Celebrating our Employee Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
As we kick off National Volunteer Month, it's time to spotlight our employees’ incredible generosity. From teaching literacy at local community centers to coaching youth sports teams, our employees are making a real difference in the lives of others. Let's take a moment to celebrate their passion for giving back and their impact on our communities.
Josh McCarty
Josh McCarty is our Compost Site Supervisor who loves sports and spends his free time volunteering for various youth sports programs including soccer and flag football. Josh got his start as a coach in Nebraska. His experience going to coaching camps and conventions at the club level inspired him to get involved at the youth level.
“I help my children’s flag football coach and other sports, and that led me to start coaching other kids in the neighborhood,” said Josh. “I try to help out as much as I can in sports whenever I have time. As a kid, I played soccer, baseball, football and basketball – about everything I could play.”
Josh’s biggest joy is seeing kids overcome obstacles, learn to solve problems and gain a sense of pride in themselves and their accomplishments. His coaching philosophy is that there are no obstacles, only opportunities.
Maricela Torres
Legal Executive Assistant Maricela Torres is passionate about literacy and helping others. These passions led her to co-found the Esperanza Community Center located in the Northwood area of the City of West Palm Beach. The Center is dedicated to encouraging day laborers and families, offering programs and services to all in the area seeking assistance. She both runs the center and volunteers her time to teach adult literacy classes.
As a child, Maricela saw firsthand the importance of literacy.
“For me, adult literacy is very important,” said Maricela. “My own father was illiterate. He never learned how to read or write. He didn’t have the opportunity to go to school when he was a kid. When I was a kid, I saw my mother working two jobs and enrolled in literacy classes so she would be ready to take the written test to become a citizen and gain better employment. I am motivated because there’s still a need in the community for these services.”
The City of West Palm Beach has recognized Maricela for her leadership and contributions through the Esperanza Community Center. She constantly encourages others to get involved by volunteering where they are passionate.
Nate Smith
Nate Smith is a Safety Tech and Occupational Health Nurse at Okeelanta during the week, but during his free time, he is the Director of Blazing Glory Youth Track Club.
"My team of coaches and I volunteer to train and prepare youth from ages five to 18 to compete in track and field here in Palm Beach County and the surrounding counties," said Nate.
The organization’s mission is focused in Palm Beach County but extends beyond state lines to surrounding counties and reaching events like the Junior Olympics. Alongside track and field training, Nate teaches a youth bible study within the community.
“It's my heartfelt commitment to give back to youth, mirroring the support I received growing up in this very community,” said Nate. “As we inspire and empower our youth, we sow the seeds for a brighter future together.”
Nate's work cultivating both athletic and spiritual growth in youth in his community underscores his commitment to investing in the next generation. Through Blazing Glory Youth Track Club, he shapes athletes and nurtures character and resilience.