RSVP wants to thank all of Santa’s helpers that made lap robes for residents of the Barton County assisted living and nursing facilities during the past year. RSVP delivered 84 lap robes to three nursing facilities and four assisted living facilities for residents in need during the holiday season. This is more than we have ever delivered and it is all because of generous gifts of time and talent by a group of dedicated volunteers. You know who you are. Thank you so much!
As 2012 begins, here’s a great idea for a New Year’s resolution: “I (insert your name here) resolve to try something new in 2012 to keep my body and mind active.” RSVP has volunteer opportunities in so many different areas that I’m certain we can find something just perfect for your special interests and talents. Below are just a few, but if you don’t see something you like, call Donna at 792-1614 to discuss other options. Remember, RSVP provides supplemental accident and liability insurance for all our members.
Rosie with the Great Bend Senior Center still needs volunteers to help with noon meals on weekdays. The job is easy and will only take couple of hours on the day that you choose to work. This is a great way to get out and socialize with the folks that go to the Senior Center for lunch. Call Rosie at 792-3906 if you are interested.
It’s not too late to volunteer with the AARP Tax Aide program that is gearing up with training beginning in January. If you are good with numbers and like to help people, this is the one for you. You will be trained to prepare simple tax returns for seniors and persons with disabilities and will work one day a week through the tax season. Call Donna for more information.
The RSVP Thrift Shop in Hoisington needs volunteers as well as gently used merchandise to sell. The thrift shop is open weekdays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The shop relies on donations from the community for stock to sell so if you plan to clean out your closets and cupboards to make room for those new Christmas presents, please consider donating those things to the RSVP Thrift Shop; it’s only a short drive to Hoisington. All of the proceeds from sales at the thrift shop go to support RSVP programs. Call Selma Webb at 620-653-4118.
The RSVP Medical Transportation Program needs a few special people that like to drive. Volunteer drivers use personal vehicles to transport Barton county residents to medical appointments both within Barton County and beyond. Volunteers choose which routes to drive and are reimbursed by RSVP for the cost of fuel. Drivers are not expected to drive on bad weather days. Call Donna or John for more information on this program that provides a really valuable resource to residents of Barton County.
There are still a couple of vacant time slots for office assistants at the RSVP office. We need someone on Thursday mornings and any time on Friday. Duties include answering the telephone, taking messages, and helping with occasional projects such as preparing the newsletter for mailing. We’d love to talk to you about this one.
2012 is on schedule to be an exciting time for RSVP. We are expanding into Pawnee County and there are other changes in the works. We will also be developing new volunteer opportunities and new partners to better enhance life here in Central Kansas. Happy New Year from all of us at RSVP!