Light Orlando’s Volunteer Experience (L.O.V.E) Week, launched in 2023, continued its mission in 2025, bringing people together through community service. This inspiring week allowed participants to experience the joy of giving while creating ripples of kindness and connection. From February 10th to 15th, volunteers dedicated their time and energy to various impactful projects, with an additional bonus event on February 22nd. If you were out and about in Central Florida, you may have spotted some of the hundreds of volunteers proudly wearing pink L.O.V.E Week shirts as they served throughout the community—each one a symbol of hope, kindness, unity, and LOVE. Here’s a look back at the highlights of this year’s L.O.V.E Week:
Monday, February 10: Salvation Army Senior Prom
In partnership with The Salvation Army: Orlando Area Command, the week began with a heartwarming Valentine’s Day-themed prom for senior citizens. Volunteers set up decorations, served refreshments, danced, and shared meaningful moments with attendees before wrapping up the evening with cleanup.
Tuesday, February 11: Playground Refurbishment
In collaboration with One Heart for Women and Children, volunteers worked to rejuvenate the playground at STEPS, creating a safer, more welcoming space for children and mothers. They removed old equipment, installed new play structures, and enhanced the area’s overall appearance.
Wednesday, February 12: A Day of Compassion and Beautification
Morning Project: Light Orlando Compassionate Service Project
At the Light Orlando offices, volunteers came together to create comforting items for families and patients in local AdventHealth hospitals. Each participant received a special pink L.O.V.E Week volunteer shirt as a token of appreciation.
Afternoon Project: Edgewood Children’s Ranch Beautification
Later in the day, volunteers helped revitalize Edgewood Children’s Ranch by clearing debris, preparing soil for the Hope Farm, painting facilities, and assisting with meal prep for residents.
Thursday, February 13: Serving Love with Food and Fitness
Morning Project: Lunches for the Homeless & Free Zumba Class
The morning began with an energizing free Zumba class complements of Zumba Orlando, followed by preparing and distributing lunches for our partners at Christian Service Center.
Afternoon Project: Washington Shores Community Clean-Up
In the afternoon, volunteers, including students from the local Frontline Outreach Program, took to the streets of Washington Shores to participate in a cleanup effort, collecting debris and assisting with proper disposal to improve the community’s environment.
Friday, February 14: Valentine’s Day Flower Distribution
Partnering with Eight Waves, volunteers arranged and delivered Valentine’s Day flowers to community members around the West Orange Dream Center, spreading love and brightening the holiday for many.
Saturday, February 15: Orlando Union Rescue Mission Lake Day
Light Orlando, in partnership with the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, hosted a fun-filled lake day and BBQ for families. Volunteers oversaw games, assisted with cooking, and enjoyed meaningful time with residents. Among these volunteers were student members of the Future Leaders United Organization, an After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program, founded nearly ten years ago in 2015 at Maynard Evans High School in Orlando, Florida.
Bonus L.O.V.E Week Event – Saturday, February 22: Annual Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build
The final event of L.O.V.E Week brought volunteers together for a 60-bed build with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Equipped with willing hearts and closed-toed shoes, volunteers assembled, sanded, and finished wooden beds to provide children in need with a place to sleep.
This event was made even more special by the visit of Elder Edward Dube, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a leader who assists members of the Twelve Apostles in overseeing the North America Southeast Area, his presence brought added inspiration to the volunteers working to serve the community. Elder Dube, who has dedicated years of service in various leadership roles worldwide—including as a full-time missionary, mission president, and Area Seventy—expressed his appreciation for the spirit of unity and generosity demonstrated throughout the event.
Elder Dube's visit underscored the power of coming together to uplift those in need.
L.O.V.E Week 2025 was a powerful testament to the impact of community service. Whether it was dancing with seniors, revitalizing children’s spaces, or spreading kindness through flowers, every effort made a difference. Light Orlando extends heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in making this week a success. Together, we turned love into action!
To view the L.O.V.E. week gallery, click here.
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