Nolan Vargas, a pastor who said he formerly lived in Gainesville and now lives in Oakwood, addressed the Gainesville mayor and council during the public‑comment period on Jan. 8, saying his church wants to expand volunteer efforts in the community.

Vargas identified his address as 3652 Summer Wind Way, Oakwood, and said his congregation, Bassan, has served Toys for Tots for the last five to six years and plans to continue that work while expanding other volunteer programs. “We’re not leaving Toys for Tots, but we want to expand,” Vargas said, noting volunteers from his church mentor students at multiple schools, including Gainesville High School.

Vargas said members of his church recently divided the city into wards to organize outreach and that volunteers may contact councilmembers to discuss community needs. Mayor Sam Cuvillon responded by thanking Vargas and his congregation, saying that the council viewed volunteer involvement as a community strength.

No formal action by the council followed Vargas’s remarks; his comments were recorded during the public‑comment portion of the meeting.