Volunteering

While most Virginians want to stay in their own homes as they age, many homes need modification to be fully accessible.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 125

NBC 29: AARP Awards Banquet

AARP Virginia is fighting for you in Washington, but we could use your help. If you have an interest in federal legislative issues -- such as protecting Medicare or Social Security -- consider signing up as an AARP Virginia Congressional District Volunteer.

AARP Virginia conducted a statewide food drive in September along with partnering organizations the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, AmeriCorps, TRIAD and the Urban League of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. The total of canned soup, peanut butter, tuna fish, cereal, and monetary donations calculates to 120,719 total pounds of food served to Virginia families struggling with hunger.

Nearly nine million Americans 50+ are at risk for hunger every day – a 79 percent increase in just 10 years. The Drive to End Hunger is AARP Foundation’s multipronged approach on this problem. Established in 2011, the program is focused on combating hunger among people 50 and older through raising awareness, building philanthropic support and developing long-term, sustainable solutions.

Brenda Kelly-Nelum, a loyal AARP volunteer, is a champion for senior citizens. She has been a longtime activist for standing up and protecting seniors from abuse and wrongdoings. A Washington D.C native, Brenda attended public school before they were integrated. In 1954, her 7 th grade year, she went from a small six room elementary school to the quite large Eastern High School. The transformation she said is unforgettable. Brenda continued her education and received a BA from Howard University.

Bruce Smith, a longtime activist, grew up in Falls Church, Virginia but moved to Vienna, Virginia after the death of his father. He credits his college years to his Mother’s Social Security Survivor Benefits and the two jobs she worked to help him through those tough years. Bruce gets his spirit from his Mother, a Virginia Republican leader and activist who championed women’s rights and civil rights—issues that the Republican Party advocated for in those days. Although Bruce was a College Young Republican leader and organizer, he began drifting. When pushed to make a choice between property rights and civil rights—he chose the latter.

Carol Downs is one of our volunteers who simply cannot get enough out of life. She has a penchant for curiosity and considers herself to be a lifetime student. While she enjoys larger group activities, she is just as satisfied having a heart to heart with a close friend or simply enjoying her own company. Carol is exceptionally hard working but makes most tasks seem effortless with her cheerful and resourceful attitude. In group settings, she excels at being diplomatic and compassionate, but her best trait is her propensity to say yes in just about any situation—something AARP greatly values in her as a volunteer.

AARP VIRGINIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE IS SEPTEMBER 8-15