Volunteering

WASHINGTON—AARP Community Connections, a new online platform launched by AARP Innovation Labs today, allows users to organize and find local volunteer groups to help pick up groceries, provide financial assistance or lend emotional support to neighbors, friends and loved ones. Across the country, these informal online groups—also called “mutual aid” groups—help communities stay connected at a time when people must practice social distancing to stay safe.

WASHINGTON—As part of its robust response to the coronavirus pandemic, AARP announced today a $250,000 donation to Meals on Wheels America to support urgently needed outreach to isolated seniors. The gift is significant because it will allow Meals on Wheels America to boost the organizational capacity of the network to provide in-home meals to the most at-risk older population during this time of crisis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that older Americans are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

Guest blogger Megan Tracy Benson is deputy director of Empowering the Ages, an organization connecting older and younger generations in their communities in meaningful and mutually beneficial experiences.

“Leap Day, 2020” was a great day for Richmond women (and a few brave men!) to “leap” into some new health and fitness lifestyles at the TRIVE, Women’s Health & Fitness Expo presented by local CBS affiliate WTVR, Channel 6. Featuring over 100 exhibitors, the six-hour event was held at the Richmond Raceway Complex for the 18th year.

John Vajda exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer – and he isn’t new to it, either. He has been an AARP New Jersey volunteer for nine years, and before that, he spent 20 years volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as a Scout Master, district and council committeeman and national Jamboree staff member.

Update:

AARP Indiana is looking for volunteers interested in helping make their communities more livable for people of all ages by advocating on issues such as transit and housing.

AARP members are helping fellow residents through organization-run projects or by serving on boards and commissions that address needs of the 50-plus population.

AARP Wyoming is seeking volunteers eager to give back to their communities and aid others in need.

Whether it’s behind the scenes or lending a hand to others in the community, AARP Connecticut offers a variety of ways to get involved.