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Commodores Care

Commodores Care

Have More Questions?

Jenna Brabham, Chair
850.769.1551, Ext. 3844
jbrabham@gulfcoast.edu 

volunteering to make our community better

Gulf Coast State College has a history of committing volunteer time in our service district of Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties. In August 2016, the College introduced the Commodores Care campaign to expand our volunteerism efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic stalled those efforts slightly, but we are not back and ready to roll!

Gulf Coast is committed to linking our employees and students to meaningful volunteer opportunities that support community-driven change with the added benefit of personal and professional development. As a volunteer, you can make a difference in our community and in the lives of those around you.

We invite you to participate in volunteerism outside of our organized efforts. Click the tab on the right-hand side to log your hours. 

Our Impact and Involvement

Hurricane Idalia

Donna Peterson in pantry Image of Pantry


GCSC faculty and staff came together to collect goods for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia at North Florida College in Madison County, Florida. Boxes of goods including toiletries, nonperishable food items, and cleaning supplies were boxed up to be delivered to the institution.

Hurricane Ian Response

Kim Kurtchek, Damian South, Dr. Melissa Lavender, Katie McCurdy, Dr. Jessica Edward, Dr. David Thomassee, Dr. Kelli Walsinham, guest
GCSC staff and friends volunteered with the Bay County Sheriff's Office and 92.5 WPAP to load trucks for Hurricane Ian victims on October 6, 2022. Twenty nine hours were volunteered. The College also raised funds for the Volunteer Florida Disaster Fund to support Hurricane Ian relief. $1,500 was donated.

Bizarre Bazaar

Connie Head and Amber Coker pose together while working the event (L to R) Glen McDonald, Cheryl Flax-Hyman, Leslie Hapner, Chris Westlake, Lloyd Harris, and Katie McCurdy Three employees working the event


GCSC staff donated gently used items for a community-wide yard to raise funds for the Gulf Coast Guarantee scholarship. The event was Saturday, November 4, 2022. Over $4,000 was raised, and 250 volunteer hours were logged. 

Public Eye Soar

Visual and Performing Arts students acting as statues

Photo credit: Louis Columbus Photography 

(center) Jason Hedden on the mic

Photo credit: Michael Booini Photography


GCSC's Panama City Campus was the venue for the 2022 Public Eye Soar event. This light projection festival is free for the community and features local and international artwork, hands-on activities, and live performances. The event was November 11-12, 2022. GCSC staff and students volunteered over 120 hours. 

Habitat for Humanity

GCSC students and staff at the Habitat House GCSC students helping install siding GCSC students and staff member Janeka Peace smiling while installing dry wall


GCSC staff and students worked with Habitat for Humanity on December 9, 2022. This student-led event was both fulfilling and fun, and over 35 hours were donated that day. 

Ongoing Opportunities

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Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.