Not all RVers drive into the Keys, stay and then exit. Some come to make a difference and plan ahead to be involved in visiting communities.
Malinda Blakely and her family’s initiative last month to volunteer in the SOS (Star of the Sea) Food Pantry at St. Justin’s Catholic Church in Key Largo is one example. Not only did the Blakely family contribute to the pantry, but they also brought a positive and inspiring atmosphere with their travel stories, building connections and sharing experiences within the community.
The Blakelys are part of the seRV group, which connects RVers to each other and nonprofit organizations. Bringing not just their time and effort, the Blakelys also carried valuable insights from their experiences working with other food pantries. Collaborative efforts and shared ideas like this can lead to positive enhancements at local food pantries like the one in Key Largo. Utilizing RV parks to share information and reach potential volunteers as a way to expand outreach for assistance is one example.
The RV lifestyle, combined with the homeschooling, provides children with a unique and enriching social experience. The SOS Food Pantry witnessed the children within these families sharing a thirst for interacting and volunteerism. They also had an appetite for pizza from Upper Crust Pizzeria.
Exploring short-term opportunities with visitors is a creative solution to address staffing challenges. Establishing connections and reaching out in advance can be key to securing the assistance needed for business in the Keys. It’s a strategic approach to leverage the influx of short-term visitors who are willing to contribute to the local community.
