Florida Power & Light Company says 40% of Brevard County nonprofits report needing more volunteers to meet current demand. The figure comes from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and underscores a challenge facing organizations across the Space Coast. Second Harvest Food Bank, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Brevard, and other groups rely on consistent volunteer help to keep programs running. Without steady support, some services risk falling short for families in need.
The utility company has partnered with local nonprofits for years, providing manpower during food distributions, youth events, and disaster recovery efforts. Employees often show up on weekends and holidays, filling gaps when regular volunteers are unavailable. "Our volunteers aren’t just showing up once," said a Florida Power & Light spokesperson. "They’re there every week, sometimes every day." This reliability helps food banks stretch donations further and allows youth programs to maintain staff ratios required by state law.
Second Harvest Food Bank alone distributed 12 million meals in Brevard County last year. Its director estimates 2,000 hours of volunteer work go into each meal. "We can’t do this without people stepping up," the director said. "When volunteers commit to showing up month after month, it makes all the difference." The food bank currently needs 50 more regular volunteers to handle increased demand from households facing rising costs.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Brevard faces similar challenges. With 1,200 children enrolled in after-school programs, the club depends on volunteers to assist with homework, sports, and mentorship. A recent survey found 30% of club staff spend 10 or more hours weekly on tasks that could be handled by volunteers. "We’re not asking for heroes," a program manager said. "Just people who can commit to two or three hours a month." The club is targeting 100 new volunteers by summer.
Florida Power & Light’s own volunteer program has grown 25% since 2022. Employees logged 15,000 service hours in 2025 alone, spread across 200 local organizations. The company plans to expand its partnerships in 2026, focusing on nonprofits serving low-income families and elderly residents. "When volunteers show up year-round," the spokesperson said, "it’s not just about helping today. It’s about building something that lasts."