Volunteering

Jerry Lancaster, a long-time AARP Arkansas volunteer leader, passed away recently. Lancaster contributed his time, energy, leadership and wit to AARP for nearly two decades.

AARP Utah is a strong supporter of the Utah Food Bank (UFB), with several volunteers who deliver food boxes on a regular basis and a monthly staff service project. So when we donated $8000 to the UFB, our Advocacy Director, Danny Harris, had the idea to challenge our Utah members to match it. We sent letters to each member in the state while the UFB promoted the match challenge on their website, online ads, and through social media. We thought that bringing in an extra $20,000 would exceed any reasonable expectations, so were thrilled that AARP Utah members contributed over $38,000 in checks and online donations. Because the UFB can translate each dollar donated into eight dollars of goods and services, AARP Utah’s total contribution has a value of $373,448! Both the UFB and we were amazed by the enormous generosity of our members in Utah.

Looking for a way to give back to your community and enjoy working with people? Then AARP New Mexico may have just the opportunity for you. The AARP Information Center, located in Albuquerque, is a clearinghouse of resource information and materials that is strictly run by volunteers.

Ervin Rees has been awarded AARP Texas’s 2012 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Associations most prestigious and visible volunteer award. This award symbolizes an individual’s power and ability to make a difference in the lives of other.

Hello there!

Isn’t it appropriate that the first National Volunteer Director for AARP comes from the Volunteer State?

Robert “Bob” Hesler of Bismarck is the recipient of the 2012 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service.

In a state with a high cost of living – where one in five residents will be 65 or older by 2032 – island residents are worried about paying for long-term care. In Hawaii, costs range from $17,500 for one year of adult day care to about $126,000 for private nursing home care - more than twice the median household income.

Nobody wants to be home alone for the holidays. As a volunteer driver for Lanakila Meals on Wheels, a few hours of time over the holiday season can make a big difference in the lives of Oahu’s homebound seniors.

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Do you like to speak in front of large groups, or do you prefer a one-on-one experience? Want to help older adults; or would you like to help a child in school? Or maybe your children and grandchildren are grown and you long for that type of relationship again. There are several AARP programs that can use your help. In many cases, training is available. If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, send an email to AARP Oregon .