RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program is holding its 11th Annual Lots of Socks & More drive Oct. 7-31. Donation boxes will be located in libraries, businesses, and churches throughout Jefferson, Rippey, Grand Junction, Scranton, Paton, and Churdan and at the Greene County Medical Center.
Clothing a child today can be expensive, especially for families with a limited budget. Every year, some preschool, elementary and middle school students arrive at school with no socks, socks with holes, socks that do not fit, or wet socks due to lack of good boots. Also needed are underwear for students and diapers and pull-ups for infants and toddlers.
The Lots of Socks & More drive aims to collect socks and underwear for needy children in the county. Last year’s drive netted more than 1,410 items which were distributed by New Opportunities’ Family Development Center. Diapers and pull-ups are also collected for the Greene County Early Learning Center to use as needed. Families who participate in the winter outerwear distribution and/or the Christmas food basket distribution will be eligible to receive Lots of Socks and More items if there is a need.
Anyone who would prefer to donate monetarily can do so by mailing a check payable to “RSVP Lots of Socks” to the RSVP Volunteer Program, PO Box 104, Jefferson IA 50129. Funds received will be used to purchase items in the sizes needed for distribution.
The Lots of Socks collection drive is an annual project celebrating National Make A Difference Day, in which millions of people unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others. This year, Make a Difference Day is Saturday, October 26.
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is a national non-profit agency. Sheilah Pound is the coordinator for the Greene County RSVP 55+ program. Signature RSVP programs include GAP (Grocery Assistance-shopping Program) which provides volunteers to shop for elderly and disabled residents who are unable to get groceries from, store to home and the In-Home Visitation Program that connects volunteers with socially-isolated older adults and/or disabled adults to bring them friendship and a connection to the community.
RSVP volunteers are also placed within Regency Park Nursing and Rehab Center and as mentors in the New Opportunities mentor program (formerly Kids With a Connection). RSVP also looks forward to exploring new volunteer partnerships. All RSVP programs are offered FREE to participants.
Persons who want more information about Lots of Socks & More drive and/or the RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program can contact Greene County coordinator Sheilah Pound at 515-370-1099.
