Volunteer Inspired to Help Children and the Elderly

What would our community be like without the people who are willing to go out of their way to help others in need? Thankfully, there are many caring individuals like United Way of Central Florida volunteer John Freer, whose compassion and leadership are making a difference locally.

John is a lifelong resident of Lakeland and an employee at JBT FoodTech. He has been married to his wife, Belinda, for 31 years, and the couple have a son, Chris, and one grandson, Kyle. From his days as a Boy Scout in the 1960s on to today, John has always enjoyed helping others.

“There are people less fortunate out there who need a lot of help,” he said. "I wanted to do what I could to improve their lives.”

In 1995, John became involved with the United Way through a Day of Caring project at an elderly community. He participated in painting, landscaping, and building handicap access ramps. In 2002, John took part in a Day of Caring project at Camp Fire USA, a not-for-profit youth development organization. Since 2004, he has served on the Board of Directors for Camp Fire USA.

In 2011, John was a member of the United Way organizing committee that helped Enterprise Community Services, a nonprofit housing counseling agency, relocate to a lower cost facility. He also built book cases for their office and assisted with other facility improvements.

"Seeing an elderly person or child smiling in happiness or shedding tears of gratitude is the gift we get for caring for them," said John.

United Way is creating opportunities for a better life with help from men and women such as John Freer. For more information on how to volunteer, please see our Volunteer calendar or contact Penny Borgia at 863-648-1500 ext. 275 or via email at penny.borgia@uwcf.org.