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Community Matters for FLVS Team Members Across the State

December 13, 2024

By: Kayle Gattuso, Talent Acquisition Marketing Specialist 

Community Matters for Florida Virtual School Team Members Across the State

Florida Virtual School Orange County team members participate in a food drive at Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, Florida.


One of the many things Florida Virtual School leaders attribute to its impressive 94% overall employee retention rate is the organization’s commitment to the community and to building meaningful connections across the state.

As part of that commitment, many team members volunteer their time and resources to make a difference in their local communities. Team members self-organize to participate in dozens of activities each year, including food drives, donations to animal shelters, beach clean-ups, and so much more. 

In November, 
  • 24 Orange County team members partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank. Together, they packed 850 boxes and processed 11,050 pounds of food, providing 9,208 meals for families in need.
  • Volusia County team members participated in the Volusia Basket Brigade. Collecting supplies and donating 37 boxes to the event as well as helping to deliver boxes. This year, the Volusia Basket Brigade distributed over 4,500 boxes and fed over 25,000 people a Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Two Hillsborough County team members and their families attend the “Light the Night” event fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 
  • Calhoun County team members donated books to the Jackson County Correctional Facility. 
  • Four Citrus County team members volunteered at the Citrus County Fair which provides scholarships and scholarship opportunities to Citrus County youth. 
  • Team members across St. Johns County collected items for Hugs St. Johns, a local non-profit that provides food, clothing, school supplies and toiletries to students in St. Johns County who have been identified by school counselors and community agencies as being in need.
  • Many studies have shown that volunteer programs boost productivity, increase employee engagement, and improve hiring and retention.

Volunteerism engages team members and leads them to foster a deeper connection with their community, promotes teamwork, and builds camaraderie among colleagues. These employee-led volunteer efforts are recognized as part of the FLVS Gives Back cultural initiative.

According to a 2023 “Why Workplace Volunteer Programs Matter” survey, 79% of employees who volunteer through work-sponsored programs say they are satisfied with their jobs, compared to 55% who don’t volunteer this way.

“Volunteering is a unique blend of personal fulfillment, social connection, and a sense of purpose. Knowing that my actions are making a positive impact is incredibly rewarding and brings a sense of calm and personal joy,” said Renda Miller, a teacher who volunteers to organize volunteer efforts in Orange County. 

“At FLVS, team members have the opportunity to give back to the community while forming amazing connections with colleagues, building networks, and developing friendships. Engaging in a setting outside of work also creates moments of spontaneous fun and adventure,” said Giselle McKnight, a teacher who organizes volunteer efforts in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Polk Counties.

To learn more about Florida Virtual School or to join a team that works to make a difference, visit flvs.net/careers.

About the author: Kayle Gattuso is a Talent Acquisitions Marketing Specialist for FLVS and FlexPoint, dedicated to bringing in the best team members to support the experience of our students and families. 

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