Volunteer Spotlight: Jackie Storrs stays on the run

Among Jackie Storrs’ many AARP volunteer accomplishments, she and a colleague established a 50-plus walking group two years ago near her Richmond-area home. But when it comes to her full volunteer contributions, Jackie does not walk: she has been running at full speed for 10 years, and she says her volunteer experiences keep her physically, mentally and socially active — and provide many rewards in return.

Jackie’s professional career started in the banking industry before shifting to auditing at the Virginia Department of Health, where she served 36 years. She knew upon her retirement that she needed to keep active, and once she found AARP, she put on her volunteer running shoes.

In her decade of volunteering, Jackie has served as a community ambassador, meeting people at various events and sharing word of AARP’s mission, advantages and benefits. She became quite active as a speaker, providing presentations on subjects of interest to Americans 50-plus and their families including: brain health, downsizing and decluttering, and preparing to care for an older relative.

“Just being able to get out a lot of information that’s beneficial for seniors,” she said. “Helping people 50-plus find the right spot and help them live an active life and being involved and knowledgeable of things that AARP has to offer.”

Jackie has also served as an AARP advocate at the state capitol, meeting with lawmakers to press for AARP priorities for older Americans and their families.

Then there is the walking group she helped found.

“Exercise is good for seniors, and not everyone likes walking by themselves. We looked for a way to get more (people) to exercise,” she said, along with noting an important side benefit. “You get to meet a lot of good people walking around the track.”

Jackie has more recently taken on additional responsibilities, serving on AARP Virginia’s Executive Council. She has come a long way from her earliest volunteering days 10 years ago, in no small part because the person who helped start a walking program has never stopped running herself. Put it all together, and Jackie Storrs says her many forms of AARP volunteering have brought her rich rewards.

“There are a lot of people who don’t know what AARP has to offer, but I can spread that information, which is beneficial. People think of the insurance and discounts, but it is so much more.”

See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at www.aarp.org/volunteer.