ORLANDO, Fla. — Volunteers and law enforcement officers are joining forces to save lives and raise awareness about domestic violence.

It’s all part of the Harbor House of Central Florida’s annual “It Takes Courage” event.

More than 300 volunteers walked through neighborhoods to place door tags on homes.

For Karen Pellot, volunteering her time is nothing new.

“I’ve been volunteering since I was five years old, so I’m always volunteering and I love to bring out the younger crew so they can continue to do it and paying it forward,” said she said.

Originally from Kissimmee, Pellot said her daily routine consists of work and dedicating her time with various organizations.

Last year, she spent 200 hours volunteering, but this organization and event in particular is special to her.

“I’ve seen the situation that some of the families are in and it takes courage to come out and report it. A lot of people stay in the same cycle because they’re afraid to (speak out),” said Pellot.

Harbor House is Orange County’s only state-certified domestic violence organization.

The organization says between July 2022 and June 2023, 909 residents who were in danger found a safe home in Harbor House’s emergency shelter with more than half being children.

With over 16,000 door hangers left at homes throughout the area, Pellot, who brought her children along with her, said she wants them to have the same serving heart she has.

“For them, to have that same mentality of always paying it forward and helping others, I know a lot of teenagers these days — it’s all about them — so, hopefully the world, and thinking about somebody else,” said Pellot.

From July 2022 to June 2023, the Harbor House of Central Florida says they helped more than 32,000 individuals in Orange County.

That was an increase of 4,000 individuals from the previous year.