CSX Employee Leads Ladybug Volunteers

CSX employee, Angie Nicely Fliess, spends her free time giving back to the community. Fliess is the volunteer leader of Ladybug Service Club Inc., a nonprofit “kids helping kids” group that performs service projects in Jacksonville throughout the year. Founded in 2005 by Fliess and her daughter Hanna, the club brings girls together to strengthen the bonds of friendship, cultivate strong values and promote service to others.

The Ladybugs arrive at Community Hospice’s inpatient center, ready to spread holiday cheer.

During the holiday season, Fliess and 16 Ladybugs spread cheer, singing carols to the patients, families and staff at the Community PedsCare patients’ home. Community PedsCare is the part of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida that provides care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

The girls sang yuletide favorites including, Here Comes Santa Claus and Jingle Bells. “It really brightened the day of many of our patients – and staff – who enjoyed listening to the songs and seeing the children,” said Susan Ponder-Stansel, president and CEO of Community Hospice.

In addition to caroling, Fliess facilitated the Ladybugs’ donation of gifts to a Community PedsCare family whose father had experienced recent cutbacks to his work hours. The group’s generosity enabled the parents to provide Christmas presents for their children.