Make a difference in your community and beyond.
There’s no denying the power of a tight-knit community. Whether you need a bag of sugar or a little help around the yard, it’s always a wonderful feeling to know someone is there to lend a hand.
AARP stands behind this. As a non-profit organization that empowers people to choose how they live their lives as they age, their motto is “To serve, not be served.” Their team prides itself on assisting senior communities—and they couldn’t do it without the help of their generous volunteers.
All in all, AARP improves the quality of people’s lives through financial assistance, housing, legal advocacy, donations, caregiving assistance, and much more. They also serve as an accurate source for information on national news that may affect senior communities.
Carolyn Thompson, a volunteer at AARP speaks to the meaningful experience she has had with the organization while uniquely using her talents.
“AARP takes the talent that is within you, and they let you use it,” says Thompson.
Hank Povinelli, another volunteer, maximizes his tech background to assist his local AARP organization. He was particularly helpful during the organization’s transition to digital efforts. He says, “AARP allowed me to take all of the skills that I have and use them. When we became virtual, my technical background really came in handy.”
Aside from encouraging efforts that maximize their volunteers’ talents, AARP offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to take part in. For example, when many seniors get their social security check, they have to figure out how to split it amongst necessities like food and medicine. This leaves many seniors without the option of affording fresh food. AARP takes it upon themselves to alleviate that difficult decision by providing fresh food and vegetables to many senior communities across the nation.
AARP also provided fresh meals for the Allen Benedict Court Community when a carbon monoxide leak became a major issue resulting in the relocation of 244 families. Volunteers like Thompson enjoy assisting in these types of projects.
“When you do things for other people, it makes you feel good. I come out smiling and happy from making someone else’s life happy,” says Thompson.
Volunteer Emma Myers appreciates the thoughtfulness and passion that AARP has for each volunteer project that they host. She worked on a project in which AARP volunteers, law enforcement, and community members installed LED light bulbs in seniors’ homes in hopes of reducing their chance of falling due to a dimly lit space. “AARP not only cares about the welfare and health of its members 55 and above, but it’s doing something about it,” Myers says.
AARP will use whatever talent you have—as much as you want to give and however you want to give it. They are all-inclusive and do not discriminate. Anyone and everyone are welcome to join their local organization and contribute to volunteer projects that they feel passionate about.
The South Carolina AARP is currently looking for dedicated volunteers to contribute to its ongoing mission. For more information on how to get involved and donate your talents, visit www.aarp.org/SCVolunteer.
