Hey there! I’m Otis Taylor. If we haven’t met yet around Clermont or out at a Lake County community event, I want to personally welcome you to our corner of the internet.
I’m the founder and CEO of the Give A Day Foundation, but more importantly, I’m your neighbor. I know life gets busy. We all have jobs, families, and a never-ending to-do list. But I also know that so many of you have a huge heart for this community and just aren’t sure where to start when it comes to giving back. That’s exactly why I started this foundation.
Our mission is simple: We connect people who want to give back with the neighbors and nonprofits that need a helping hand.
From Chicago to Clermont: How It All Started
I didn’t always run a non-profit. I moved to Florida from Chicago back in 1989. For a long time, I was just living my life, doing my thing, and enjoying everything Lake County has to offer. But in 2011, everything changed for me.
My mother-in-law became seriously ill and was bedridden. Suddenly, I found myself as a full-time caregiver. It was a tough season, but it opened my eyes in a way I never expected. I realized how many seniors in our community were struggling without a support system. I saw the gaps: the little things that fall through the cracks like yard work, grocery shopping, or just having someone to talk to.
I felt a calling to do more. I realized that if I was struggling to manage everything, others must be too. So, in November 2011, I officially registered the Give A Day Foundation as a 501(c)3. I didn't want a salary; I just wanted to build a bridge between the people who have a little time to give and the people who desperately need it.
Bridging the Gap in Lake County
We often think that "charity" has to be this massive, world-changing event. But in reality, community is built in the small moments.
Clermont and Lake County are growing fast. With that growth comes a lot of beauty, but it also means our local nonprofits are stretched thin. On one side, you have amazing organizations doing the work. On the other side, you have people: maybe like you: who say, "I want to help, but I don’t have 40 hours a week to commit."
Give A Day Foundation is the middleman. We are the hub. We take the guesswork out of volunteering. Whether you’re a student looking for service hours, a retiree with skills to share, or a busy professional who can only spare one Saturday a month, we find the right fit for you.
Our Core Programs: Where You Can Make an Impact
We focus on a few key areas where we know we can move the needle right here in our backyard.
1. Assist at Home Program
Our seniors are the backbone of our community, but many of them want to stay in their homes as they age. Sometimes, all they need to stay independent is a little help.
- Yard Work: A overgrown lawn can lead to city fines or safety hazards. A few hours of your time can change a senior's entire week.
- Everyday Tasks: Helping with groceries, light cleaning, or even just sitting down for a cup of coffee.
- Independence: Our goal is to help them live with dignity in the place they love.
2. Champion Circle
I am incredibly passionate about our youth. The Champion Circle is our program focused on mentoring young men.
- Role Models: Many young guys just need a positive male figure to look up to: someone to talk to about life, career goals, and character.
- The Movement: We aren’t just "hanging out." We are building the next generation of leaders in Lake County.
- Impact: When a young man has a mentor, his chances of succeeding in school and staying out of trouble skyrocket. It’s that simple.
Why Just "Give A Day"?
People often ask me, "Otis, why the name?"
It’s because the idea of "volunteering forever" is intimidating. But anyone can give a day. You can give a Saturday morning to help clear a trail. You can give an afternoon to mentor a student. You can give a few hours to help a senior fix a leaky faucet.
When we all give just one day, the collective impact is staggering. We’ve seen it happen time and time again. From animal rescues to food banks and arts programs, we’ve partnered with so many great local names like South Lake and the Community Foundation of the South Lake to make sure our neighbors are taken care of.
It’s Easier Than You Think to Get Started
I’ve worked hard to make sure there isn't a mountain of paperwork standing between you and helping someone. We want the process to be as friendly and welcoming as a neighborhood BBQ.
Here is how you can jump in right now:
- Visit our website: Head over to giveadayfoundation.org and look at the "Volunteer" section.
- Pick your passion: Do you love working with kids? Seniors? Animals? We have a spot for you.
- Show up: That’s the most important part. Just show up with a smile and a willingness to help.
- Spread the word: Tell your friends, your church group, or your coworkers. Everything we do is powered by word-of-mouth.
If you aren't in a position to volunteer your time right now, that's okay! We are a self-funded model, and I take no salary because I want every bit of support to go back into the community. If you’d like to support our mission financially, you can do so through our donation form. Every little bit helps us buy supplies for our Assist at Home projects and keep our youth programs running.
A Message to Our Local Partners
We are so proud to work with local businesses and organizations that believe in Clermont as much as we do. Whether it’s Publix, The Home Depot, or Lowe's, these partnerships allow us to get the tools and resources we need to serve our seniors.
If you run a business in Lake County and want to get your team involved in a service project, reach out! There is no better team-building exercise than rolling up your sleeves and helping a neighbor in need. It builds morale and shows your customers that you actually care about the community that supports you.
What’s Next for Give A Day?
We are always looking for new ways to serve. We’ve been honored with awards like the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Ambassador of the Year, but the real reward is seeing the look on a senior's face when their yard is finally clean, or seeing a young man in the Champion Circle graduate high school.
We’re expanding our reach, looking for more "Everyday Heroes" to join the movement. We want the Give A Day Foundation logo to be a symbol of hope in Clermont: a sign that if you’re in trouble, your community has your back.
Join the Movement
I want to invite you personally to be a part of this. You don’t need a special degree. You don’t need a lot of money. You just need a heart for people.
Whether you want to help a senior through our Assist at Home program or mentor a young man in our Champion Circle, there is a place for you here.
Lake County is a beautiful place to live, but it’s the people who make it a home. Let’s work together to make sure no one in our community feels forgotten.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for considering joining our mission. It’s because of people like you that we can keep doing what we do.
It’s just that simple: Give a day, change a life.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." : Mahatma Gandhi
I’ll see you out there in the community!
Best,
Otis Taylor
Founder & CEO, Give A Day Foundation
