OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Local healthcare workers traded in their scrubs for service gear this week, lending their time and energy to help Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala.

On April 17, 55 volunteers from HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital participated in HCA Florida Healthcare’s annual “We Show Up for Our Communities” event. Held during National Volunteer Month, the initiative reflects the organization’s broader commitment to serve the communities where its teams live and work.

Volunteers assisted across Interfaith’s campus, packing backpacks for the Food 4 Kids program, sorting donations for the thrift store, assembling hygiene kits, and organizing food items at the distribution warehouse.

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“Our mission at HCA Florida Healthcare is to care for and improve human life,” said Alan Keesee, CEO of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “On ‘We Show Up Day’…we expand that mission into the community.”

Isaiah Zirkle, CEO of HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, said the event gives their team a chance to serve beyond hospital walls. “It’s a moment for our colleagues and volunteers to come together to aid an esteemed community partner.”

Interfaith’s CEO Karla Greenway expressed deep gratitude. “Every team member here does the workload of about three people… Today was truly a gift.”

In 2024 alone, HCA Florida Healthcare volunteers statewide logged over 38,000 hours and donated nearly $1.2 million to partner organizations.

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