JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – National Volunteer Week is April 20-26, a time to recognize the countless volunteers who make a significant impact on communities across the country.
KayLynn Stokes, a high school student at Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, has been volunteering for a majority of her life.
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Stokes excels in athletics and academics, whether she’s competing in the pool, shining on the volleyball court, or graduating early.
One of her biggest passions is volunteering, but for this 17-year-old, however, it is anything but work.
“I don’t even see it as volunteering honestly,” Stokes said. “I see it as just like going and having fun on a regular day.”
For the past three years, she has dedicated her time volunteering at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Jacksonville. Stokes runs the Kids Zone, painting faces for both children – and adults.
“Kids would run over and be like, ‘Hey, can I get a little face paint?’ Always a purple ribbon,” Stokes said. “Even older people come in and say, ‘Hey, can I get a little ribbon for any type of decoration with face paint or anything?’”
This year, Stokes is excited to work at the upcoming walk on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Over time, she has learned just how vital community support is for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
“Alzheimer’s is a big topic and a big subject to just grab on to, and there’s information we still don’t know about it,” Stokes said. “It gives a certain community for people to lean on each other.”
Florida has the second-highest number of residents living with Alzheimer’s in the nation, with more than 580,000 individuals affected and 840,000 unpaid caregivers. In Duval County alone, over 17,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s, representing 12.1% of those over the age of 65.
“You cannot do this alone,” said Kimberly Crawford-Stokes, KayLynn’s mother, who is an experienced chair for planning the upcoming walk.
With over a decade of experience in senior housing, Kimberly really understands the importance of community involvement.
“The walk also helps bring families together that have similar circumstances,” she noted. “Therapy sometimes comes when you’re in groups.”
KayLynn echoes this sentiment, following in the footsteps of her mother.
“Anything or any type of just giving a hi, or saying something, goes a long way,” Stokes said.
If you need assistance or resources related to Alzheimer’s, you can contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, or visit alz.org for free resources.
