RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) thanked everyone who donated to their 12th annual Make a Difference Day Lots of Socks & More drive. Donation boxes were located around the county during the month of October to collect socks and underwear for needy children in Greene County. Thanks to the generosity of Greene County residents, 1,761 pairs of socks, diapers and underwear have been distributed to the children of Greene County.
RSVP volunteers collected the donated items and sorted them by the gender of the intended wearer and size. These items were then delivered to RSVP’s partner organization, New Opportunities, where a pair of socks and underwear were given to each child that signed up to receive a Christmas bag. Remainders of the items were provided to the Greene County schools to distribute to students throughout the school year as needed.
Cash donations of $590 were used to purchase diapers and pull-ups. These items were given to the Greene County Early Learning Center and Natural Wonders Learning Center in Jefferson and the Early Learning Center in Churdan for use in their infant and toddler childcare programs. These much-needed supplies will provide for 400 changings for children of lower income households.
“We would like to thank everyone for supporting the Lots of Socks & More project. Because Greene County residents donated so generously, RSVP are able to help many children stay warm and dry this winter,” said Sheilah Pound, Greene County RSVP coordinator.
RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is a national non-profit agency through the Corporation for National and Community Service. 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, In-Home Visitation and Phone Friend connects volunteers with socially-isolated older adults and/or disabled adults to bring them friendship and a connection to the community. Adult Caregiver Respite provides fulltime caregivers of adults free time away from caregiving responsibilities. RSVP Volunteer Program also places volunteers within Greene County Elementary, Regency Park Nursing and Rehab Center, Early Learning Center, as mentors in the New Opportunities mentor program and pen pals with Paton-Churdan Elementary. RSVP also looks forward to exploring new volunteer partnerships. All RSVP programs are offered free to participants.
Persons who want more more information about the RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program can contact Greene County coordinator Sheilah Pound at 515-370-1099 or email her at rsvpgreeneco@gmail.com.
