RSVP Announces Volunteer Opportunities

CLEARFIELD - People are living longer. Being able to live independently in later years is a very important issue for older adults and mental, physical, and economical factors may affect this. The Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. provides the Meals on Wheels and More program to address this issue and to provide for the needs of older adults. Aside from being the older person’s first choice, it is more cost effective for everyone for older adults to remain living in their own home rather than in a nursing facility. In order for these adults to maintain general well-being and independence, the CCAAA reports that homebound adults need to maintain acceptable nutritional health. The daily, home-delivered meal provides 1/3 of their daily nutritional needs and may be the only hot, nutritious meal that they eat in a day.

RSVP volunteers provide valuable support to the CCAAA Meals on Wheels and More program by serving as drivers and runners delivering these meals. The consumers, their families, and the CCAAA appreciate the caring efforts of RSVP volunteers. These RSVP volunteers are helping to address and alleviate a critical community need.

After the meals are prepared and packed, RSVP volunteers can be found delivering the meals to the older consumers. Recipients not only benefit from the meals, but they also benefit from the contact with the RSVP volunteers who are members of their community. This regular contact provides an opportunity for social interaction as well as a check that “all is well” with the consumer. All volunteers receive training from the CCAAA that includes agency procedures to follow if the consumer does not answer his or her door to the delivery person. Often, it is the volunteer who contacts the CCAAA about a health problem or emergency situation that involves the consumer.

Alice Pollock, Program Operations Specialist for the CCAAA, said, “Meals on Wheels and More volunteers provide a friendly face, helping hands and a loving heart that lifts the spirits of the shut-ins that they deliver meals to. They provide a ray of sunshine in the consumer’s day. These dedicated volunteers provide the service rain or shine, sleet or snow with a twinkle in their eyes and a smile on their face. The impact on the volunteer is evident when they tell you what it means to them to be a Meals on Wheels and More volunteer. Truly, they are a special team.”

Through this program, you too could make a huge impact in your community. If you have as little as one hour per week and would like to make a difference in your community, please consider becoming a Meals on Wheels and More driver or a runner by calling the RSVP office. Volunteers are now being recruited for the Karthaus, Kylertown and Clearfield meal routes. The rewards of this volunteer service are countless.

JULY VOLUNTEER CORNER:
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS: Hospitals in Clearfield and DuBois are looking for
volunteers to serve as patient escorts, information desk workers or store clerks. Training
is provided by the hospitals. Regularly scheduled and substitute positions are available. Help brighten someone’s day by being a friendly face in the hospital!
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Both the Clearfield and the DuBois Area Red Cross Chapters are looking for volunteers to assist with the canteens at area bloodmobiles. There are many shifts from which to choose. You can do your part in this time of need. The Red Cross provides training and scheduling is flexible. Also, volunteers are always needed for disaster relief or to train to become a First Aid Instructor. What a great way to help your community!
LIBRARY ASSISTANTS: Libraries in Clearfield, Curwensville and DuBois utilize volunteers as library assistants. If you enjoy reading and working with the public, this opportunity may be for you. Do you enjoy reading to children? Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library in Clearfield is looking for a volunteer to assist with Story Hours. All training is provided and scheduling is flexible.
HOST/HOSTESS: The Clearfield County Historical Society and the DuBois Area Historical Society use volunteers as Hosts/Hostesses. Volunteers greet museum guests and assist as needed. Opportunities are also available in the Genealogy Department. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the country as they visit the museums. Scheduled and substitute positions are available.

CLERICAL HELP: Many non-profit organizations throughout Clearfield County have requested assistance with clerical duties Duties would include answering phones, taking messages, making copies, and getting information out to the volunteers. Scheduling is flexible, so if you enjoy office work, this opportunity is for you!

If you are interested in any of the above volunteer opportunities or would like to learn more about RSVP, please call the RSVP office at 814-765-2226 or 1-800-225-8571.

RSVP is sponsored and partially funded by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Additional funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Clearfield and DuBois Area United Way agencies, memorials and contributions.