by Today’s Senior America Publications

Contributed by CareFest 

Two weeks ago, we shared how CareFest is celebrating 25 years of helping homeowners throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. This week, we’d like to share the story of one homeowner whose life was changed through the kindness of local volunteers. In 2023, Ms. Sherry contacted CareFest seeking help with two chal-lenges she could no longer manage on her own—her overgrown yard and the need to paint her home.

A widow living with her son, granddaughter, and great-granddaugh-ter, Ms. Sherry had done her best to maintain the property, but the work had become overwhelming. Like many homeowners who con-tact CareFest, she simply did not have the physical ability or financial resources to tackle the project herself.

After her application was approved, Ms. Sherry was hopeful when her project was adopted by a volunteer group. Unfortunately, circum-stances prevented the group from completing the work. Later, a sec-ond group adopted the project, but they also had to withdraw before the work could begin.

For many homeowners, two disappointments would have been enough to lose hope. Yet Ms. Sherry’s project remained listed on the CareFest website while volunteers continued searching for a group willing to help.

That opportunity arrived this summer.
The Military Vet Team with LPT Realty was looking for a project to serve, and CareFest Coordinator Luke Bernard immediately thought of Ms. Sherry. Team leader Alexandra visited the property to assess the needs and quickly realized this would be a significant undertak-ing. Before the home could be painted, years of overgrowth and ac-cumulated debris would need to be cleared away.
The team estimated it would take approximately ten volunteers work-ing six hours to restore the property.
Rather than walk away from the challenge, the Military Vet Team and LPT Realty committed to helping. They decided to divide the work into two projects—yard restoration in June and exterior painting in August.

In June, volunteers spent the entire day trimming overgrowth, clear-ing brush, removing debris, and hauling truckloads of waste away. What seemed like an overwhelming task became manageable through teamwork and a shared desire to serve.
For Ms. Sherry and her family, the transformation was about more than a cleaner yard. It was a reminder that people in their community cared enough to give their time and energy to help a neighbor in need. Stories like Ms. Sherry’s are why CareFest exists.

If you are an elderly homeowner, veteran, individual with a disability, single parent, or someone

facing financial hardship who needs minor home repairs, CareFest may be able to help.

To learn more or begin the application process, contact CareFest Coordinator Luke Bernard at

Somebody Cares Tampa Bay by calling

727-536-2273, ext. 106.

Sometimes hope arrives with a paintbrush, a rake, and a group of volunteers willing to serve.