Volunteering Together: Ronald and Elouise McLaughlin

`Volunteering with AARP Mississippi can be fun and rewarding, but it’s even more fulfilling when volunteers come together and make an impact as a team. Meet our featured volunteers and college sweethearts, Ronald and Elouise McLaughlin.

The couple met at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss. and had careers in education. After retirement, the two decided to get involved in their community and become volunteers for AARP Mississippi. Here is what they had to say about volunteering, working together, and AARP:

AARP MS: What did you do before you retired?

RM: I was an administrator for the Chicago Board of Education.

EM: I taught high school for 36 years.

AARP MS: Why did you decide to volunteer with AARP?

RM: I heard so much about the opportunities and good things AARP offers. They were very interesting to me. So I decided to become active within the organization.

EM: I was attending chapter meetings regularly when I was asked if I would like to start volunteering in the office. My husband and I both got our start volunteering with AARP Mississippi because of this interaction with a staff member.

AARP MS: What do you do as a volunteer?

RM: We have hosted presentations under various programs that AARP offers, and we assist as needed in the office.

EM: We also attend volunteer meetings, appear at the Day at the Capitol, assist with data entry in the office, and support different events that AARP Mississippi hosts for the community and its members.

AARP MS: What do you love most about volunteering?

RM: I love how caring AARP is. It is really rewarding to be a volunteer for such a great organization. I fell in love with the programs and the feeling of giving back to the community.

EM: I like the feeling of giving back, also. I love the way AARP operates and I believe in their community outreach. Volunteering for AARP Mississippi gives me satisfaction and makes me feel good about the work we’re doing.

AARP MS: What do you love most about volunteering with each other?

RM: I love the partnership we have.  It feels good to come together and make a difference.

EM: Well, for one, I love that I don’t have to drive. He handles that for me. I also love that I don’t have to drag him out to volunteer. We both really love AARP, so he is happy to come.

AARP MS: What advice would you give to other Mississippians who are interested in volunteering?

RM: I would invite them to come see what opportunities are available with AARP Mississippi. No matter what you like to do or what you’re interested in, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.

EM: I advise any citizen who is interested in volunteering to take the right step and give back to your community. You really will have a great impact on the population of Mississippi.

Whether you volunteer independently or with a partner, anyone can make a difference and become involved with AARP Mississippi. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, call AARP Mississippi at 1 (866) 554-5382 or e-mail us at msaarp@aarp.org.