ORLANDO, Fla. — The drive to help others is embedded in Chuck Burkett’s DNA. For the last four years, he has spent his Tuesdays volunteering time at a homeless shelter in Volusia County.

Burkett isn’t just your average volunteer. He rolls up his sleeves and does the important work that many others don’t want to do.

What You Need To Know

  • Chuck Burkett helps out on Tuesdays at the First Step Shelter each week. He can typically be found helping to prepare meals for homeless members of the community

  • A retired doctor, Burkett started volunteering at First Step to get a better understanding of how the shelter works and the services provided to people in the community

  • Since the shelter opened in 2019, more than 1500 people have given shelter and over 300,000 meals have been served

As Burkett preps for the afternoon lunch rush, you would think he’s a cook at a restaurant. But Burkett is a volunteer, and he’s helping to feed the homeless. This is something he’s done here at the First Step shelter in Daytona Beach for quite some time.

“The only volunteer job they had at the time because of covid was in the kitchen so I started working in the kitchen at that time so I’ve been here about four years,” Burkett said.

A retired doctor, Burkett said he had questions when talk of the shelter first started more than five years ago. Once it was up and running, he decided to volunteer just so he could see firsthand how things worked.

“I’ve been impressed. I’ve noticed that most of the clients here have been appreciative,” he said. “Statistically, I think they’ve been successful in placing the homeless people into permanent housing and finding jobs, getting them benefits.”

Since the shelter opened in 2019, more than 1500 people have been given shelter and over 300,000 meals served. Marty Allen is a cook at the shelter. He says volunteers like Burkett make everything smooth sailing.

“He’s a big help,” Allen said. “He sure is when he tells me he can’t be here because he’s got to go do something with the grandkids that puts a little soreness in me. Kinda hurts a little bit.”

Burkett said he will keep on coming back when he’s free, standing alongside Marty every Tuesday, giving back a little time to help out in a big way.

“I enjoy it. I enjoy our interaction in the kitchen,” he said. “I enjoy interacting with the clients there.” 

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