President's Mid-Year Message

by Mike Willmore, President, The Robin Hoods of VDS

The year 2026 is flying by as we enter the month of August, and I wanted to take a few moments to update you on the progress we’ve made thus far and what’s coming next.

In the first half of the year, we were able to strengthen our relationships with other VDS clubs, including the Performing Arts Cultural Entertainment Club (PACE), the Latin Culture Club and the Stitch Away Club. We thank them for their support.

The Robin Hoods and the Stitch Away Club also collaborated to provide 12 walker bags, 19 lap blankets and 10 quilts to local assisted living / memory care and hospice facilities.

We completed a successful Food Drive with VDS residents donating enough non-perishable foods to fill 12 grocery carts along with cash donations of over $1,800 for the purchase of food.

Meanwhile, the School Supply Drive is scheduled for August 3rd to 17th. This year’s beneficiary is Wimauma Elementary School where 90% of its students qualify for free or reduced cost lunches.

Identifying new recipients of our charity drives is always on our radar and the Robin Hoods evaluated three 501©3 nonprofit organizations as potential beneficiaries for the 2026 Turkey Trot 5K Fundraiser held in the fall.

These include The Hope Fund of Sun City, A Kid’s Place, and ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization). After presentations by each and a thorough evaluation, The Hope Fund was selected as the beneficiary of this year’s Turkey Trot ‘Walk, Run or Roll’ event to be held Saturday, Nov. 7th.

The Hope Fund

The Hope Fund is a 30-year-old organization serving children and families in the SouthShore area of Hillsborough County. We look forward to working with The Hope Fund team to have a successful event.

A Kid’s Place, while not selected as the Turkey Trot beneficiary, was awarded a cash donation. This non-profit organization provides a safe environment for foster children in Hillsborough County.

Echo, a highly regarded large non-profit, is a national organization providing emergency assistance for families while helping them achieve long-term stability through education, employment and financial literacy programs. While a very worthy organization, The Robin Hoods felt they did not fall under the guidelines of Robin Hoods bylaws to support organizations servicing the SouthShore community.

A yearly tradition, the Christmas Toy Drive will be held November 16-December 11. The beneficiary is the Lord’s Lighthouse Outreach Ministry of Wimauma. In 2025, over 300 children received gifts thanks to the generosity of VDS residents. Look for more information as the event date approaches.

The Robin Hoods remain focused on responsible financial management and compliance. The leadership and all volunteers have been instrumental in keeping our operations strong and mission driven.

None of this work happens alone. YOUR support, whether through time or resources, is needed to continue our mission. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the clubhouse and welcome all to become part of the team.

We thank you for helping us make a difference in the SouthShore!