While raising money for local charities is a fundamental function of the Vasari Cares Foundation, we also support volunteerism. To that end, the Vasari Cares Community Engagement Committee was created to encourage members of Vasari to get involved in volunteer activities aligned with the charities the Foundation supports. Volunteer activities can involve giving of your time, talents, and donations of goods and services. Volunteering is a great way to connect with others and helps you meet new friends. Helping neighbors and serving our communities is priceless. But nonprofit organizations really benefit from volunteers. According to Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, the national value of a volunteer hour is $33.49 per hour. Since April 2024, Vasari members have contributed more than 240 hours of volunteer time at The Harry Chapin Food Bank. That equates to more than $8,000 that Harry Chapin didn’t have to raise to support their mission to “lead our community in the fight to end hunger by providing food to those who need it most.” If you are interested in volunteering with the Harry Chapin Food Bank, we have 10 spots to fill at the Harry Chapin Naples Distribution Center where volunteers will sort and pack food between 12:00 and 3:00 pm on the following Wednesdays: March 26 th , April 23, May 21, June 18 th . To sign up to volunteer, please contact Susan Benson at sbenson8@aol.com.