RSVP Voice November 2014!

Volunteer Opportunities and Information:

Toys for Tots began nationally in 1947 (California) when Major Bill Hendricks, United States Marine Corps Reserve and a group of reservists collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Toys for Tots is active in Lubbock, and in 2013 more than 5,000 toys were donated, collected and distributed. The Garrison Institute on Aging/Lubbock RSVP (TTUHSC) will be a collection site for donated toys. You may bring a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary contribution to the Southwest location at 6630 S Quaker Ave., Suite E. Toys will be distributed in mid-December to qualified, low-income families in time for Christmas.

Post Elementary in Post, Texas experienced a devastating fire and the elementary school was completely destroyed. RSVP would like to offer an opportunity to assist. We are collecting all types of school supplies (pencils, pens, office supplies) and elementary books (for library). Books are a high priority as the elementary library sustained heat and smoke damage and rendered a complete loss. You may drop donations off at the RSVP office, 6630 S. Quaker Ave., Suite E, or call, and we can make arrangements to pick-up. Lubbock RSVP will deliver all items to Post.

Lubbock Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer drivers, both regular and substitute to deliver meals. Each route contains approximately 10-12 meals and can be delivered in an hour. Orientation and background checks are required for all delivery volunteers. More than 700 meals are delivered each day and the need is growing. One hour of your time can make an incredible difference in the life of someone who is homebound, elderly, or disabled. For additional information, call 806-792-7971.

Feed Seniors Now is a program sponsored by Comfort Keepers to assist Lubbock Meals on Wheels Weekend Program. During September and October several fund raisers and food drives were held. The final numbers are still being counted, but to date, almost 4,000 lbs. of food and more than $5,000 has been raised. The need for this program has grown from 80 recipients in 2013 to more than 160 in 2014. The service provides weekend meal sacks for homebound or disabled persons who are unable to prepare a meal, or have no outside support. We want to thank you for your continued support of Meals on Wheels. They could not provide this service without the community support it receives.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. Habitat for Humanity depends on the skills and energy of community volunteers to build and renovate Habitat houses. Without the help of volunteers, they would be unable to reach their goals. Lubbock Habitat for Humanity offers guidance and support for its volunteers. The staff can answer questions and listen to new ideas. If you do not know how to hold a hammer or you have not held one for years, the construction department can show you the tricks of the trade, such as hanging sheet rock or installing cabinets. There are others ways to help beside construction of homes. The need is also in committee work, first aid, food services, neighbor involvement, and office administration. They also accept new and gently used furniture, household items, and appliances as well as building materials, and they will even pick up. Contact 806-763-4663 for more information on ways to assist.

Why Volunteer? One third of the volunteers in the United States are age 50 and older. Lubbock RSVP would welcome the opportunity to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests, skills, sense of adventure, sense of humor, compassion, goals, time, abilities and experiences. If you are interested in the more than 40 volunteer areas we serve, contact the Lubbock office at 743-7787.

“It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” ~ Tom Brokaw.  

Today is a good day to volunteer.

Category: RSVP Voice!, RSVP Voice! Archive, Uncategorized