Moving Forward and Making Masks

Here is the story of alumna Elida Shepherd ’11:

“Hello fellow Knights! My husband and I started a non-profit, Future Leaders Moving Forward, which primarily focuses on enhanced leadership skills for middle- and high-school students. But we also are working with UCF to help college students that may be housing insecure, or even homeless, by assisting them in securing a roof over their heads. More recently, we have been using our free time making protective cloth masks and sending them to family, friends, nursing homes, schools and businesses throughout the U.S. We hope it gives people an extra layer of security, while also calming them down in these very trying times. We will be working to get more masks out in the coming weeks, since the coronavirus will be an ongoing issue for quite some time. We wish all Knights well and hope they stay safe! #FutureLeadersMovingForward“

While we are inspired by these generous acts of kindness shared with us, we hope it inspires you make a positive change in the lives of others. You can show your generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow, whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill or giving to causes. Every act of compassions counts.

If you feel compelled to support the UCF community during this time, there are various ways to get involved:

• Make a gift to support student scholarships or faculty research
• Write a note of appreciation to a Knight Nurse
• Attend a virtual event
• Sign up to be a volunteer with UCF Alumni
• Donate non-perishables to the Knights Helping Knights Pantry (Pantries located on the main campus, Rosen campus and Medical City).