Human trafficking in Florida is the illegal trade of human beings for sexual exploitation or forced labor. After California and New York, Florida has the most human trafficking cases in the United States.
CAHT seeks to reduce, and ultimately eradicate, human trafficking through the following actions:
-Presenting educational and preventive programs to area clubs, organizations, churches and schools
-Providing rescue backpacks to First Responders to give to rescued victims
-Mentoring survivors as they transition to a normal life
-Promoting community outreach programs to make local residents aware of the problem and help keep the community safe
Register & Pay Entry Fees Online!
You can learn more about CAHT, Southshore and volunteer opportunities by visiting their website: https://sccblueheart.org
Meanwhile, be sure to register (and pay entry fees) online for the Turkey Trot ‘Walk, Run or Roll’ fundraiser. All funds raised go directly to beneficiaries.
Register today at https://www.robinhoodsvds.com/donate
Thank you for your support!
Walk, Run or Roll For A Great Cause
09.01.24
by Lynn DiCerbo, Chair, 2024 Turkey Trot Fundraiser
This is my second year as Chair of the VDS 5K Turkey Trot sponsored by the Robin Hoods—and it’s also the 5th Anniversary of the event!
Last year’s Turkey Trot was a big success: we raised $3,780 in donations to benefit two local charities: the Campaign Against Human Trafficking. Southshore, and the Sun City Center Emergency Squad.
This year, the Turkey Trot will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9th with an 8am start time from the clubhouse parking lot. The same two charities are recipients of the funds we raise through your participation and generous donations. (Watch for my future blog on these two great organizations).
I hope we can surpass last year’s total by having even more people involved. The Turkey Trot is a great place to meet up with your fellow VDS residents and neighbors, get some exercise and fresh air, and enjoy post-race refreshments afterwards. Plus, you’ll feel good about helping out these worthy causes.
Walk, Run or Roll in the 'Hood'
As in years past, you have the option of walking, biking, or rolling (mobility scooters) through the neighborhoods of VDS. If you're planning on riding an E bike, it does need to be set to manual mode. Did I mention that VDS residents with the best times in each category will receive special recognition?
One-Stop Shopping Online
For your convenience, new this year is the option of registering online for the event on the Robin Hoods website. Once there, you can also make the Entry Fee donation ($25 pp)—and if you want to just make a donation to the event, you can do that, too.
5th Anniversary T-Shirts
This year, you can also purchase Commemorative 5th Anniversary T-shirts ($25) that you can proudly wear during the race, around VDS, and out in the public where others can learn of our incredibly charitable spirit in this great community. This year’s Turkey Trot logo featured on the front of the shirt was designed by our own VDS’er Cheryl Lesko.
Register/Pay Entry Fees More Traditional Way
If you’d rather register and pay ‘Old School,’ you can download and print the registration form from the website and paper forms will also be available to fill out.
We will also accept checks and money orders that can be dropped off in the Robin Hoods mailbox in the clubhouse next to the Arts & Crafts room. We prefer that you use the online site, but we’re always happy to accommodate those of you who still like old-fashioned pen and paper.
Sign Up Events at Clubhouse – Discounted T-Shirts & Raffle
There will be two sign-up events at the cabana next to the Bistro bar on Friday September 13th between 3 pm and 5 pm, and again on Friday, October 11th during the same timeframe.
Besides offering a discount on the T-shirts during these events, we will be raffling off two free T-shirts just for registering! The winners will be selected by a raffle drawing after 5 pm on October 11. You don’t have to be present to win.
Note that T-Shirts must be pre-ordered, so if you win the raffle, you’ll get reimbursed the cost of the shirts after you’ve placed your order.
More information about the Turkey Trot is coming soon… Stay tuned!
Get Started Now! Register, pay donation entry fees, purchase commemorative T-shirts online: https://www.robinhoodsvds.com/donate
From the Vice President:
Robin Hoods' Seeking New Members: Join Us!
08.08.24
by Mike Willmore, Vice President, The Robin Hoods of VDS
I’ve been a member of The Robin Hoods since moving to Valencia Del Sol in October 2021. As a recent retiree after over 38 years in the Oil & Gas industry, a portion of which was with a gas utility, I learned the importance of sharing with neighbors that might not be as fortunate as I was.
Becoming involved with The Robin Hoods offered an opportunity to work with surrounding community organizations that support those most in need, whether its basic needs of food, shelter, personal hygiene, clothing or raising awareness of human trafficking that occurs in southern Hillsborough County.
The Robin Hoods currently conducts five charity campaigns each year: Clean Your Closet (clothing drive), a School Supply Drive, Food Drive, the Turkey Trot (a great social event where you can walk, run or roll thru Valencia Del Sol for great causes) and a Christmas Toy Drive. More information regarding the Turkey Trot and the Toy Drive will be coming soon.
The support of the Valencia Del Sol community since the inception of The Robin Hoods over five years ago has been overwhelming.
Now that the VDS buildout has been completed, The Robin Hoods would like to engage more volunteers willing to lead or help with our projects. Having chaired the Turkey Trot in 2022, I can attest to the great feeling you get when helping out the local community.
Join Our Merry Band!
Interested? We need you! Please join us at our monthly meeting every 2nd Tuesday at 7PM in the Arts & Crafts room at the clubhouse.
Have questions in the meantime? Please reach out to me via the information provided on the Contact Us/Get Involved page.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Welcome to Joan's 2024 Food Drive Blogs
Wrap Up: Making a World of Difference to a Migrant Community
07.11.24
by Joan Ryan Canu, Drive Chairperson
Week Two: Our Extraordinary Community
06.27.24
Our 2024 Food Drive concluded yesterday and was a resounding success! We delivered four carloads of food items and more in online donations.
I wanted to share an observation with everyone to help us understand how this drive affects the migrant community.
I arrived at the Church grounds at 7:45 a.m. and was warmly greeted by Pastor Cornelio Arellano. He explained his wife, Cecelia, had to head home as she forgot her allergy medication and wasn't well. As I had not met the Pastor yet, I was glad for the opportunity to talk with him.
The Pastor grabbed my hand and said, "Let me show you what the generosity of your community has provided our community."
Cars, which began lining up at 6:30 a.m. had snaked through the street and onto the parking lot. The crowd of young women and children were moving from table to table pointing to what they needed and having it packed and put into their cars by Lord’s Lighthouse volunteers.
Pastor Arellano explained that I was fortunate to come on a week where they were able to distribute rice, beans and cooking oil. "We can only do that every other week because these are expensive items, and now we have extra because of you," he explained.
He walked me back to my car, gave me a hug and said, "I don't know where to begin thanking the people of Valencia del Sol. Their generosity has made a world of difference here. Please tell everyone how deeply grateful we are. Words cannot express our gratitude."
I drove away thinking about how blessed I am to have met this extraordinary couple. Their lives are completely and tirelessly devoted to the Wimauma migrant community and they do this with full hearts and kindness.
So--thank you -- all of you -- for your generosity. It makes a huge difference in lives that most need it.
Signing off ‘til next year...
By Joan Ryan-Canu
We have concluded the second week of this year's Food Drive. Your generosity with all the Robin Hood drives has me convinced of just how extraordinary our community is.
I made the second delivery of food items this past Tuesday and the food collection bin is nearly full again.
Also, we have received monetary donations that will allow us to present The Lord's Lighthouse with a check ensuring their storage facility is well stocked after the Food Drive concludes on July 10th. They are so very thankful for all Valencia Del Sol does for them.
I am also grateful beyond words for your caring, your generosity and support in all we do for the Wimauma migrant community.
Thank you!
Ever Wondered: Where Does It All Come From?
06.10.24
By Joan Ryan-Canu
Every day we are blessed to enjoy our meals without concern -- with the exception of what our doctors are lecturing us about.
As we enjoy this bounty, do we ever take the time to wonder where it all comes from and consider the thousands of migrant workers who harvest the fruits and vegetables available to us.
Living in Wimauma, we should all be familiar with its history as a home for migrant farmers and their families. They live in the camps surrounded by new developments of luxury homes and apartments. And while we benefit from their labor, their level of poverty often finds them and their families struggling to afford food. How ironic that those who ensure we have enough to eat find themselves hungry.
The effects of a poor diet on children is well documented. Schools provide these children with nutritional breakfasts and lunches but with school out for the summer, that safety net disappears - and that is where the Valencia Del Sol Food Drive comes to the rescue.
Your donations of canned and dried foods can provide these children with the necessary meals to get them through the summer.
We will be gathering non-perishable foods in a box located in the club house from June 10 -- July 10 which will benefit The Lord’s Lighthouse, the charitable organization that administers the program.
You can view the list of food items being requested by visiting https://www.robinhoodsvds.com/food-drive
If you are traveling and/or are a Snow Bird, you can still participate by donating securely online and we'll buy the food for you. Visit: https://www.robinhoodsvds.com/donate
The Robin Hoods deeply appreciate your generosity and all you do for the Wimauma migrant community.
Welcome to Judy's 2024 SchoolSupplyDrive Blog
Helping Children Be More Successful In School
04.01.24
I’m Judy Walker, chair of the 2024 School Supply Drive to benefit Wimauma Elementary School along with two very able assistants, Karen Hinderer and Eleanor Morel. The drive is being held April 1-20.
In terms of background, I’m a retired elementary teacher/reading specialist from Pennsylvania with a strong interest in helping students achieve, especially in my community.
This is my third year asking for your support for this local school’s most needy. Of its 569 students, 93% of Wimauma Elementary’s student population is eligible for free and reduced lunch. Many children belong to migrant families. Some are homeless.
By purchasing and donating items on the list, together we can make a positive difference by helping children start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Walmart, Dollar tree, and Amazon are good sources for shopping. Buying in bulk, of course, gets more for your money.
Just drop the items off in the donation box at the VDS Clubhouse.
Cash Donations Needed Too!
If you prefer (or are traveling), donating cash will buy the most needy school uniforms and shoes. You can do this securely online at www.robinhoodsvds.com/donate
Your donations also help teachers by providing them with the proper tools for their classrooms so they don’t have to spend money from their own pockets (most do!).
2023 A Great Success!
In 2023, Valencia Del Sol residents and staff donated approximately 1,000 school supply items and $700 in cash.
Please help us again to supply these deserving children. They are far more appreciative than you can imagine.
Thank you! Judy
2024 School Supply items requested: composition books, folders, 2-ring binders, spiral notebooks, #2 pencils, erasers, sharpeners, Crayola crayons, scissors, glue sticks, highlighters.
Other needed items: new shoes, socks, hoodies and undies (children ages 5-10).
Place items in the donation box in the clubhouse lobby between April 1-20, 2024.
Cash donations also needed! All cash donations will be used to purchase school uniforms and shoes. Donate securely on-line at https://www.robinhoodsvds.com/donate
Welcome to Joans2023ToyDrive Blog!
Hello All! This is my 2nd year chairing the Christmas Toy Drive sponsored by the Robin Hoods of VDS, a 501c3 charity focused on helping improve the quality of life for the local community's most underserved. The 2023 Drive ran Nov. 15th to Dec. 10th and below are my blogs about the project.
The 2023 Christmas Toy Drive: A Tremendous Success
12.22.23
It is with a profound sense of gratitude that I write my final 2023 Christmas Toy Drive blog.
In sum, the VDS community came out in full force to support the toy drive: more than 200 children from the Lord’s Lighthouse will have a joyful Christmas thanks, in no small part, to your generous hearts.
Notably, we doubled the number of children we served from last year. Out of 213 hearts on the Angel Tree, residents picked 193. The hearts that remained, I was able to purchase additional gifts with some very generous online donations and checks.
And we’re happy to report every child who asked for a bike, received one.
Takes A Village
I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to the Toy Drive committee members Cheryl Lesko and Ronni Rubenstein for their invaluable assistance, especially in the last week of the drive.
And a special shout out to the VDS residents who came to our wrapping party including Lentyn and Bill Earle who generously donated the gift wrap. The gifts looked beautiful.
Lord’s Lighthouse Overwhelmed
The Lord’s Lighthouse was overwhelmed by your generosity -- as was I. But I wasn’t surprised by it; for no matter what the cause, Valencia Del Sol rises to the occasion every time. I am very proud to be part of such a loving, caring community.
While I will be passing the baton to a new Chairperson next year, the committee would be interested in any feedback or suggestions for the 2024 Toy Drive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your comments at ryancanuj@gmail.com.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making our Christmas Toy Drive an enormous success! Be sure to pat yourselves on the back -- and remember all those smiling young faces on Christmas morning.
Joan Ryan-Canu
One VDS Couple's Passion: The Lord's Lighthouse Ministry
11.30.23
Some VDS residents have asked how The Lord’s Lighthouse of Wimauma was chosen as the beneficiary of this year’s Christmas Toy Drive.
To answer that, I would like to introduce you to Lentyn and Bill Earle, VDS residents and Board members of The Lord’s Lighthouse, a local 501c3 charity.
Bill recently explained how he became involved with The Lord’s Lighthouse and as is sometimes the case, it was purely by chance.
In 2018, Bill’s mom was upset by seeing news footage of the plight of young migrant children. She asked Bill to find a reputable charity where she could donate money to help these children.
Bill researched numerous local organizations, but couldn’t find one focused on caring for this specific population. Sadly, Bill’s parents passed away shortly thereafter, leaving him in search of a charity to fulfill his mom’s wish.
Then, one day that same year, fate lent a hand. Bill had stopped at the Wimauma Post Office when he spied a long line of women and children patiently waiting….for what, he wasn’t sure, but he wanted to know why.
Fate Lent A Hand
As Bill was watching the group, he was approached by Pastor Carnelio who kindly asked if he was hungry and could help him. Surprised, Bill quickly responded “No, but I think I might be able to help you.”
The Pastor then explained they were doing a food distribution to local migrant families and did so on a weekly basis—a mission that continues today.
Pastor Cornelio described how scores of local families depended on the Lord’s Lighthouse for staples like rice, beans and milk.
And just like that, Bill found the perfect charity for his mom’s donation-- and a new chapter in Bill and Lentyn’s lives began. Over time, the couple became very involved with The Lord’s Lighthouse as volunteers and in increasing leadership roles.
Toy Drive In Need of Sponsor
For years, McDill AFB was the major sponsor of the Toy Drive, however, the Lighthouse’s contact there retired and the ministry was in limbo.
The Earle’s began to search for ways to raise money for a toy drive. But as Pastor Cornelio's wife Cecilia reminded Lentyn, “Don’t worry, something will come up.”
That ‘something’ was the Robin Hoods of Valencia Del Sol. After hearing a presentation by Bill and meeting Cecilia, we knew that, as a club focused on improving the quality of life in the community, we had found the perfect beneficiary of our annual holiday toy drive.
It’s All About the Kids
Above all, the Toy Drive is about the kids. For these children--who have nothing and ask for nothing--the little things they may receive at Christmas brings tremendous joy.
So, if you haven’t done so, please stop by our Angel Tree at the Clubhouse and find a heart that tugs at your own. Or donate securely on line at www.robinhoodsvds.com/donate and we’ll purchase a gift for you.
In your mind, picture a beautiful smile on the face of a little boy or girl and know that smile is there because of YOU.
Until next time, see you around the neighborhood!!
How Much Should I Spend On A Gift?
11.27.23
The question I hear most often during the Christmas Toy Drive is “How much should we spend?”.
The generosity of the VDS community is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in decades of fundraising -- but we’re all dealing with rising prices and fixed incomes. So, the answer to the question will always be “Spend what you can afford.”
Well then, you say, besides clothes, shoes and other moderately priced gifts, I also see more pricy wishes on the tree with items like bikes, tablets and computer games…things children who don’t have much, but would really like, if they were asked.
So, the next question is “I’d like to get a child something special, but how can I make the most of what I have to spend?”
I don’t need to tell you, holidays are an expensive time of year … travel, gifts, holiday dinners -- we dig into our pockets a bit deeper every year.
Yet, our generous hearts want to contribute so that a far less fortunate child can be excited on Christmas morning. Swinging it all takes a good deal of thought and a little holiday magic.
Creative ways to stay on budget
There are a few ways to stay on budget and still contribute. Walmart and Target can be great choices but thrift shops, like the Goodwill Superstore on Big Bend Road in Riverview, and web sites like E-Bay and Amazon should not be overlooked. They can be an excellent source to purchase gently used toys, bikes and clothing plus refurbished tablets, computer games and other electronics.
I want to thank you for all you do for the Wimauma migrant community. The joy you bring to these children warms the hearts of us all!
Until next time, see you around the neighborhood!
A Very Special Project for Some Really Great Kids
11.19.23
This is a very special project for our club--and the VDS community. The gifts we collect are donated directly to the children of migrant farmworker families in Wimauma through the Lord's Lighthouse charity.
I can tell you first hand that these gifts can mean the world to a child, particularly at Christmas.
In 2022, more than 100 children had their wishes fulfilled thanks to all who participated in the Holiday Toy Drive.
The look of joy and wonder on their faces at the Party we hosted to distribute the toys was a gift I will never forget. And the smiles of their grateful parents are forever etched in my mind.
Even Greater Need This Year
Sadly, the need is even greater this year as we have 210 gift tags on the tree--twice as many requests for toys as last time.
There is a lovely Christmas Tree in the VDS Clubhouse decorated with the gift tags of hopeful children ages newborn to teenagers. So please, open your hearts, take a tag(s) off the tree and place the unwrapped gifts in the collection box. Be sure to tape the tag to the gift so we know which family it goes to.
If you prefer to donate cash, we appreciate that too as we will buy gifts for tags left on the tree. To do that, drop a check in the Robin Hoods mail box near the Arts & Crafts room in the clubhouse.
You can also donate securely by credit or debit card on our website: click here
I’ll be updating you regularly on the status of the drive on my blog, so stay tuned.
Until next time, see you around the neighborhood!
Contact
If you need help getting a heart, delivering a gift to the Clubhouse, or have a question, please send me a note.