AARP Virginia Joins National Night Out to Advocate for Social Security

ROANOKE, Va. — AARP Virginia volunteers joined law enforcement and neighborhood watch groups on Aug. 5 to support public safety and raise awareness about the future of Social Security during National Night Out.

At the Old Mountain Neighborhood Watch Group event in Roanoke, AARP engaged attendees with educational materials, interactive activities, and advocacy efforts. One of the highlights was the “Social Security — We Earned It” Plinko game, which offered prizes such as solar calculators and drew enthusiastic participation.

Volunteers also encouraged attendees to sign an online petition urging federal lawmakers to fully fund Social Security. The initiative aims to spotlight concerns about the program’s long-term solvency and the importance of protecting benefits for current and future retirees.

“The message we want to send to legislators is that Social Security is at risk of becoming insolvent within the next 10 years if action isn’t taken,” said Joyce Williams, AARP Virginia state president. “Many people rely entirely on Social Security for their retirement income, and we must ensure those benefits are never reduced.”

Roanoke resident Doris Cox signed the petition before winning all three prizes in the Plinko game. Cox said she depends on Social Security and fears that benefit cuts would undermine the retirement she worked hard to earn.

“It would mean changes in my lifestyle,” Cox said. “I’ve worked all my life to enjoy my older age, and I’d really like to take vacation trips with my children and go places I’ve never been.”

Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb also attended the event and emphasized the importance of community engagement in promoting neighborhood safety.

“The more we can build and strengthen relationships with our public safety officials and neighbors, the safer our cities and neighborhoods can become,” Cobb said. “Events like this are a critical part of that effort.”