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CASS Cares is bringing Polk County neighbors together to meet practical needs: creating work opportunities for veterans, helping residents care for their homes, distributing food, and responding when a veteran faces an emergency. CASS Cares is introducing its partnership with Fitzgerald Handyman Services and Unified Initiatives Lawn Care. Together, their lawn care, property maintenance, and handyman services support the community while advancing a “veterans hiring veterans” vision. Residents and businesses can request a free service estimate at (863) 500-0813. A recent emergency showed how much a timely response can mean. CASS Cares received a call about a 90-year-old U.S. Army veteran who had been without running water for four weeks because he could not afford repairs to his well. Fussell Well Drilling answered the call, and the veteran’s water was restored in less than eight hours. CASS Cares thanks Fussell Well Drilling for helping restore an essential service to a neighbor who served our country. CASS Cares is also collecting shelf-stable food for veterans, families, seniors, and other neighbors facing food insecurity. Donations of canned fruits and vegetables, applesauce, cereal, and canned meats may be dropped off Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at 5304 South Florida Ave., Suite 404-D, Lakeland, FL 33813. Upcoming CASS Cares events and food distributions: · October 17, 2026: Pop-Up Food Pantry Distribution, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts parking lot, in partnership with Rochelle School of the Arts. Food is available while supplies last. · November 1, 2026: Third Annual Fashion Show, 2:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts. Veterans, first responders, and law enforcement personnel may attend free with ID; RSVP is required by calling 863-600-6796. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-we-see-you-unhoused-veteran-charity-fashion-show-and-reception-sunday-november-1-2026-200-pm-rochelle-sota · November 14, 2026: Homes, Hope, & Heroes Charity Golf Scramble, Bartow Golf Course. Tee time is 8:00 a.m.; lunch is included. A team of four is $400. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cass-cares-fall-tournament--2026 · November 15, 2026: Veterans Appreciation Brunch and Program, noon–1:30 p.m., followed by the Rhythm Nation Community Gospel Concert and Veterans Recognition Ceremony at 2:00 p.m., presented with New Bethel AME Church in Lakeland. Tickets are $25 for both events and can be purchased at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-veterans-week-celebration--2026 · January 16 and February 20, 2027: Pop-Up Food Pantry Distributions, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts parking lot. Food is available while supplies last. · January 23, 2027: Runway for Heroes 5K, Winter Haven Airport tarmac. · April 17, 2027: Pop-Up Food Pantry Distribution, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts parking lot. Food is available while supplies last. “We See You” is the promise behind CASS Cares’ work. Whether someone needs water restored, food for their family, help maintaining a home, or a community that honors their service, CASS Cares invites local businesses, volunteers, and residents to take part. For food donations, event information, volunteer opportunities, or partnership inquiries, contact CASS Cares at (863) 600-6796, email contact@casscares.org, or visit www.casscares.org. Partner with our mission as a sponsor: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-14859 About CASS Cares Community Access Support Services Inc. (CASS Cares) is a Lakeland-based nonprofit serving veterans, veteran families, and neighbors in need across Polk County and Central Florida. Its work includes housing assistance, emergency support, food distribution, resource navigation, and community partnerships. Media Contact Dr. Glynnes Smith CASS Cares (863) 600-6796 contact@casscares.org www.casscares.org
CASS Cares is bringing Polk County neighbors together to meet practical needs: creating work opportunities for veterans, helping residents care for their homes, distributing food, and responding when a veteran faces an emergency.
CASS Cares is introducing its partnership with Fitzgerald Handyman Services and Unified Initiatives Lawn Care. Together, their lawn care, property maintenance, and handyman services support the community while advancing a “veterans hiring veterans” vision. Residents and businesses can request a free service estimate at (863) 500-0813.
A recent emergency showed how much a timely response can mean. CASS Cares received a call about a 90-year-old U.S. Army veteran who had been without running water for four weeks because he could not afford repairs to his well. Fussell Well Drilling answered the call, and the veteran’s water was restored in less than eight hours. CASS Cares thanks Fussell Well Drilling for helping restore an essential service to a neighbor who served our country.
CASS Cares is also collecting shelf-stable food for veterans, families, seniors, and other neighbors facing food insecurity. Donations of canned fruits and vegetables, applesauce, cereal, and canned meats may be dropped off Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at 5304 South Florida Ave., Suite 404-D, Lakeland, FL 33813.
Upcoming CASS Cares events and food distributions:
· October 17, 2026: Pop-Up Food Pantry Distribution, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts parking lot, in partnership with Rochelle School of the Arts. Food is available while supplies last.
· November 1, 2026: Third Annual Fashion Show, 2:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts. Veterans, first responders, and law enforcement personnel may attend free with ID; RSVP is required by calling 863-600-6796. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-we-see-you-unhoused-veteran-charity-fashion-show-and-reception-sunday-november-1-2026-200-pm-rochelle-sota
· November 14, 2026: Homes, Hope, & Heroes Charity Golf Scramble, Bartow Golf Course. Tee time is 8:00 a.m.; lunch is included. A team of four is $400. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cass-cares-fall-tournament--2026
· November 15, 2026: Veterans Appreciation Brunch and Program, noon–1:30 p.m., followed by the Rhythm Nation Community Gospel Concert and Veterans Recognition Ceremony at 2:00 p.m., presented with New Bethel AME Church in Lakeland. Tickets are $25 for both events and can be purchased at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-veterans-week-celebration--2026
· January 16 and February 20, 2027: Pop-Up Food Pantry Distributions, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts parking lot. Food is available while supplies last.
· January 23, 2027: Runway for Heroes 5K, Winter Haven Airport tarmac.
· April 17, 2027: Pop-Up Food Pantry Distribution, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Rochelle School of the Arts parking lot. Food is available while supplies last.
“We See You” is the promise behind CASS Cares’ work. Whether someone needs water restored, food for their family, help maintaining a home, or a community that honors their service, CASS Cares invites local businesses, volunteers, and residents to take part.
For food donations, event information, volunteer opportunities, or partnership inquiries, contact CASS Cares at (863) 600-6796, email contact@casscares.org, or visit www.casscares.org.
Partner with our mission as a sponsor: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-14859
About CASS Cares Community Access Support Services Inc. (CASS Cares) is a Lakeland-based nonprofit serving veterans, veteran families, and neighbors in need across Polk County and Central Florida. Its work includes housing assistance, emergency support, food distribution, resource navigation, and community partnerships.
Media Contact
Dr. Glynnes Smith CASS Cares (863) 600-6796 contact@casscares.org www.casscares.org