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   As we look to 2019 and the challenges our communities face, it is important to start thinking about how community service not only benefits the individual who’s giving back, but the community as a whole. This week, the Y celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and encourages community members to honor Dr. King’s legacy by not only giving back and supporting our neighbors, but by reflecting on how each act of community service is a small part of a larger movement to make things better.   Tampa Bay needs volunteers. The less people volunteer the more underserved children, families and adults don’t get the help they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives. One of the newest volunteer initiatives is the South Tampa Family Y’s Togetherhood® program. It connects people from all backgrounds to plan and carry out volunteer projects, unrelated to the Y, that address a real community need.   Recently, more than 40 volunteers spent a Saturday beautifying Chiaramonte Elementary School before students returned from the winter holidays. “I really enjoy being a part of the Togetherhood project because it makes me feel good to know that it’s not all about me and I’m giving back to the community,” says 13-year-old Molly Keith. “The 5-year-olds helping with the mulching probably don’t understand the impact they’re having, but it’s really big.”   The Tampa Y also relies on volunteers to do everything from providing Veggie Van produce to families living in food deserts to tutoring kids in the YMCA READS! afterschool program. Y volunteers also coach and inspire young athletes, raise campaign dollars and serve on boards across Ys in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties. We’re grateful for each one of our Y volunteers and invite you to find a Y volunteer opportunity meaningful to you in 2019.  
  Pictured above: Click the video above to see how the South Tampa Y’s Togetherhood™ Committee brings volunteers together outside the walls of the YMCA.