KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY: Tampa Bay Teen Honoring Hometown Heroes

After her grandfather contracted COVID-19, 10th grader Isabella Muzzillo felt compelled to give back to the healthcare workers who not only took care of him, but who put their lives on the line every day. With the help of her family, friends, and classmates, Isabella launched Hometown Heroes, an organization that recognizes and supports those in the Tampa Bay community who devote their time and energy for the collective good.

“I saw how great the healthcare workers were treating him and how they were helping him, and I wanted to give back to them because they’ve done so much for us through this COVID crisis,” Isabella explains.

With a mission of offering financial support and raise awareness for Tampa Bay’s heroes, the organization’s current campaign benefits the Tampa General Hospital’s Team Member Emergency Fund. Established to established  to support team members during times of financial hardship, the fund helps team members pay necessities such as rent, utilities and food in times of need due to unforeseeable circumstances.

“We just came up with this organization to help them raise money for them and then the profits are going to them, so we’re really excited,” Isabella says.

On Saturday, November 7th, Isabella and the Hometown Heroes team set up a table at 213 East Davis Boulevard on Davis Island  from 11 AM to 1 PM with t-shirts, hats, and panda bears for sale, with 100 percent of the profits going directly to the cause.

“You can buy them and that goes to Tampa General Hospital, or you can just donate on the website and put in how much you want to donate,” she says.

If you missed the first merchandise sale, don’t worry. You’ll be able to find the Hometown Heroes merchandise table at the same location on Davis Islands from 11 AM to 1 PM every weekend in November. If you can’t make it to Davis Islands but want to participate, you can buy directly from the Hometown Heroes website, and donations are also encouraged.

Isabella believes that health care workers represent the best of Tampa Bay as they demonstrate their heroism and bravery every day, especially during the COVID crisis, and hopes the community will support Hometown Heroes’ efforts.

“I wanted to make sure that they were like feeling special and feeling like people were helping them too, like as they’re helping other people,” says Isabella.

Isabella’s family is proud of her desire to give back to the community.

Her sister, Vanessa Muzzillo, says, “We are so proud of Isabella for helping come up with this idea and, just as a family and as her older sister, we are so happy to help support her and these efforts.”

Vanessa continues, “The kids love the little teddy bears, so it’s a great way for the families to participate and helping with this fundraising event.”

During these unprecedented times, she believes that Hometown Heroes inspires people to come together and show their support.

Isabella’s mother, Vera Muzzillo, could not be more pleased with the work Isabella has done so far.

“I’m so proud of her because Izzy really expressed her love and her appreciation for all of the workers who have been helping with COVID, putting their lives on the line every single day,” Vera says.

She adds, “She wants to give back and the fact that she thought of this and she has really been supporting it has been such a source of inspiration for all of us.”

Annalise Fincher, who reached out to Sarina Fazan to capture this moment and the significance of this cause, came to show her support as well.

”We were looking for a way to get the word out there and I think anytime kids in the community are doing awesome things it should be highlighted,” Annalise says.

Her 14-year old son Jack agrees, “It makes me feel good, out here doing this for the community.”

Brian Roney is also helping to raise awareness for this organization and feels thankful to be a part of such a wonderful team.

“With anything worth doing, there's going to be a tremendous amount of effort,” Brian says.

He continues, “It's really been an unbelievable effort, and I just feel very lucky that I'm able to be a part of it.”

Hometown Heroes hopes that this will become an annual campaign. The idea is that each year, the kids pick a different organization that is in need and raise funds and awareness for that nonprofit.

If you would like to learn more about Hometown Heroes and find out how to help their cause visit this website: www.HometownHeroesTampaBay.com