Tampa Republic

Classroom grandparents are receiving a back-to-school treat from the City of Tampa. The Community Engagement and Partnerships team is surprising 60 Seniors in Service volunteers with $100 worth of "Dash Dollars."

This initiative was made possible by a generous grant the city received from DoorDash, Inc. The volunteers can redeem the vouchers on DoorDash.com to purchase classroom supplies or personal items.

More than half of the voucher recipients are part of the Castor’s Classroom Companions initiative, which helps fund Seniors in Service volunteers. During the 2022-2023 school year, 99% of the 115 students served by Castor’s Classroom Companions achieved academic improvement in their language and literacy skills.

"These Dash Dollars will provide much-needed support to classroom grandparents, who dedicate their time to uplifting young learners in our most challenged schools," said Janelle McGregor, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. "Our volunteers are the heart of this program, and we’re excited to give back to those who give so much."

The city partnered with Seniors in Service to launch the Castor's Classroom Companions initiative in 2022. The initiative has expanded to include funding for 37 volunteers at 11 schools across the city.

---